Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - The Rain Is Coming

November 6, 2025 | 29:56

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

#Trials-HardTimes #Season #Discouragement #Struggle #Challenges #HandofGod #LoveofGod #Blessing #Faith #TrustGod

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - The Rain Is Coming | November 6, 2025

(applause)
00:00:10.066 --> 00:00:10.667
(applause) well, god bless you. it's
00:00:10.733 --> 00:00:11.501
(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
00:00:11.568 --> 00:00:13.503
Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our
00:00:13.570 --> 00:00:15.105
Always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a
00:00:15.171 --> 00:00:16.973
Homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
00:00:17.040 --> 00:00:19.576
Area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you
00:00:19.642 --> 00:00:21.077
Part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks
00:00:21.144 --> 00:00:22.645
I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in and thank
00:00:22.712 --> 00:00:23.980
Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out.
00:00:24.047 --> 00:00:25.949
So much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out. i like to start with something
00:00:26.015 --> 00:00:27.484
You again for coming out. i like to start with something funny. i heard about these
00:00:27.550 --> 00:00:28.718
I like to start with something funny. i heard about these three sons that left home, went
00:00:28.785 --> 00:00:30.620
Funny. i heard about these three sons that left home, went out and prospered.
00:00:30.687 --> 00:00:33.189
Three sons that left home, went out and prospered. they got back together to talk
00:00:33.256 --> 00:00:34.791
Out and prospered. they got back together to talk about the gifts they had bought
00:00:34.858 --> 00:00:35.992
They got back together to talk about the gifts they had bought their elderly mother.
00:00:36.059 --> 00:00:38.094
About the gifts they had bought their elderly mother. the first said, "i built mom a
00:00:38.161 --> 00:00:39.662
Their elderly mother. the first said, "i built mom a big house." the second said,
00:00:39.729 --> 00:00:42.165
The first said, "i built mom a big house." the second said, "i got her a fancy car." the
00:00:42.232 --> 00:00:44.467
Big house." the second said, "i got her a fancy car." the third said, "since mother loves
00:00:44.534 --> 00:00:46.236
"i got her a fancy car." the third said, "since mother loves to read the bible but she can
00:00:46.302 --> 00:00:48.371
Third said, "since mother loves to read the bible but she can barely see i got her a
00:00:48.438 --> 00:00:50.206
To read the bible but she can barely see i got her a specially trained parrot that
00:00:50.273 --> 00:00:52.308
Barely see i got her a specially trained parrot that can quote the entire bible."
00:00:52.375 --> 00:00:54.878
Specially trained parrot that can quote the entire bible." (laughter)
00:00:54.944 --> 00:00:55.945
Can quote the entire bible." (laughter) in a few months they got a
00:00:56.012 --> 00:00:56.813
(laughter) in a few months they got a letter from their mother.
00:00:56.880 --> 00:00:57.914
In a few months they got a letter from their mother. it said, "milton, the house you
00:00:57.981 --> 00:00:59.149
Letter from their mother. it said, "milton, the house you built me is way too big.
00:00:59.215 --> 00:01:00.783
It said, "milton, the house you built me is way too big. gerald, the car you bought me is
00:01:00.850 --> 00:01:02.552
Built me is way too big. gerald, the car you bought me is way too small. but my dearest
00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:04.387
Gerald, the car you bought me is way too small. but my dearest donald your simple gift was my
00:01:04.454 --> 00:01:06.990
Way too small. but my dearest donald your simple gift was my favorite. the chicken was
00:01:07.056 --> 00:01:08.658
Donald your simple gift was my favorite. the chicken was delicious." (applause)
00:01:08.725 --> 00:01:11.895
Favorite. the chicken was delicious." (applause) hold up your bible. say it like
00:01:11.961 --> 00:01:12.929
Delicious." (applause) hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
00:01:12.996 --> 00:01:14.197
Hold up your bible. say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
00:01:14.264 --> 00:01:15.365
You mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am.
00:01:15.431 --> 00:01:16.933
This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have.
00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:18.835
I am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do.
00:01:18.902 --> 00:01:21.504
I have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today, i will be taught the word
00:01:21.571 --> 00:01:22.906
I can do what it says i can do. today, i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess:
00:01:22.972 --> 00:01:25.074
Today, i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert.
