Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Blessed In The Dark Places

June 4, 2026 | 27:29

Joel and Victoria Osteen's message of unconditional love and unending hope reaches everyone across the world.

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Blessed In The Dark Places | June 4, 2026

(applause)
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's
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Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
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Always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in
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Homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be
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Our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
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A part of one of our services. these are the finest people in
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These are the finest people in all of houston, texas right
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All of houston, texas right here at lakewood. (cheering)
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Here at lakewood. (cheering) we'll make you feel right at
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We'll make you feel right at home. but thank you for tuning
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Home. but thank you for tuning in. thank you again for coming
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In. thank you again for coming out today.
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Out today. i like to start with something
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I like to start with something funny. i heard about this
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Funny. i heard about this minister. he bought a new
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Minister. he bought a new horse. he trained it to
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Horse. he trained it to respond to "praise the lord",
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Respond to "praise the lord", meaning "giddy up" and
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Meaning "giddy up" and "hallelujah", meaning "whoa".
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"hallelujah", meaning "whoa". every time he said "praise the
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Every time he said "praise the lord", the horse took off
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Lord", the horse took off running. when he said "whoa"
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Running. when he said "whoa" it would quickly stop. one day
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It would quickly stop. one day he was out riding. the horse
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He was out riding. the horse got spooked and took off
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Got spooked and took off straight toward the cliff
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Straight toward the cliff running full speed. in the
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Running full speed. in the panic, he couldn't remember
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Panic, he couldn't remember what he trained the horse to
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What he trained the horse to respond to. (laughter)
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Respond to. (laughter) he said, "bless god. glory.
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He said, "bless god. glory. amen." nothing happened. at
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Amen." nothing happened. at the last second he shouted,
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The last second he shouted, "hallelujah!" the horse came
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"hallelujah!" the horse came to a screeching halt just
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To a screeching halt just inches before the edge of the
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Inches before the edge of the cliff. he breathed a sigh of
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Cliff. he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "praise the
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Relief and said, "praise the lord." (laughter)
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Lord." (laughter) hold up your bible. say it like
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Hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
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You mean it. this is my bible. i am what it
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This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says
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Says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says
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I have. i can do what it says i can do. today, i will be
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I can do. today, i will be taught the word of god.
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Taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is
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I boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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Alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same.
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I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
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In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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I want to talk to you today about blessed in the dark
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About blessed in the dark places. we all go through
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Places. we all go through situations in life that we
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Situations in life that we don't understand. the company
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Don't understand. the company was downsizing and we got
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Was downsizing and we got laid off. a friend walked out
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Laid off. a friend walked out of a relationship. now we're
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Of a relationship. now we're having to start all over.
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Having to start all over. a young lady i met last week,
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A young lady i met last week, she had been pregnant for five
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She had been pregnant for five months with her first child.
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Months with her first child. she was so excited, already
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She was so excited, already decorated the baby's room,
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Decorated the baby's room, but something went wrong
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But something went wrong and she had a miscarriage.
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And she had a miscarriage. she looked like she was numb,
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She looked like she was numb, no expression, a dark place.
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No expression, a dark place. in 1981, my family thought we
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In 1981, my family thought we would be celebrating the
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Would be celebrating the christmas holidays, looking
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Christmas holidays, looking forward to fun and fellowship.
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Forward to fun and fellowship. instead, we learned that my
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Instead, we learned that my mother was diagnosed with
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Mother was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.
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Terminal liver cancer. it was a very somber christmas.
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It was a very somber christmas. all of us at some time will go
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All of us at some time will go through dark places: a loss, a
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Through dark places: a loss, a sickness, a divorce, a child
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Sickness, a divorce, a child that broke your heart.
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That broke your heart. it's easy to get discouraged,
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It's easy to get discouraged, give up on your dreams and
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Give up on your dreams and just settle there, but god
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Just settle there, but god uses the dark places. they
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Uses the dark places. they are all a part of his divine
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Are all a part of his divine plan.
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Plan. think of it like a seed.
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Think of it like a seed. a seed cannot germinate in
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A seed cannot germinate in the light. as long as the seed
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The light. as long as the seed stays up on a shelf it will
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Stays up on a shelf it will never become what it was
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Never become what it was created to be. you have to
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Created to be. you have to plant the seed in the soil, in
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Plant the seed in the soil, in the dark place, so that what's
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The dark place, so that what's on the inside will come to
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On the inside will come to life. in the same way, there
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Life. in the same way, there are seeds in you, dreams,
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Are seeds in you, dreams, goals, talent, potential, that
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Goals, talent, potential, that will only come to life in a
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Will only come to life in a dark place. if you study the
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Dark place. if you study the scripture every person that
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Scripture every person that did something significant went
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Did something significant went through one of these dark
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Through one of these dark places. moses made a mistake
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Places. moses made a mistake and killed a man. he spent
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And killed a man. he spent 40 years on the backside of
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40 years on the backside of the desert, alone, feeling
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The desert, alone, feeling like he had blown it. but in
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Like he had blown it. but in that dark place something
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That dark place something was happening on the inside.
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Was happening on the inside. it was getting him prepared.
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It was getting him prepared. he was developing patience,
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He was developing patience, humility, confidence. without
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Humility, confidence. without the dark place he would've
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The dark place he would've never held up the rod and
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Never held up the rod and parted the red sea. the dark
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Parted the red sea. the dark place is a prerequisite to
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Place is a prerequisite to stepping into the fullness of
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Stepping into the fullness of your destiny.
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Your destiny. god doesn't send the
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God doesn't send the difficulties but he will use
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Difficulties but he will use anything that comes into our
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Anything that comes into our lives. in those dark places is
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Lives. in those dark places is where we really grow. that's
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Where we really grow. that's where our character is
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Where our character is developed. we learn to trust,
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Developed. we learn to trust, to persevere. our spiritual
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To persevere. our spiritual muscles are getting stronger.
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Muscles are getting stronger. in the dark places you pray
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In the dark places you pray more. you draw closer to god.
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More. you draw closer to god. you get quiet and listen to
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You get quiet and listen to what he is saying. in those
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What he is saying. in those dark places you reevaluate
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Dark places you reevaluate your priorities. you spend
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Your priorities. you spend time with your family. you
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Time with your family. you have a new appreciation for
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Have a new appreciation for what god has given you.
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What god has given you. a friend of mine was told
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A friend of mine was told that he was going to lose his
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That he was going to lose his vision. he had some kind of
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Vision. he had some kind of infection and he had a surgery
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Infection and he had a surgery and wasn't supposed to see
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And wasn't supposed to see after the operation. but it
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After the operation. but it wasn't what the doctors
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Wasn't what the doctors expected and they were able
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Expected and they were able to correct it. his vision is
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To correct it. his vision is perfectly clear.
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Perfectly clear. when you go through enough dark
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When you go through enough dark places you don't complain about
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Places you don't complain about small things.
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Small things. you don't get upset because you
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You don't get upset because you didn't get your parking spot.
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Didn't get your parking spot. you don't lose your joy because
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You don't lose your joy because you got stuck in traffic.
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You got stuck in traffic. you're not offended because a
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You're not offended because a coworker was rude to you.
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Coworker was rude to you. you've been through too much
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You've been through too much to let that sour you. you've
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To let that sour you. you've got a backbone made of steel.
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Got a backbone made of steel. (applause)
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(applause) a person said to me the other
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A person said to me the other day, "joel, i heard so-and-so
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Day, "joel, i heard so-and-so was talking about you. i'm so
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Was talking about you. i'm so sorry they were saying that."
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Sorry they were saying that." they meant well. they were
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They meant well. they were being kind but i thought to
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Being kind but i thought to myself, "you don't have to
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Myself, "you don't have to feel sorry for me. i've buried
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Feel sorry for me. i've buried my father. i saw my mother
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My father. i saw my mother fight through terminal cancer.
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Fight through terminal cancer. i learned how to minister when
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I learned how to minister when every voice told me i couldn't
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Every voice told me i couldn't do it. i believed for this
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Do it. i believed for this place when the odds were
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Place when the odds were against us. if i could make
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Against us. if i could make it through that i could make
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It through that i could make it through somebody not liking
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It through somebody not liking me. (cheering/applause)
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Me. (cheering/applause) you know, really, that's just
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You know, really, that's just like a little gnat that you've
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Like a little gnat that you've got to flick away. when you go
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Got to flick away. when you go through a few dark places it
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Through a few dark places it toughens you up. the dark
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Toughens you up. the dark places are what have made me
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Places are what have made me into who i am today. i like the
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Into who i am today. i like the good times a lot better.
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Good times a lot better. i prefer everything going my
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I prefer everything going my way but it wasn't the good
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Way but it wasn't the good times that brought out the
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Times that brought out the best in me. it was the lonely
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Best in me. it was the lonely nights, the times i didn't
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Nights, the times i didn't think i could do it on my own,
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Think i could do it on my own, the times that i didn't see a
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The times that i didn't see a way. that's when i really
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Way. that's when i really learned how to pray. that's
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Learned how to pray. that's when i developed an unshakable
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When i developed an unshakable confidence in god. that's when
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Confidence in god. that's when my faith was stretched and
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My faith was stretched and increased. don't complain
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Increased. don't complain about the dark times. there
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About the dark times. there are blessings in the dark
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Are blessings in the dark places. god is doing something
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Places. god is doing something that can only happen in the
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That can only happen in the fire of affliction. when my
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Fire of affliction. when my father died i was trying to
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Father died i was trying to learn how to minister. i was
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Learn how to minister. i was so nervous to get up in front
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So nervous to get up in front of people. there were many
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Of people. there were many nights after dinner i would
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Nights after dinner i would go to my closet to pray.
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Go to my closet to pray. victoria would come looking
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Victoria would come looking for me, ask the children,
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For me, ask the children, "where's dad?" she would find
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"where's dad?" she would find me in there praying. the fact
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Me in there praying. the fact is i never prayed like that in
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Is i never prayed like that in the good times. i never went
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The good times. i never went out of my way to draw closer
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Out of my way to draw closer to god when everything was
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To god when everything was going my way. it was the dark
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Going my way. it was the dark places that helped me to
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Places that helped me to really develop my spiritual
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Really develop my spiritual muscles. even though i didn't
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Muscles. even though i didn't like what i was going through,
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Like what i was going through, i didn't like having to
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I didn't like having to stretch. i was uncomfortable.
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Stretch. i was uncomfortable. i wouldn't change it. it made
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I wouldn't change it. it made me better. god uses the dark
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Me better. god uses the dark places. (applause)
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Places. (applause) when joseph was falsely
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When joseph was falsely accused and put in prison for
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Accused and put in prison for thirteen years the scripture
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Thirteen years the scripture says, "as he sat in those
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Says, "as he sat in those chains of iron his soul
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Chains of iron his soul entered into that iron."
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Entered into that iron." he developed a strength, a
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He developed a strength, a perseverance, that he could
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Perseverance, that he could not get any other way. there
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Not get any other way. there are some things you can only
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Are some things you can only learn in the dark places. quit
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Learn in the dark places. quit complaining about what you're
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Complaining about what you're going through, who hurt you,
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Going through, who hurt you, how bad it was. it may be
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How bad it was. it may be uncomfortable. you may not
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Uncomfortable. you may not like it but it's working for
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Like it but it's working for you. you're getting stronger.
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You. you're getting stronger. it's developing something that
00:07:52.995 --> 00:07:54.530
It's developing something that you could only get in the dark.
00:07:54.597 --> 00:07:57.667
You could only get in the dark. you cannot reach your highest
00:07:57.733 --> 00:07:59.168
You cannot reach your highest potential being in the light
00:07:59.235 --> 00:08:01.604
Potential being in the light all the time. no adversity.
00:08:01.671 --> 00:08:03.439
All the time. no adversity. no problems. nobody coming
00:08:03.506 --> 00:08:04.874
No problems. nobody coming against you. that sounds good
00:08:04.941 --> 00:08:07.577
Against you. that sounds good but it will stunt your growth.
00:08:07.643 --> 00:08:10.279
But it will stunt your growth. david said, "god enlarged me
00:08:10.346 --> 00:08:12.181
David said, "god enlarged me in my times of distress."
00:08:12.248 --> 00:08:15.217
In my times of distress." he wasn't enlarged in the good
00:08:15.284 --> 00:08:16.452
He wasn't enlarged in the good times. he was enlarged when
00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:18.521
Times. he was enlarged when things weren't going his way.
00:08:18.588 --> 00:08:21.290
Things weren't going his way. david
00:08:21.357 --> 00:08:21.924
David went on to say, "after you go
00:08:21.991 --> 00:08:23.859
Went on to say, "after you go through the valley, after the
00:08:23.926 --> 00:08:25.695
Through the valley, after the dark places, god will anoint
00:08:25.761 --> 00:08:27.196
Dark places, god will anoint your head with oil. he will
00:08:27.263 --> 00:08:29.799
Your head with oil. he will prepare a table before you
00:08:29.865 --> 00:08:31.434
Prepare a table before you in the presence of your
00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:32.501
In the presence of your enemies. your cup will run
00:08:32.568 --> 00:08:34.303
Enemies. your cup will run over." notice, you've got to
00:08:34.370 --> 00:08:36.639
Over." notice, you've got to go through the valley to get
00:08:36.706 --> 00:08:38.541
Go through the valley to get to the table that's already
00:08:38.608 --> 00:08:40.476
To the table that's already set before you. you've got to
00:08:40.543 --> 00:08:42.578
Set before you. you've got to go through the loneliness,
00:08:42.645 --> 00:08:44.180
Go through the loneliness, through the betrayal, through
00:08:44.246 --> 00:08:45.681
Through the betrayal, through the sickness, to get to the
00:08:45.748 --> 00:08:47.416
The sickness, to get to the fresh anointing, the new
00:08:47.483 --> 00:08:49.318
Fresh anointing, the new beginning. you've got to go
00:08:49.385 --> 00:08:51.087
Beginning. you've got to go through the shepherd's fields,
00:08:51.153 --> 00:08:53.356
Through the shepherd's fields, doing the right thing when
00:08:53.422 --> 00:08:55.124
Doing the right thing when the wrong thing is happening.
00:08:55.191 --> 00:08:57.159
The wrong thing is happening. through the struggle, the lack,
00:08:57.226 --> 00:08:58.761
Through the struggle, the lack, the debt, before you come to
00:08:58.828 --> 00:09:00.796
The debt, before you come to your cup that runs over.
00:09:00.863 --> 00:09:03.866
Your cup that runs over. now, too often we want the
00:09:03.933 --> 00:09:05.668
Now, too often we want the overflow and not the valley.
00:09:05.735 --> 00:09:08.904
Overflow and not the valley. "god, give me more favor, more
00:09:08.971 --> 00:09:10.172
"god, give me more favor, more resources, more influence."
00:09:10.239 --> 00:09:12.375
Resources, more influence." god says, "okay, fine. but
00:09:12.441 --> 00:09:13.809
God says, "okay, fine. but you've got to be willing to go
00:09:13.876 --> 00:09:15.211
You've got to be willing to go through the valley with me."
00:09:15.277 --> 00:09:17.580
Through the valley with me." in the dark times is where we
00:09:17.647 --> 00:09:19.915
In the dark times is where we prove to god what we're
00:09:19.982 --> 00:09:21.751
Prove to god what we're really made of.
00:09:21.817 --> 00:09:24.320
Really made of. can god trust you with more
00:09:24.387 --> 00:09:25.688
Can god trust you with more favor, with more influence, with
00:09:25.755 --> 00:09:27.890
Favor, with more influence, with more resources?
00:09:27.957 --> 00:09:29.392
More resources? you have to be faithful in the
00:09:29.458 --> 00:09:30.760
You have to be faithful in the shepherd's fields, when you're
00:09:30.826 --> 00:09:32.828
Shepherd's fields, when you're not getting your way, when it's
00:09:32.895 --> 00:09:35.031
Not getting your way, when it's lonely.
00:09:35.097 --> 00:09:36.298
Lonely. dark places are opportunities
00:09:36.365 --> 00:09:39.168
Dark places are opportunities to grow. you're not there by
00:09:39.235 --> 00:09:41.337
To grow. you're not there by accident. if god wasn't going
00:09:41.404 --> 00:09:43.739
Accident. if god wasn't going to use that for your good he
00:09:43.806 --> 00:09:45.574
To use that for your good he would've never allowed it. you
00:09:45.641 --> 00:09:47.810
Would've never allowed it. you may not understand it. it may
00:09:47.877 --> 00:09:49.545
May not understand it. it may not make sense but god knows
00:09:49.612 --> 00:09:51.681
Not make sense but god knows what he is doing. pass that
00:09:51.747 --> 00:09:53.382
What he is doing. pass that test. this is what i had to do
00:09:53.449 --> 00:09:55.718
Test. this is what i had to do when my father went to be with
00:09:55.785 --> 00:09:57.520
When my father went to be with the lord. it was a dark place.