00:01:25.141 --> 00:01:26.809
Of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
00:01:26.876 --> 00:01:28.344
My mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same.
00:01:28.411 --> 00:01:29.979
My heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name.
00:01:30.046 --> 00:01:31.414
I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
00:01:31.481 --> 00:01:34.384
In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
00:01:34.450 --> 00:01:35.251
God bless you. i want to talk to you today about the rain is coming. i was
00:01:35.318 --> 00:01:37.654
I want to talk to you today about the rain is coming. i was in africa years ago and there
00:01:37.720 --> 00:01:39.956
About the rain is coming. i was in africa years ago and there was a severe drought.
00:01:40.023 --> 00:01:42.358
In africa years ago and there was a severe drought. the ground was so dry that it
00:01:42.425 --> 00:01:44.093
Was a severe drought. the ground was so dry that it was breaking apart.
00:01:44.160 --> 00:01:45.728
The ground was so dry that it was breaking apart. the vegetation had all dried up.
00:01:45.795 --> 00:01:47.964
Was breaking apart. the vegetation had all dried up. the livestock couldn't survive.
00:01:48.031 --> 00:01:50.166
The vegetation had all dried up. the livestock couldn't survive. it was barren, empty, no life,
00:01:50.233 --> 00:01:53.570
The livestock couldn't survive. it was barren, empty, no life, all because there had been no
00:01:53.636 --> 00:01:55.071
It was barren, empty, no life, all because there had been no rain.
00:01:55.138 --> 00:01:56.706
All because there had been no rain. every person goes through times
00:01:56.773 --> 00:01:59.008
Rain. every person goes through times of drought, dry seasons, when we
00:01:59.075 --> 00:02:01.644
Every person goes through times of drought, dry seasons, when we don't see anything happening.
00:02:01.711 --> 00:02:03.646
Of drought, dry seasons, when we don't see anything happening. we've got big dreams. we're
00:02:03.713 --> 00:02:04.747
Don't see anything happening. we've got big dreams. we're standing on god's promises. but
00:02:04.814 --> 00:02:07.050
We've got big dreams. we're standing on god's promises. but we just don't see anything
00:02:07.116 --> 00:02:08.518
Standing on god's promises. but we just don't see anything changing. it's dry and barren.
00:02:08.585 --> 00:02:11.387
We just don't see anything changing. it's dry and barren. you can be blessed in one area
00:02:11.454 --> 00:02:13.456
Changing. it's dry and barren. you can be blessed in one area and in a drought in another.
00:02:13.523 --> 00:02:15.658
You can be blessed in one area and in a drought in another. have a successful career but
00:02:15.725 --> 00:02:17.427
And in a drought in another. have a successful career but you struggle in your marriage;
00:02:17.493 --> 00:02:19.762
Have a successful career but you struggle in your marriage; a drought in a relationship. or
00:02:19.829 --> 00:02:21.497
You struggle in your marriage; a drought in a relationship. or you can have a great marriage
00:02:21.564 --> 00:02:23.366
A drought in a relationship. or you can have a great marriage but you just don't feel well; a
00:02:23.433 --> 00:02:24.968
You can have a great marriage but you just don't feel well; a drought in your health.
00:02:25.034 --> 00:02:27.437
But you just don't feel well; a drought in your health. i know a lady; she has
00:02:27.503 --> 00:02:28.605
Drought in your health. i know a lady; she has everything going for her.
00:02:28.671 --> 00:02:29.939
I know a lady; she has everything going for her. she's beautiful, talented,
00:02:30.006 --> 00:02:31.174
Everything going for her. she's beautiful, talented, successful but year after year
00:02:31.241 --> 00:02:33.676
She's beautiful, talented, successful but year after year she struggles with the same
00:02:33.743 --> 00:02:35.345
Successful but year after year she struggles with the same addiction. it's easy to think,
00:02:35.411 --> 00:02:37.880
She struggles with the same addiction. it's easy to think, "this is the way it's always
00:02:37.947 --> 00:02:39.215
Addiction. it's easy to think, "this is the way it's always going to be. i'll always be
00:02:39.282 --> 00:02:40.783
"this is the way it's always going to be. i'll always be lonely. i'll always have to
00:02:40.850 --> 00:02:42.752
Going to be. i'll always be lonely. i'll always have to deal with this depression. i'll
00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:44.454
Lonely. i'll always have to deal with this depression. i'll always struggle in my
00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:45.588
Deal with this depression. i'll always struggle in my finances."