00:09:57.586 --> 00:09:59.989
The lord. it was a dark place. sometimes when you go through
00:10:00.056 --> 00:10:01.390
Sometimes when you go through a loss it's easy to get
00:10:01.457 --> 00:10:02.525
A loss it's easy to get discouraged and kind of feel
00:10:02.591 --> 00:10:03.793
Discouraged and kind of feel like that god let you down.
00:10:03.859 --> 00:10:06.495
Like that god let you down. there won't be any more good
00:10:06.562 --> 00:10:08.698
There won't be any more good days. but i've learned anytime
00:10:08.764 --> 00:10:10.766
Days. but i've learned anytime something is dying in your life
00:10:10.833 --> 00:10:13.436
Something is dying in your life something else is coming to
00:10:13.502 --> 00:10:14.603
Something else is coming to life. it looks like the end but
00:10:14.670 --> 00:10:17.206
Life. it looks like the end but god has a new beginning.
00:10:17.273 --> 00:10:19.675
God has a new beginning. a friend betrayed you, walked
00:10:19.742 --> 00:10:21.077
A friend betrayed you, walked away. that relationship died.
00:10:21.143 --> 00:10:24.046
Away. that relationship died. at the same time god is
00:10:24.113 --> 00:10:25.748
At the same time god is birthing a new relationship.
00:10:25.815 --> 00:10:27.950
Birthing a new relationship. he has got another friend
00:10:28.017 --> 00:10:29.151
He has got another friend already destined to come
00:10:29.218 --> 00:10:30.219
Already destined to come across your path. you lost
00:10:30.286 --> 00:10:32.154
Across your path. you lost a position, a client; an
00:10:32.221 --> 00:10:34.090
A position, a client; an opportunity. that may have
00:10:34.156 --> 00:10:35.825
Opportunity. that may have died but god has already lined
00:10:35.891 --> 00:10:37.693
Died but god has already lined up a new position, a new
00:10:37.760 --> 00:10:39.161
Up a new position, a new opportunity, a new level.
00:10:39.228 --> 00:10:42.832
Opportunity, a new level. if you will go through the
00:10:42.898 --> 00:10:43.566
If you will go through the valley trusting, believing,
00:10:43.632 --> 00:10:46.669
Valley trusting, believing, knowing that god is still in
00:10:46.736 --> 00:10:48.037
Knowing that god is still in control, then you will come in
00:10:48.104 --> 00:10:50.106
Control, then you will come in to the table that is already
00:10:50.172 --> 00:10:52.341
To the table that is already prepared for you, to the fresh
00:10:52.408 --> 00:10:54.276
Prepared for you, to the fresh anointing, to increase, to
00:10:54.343 --> 00:10:55.878
Anointing, to increase, to where your cup runs over.
00:10:55.945 --> 00:10:58.147
Where your cup runs over. a friend of mine i used to
00:10:58.214 --> 00:10:59.515
A friend of mine i used to play baseball with many years
00:10:59.582 --> 00:11:01.417
Play baseball with many years ago was the star player on
00:11:01.484 --> 00:11:03.652
Ago was the star player on the team. he always led the
00:11:03.719 --> 00:11:05.454
The team. he always led the league in hitting and fielding.
00:11:05.521 --> 00:11:08.023
League in hitting and fielding. his dream was to play
00:11:08.090 --> 00:11:09.658
His dream was to play professional baseball. during
00:11:09.725 --> 00:11:11.393
Professional baseball. during the summer he was invited to
00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:13.496
The summer he was invited to play on this highly competitive
00:11:13.562 --> 00:11:15.831
Play on this highly competitive team that traveled around the
00:11:15.898 --> 00:11:17.433
Team that traveled around the nation. it was a big honor. you
00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:19.235
Nation. it was a big honor. you had to be extremely talented.
00:11:19.301 --> 00:11:21.337
Had to be extremely talented. he played that year and did
00:11:21.403 --> 00:11:22.938
He played that year and did exceptionally well. but some
00:11:23.005 --> 00:11:25.107
Exceptionally well. but some of the players were jealous
00:11:25.174 --> 00:11:26.542
Of the players were jealous of him. they started spreading
00:11:26.609 --> 00:11:28.177
Of him. they started spreading lies and rumors about him.
00:11:28.244 --> 00:11:31.413
Lies and rumors about him. the next year the coach, even
00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:33.482
The next year the coach, even though he liked him very much,
00:11:33.549 --> 00:11:35.651
Though he liked him very much, he believed these rumors and
00:11:35.718 --> 00:11:37.286
He believed these rumors and didn't invite him back to play.
00:11:37.353 --> 00:11:40.389
Didn't invite him back to play. my friend was very discouraged.
00:11:40.456 --> 00:11:41.924
My friend was very discouraged. he tried to get on several
00:11:41.991 --> 00:11:43.292
He tried to get on several other teams but there was no
00:11:43.359 --> 00:11:45.060
Other teams but there was no place. they were already full.
00:11:45.127 --> 00:11:46.929
Place. they were already full. for the first time that summer
00:11:46.996 --> 00:11:49.198
For the first time that summer he didn't have anywhere to
00:11:49.265 --> 00:11:50.332
He didn't have anywhere to play. he missed the whole
00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:51.867
Play. he missed the whole season. no games.
00:11:51.934 --> 00:11:53.435
Season. no games. no opportunities. a dark place.
00:11:53.502 --> 00:11:56.972
No opportunities. a dark place. he didn't understand it. it
00:11:57.039 --> 00:11:58.641
He didn't understand it. it wasn't fair but he didn't get
00:11:58.707 --> 00:12:00.609
Wasn't fair but he didn't get bitter. he knew the same god
00:12:00.676 --> 00:12:02.845
Bitter. he knew the same god that led him to the green
00:12:02.912 --> 00:12:04.246
That led him to the green pastures and the still waters
00:12:04.313 --> 00:12:06.882
Pastures and the still waters was now leading him through
00:12:06.949 --> 00:12:08.350
Was now leading him through the valley. every night he
00:12:08.417 --> 00:12:10.286
The valley. every night he would go up to the batting
00:12:10.352 --> 00:12:11.921
Would go up to the batting cages and keep improving his
00:12:11.987 --> 00:12:13.756
Cages and keep improving his skills. he kept working out,
00:12:13.823 --> 00:12:15.958
Skills. he kept working out, lifting weights, staying in
00:12:16.025 --> 00:12:17.426
Lifting weights, staying in shape. no games. not treated
00:12:17.493 --> 00:12:19.829
Shape. no games. not treated right but he knew on the
00:12:19.895 --> 00:12:21.697
Right but he knew on the other side of that valley was
00:12:21.764 --> 00:12:25.134
Other side of that valley was the table already prepared
00:12:25.201 --> 00:12:27.303
The table already prepared for him. you've got to go
00:12:27.369 --> 00:12:29.004
For him. you've got to go through it to get to it. don't
00:12:29.071 --> 00:12:31.974
Through it to get to it. don't get stuck in your valley.
00:12:32.041 --> 00:12:34.043
Get stuck in your valley. don't get bitter and lose your
00:12:34.109 --> 00:12:35.611
Don't get bitter and lose your passion.
00:12:35.678 --> 00:12:36.445
Passion. "well, joel. i don't understand
00:12:36.512 --> 00:12:37.413
"well, joel. i don't understand why this has happened to me.
00:12:37.479 --> 00:12:38.848
Why this has happened to me. they laid me off after all
00:12:38.914 --> 00:12:41.150
They laid me off after all these years. they broke my
00:12:41.217 --> 00:12:42.785
These years. they broke my heart. i'm dealing with this
00:12:42.852 --> 00:12:43.819
Heart. i'm dealing with this sickness. i just don't..."
00:12:43.886 --> 00:12:45.321
Sickness. i just don't..." if you're always trying to
00:12:45.387 --> 00:12:47.189
If you're always trying to figure it out, you're going to
00:12:47.256 --> 00:12:48.524
Figure it out, you're going to get stuck. think about this.
00:12:48.591 --> 00:12:51.193
Get stuck. think about this. in punctuation, an exclamation
00:12:51.260 --> 00:12:53.429
In punctuation, an exclamation point is simply a question mark
00:12:53.495 --> 00:12:55.497
Point is simply a question mark straightened out. if you want
00:12:55.564 --> 00:12:59.168
Straightened out. if you want god to take your question
00:12:59.235 --> 00:13:00.936
God to take your question marks, the things you don't
00:13:01.003 --> 00:13:03.239
Marks, the things you don't understand and turn them
00:13:03.305 --> 00:13:05.307
Understand and turn them into an exclamation point,
00:13:05.374 --> 00:13:07.076
Into an exclamation point, you have to trust him.
00:13:07.142 --> 00:13:08.677
You have to trust him. (applause)
00:13:08.744 --> 00:13:10.112
(applause) in those dark places where it
00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:12.114
In those dark places where it wasn't fair, instead of
00:13:12.181 --> 00:13:14.750
Wasn't fair, instead of wondering, "why did this
00:13:14.817 --> 00:13:15.818
Wondering, "why did this happen to me?" no, turn it
00:13:15.885 --> 00:13:17.186
Happen to me?" no, turn it around. "god, i know you are
00:13:17.253 --> 00:13:19.221
Around. "god, i know you are still on the throne. i may not
00:13:19.288 --> 00:13:21.423
Still on the throne. i may not understand this but i believe
00:13:21.490 --> 00:13:23.525
Understand this but i believe on the other side of this
00:13:23.592 --> 00:13:25.094
On the other side of this valley is my exclamation point.
00:13:25.160 --> 00:13:28.097
Valley is my exclamation point. the table that's already
00:13:28.163 --> 00:13:29.265
The table that's already prepared for me. the fresh
00:13:29.331 --> 00:13:30.799
Prepared for me. the fresh anointing. the right people.
00:13:30.866 --> 00:13:32.268
Anointing. the right people. the new beginning. the new
00:13:32.334 --> 00:13:33.402
The new beginning. the new level." if you will go through
00:13:33.469 --> 00:13:35.471
Level." if you will go through the dark valleys like that you
00:13:35.537 --> 00:13:37.439
The dark valleys like that you will come in to those
00:13:37.506 --> 00:13:39.141
Will come in to those exclamation points. you will
00:13:39.208 --> 00:13:40.709
Exclamation points. you will see god amaze you with his
00:13:40.776 --> 00:13:42.144
See god amaze you with his goodness.
00:13:42.211 --> 00:13:43.579
Goodness. when my father died i had a
00:13:43.646 --> 00:13:45.581
When my father died i had a lot of question marks. would
00:13:45.648 --> 00:13:47.182
Lot of question marks. would the church make it? could i
00:13:47.249 --> 00:13:48.651
The church make it? could i really get up here and
00:13:48.717 --> 00:13:50.319
Really get up here and minister? would anybody listen
00:13:50.386 --> 00:13:52.454
Minister? would anybody listen to me? over time, one by one,
00:13:52.521 --> 00:13:55.758
To me? over time, one by one, as i stayed in faith, went
00:13:55.824 --> 00:13:57.726
As i stayed in faith, went through the dark valleys
00:13:57.793 --> 00:13:59.528
Through the dark valleys with a good attitude, i saw
00:13:59.595 --> 00:14:01.196
With a good attitude, i saw question marks turned into
00:14:01.263 --> 00:14:03.265
Question marks turned into exclamation points. would
00:14:03.332 --> 00:14:04.867
Exclamation points. would the church make it? yes and
00:14:04.934 --> 00:14:07.102
The church make it? yes and here's a compaq center to hold
00:14:07.169 --> 00:14:08.704
Here's a compaq center to hold all the people. exclamation
00:14:08.771 --> 00:14:10.439
All the people. exclamation point. (applause)
00:14:10.506 --> 00:14:12.341
Point. (applause) would anybody listen to me?
00:14:12.408 --> 00:14:13.676
Would anybody listen to me? yes and here are some number
00:14:13.742 --> 00:14:15.411
Yes and here are some number one books. here are networks
00:14:15.477 --> 00:14:17.479
One books. here are networks that will carry your program.
00:14:17.546 --> 00:14:19.415
That will carry your program. here's a sirius xm radio
00:14:19.481 --> 00:14:20.849
Here's a sirius xm radio channel. exclamation point,
00:14:20.916 --> 00:14:23.452
Channel. exclamation point, one after another, after
00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:24.820
One after another, after another. (applause) you may
00:14:24.887 --> 00:14:26.789
Another. (applause) you may be in a dark place right now.
00:14:26.855 --> 00:14:28.791
Be in a dark place right now. you went through a breakup.
00:14:28.857 --> 00:14:30.759
You went through a breakup. somebody broke your heart.
00:14:30.826 --> 00:14:32.461
Somebody broke your heart. you're hurting. you're lonely,
00:14:32.528 --> 00:14:33.996
You're hurting. you're lonely, wondering if you'll ever be
00:14:34.063 --> 00:14:35.364
Wondering if you'll ever be happy again. i can tell you
00:14:35.431 --> 00:14:37.433
Happy again. i can tell you firsthand. i am a living
00:14:37.499 --> 00:14:39.668
Firsthand. i am a living witness. if you will keep
00:14:39.735 --> 00:14:41.503
Witness. if you will keep honoring god, moving forward,
00:14:41.570 --> 00:14:43.973
Honoring god, moving forward, god will bring somebody into
00:14:44.039 --> 00:14:45.541
God will bring somebody into your life better than you ever
00:14:45.607 --> 00:14:47.142
Your life better than you ever imagined. (applause)
00:14:47.209 --> 00:14:49.111
Imagined. (applause) somebody kinder, friendlier,
00:14:49.178 --> 00:14:51.180
Somebody kinder, friendlier, that will treat you like a
00:14:51.246 --> 00:14:52.781
That will treat you like a queen, like a king. you won't
00:14:52.848 --> 00:14:55.517
Queen, like a king. you won't even miss that person that
00:14:55.584 --> 00:14:57.853
Even miss that person that left you. god has an
00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:00.022
Left you. god has an exclamation point waiting on
00:15:00.089 --> 00:15:01.824
Exclamation point waiting on you. maybe in your health, it's
00:15:01.890 --> 00:15:05.027
You. maybe in your health, it's a dark place. you don't see how
00:15:05.094 --> 00:15:07.029
A dark place. you don't see how you're going to make it. the
00:15:07.096 --> 00:15:09.264
You're going to make it. the medical report is not good.
00:15:09.331 --> 00:15:10.132
Medical report is not good. stay in faith. like my mother,
00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:12.167
Stay in faith. like my mother, diagnosed with terminal cancer.
00:15:12.234 --> 00:15:14.136
Diagnosed with terminal cancer. thirty-three years later she
00:15:14.203 --> 00:15:15.738
Thirty-three years later she is still healthy and strong.
00:15:15.804 --> 00:15:17.806
Is still healthy and strong. and listen, that's great.
00:15:17.873 --> 00:15:19.608
And listen, that's great. (applause) but here is the
00:15:19.675 --> 00:15:20.442
(applause) but here is the exclamation point. every week
00:15:20.509 --> 00:15:22.411
Exclamation point. every week my mother goes up to the
00:15:22.478 --> 00:15:23.779
My mother goes up to the medical center to pray for
00:15:23.846 --> 00:15:25.414
Medical center to pray for other people that are sick.
00:15:25.481 --> 00:15:27.316
Other people that are sick. that's god making the enemy
00:15:27.383 --> 00:15:28.584
That's god making the enemy pay. or perhaps it's in your
00:15:28.650 --> 00:15:31.253
Pay. or perhaps it's in your finances, a dark place. you had
00:15:31.320 --> 00:15:33.055
Finances, a dark place. you had a bad break, a disappointment,
00:15:33.122 --> 00:15:34.590
A bad break, a disappointment, lost a client. you're
00:15:34.656 --> 00:15:36.458
Lost a client. you're wondering, "is it ever going to
00:15:36.525 --> 00:15:37.693
Wondering, "is it ever going to get any better?" yes, on the
00:15:37.760 --> 00:15:39.294
Get any better?" yes, on the other side of the valley is
00:15:39.361 --> 00:15:42.297
Other side of the valley is your cup that runs over,
00:15:42.364 --> 00:15:44.066
Your cup that runs over, increase, abundance; a new
00:15:44.133 --> 00:15:45.768
Increase, abundance; a new level of your destiny. you may
00:15:45.834 --> 00:15:48.103
Level of your destiny. you may have been in the valley for a
00:15:48.170 --> 00:15:49.138
Have been in the valley for a long time but you need to get
00:15:49.204 --> 00:15:50.873
Long time but you need to get ready. this is a new day.