00:02:45.655 --> 00:02:46.723
Always struggle in my finances." psalm 68 says, "you sent an
00:02:46.789 --> 00:02:48.925
Finances." psalm 68 says, "you sent an abundant rain, oh god."
00:02:48.992 --> 00:02:52.161
Psalm 68 says, "you sent an abundant rain, oh god." why don't you get that in your
00:02:52.228 --> 00:02:53.296
Abundant rain, oh god." why don't you get that in your spirit? you're about to see an
00:02:53.363 --> 00:02:54.731
Why don't you get that in your spirit? you're about to see an abundant rain. every drought is
00:02:54.797 --> 00:02:58.167
Spirit? you're about to see an abundant rain. every drought is only temporary. that dry season
00:02:58.234 --> 00:03:01.037
Abundant rain. every drought is only temporary. that dry season is not going to last forever.
00:03:01.104 --> 00:03:03.339
Only temporary. that dry season is not going to last forever. why? the rain is coming.
00:03:03.406 --> 00:03:06.743
Is not going to last forever. why? the rain is coming. i have a friend that lost his
00:03:06.809 --> 00:03:08.778
Why? the rain is coming. i have a friend that lost his wife to cancer a while back.
00:03:08.845 --> 00:03:10.713
I have a friend that lost his wife to cancer a while back. they had been married for over
00:03:10.780 --> 00:03:11.781
Wife to cancer a while back. they had been married for over 30 years and been best friends
00:03:11.848 --> 00:03:13.650
They had been married for over 30 years and been best friends since high school. their sons
00:03:13.716 --> 00:03:15.318
30 years and been best friends since high school. their sons had grown up and were
00:03:15.385 --> 00:03:17.020
Since high school. their sons had grown up and were successful. just when they
00:03:17.086 --> 00:03:18.788
Had grown up and were successful. just when they thought they would step into
00:03:18.855 --> 00:03:19.956
Successful. just when they thought they would step into this new season, travel and
00:03:20.023 --> 00:03:21.958
Thought they would step into this new season, travel and enjoy each other's company, she
00:03:22.025 --> 00:03:23.726
This new season, travel and enjoy each other's company, she came down with this sickness.
00:03:23.793 --> 00:03:26.229
Enjoy each other's company, she came down with this sickness. for months and months he took
00:03:26.296 --> 00:03:27.797
Came down with this sickness. for months and months he took care of her, treated her like a
00:03:27.864 --> 00:03:29.832
For months and months he took care of her, treated her like a queen. she fought the good
00:03:29.899 --> 00:03:31.234
Care of her, treated her like a queen. she fought the good fight of faith. ended up going
00:03:31.301 --> 00:03:33.336
Queen. she fought the good fight of faith. ended up going to heaven. it was very
00:03:33.403 --> 00:03:35.305
Fight of faith. ended up going to heaven. it was very difficult on him. he's a strong
00:03:35.371 --> 00:03:37.006
To heaven. it was very difficult on him. he's a strong man, has a deep faith, but it
00:03:37.073 --> 00:03:39.275
Difficult on him. he's a strong man, has a deep faith, but it was harder than anything he
00:03:39.342 --> 00:03:41.044
Man, has a deep faith, but it was harder than anything he imagined. he told me how at his
00:03:41.110 --> 00:03:43.513
Was harder than anything he imagined. he told me how at his house alone at night he felt so
00:03:43.579 --> 00:03:46.849
Imagined. he told me how at his house alone at night he felt so lost, so empty. he'd reach over
00:03:46.916 --> 00:03:50.753
House alone at night he felt so lost, so empty. he'd reach over in bed and she wasn't there
00:03:50.820 --> 00:03:52.188
Lost, so empty. he'd reach over in bed and she wasn't there anymore. he never dreamed life
00:03:52.255 --> 00:03:53.823
In bed and she wasn't there anymore. he never dreamed life was going to turn out that way.
00:03:53.890 --> 00:03:56.826
Anymore. he never dreamed life was going to turn out that way. he was in a drought. he could
00:03:56.893 --> 00:03:58.294
Was going to turn out that way. he was in a drought. he could have gotten bitter, depressed.
00:03:58.361 --> 00:04:00.897
He was in a drought. he could have gotten bitter, depressed. it would have been easy to
00:04:00.963 --> 00:04:02.131
Have gotten bitter, depressed. it would have been easy to settle in that empty place but
00:04:02.198 --> 00:04:04.467
It would have been easy to settle in that empty place but he understood this principle
00:04:04.534 --> 00:04:07.236
Settle in that empty place but he understood this principle that the drought may come.
00:04:07.303 --> 00:04:10.273
He understood this principle that the drought may come. there are dry seasons where we
00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:12.475
That the drought may come. there are dry seasons where we feel empty but that is not the
00:04:12.542 --> 00:04:15.311
There are dry seasons where we feel empty but that is not the end of your story. rain is
00:04:15.378 --> 00:04:17.480
Feel empty but that is not the end of your story. rain is coming.
00:04:17.547 --> 00:04:19.716
End of your story. rain is coming. the scripture says, "weeping may
00:04:19.782 --> 00:04:20.983
Coming. the scripture says, "weeping may endure for a night but joy comes
00:04:21.050 --> 00:04:23.252
The scripture says, "weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning."
00:04:23.319 --> 00:04:25.188
Endure for a night but joy comes in the morning." rain can take a dry barren
00:04:25.254 --> 00:04:27.090
In the morning." rain can take a dry barren place and bring new life. it
00:04:27.156 --> 00:04:29.692
Rain can take a dry barren place and bring new life. it may have been that way for a
00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:31.160
Place and bring new life. it may have been that way for a month, for a year or for 20
00:04:31.227 --> 00:04:33.763
May have been that way for a month, for a year or for 20 years. but when the rain comes
00:04:33.830 --> 00:04:36.366
Month, for a year or for 20 years. but when the rain comes things that seem dead begin to
00:04:36.432 --> 00:04:38.368
Years. but when the rain comes things that seem dead begin to bloom, begin to blossom, begin
00:04:38.434 --> 00:04:40.670
Things that seem dead begin to bloom, begin to blossom, begin to flourish.
00:04:40.737 --> 00:04:42.171
Bloom, begin to blossom, begin to flourish. they just needed some rain.
00:04:42.238 --> 00:04:43.906
To flourish. they just needed some rain. what you may think is over and
00:04:43.973 --> 00:04:46.175
They just needed some rain. what you may think is over and done, the loss of a loved one,
00:04:46.242 --> 00:04:48.611
What you may think is over and done, the loss of a loved one, loss of a dream, loss of a
00:04:48.678 --> 00:04:49.979
Done, the loss of a loved one, loss of a dream, loss of a relationship, you feel lonely,
00:04:50.046 --> 00:04:52.448
Loss of a dream, loss of a relationship, you feel lonely, empty, like it could never
00:04:52.515 --> 00:04:54.016
Relationship, you feel lonely, empty, like it could never change, no, all you need is some
00:04:54.083 --> 00:04:56.486
Empty, like it could never change, no, all you need is some rain.
00:04:56.552 --> 00:04:58.554
Change, no, all you need is some rain. the god we serve is saying, "i'm
00:04:58.621 --> 00:05:00.423
Rain. the god we serve is saying, "i'm going to send rain to your
00:05:00.490 --> 00:05:02.225
The god we serve is saying, "i'm going to send rain to your barren places. it's not over.
00:05:02.291 --> 00:05:05.461
Going to send rain to your barren places. it's not over. i'm going to rain down new
00:05:05.528 --> 00:05:06.796
Barren places. it's not over. i'm going to rain down new opportunities, new
00:05:06.863 --> 00:05:08.398
I'm going to rain down new opportunities, new relationships, new ideas, new
00:05:08.464 --> 00:05:10.333
Opportunities, new relationships, new ideas, new dreams."
00:05:10.400 --> 00:05:12.468
Relationships, new ideas, new dreams." not long ago my friend met a
00:05:12.535 --> 00:05:14.404
Dreams." not long ago my friend met a young lady that had never been
00:05:14.470 --> 00:05:16.773
Not long ago my friend met a young lady that had never been married before. they hit it off
00:05:16.839 --> 00:05:18.174
Young lady that had never been married before. they hit it off and started dating. recently,
00:05:18.241 --> 00:05:20.410
Married before. they hit it off and started dating. recently, they got engaged. now he's got
00:05:20.476 --> 00:05:23.012
And started dating. recently, they got engaged. now he's got that spring back in his step.