00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:52.908
Ready. this is a new day. you're about to see the
00:15:52.975 --> 00:15:53.876
You're about to see the breakthrough. you're about
00:15:53.942 --> 00:15:55.611
Breakthrough. you're about to see the overflow. that
00:15:55.677 --> 00:15:57.846
To see the overflow. that problem is about to turn
00:15:57.913 --> 00:15:58.981
Problem is about to turn around. don't quit believing.
00:15:59.048 --> 00:16:01.617
Around. don't quit believing. god didn't bring you this far
00:16:01.683 --> 00:16:03.352
God didn't bring you this far to leave you. he has an
00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:05.421
To leave you. he has an exclamation point coming your
00:16:05.487 --> 00:16:07.423
Exclamation point coming your way. this is what my friend
00:16:07.489 --> 00:16:10.526
Way. this is what my friend did, the one that played
00:16:10.592 --> 00:16:11.560
Did, the one that played baseball. one day he was out
00:16:11.627 --> 00:16:13.362
Baseball. one day he was out practicing, minding his own
00:16:13.429 --> 00:16:15.064
Practicing, minding his own business. what he didn't know
00:16:15.130 --> 00:16:17.566
Business. what he didn't know was there was a scout from a
00:16:17.633 --> 00:16:18.834
Was there was a scout from a professional team up in the
00:16:18.901 --> 00:16:20.436
Professional team up in the stands. this man was there
00:16:20.502 --> 00:16:22.638
Stands. this man was there to watch another player but
00:16:22.704 --> 00:16:24.373
To watch another player but when he saw how talented my
00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:25.741
When he saw how talented my friend was he called him over
00:16:25.808 --> 00:16:27.910
Friend was he called him over and said, "i want you to try
00:16:27.976 --> 00:16:29.511
And said, "i want you to try out for our team." that's god
00:16:29.578 --> 00:16:30.913
Out for our team." that's god putting you at the right place
00:16:30.979 --> 00:16:33.182
Putting you at the right place at the right time. god knows
00:16:33.248 --> 00:16:35.384
At the right time. god knows how to get you to your destiny.
00:16:35.451 --> 00:16:37.986
How to get you to your destiny. he tried out and made the team.
00:16:38.053 --> 00:16:40.322
He tried out and made the team. played a couple years in
00:16:40.389 --> 00:16:41.957
Played a couple years in minor-league baseball then he
00:16:42.024 --> 00:16:42.925
Minor-league baseball then he got bumped up, went to the
00:16:42.991 --> 00:16:44.126
Got bumped up, went to the major leagues. he went on
00:16:44.193 --> 00:16:45.427
Major leagues. he went on to have a long successful
00:16:45.494 --> 00:16:46.762
To have a long successful professional baseball career.
00:16:46.829 --> 00:16:47.930
Professional baseball career. but think about it: early on
00:16:47.996 --> 00:16:50.799
But think about it: early on those other guys they tried to
00:16:50.866 --> 00:16:52.601
Those other guys they tried to stop him by spreading rumors.
00:16:52.668 --> 00:16:55.671
Stop him by spreading rumors. but people don't determine
00:16:55.737 --> 00:16:56.672
But people don't determine your destiny, god does.
00:16:56.738 --> 00:16:58.907
Your destiny, god does. (applause) a bad break can't
00:16:58.974 --> 00:16:59.942
(applause) a bad break can't stop you. rumors can't stop
00:17:00.008 --> 00:17:01.944
Stop you. rumors can't stop you. injustice can't stop you.
00:17:02.010 --> 00:17:05.414
You. injustice can't stop you. god has the final say. if
00:17:05.481 --> 00:17:08.150
God has the final say. if you'll go through the dark
00:17:08.217 --> 00:17:09.017
You'll go through the dark places with the right attitude
00:17:09.084 --> 00:17:11.587
Places with the right attitude you'll see exclamation points
00:17:11.653 --> 00:17:13.489
You'll see exclamation points coming your way, the
00:17:13.555 --> 00:17:15.124
Coming your way, the surpassing greatness of god's
00:17:15.190 --> 00:17:16.458
Surpassing greatness of god's favor. in the scripture, when
00:17:16.525 --> 00:17:18.827
Favor. in the scripture, when jesus had the little boy's
00:17:18.894 --> 00:17:20.796
Jesus had the little boy's lunch - five loaves of bread
00:17:20.863 --> 00:17:22.197
Lunch - five loaves of bread and two fish - he's about to
00:17:22.264 --> 00:17:23.866
And two fish - he's about to feed the thousands, he lifted
00:17:23.932 --> 00:17:26.068
Feed the thousands, he lifted them up and gave thanks.
00:17:26.135 --> 00:17:26.668
Them up and gave thanks. then it says, "he broke the
00:17:26.735 --> 00:17:28.670
Then it says, "he broke the bread and it multiplied."
00:17:28.737 --> 00:17:34.977
Bread and it multiplied." notice the blessing was in the
00:17:35.043 --> 00:17:35.744
Notice the blessing was in the breaking. the more he broke
00:17:35.811 --> 00:17:37.179
Breaking. the more he broke it the more it multiplied.
00:17:37.246 --> 00:17:40.215
It the more it multiplied. there are times that we all
00:17:40.282 --> 00:17:42.017
There are times that we all feel broken: broken dreams,
00:17:42.084 --> 00:17:43.519
Feel broken: broken dreams, broken promises, a broken
00:17:43.585 --> 00:17:45.053
Broken promises, a broken heart, the young lady that
00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:46.922
Heart, the young lady that lost her baby. as she told me,
00:17:46.989 --> 00:17:50.425
Lost her baby. as she told me, big tears ran down her
00:17:50.492 --> 00:17:51.793
Big tears ran down her beautiful face. she said,
00:17:51.860 --> 00:17:53.395
Beautiful face. she said, "joel, i wanted this baby more
00:17:53.462 --> 00:17:54.596
"joel, i wanted this baby more than anything else." when you
00:17:54.663 --> 00:17:56.999
Than anything else." when you feel broken, you go through a
00:17:57.065 --> 00:17:59.268
Feel broken, you go through a disappointment, don't get
00:17:59.334 --> 00:18:00.736
Disappointment, don't get bitter. don't give up on your
00:18:00.802 --> 00:18:02.070
Bitter. don't give up on your dreams. the brokenness is not
00:18:02.137 --> 00:18:04.573
Dreams. the brokenness is not the end. it's a sign that god
00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.441
The end. it's a sign that god is about to multiply. that's
00:18:06.508 --> 00:18:09.478
Is about to multiply. that's what david said, "god, enlarged
00:18:09.545 --> 00:18:12.114
What david said, "god, enlarged me in my distress." in that
00:18:12.181 --> 00:18:13.916
Me in my distress." in that brokenness it may have been
00:18:13.982 --> 00:18:15.918
Brokenness it may have been meant to stop you but god is
00:18:15.984 --> 00:18:17.519
Meant to stop you but god is going to use it to increase
00:18:17.586 --> 00:18:19.388
Going to use it to increase you. the loss, the
00:18:19.454 --> 00:18:21.190
You. the loss, the disappointment, the person
00:18:21.256 --> 00:18:23.158
Disappointment, the person that didn't keep their word,
00:18:23.225 --> 00:18:24.493
That didn't keep their word, they thought they were
00:18:24.560 --> 00:18:25.827
They thought they were hindering you but in fact they
00:18:25.894 --> 00:18:27.863
Hindering you but in fact they were setting you up for god to
00:18:27.930 --> 00:18:29.498
Were setting you up for god to multiply. (applause)
00:18:29.565 --> 00:18:31.099
Multiply. (applause) you may have gone through more
00:18:31.166 --> 00:18:32.301
You may have gone through more than your share of bad breaks
00:18:32.367 --> 00:18:34.736
Than your share of bad breaks but take heart. the more
00:18:34.803 --> 00:18:36.605
But take heart. the more broken you are, the more god
00:18:36.672 --> 00:18:38.674
Broken you are, the more god is going to increase. the
00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:40.375
Is going to increase. the bigger the disappointment.