00:05:23.079 --> 00:05:25.615
They got engaged. now he's got that spring back in his step. weeping endured for a night but
00:05:25.681 --> 00:05:27.350
That spring back in his step. weeping endured for a night but joy came. he was in a barren
00:05:27.417 --> 00:05:29.419
Weeping endured for a night but joy came. he was in a barren place but god rained down
00:05:29.485 --> 00:05:31.187
Joy came. he was in a barren place but god rained down favor.
00:05:31.254 --> 00:05:32.755
Place but god rained down favor. some of you today, you're in
00:05:32.822 --> 00:05:34.223
Favor. some of you today, you're in that dry place. things haven't
00:05:34.290 --> 00:05:35.825
Some of you today, you're in that dry place. things haven't turned out the way you've
00:05:35.892 --> 00:05:37.293
That dry place. things haven't turned out the way you've hoped, been through some
00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:38.895
Turned out the way you've hoped, been through some difficulties, but that is not
00:05:38.961 --> 00:05:40.797
Hoped, been through some difficulties, but that is not the end. joy is coming. you may
00:05:40.863 --> 00:05:44.000
Difficulties, but that is not the end. joy is coming. you may be in a drought but rain is
00:05:44.066 --> 00:05:46.135
The end. joy is coming. you may be in a drought but rain is headed your way. this is your
00:05:46.202 --> 00:05:48.371
Be in a drought but rain is headed your way. this is your year to bloom, to blossom, to
00:05:48.438 --> 00:05:51.674
Headed your way. this is your year to bloom, to blossom, to flourish. it's your year to see
00:05:51.741 --> 00:05:53.910
Year to bloom, to blossom, to flourish. it's your year to see new growth, new opportunities.
00:05:53.976 --> 00:05:57.180
Flourish. it's your year to see new growth, new opportunities. god is about to rain down his
00:05:57.246 --> 00:05:59.282
New growth, new opportunities. god is about to rain down his favor in abundance. he is going
00:05:59.348 --> 00:06:02.018
God is about to rain down his favor in abundance. he is going to turn your mourning into
00:06:02.084 --> 00:06:03.653
Favor in abundance. he is going to turn your mourning into dancing, your sorrow into joy,
00:06:03.719 --> 00:06:07.523
To turn your mourning into dancing, your sorrow into joy, your loneliness into love.
00:06:07.590 --> 00:06:10.359
Dancing, your sorrow into joy, your loneliness into love. he is going to give you beauty
00:06:10.426 --> 00:06:11.727
Your loneliness into love. he is going to give you beauty for those ashes. the drought is
00:06:11.794 --> 00:06:13.162
He is going to give you beauty for those ashes. the drought is coming to an end.
00:06:13.229 --> 00:06:15.598
For those ashes. the drought is coming to an end. first kings, chapter 18, the
00:06:15.665 --> 00:06:17.433
Coming to an end. first kings, chapter 18, the samaritans had been in a great
00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:19.235
First kings, chapter 18, the samaritans had been in a great famine. for three and a half
00:06:19.302 --> 00:06:21.037
Samaritans had been in a great famine. for three and a half years there had been no rain.
00:06:21.103 --> 00:06:22.505
Famine. for three and a half years there had been no rain. the people barely had food,
00:06:22.572 --> 00:06:24.574
Years there had been no rain. the people barely had food, barely were surviving. the
00:06:24.640 --> 00:06:26.175
The people barely had food, barely were surviving. the prophet elijah showed up and
00:06:26.242 --> 00:06:28.177
Barely were surviving. the prophet elijah showed up and said to king ahab, "i hear the
00:06:28.244 --> 00:06:31.013
Prophet elijah showed up and said to king ahab, "i hear the sound of the abundance of rain."
00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:34.617
Said to king ahab, "i hear the sound of the abundance of rain." when he said that there wasn't a
00:06:34.684 --> 00:06:36.319
Sound of the abundance of rain." when he said that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. no sign of
00:06:36.385 --> 00:06:38.254
When he said that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. no sign of rain yet he chose to believe
00:06:38.321 --> 00:06:41.390
Cloud in the sky. no sign of rain yet he chose to believe what he heard in his spirit in
00:06:41.457 --> 00:06:43.593
Rain yet he chose to believe what he heard in his spirit in spite of what he saw. with his
00:06:43.659 --> 00:06:46.796
What he heard in his spirit in spite of what he saw. with his eyes he saw drought, famine,
00:06:46.863 --> 00:06:49.665
Spite of what he saw. with his eyes he saw drought, famine, barrenness, but down in here he
00:06:49.732 --> 00:06:51.567
Eyes he saw drought, famine, barrenness, but down in here he heard the sound of abundance of
00:06:51.634 --> 00:06:53.302
Barrenness, but down in here he heard the sound of abundance of rain.