00:18:40.442 --> 00:18:41.443
Bigger the disappointment. the bigger the blessing.
00:18:41.510 --> 00:18:43.111
The bigger the blessing. god has beauty for your ashes,
00:18:43.178 --> 00:18:45.480
God has beauty for your ashes, joy for the mourning. the
00:18:45.547 --> 00:18:47.950
Joy for the mourning. the brokenness is only temporary.
00:18:48.016 --> 00:18:51.787
Brokenness is only temporary. now don't settle in the valley.
00:18:51.853 --> 00:18:54.556
Now don't settle in the valley. don't get comfortable there.
00:18:54.623 --> 00:18:56.091
Don't get comfortable there. the valley is not your home.
00:18:56.158 --> 00:18:58.260
The valley is not your home. the shepherd is leading you
00:18:58.327 --> 00:18:59.461
The shepherd is leading you through the valley. on the
00:18:59.528 --> 00:19:01.396
Through the valley. on the other side there are new
00:19:01.463 --> 00:19:03.198
Other side there are new beginnings, fullness of joy,
00:19:03.265 --> 00:19:05.801
Beginnings, fullness of joy, great relationships, health
00:19:05.867 --> 00:19:07.269
Great relationships, health and wholeness, dreams coming
00:19:07.336 --> 00:19:08.637
And wholeness, dreams coming to pass.
00:19:08.704 --> 00:19:10.772
To pass. jesus said in john 12, "unless a
00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:12.908
Jesus said in john 12, "unless a kernel of wheat falls to the
00:19:12.975 --> 00:19:14.776
Kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies it will remain
00:19:14.843 --> 00:19:17.746
Ground and dies it will remain alone; but if it dies it will
00:19:17.813 --> 00:19:21.016
Alone; but if it dies it will produce much fruit." he was
00:19:21.083 --> 00:19:22.784
Produce much fruit." he was using an example of a seed.
00:19:22.851 --> 00:19:25.621
Using an example of a seed. you can have a seed on your
00:19:25.687 --> 00:19:27.623
You can have a seed on your desk for a lifetime. it won't
00:19:27.689 --> 00:19:30.025
Desk for a lifetime. it won't do any good until you plant it.
00:19:30.092 --> 00:19:32.995
Do any good until you plant it. as long as it's where it's
00:19:33.061 --> 00:19:33.962
As long as it's where it's comfortable, it doesn't have to
00:19:34.029 --> 00:19:35.163
Comfortable, it doesn't have to stretch, deal with adversity,
00:19:35.230 --> 00:19:37.466
Stretch, deal with adversity, then its potential will remain
00:19:37.532 --> 00:19:39.768
Then its potential will remain locked up on the inside.
00:19:39.835 --> 00:19:42.271
Locked up on the inside. only after it's planted and it
00:19:42.337 --> 00:19:44.840
Only after it's planted and it goes through a process of
00:19:44.906 --> 00:19:46.742
Goes through a process of germination, the outer shell
00:19:46.808 --> 00:19:48.377
Germination, the outer shell breaks off, new growth begins,
00:19:48.443 --> 00:19:50.078
Breaks off, new growth begins, that's when it will blossom
00:19:50.145 --> 00:19:52.014
That's when it will blossom and produce much fruit. the
00:19:52.080 --> 00:19:54.883
And produce much fruit. the problem with some people is
00:19:54.950 --> 00:19:57.319
Problem with some people is they want the fruit but they
00:19:57.386 --> 00:19:59.187
They want the fruit but they don't want to go through the
00:19:59.254 --> 00:19:59.855
Don't want to go through the process. they don't want to
00:19:59.921 --> 00:20:00.889
Process. they don't want to be uncomfortable. they don't
00:20:00.956 --> 00:20:02.124
Be uncomfortable. they don't want to stretch and have to
00:20:02.190 --> 00:20:03.692
Want to stretch and have to deal with adversity, betrayal,
00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:05.394
Deal with adversity, betrayal, opposition. but without the
00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:07.596
Opposition. but without the dark place your potential
00:20:07.663 --> 00:20:10.165
Dark place your potential will not be fully released.
00:20:10.232 --> 00:20:13.201
Will not be fully released. the seed can't germinate in
00:20:13.268 --> 00:20:14.670
The seed can't germinate in the light. i'm sure if you were
00:20:14.736 --> 00:20:17.072
The light. i'm sure if you were to ask the seed it would say,
00:20:17.139 --> 00:20:18.540
To ask the seed it would say, "i don't want to go in the
00:20:18.607 --> 00:20:20.108
"i don't want to go in the dirt. it's dark. it's lonely.
00:20:20.175 --> 00:20:22.144
Dirt. it's dark. it's lonely. it's uncomfortable. i don't
00:20:22.210 --> 00:20:23.779
It's uncomfortable. i don't want people walking on top
00:20:23.845 --> 00:20:24.813
Want people walking on top of me." it looks like it's
00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:26.848
Of me." it looks like it's buried, like it's the end but
00:20:26.915 --> 00:20:29.484
Buried, like it's the end but what the seed doesn't realize
00:20:29.551 --> 00:20:31.520
What the seed doesn't realize is it's not buried. it's
00:20:31.586 --> 00:20:33.188
Is it's not buried. it's planted. it has the life of
00:20:33.255 --> 00:20:35.824
Planted. it has the life of almighty god on the inside.
00:20:35.891 --> 00:20:38.627
Almighty god on the inside. those dark places, even though
00:20:38.694 --> 00:20:40.429
Those dark places, even though it's uncomfortable, it's a
00:20:40.495 --> 00:20:42.497
It's uncomfortable, it's a critical part of the process.
00:20:42.564 --> 00:20:45.701
Critical part of the process. over a period of time, as the
00:20:45.767 --> 00:20:47.302
Over a period of time, as the seed germinates and grows,
00:20:47.369 --> 00:20:49.338
Seed germinates and grows, instead of just being one seed
00:20:49.404 --> 00:20:51.373
Instead of just being one seed buried, it can become a
00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:53.542
Buried, it can become a beautiful flower, blossoming,
00:20:53.608 --> 00:20:56.011
Beautiful flower, blossoming, producing much fruit. if you
00:20:56.078 --> 00:20:58.313
Producing much fruit. if you were to ask the seed after
00:20:58.380 --> 00:21:00.382
Were to ask the seed after the process, it would say,
00:21:00.449 --> 00:21:02.317
The process, it would say, "i didn't like the dark place
00:21:02.384 --> 00:21:04.786
"i didn't like the dark place but i realize now it was a
00:21:04.853 --> 00:21:06.488
But i realize now it was a blessing. look what i have
00:21:06.555 --> 00:21:08.256
Blessing. look what i have become. look what i blossomed
00:21:08.323 --> 00:21:09.825
Become. look what i blossomed into."
00:21:09.891 --> 00:21:12.661
Into." we all go through these dark
00:21:12.728 --> 00:21:13.562
We all go through these dark places. it feels like at times
00:21:13.628 --> 00:21:15.931
Places. it feels like at times we're buried. thoughts will
00:21:15.997 --> 00:21:17.532
We're buried. thoughts will tell you, "hey, you've seen
00:21:17.599 --> 00:21:18.934
Tell you, "hey, you've seen your best days. that layoff
00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.469
Your best days. that layoff ruined your career. that
00:21:20.535 --> 00:21:22.404
Ruined your career. that divorce, it just tainted your
00:21:22.471 --> 00:21:24.139
Divorce, it just tainted your future. that sickness is going
00:21:24.206 --> 00:21:27.442
Future. that sickness is going to be the end of you."
00:21:27.509 --> 00:21:28.210
To be the end of you." no, have a new perspective.