00:06:53.369 --> 00:06:54.904
Heard the sound of abundance of rain. this is what faith is all
00:06:54.971 --> 00:06:56.606
Rain. this is what faith is all about. you've got to believe
00:06:56.672 --> 00:06:57.840
This is what faith is all about. you've got to believe what you hear in your heart
00:06:57.907 --> 00:06:59.942
About. you've got to believe what you hear in your heart even when what you see is just
00:07:00.009 --> 00:07:01.944
What you hear in your heart even when what you see is just the opposite.
00:07:02.011 --> 00:07:03.946
Even when what you see is just the opposite. you hear abundance but you may
00:07:04.013 --> 00:07:05.748
The opposite. you hear abundance but you may see lack. you hear health but
00:07:05.815 --> 00:07:07.984
You hear abundance but you may see lack. you hear health but you may see sickness. you hear
00:07:08.050 --> 00:07:09.986
See lack. you hear health but you may see sickness. you hear rain but you may look around
00:07:10.052 --> 00:07:11.954
You may see sickness. you hear rain but you may look around and see drought.
00:07:12.021 --> 00:07:14.524
Rain but you may look around and see drought. i'm sure ahab thought, "old
00:07:14.590 --> 00:07:16.058
And see drought. i'm sure ahab thought, "old elijah, the heat must be getting
00:07:16.125 --> 00:07:17.860
I'm sure ahab thought, "old elijah, the heat must be getting to him because there's not a
00:07:17.927 --> 00:07:19.095
Elijah, the heat must be getting to him because there's not a cloud in the sky. it's not
00:07:19.161 --> 00:07:20.496
To him because there's not a cloud in the sky. it's not going to rain."
00:07:20.563 --> 00:07:22.198
Cloud in the sky. it's not going to rain." it's easy to talk yourself out
00:07:22.265 --> 00:07:23.699
Going to rain." it's easy to talk yourself out of what god wants to do.
00:07:23.766 --> 00:07:25.935
It's easy to talk yourself out of what god wants to do. god is saying, "there's about to
00:07:26.002 --> 00:07:27.637
Of what god wants to do. god is saying, "there's about to be an abundance of favor in your
00:07:27.703 --> 00:07:29.539
God is saying, "there's about to be an abundance of favor in your life. the drought is coming to
00:07:29.605 --> 00:07:31.040
Be an abundance of favor in your life. the drought is coming to an end. you're going to see
00:07:31.107 --> 00:07:34.176
Life. the drought is coming to an end. you're going to see healing, restoration, new
00:07:34.243 --> 00:07:35.678
An end. you're going to see healing, restoration, new opportunities, new growth."
00:07:35.745 --> 00:07:38.748
Healing, restoration, new opportunities, new growth." now don't be like king ahab,
00:07:38.814 --> 00:07:40.583
Opportunities, new growth." now don't be like king ahab, look around, "no, i don't think
00:07:40.650 --> 00:07:42.451
Now don't be like king ahab, look around, "no, i don't think so, joel." "the medical report
00:07:42.518 --> 00:07:44.186
Look around, "no, i don't think so, joel." "the medical report is still bad." "my child is
00:07:44.253 --> 00:07:46.088
So, joel." "the medical report is still bad." "my child is still acting up." "i'll never
00:07:46.155 --> 00:07:47.423
Is still bad." "my child is still acting up." "i'll never meet the right person."
00:07:47.490 --> 00:07:49.191
Still acting up." "i'll never meet the right person." no, why don't you be like elijah
00:07:49.258 --> 00:07:50.526
Meet the right person." no, why don't you be like elijah and have a boldness to believe
00:07:50.593 --> 00:07:54.163
No, why don't you be like elijah and have a boldness to believe what god has put in your heart?
00:07:54.230 --> 00:07:55.831
And have a boldness to believe what god has put in your heart? why don't you start declaring,
00:07:55.898 --> 00:07:57.033
What god has put in your heart? why don't you start declaring, "the rain is coming.