00:21:28.276 --> 00:21:30.045
No, have a new perspective. you're not buried. you're
00:21:30.112 --> 00:21:31.246
You're not buried. you're planted. if you would've never
00:21:31.313 --> 00:21:33.048
Planted. if you would've never had the loss, the
00:21:33.115 --> 00:21:33.949
Had the loss, the disappointment, the dark place,
00:21:34.015 --> 00:21:35.384
Disappointment, the dark place, you would never discover
00:21:35.450 --> 00:21:37.252
You would never discover what's on the inside. like
00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:39.521
What's on the inside. like that seed, your potential is
00:21:39.588 --> 00:21:42.023
That seed, your potential is about to be released. you're
00:21:42.090 --> 00:21:44.226
About to be released. you're not only going to come out
00:21:44.292 --> 00:21:45.894
Not only going to come out you're going to come out
00:21:45.961 --> 00:21:47.129
You're going to come out bearing much fruit, better,
00:21:47.195 --> 00:21:48.930
Bearing much fruit, better, stronger, fully in blossom.
00:21:48.997 --> 00:21:52.534
Stronger, fully in blossom. see, when my father went to
00:21:52.601 --> 00:21:53.301
See, when my father went to be with the lord, it kind of
00:21:53.368 --> 00:21:54.636
Be with the lord, it kind of felt like i was buried.
00:21:54.703 --> 00:21:56.772
Felt like i was buried. i could feel that pressure.
00:21:56.838 --> 00:21:58.507
I could feel that pressure. but in that dark place when
00:21:58.573 --> 00:22:00.675
But in that dark place when something was dying, something
00:22:00.742 --> 00:22:02.511
Something was dying, something was being birthed new on the
00:22:02.577 --> 00:22:04.780
Was being birthed new on the inside. that's when i
00:22:04.846 --> 00:22:06.348
Inside. that's when i discovered gifts and talents
00:22:06.415 --> 00:22:08.450
Discovered gifts and talents that i didn't know i had.
00:22:08.517 --> 00:22:10.819
That i didn't know i had. i didn't like going through
00:22:10.886 --> 00:22:11.853
I didn't like going through the process but that's what
00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:14.222
The process but that's what caused me to blossom. none
00:22:14.289 --> 00:22:15.357
Caused me to blossom. none of us like to be planted. it's
00:22:15.424 --> 00:22:17.159
Of us like to be planted. it's lonely, uncomfortable, but in
00:22:17.225 --> 00:22:19.127
Lonely, uncomfortable, but in the dark places you have to
00:22:19.194 --> 00:22:20.929
The dark places you have to remind yourself, "new growth
00:22:20.996 --> 00:22:23.231
Remind yourself, "new growth is coming my way. even though
00:22:23.298 --> 00:22:25.167
Is coming my way. even though it feels like something is
00:22:25.233 --> 00:22:26.601
It feels like something is dying, something else is coming
00:22:26.668 --> 00:22:28.303
Dying, something else is coming to life." you're not buried.
00:22:28.370 --> 00:22:30.605
To life." you're not buried. you're planted. when you come
00:22:30.672 --> 00:22:32.507
You're planted. when you come out you're going to bear much
00:22:32.574 --> 00:22:33.508
Out you're going to bear much fruit. now my challenge to us
00:22:33.575 --> 00:22:35.944
Fruit. now my challenge to us today is be willing to go
00:22:36.011 --> 00:22:37.746
Today is be willing to go through the process. too many
00:22:37.813 --> 00:22:40.248
Through the process. too many people get bitter, discouraged.
00:22:40.315 --> 00:22:42.851
People get bitter, discouraged. "joel, if god was good how
00:22:42.918 --> 00:22:44.453
"joel, if god was good how could he let this happen to
00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.887
Could he let this happen to me?" no, dare to trust him.
00:22:45.954 --> 00:22:48.990
Me?" no, dare to trust him. god knows what he is doing.
00:22:49.057 --> 00:22:50.725
God knows what he is doing. there may be dirt all around
00:22:50.792 --> 00:22:52.327
There may be dirt all around you right now. it's
00:22:52.394 --> 00:22:54.563
You right now. it's uncomfortable. that dirt is
00:22:54.629 --> 00:22:55.564
Uncomfortable. that dirt is not there to bury you. it's
00:22:55.630 --> 00:22:58.500
Not there to bury you. it's there to bring out the seeds
00:22:58.567 --> 00:23:00.068
There to bring out the seeds of greatness on the inside.
00:23:00.135 --> 00:23:01.703
Of greatness on the inside. (applause) it's just a matter
00:23:01.770 --> 00:23:02.938
(applause) it's just a matter of time before you break out
00:23:03.004 --> 00:23:04.706
Of time before you break out and blossom into who you were
00:23:04.773 --> 00:23:07.108
And blossom into who you were created to be. if you will go
00:23:07.175 --> 00:23:09.177
Created to be. if you will go through these dark places
00:23:09.244 --> 00:23:11.279
Through these dark places with the right attitude, i
00:23:11.346 --> 00:23:13.648
With the right attitude, i believe and declare god is
00:23:13.715 --> 00:23:15.450
Believe and declare god is going to turn your question
00:23:15.517 --> 00:23:16.952
Going to turn your question marks into exclamation points.
00:23:17.018 --> 00:23:19.688
Marks into exclamation points. you will go through every
00:23:19.754 --> 00:23:20.956
You will go through every valley to the table prepared
00:23:21.022 --> 00:23:22.757
Valley to the table prepared for you, to the fresh
00:23:22.824 --> 00:23:24.192
For you, to the fresh anointing, to increase where
00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:25.794
Anointing, to increase where your cup overflows. you'll be
00:23:25.861 --> 00:23:27.796
Your cup overflows. you'll be able to say like david, "god
00:23:27.863 --> 00:23:29.731
Able to say like david, "god enlarged me in my distress.
00:23:29.798 --> 00:23:32.234
Enlarged me in my distress. he blessed me even in the dark
00:23:32.300 --> 00:23:34.302
He blessed me even in the dark places." in jesus name. if you
00:23:34.369 --> 00:23:36.304
Places." in jesus name. if you receive it can you say, "amen"
00:23:36.371 --> 00:23:37.973
Receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause)
00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:41.042
Today? (applause) well, we never like to close
00:23:41.109 --> 00:23:42.444
Well, we never like to close our broadcast without giving
00:23:42.511 --> 00:23:43.411
Our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make
00:23:43.478 --> 00:23:45.180
You an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life.
00:23:45.247 --> 00:23:47.549
Jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me?
00:23:47.616 --> 00:23:49.050
Would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent
00:23:49.117 --> 00:23:51.820
Just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my
00:23:51.887 --> 00:23:53.588
Of my sins. come in to my heart. i make you my lord and
00:23:53.655 --> 00:23:57.492
Heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed
00:23:57.559 --> 00:24:00.228
Savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe
00:24:00.295 --> 00:24:02.364
That simple prayer, we believe you got born again. get in a
00:24:02.430 --> 00:24:03.932
You got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep
00:24:03.999 --> 00:24:05.734
Good bible-based church. keep god first place. he's going to
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God first place. he's going to take you places that you've
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Take you places that you've never dreamed.
00:24:08.904 --> 00:24:09.938
Every day we can live:
00:24:10.038 --> 00:24:12.274
Every day we can live: discouraged, angry,
00:24:12.340 --> 00:24:14.209
Discouraged, angry, depressed, defeated.
00:24:14.276 --> 00:24:16.111
Depressed, defeated. is it possible
00:24:16.177 --> 00:24:16.945
Is it possible to turn these negatives
00:24:17.012 --> 00:24:18.179
To turn these negatives into an outlook
00:24:18.246 --> 00:24:19.047
Into an outlook filled with purpose,
00:24:19.114 --> 00:24:20.215
Filled with purpose, happiness and joy?
00:24:20.282 --> 00:24:22.717
Happiness and joy? every day we make choices.
00:24:22.784 --> 00:24:24.452
Every day we make choices. how we see ourselves,
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How we see ourselves, how we respond to challenges,
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How we respond to challenges, how we approach
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How we approach what's in front of us.
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What's in front of us. i've written
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A devotional called today
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A devotional called today i choose: devotions
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I choose: devotions for a better life.
00:24:33.628 --> 00:24:35.063
For a better life. it's designed to help
00:24:35.130 --> 00:24:36.197
It's designed to help you make those choices
00:24:36.264 --> 00:24:37.232
You make those choices on purpose, to choose
00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:38.633
On purpose, to choose faith over fear
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Faith over fear and peace
00:24:39.968 --> 00:24:40.468
And peace over frustration
00:24:40.535 --> 00:24:41.536
Over frustration and kindness over offense.
00:24:41.603 --> 00:24:44.039
And kindness over offense. each day is filled
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Each day is filled with scripture
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With scripture and practical encouragement
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And practical encouragement to help you live
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To help you live with confidence and victory.
00:24:48.143 --> 00:24:50.078
With confidence and victory. you can't wait to see
00:24:50.145 --> 00:24:51.146
You can't wait to see what kind of day
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What kind of day it's going to be.
00:24:51.913 --> 00:24:52.681
It's going to be. you have to decide
00:24:52.747 --> 00:24:53.548
You have to decide ahead of time.
00:24:53.615 --> 00:24:54.649
Ahead of time. when you do,
00:24:54.716 --> 00:24:55.550
When you do, you can step into
00:24:55.617 --> 00:24:56.518
You can step into a more blessed, fulfilled life.
00:24:56.585 --> 00:24:58.853
A more blessed, fulfilled life. i'd love to send you a copy.
00:24:58.920 --> 00:25:01.022
I'd love to send you a copy. as our way of saying thank you
00:25:01.122 --> 00:25:02.691
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount,
00:25:02.757 --> 00:25:04.392
For your gift of any amount, we would like to
00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:05.093
We would like to send you a copy of today
00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:06.995
Send you a copy of today i choose: devotions
00:25:07.062 --> 00:25:08.663
I choose: devotions for a better life.
00:25:08.730 --> 00:25:09.998
Every day begins with a choice,
00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:12.067
Every day begins with a choice, and this inspiring book
00:25:12.133 --> 00:25:13.935
And this inspiring book is packed
00:25:14.002 --> 00:25:14.603
Is packed with powerful devotional truths
00:25:14.669 --> 00:25:16.538
With powerful devotional truths that will help you
00:25:16.605 --> 00:25:17.405
That will help you in the specific challenges
00:25:17.472 --> 00:25:18.907
In the specific challenges you face in life,
00:25:18.974 --> 00:25:20.241
You face in life, including: today,
00:25:20.308 --> 00:25:21.710
Including: today, i choose to
00:25:21.776 --> 00:25:22.677
I choose to turn down the noise,
00:25:22.744 --> 00:25:24.112
Turn down the noise, to believe
00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:24.913
To believe what i cannot see,
00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:26.214
What i cannot see, to be happy,
00:25:26.281 --> 00:25:27.382
To be happy, to trust god's timing.
00:25:27.449 --> 00:25:29.117
To trust god's timing. they will transform
00:25:29.184 --> 00:25:30.285
They will transform your attitude, your outlook,
00:25:30.352 --> 00:25:32.120
Your attitude, your outlook, your entire day.
00:25:32.187 --> 00:25:33.521
Your entire day. as you embrace
00:25:33.588 --> 00:25:34.422
As you embrace these biblical principles,
00:25:34.489 --> 00:25:36.024
These biblical principles, you'll see problems dissolve,
00:25:36.091 --> 00:25:38.059
You'll see problems dissolve, hope restored, mountains move.
00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:40.795
Choose the joy and happiness
00:25:40.895 --> 00:25:42.564
Choose the joy and happiness god has chosen for you.
00:25:42.631 --> 00:25:44.232
God has chosen for you. be sure to request
00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:45.433
Be sure to request your copy of today
00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.868
Your copy of today i choose: devotions
00:25:46.935 --> 00:25:48.536
I choose: devotions for a better life,
00:25:48.603 --> 00:25:49.638
For a better life, available this month
00:25:49.704 --> 00:25:50.972
Available this month by simply visiting us
00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:52.273
By simply visiting us at joelosteen.com
00:25:52.340 --> 00:25:53.975
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:25:54.042 --> 00:25:57.646
Or call 888-567-joel. call or click anytime,
00:25:57.712 --> 00:25:59.414
Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:25:59.481 --> 00:26:01.383
24 hours a day. when you make choices
00:26:01.449 --> 00:26:02.651
When you make choices based on what
00:26:02.717 --> 00:26:03.318
Based on what god says about you,
00:26:03.385 --> 00:26:04.786
God says about you, you're going to live happier,
00:26:04.853 --> 00:26:06.254
You're going to live happier, have more peace,
00:26:06.321 --> 00:26:07.255
Have more peace, and you'll be a bigger blessing
00:26:07.322 --> 00:26:09.124
And you'll be a bigger blessing to others.
00:26:09.190 --> 00:26:10.125
To others. thanks so much
00:26:10.191 --> 00:26:10.825
Thanks so much for being with us today.
00:26:10.892 --> 00:26:12.227
For being with us today. victoria and i pray for
00:26:12.293 --> 00:26:13.461
Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day.
00:26:13.561 --> 00:26:15.230
You and your family every day. we sure appreciate your prayer
00:26:15.330 --> 00:26:16.965
We sure appreciate your prayer and support.
00:26:17.032 --> 00:26:17.999
And support. your generosity
00:26:18.066 --> 00:26:19.300
Your generosity helps us
00:26:19.367 --> 00:26:19.834
Helps us take this message
00:26:19.901 --> 00:26:20.735
Take this message to people around the world.
00:26:20.802 --> 00:26:22.837
To people around the world. and a special
00:26:22.904 --> 00:26:23.271
And a special thank you to our champion
00:26:23.338 --> 00:26:24.572
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.573
Of hope partners for all you do
00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:26.341
For all you do to make the ministry possible.
00:26:26.441 --> 00:26:28.176
To make the ministry possible. and until we meet again,
00:26:28.243 --> 00:26:29.678
And until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:29.744 --> 00:26:30.645
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:30.712 --> 00:26:32.614
You and keep you. be sure to
00:26:32.681 --> 00:26:33.348
Be sure to request your copy of today
00:26:33.415 --> 00:26:35.250
Request your copy of today i choose: devotions
00:26:35.316 --> 00:26:36.851
I choose: devotions for a better life,
00:26:36.918 --> 00:26:38.019
For a better life, available this month
00:26:38.086 --> 00:26:39.320
Available this month by simply visiting us
00:26:39.387 --> 00:26:40.622
By simply visiting us at joelosteen.com
00:26:40.689 --> 00:26:42.424
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:42.490 --> 00:26:46.027
Or call 888-567-joel. call or click anytime,
00:26:46.094 --> 00:26:47.796
Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:26:47.862 --> 00:26:49.497
24 hours a day. you can also receive the today
00:26:49.597 --> 00:26:51.466
You can also receive the today i choose to rejoice
00:26:51.533 --> 00:26:52.834
I choose to rejoice signature edition art
00:26:52.901 --> 00:26:54.269
Signature edition art print created to encourage
00:26:54.335 --> 00:26:56.104
Print created to encourage faith
00:26:56.171 --> 00:26:56.504
Faith and purpose-filled living.
00:26:56.571 --> 00:26:58.173
And purpose-filled living. this beautifully-framed
00:26:58.239 --> 00:26:59.607
This beautifully-framed 12 by 15 art
00:26:59.674 --> 00:27:00.875
12 by 15 art piece features
00:27:00.942 --> 00:27:01.810
Piece features the powerful promise
00:27:01.876 --> 00:27:03.044
The powerful promise of psalm 118:24.
00:27:03.111 --> 00:27:05.346
Of psalm 118:24. this is the day
00:27:05.413 --> 00:27:06.381
This is the day the lord has made.
00:27:06.448 --> 00:27:07.649
The lord has made. we will rejoice
00:27:07.716 --> 00:27:08.717
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
00:27:08.783 --> 00:27:10.285
And be glad in it. choose every morning
00:27:10.351 --> 00:27:11.486
Choose every morning to begin
00:27:11.553 --> 00:27:12.020
To begin with a declaration of god's
00:27:12.087 --> 00:27:13.788
With a declaration of god's eternal promise.
00:27:13.855 --> 00:27:15.290
Eternal promise. you can request these
00:27:15.356 --> 00:27:16.391
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:16.458 --> 00:27:17.726
Inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
00:27:17.792 --> 00:27:20.895
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to joelosteen.com
00:27:20.962 --> 00:27:23.498
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:23.565 --> 00:27:24.332
Today. call or click anytime,
00:27:24.399 --> 00:27:26.067
Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:27:26.134 --> 00:27:28.903

Joel Osteen - Blessed In The Dark Places

June 4, 2026 | 27:29

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