00:07:57.099 --> 00:07:59.101
Why don't you start declaring, "the rain is coming. elijah went on top of mount
00:07:59.168 --> 00:08:00.269
"the rain is coming. elijah went on top of mount carmel. he asked his assistant
00:08:00.336 --> 00:08:02.738
Elijah went on top of mount carmel. he asked his assistant to go look on the other side of
00:08:02.805 --> 00:08:04.740
Carmel. he asked his assistant to go look on the other side of the mountain and see if there's
00:08:04.807 --> 00:08:06.609
To go look on the other side of the mountain and see if there's any sign of rain. he put
00:08:06.676 --> 00:08:08.611
The mountain and see if there's any sign of rain. he put actions behind his faith.
00:08:08.678 --> 00:08:10.913
Any sign of rain. he put actions behind his faith. he was expecting it to change.
00:08:10.980 --> 00:08:13.049
Actions behind his faith. he was expecting it to change. the assistant came back and
00:08:13.115 --> 00:08:14.483
He was expecting it to change. the assistant came back and said, "no, elijah. there's not
00:08:14.550 --> 00:08:15.718
The assistant came back and said, "no, elijah. there's not a cloud in the sky. it's not
00:08:15.785 --> 00:08:17.153
Said, "no, elijah. there's not a cloud in the sky. it's not going to rain."
00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:19.789
A cloud in the sky. it's not going to rain." elijah didn't get discouraged.
00:08:19.855 --> 00:08:22.058
Going to rain." elijah didn't get discouraged. he didn't think, "well, i must
00:08:22.124 --> 00:08:23.092
Elijah didn't get discouraged. he didn't think, "well, i must have heard god wrong."
00:08:23.159 --> 00:08:24.627
He didn't think, "well, i must have heard god wrong." he told him to go back and look
00:08:24.694 --> 00:08:25.695
Have heard god wrong." he told him to go back and look again. he went and came back
00:08:25.761 --> 00:08:28.331
He told him to go back and look again. he went and came back with the same report, "nothing.
00:08:28.397 --> 00:08:30.766
Again. he went and came back with the same report, "nothing. no clouds." this happened six
00:08:30.833 --> 00:08:32.868
With the same report, "nothing. no clouds." this happened six times.
00:08:32.935 --> 00:08:34.870
No clouds." this happened six times. if you're going to see abundance
00:08:34.937 --> 00:08:36.405
Times. if you're going to see abundance you can't let people talk you
00:08:36.472 --> 00:08:38.174
If you're going to see abundance you can't let people talk you out of what god put in your
00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:39.775
You can't let people talk you out of what god put in your heart. don't let words of doubt
00:08:39.842 --> 00:08:42.244
Out of what god put in your heart. don't let words of doubt and discouragement take root.
00:08:42.311 --> 00:08:44.780
Heart. don't let words of doubt and discouragement take root. people may tell you things like,
00:08:44.847 --> 00:08:46.148
And discouragement take root. people may tell you things like, "do you really think you're
00:08:46.215 --> 00:08:47.316
People may tell you things like, "do you really think you're going to get well? my
00:08:47.383 --> 00:08:48.417
"do you really think you're going to get well? my grandmother died of that same
00:08:48.484 --> 00:08:49.585
Going to get well? my grandmother died of that same disease."
00:08:49.652 --> 00:08:50.920
Grandmother died of that same disease." "do you think you're going to
00:08:50.987 --> 00:08:51.687
Disease." "do you think you're going to get that position? i don't
00:08:51.754 --> 00:08:52.755
"do you think you're going to get that position? i don't think you're really qualified."
00:08:52.822 --> 00:08:54.256
Get that position? i don't think you're really qualified." let that go in one ear and out
00:08:54.323 --> 00:08:56.092
Think you're really qualified." let that go in one ear and out the other. people don't
00:08:56.158 --> 00:08:57.693
Let that go in one ear and out the other. people don't determine your destiny.
00:08:57.760 --> 00:08:59.295
The other. people don't determine your destiny. god does. (applause)
00:08:59.362 --> 00:09:01.897
Determine your destiny. god does. (applause) what you hear in your spirit is
00:09:01.964 --> 00:09:04.734
God does. (applause) what you hear in your spirit is more powerful than any negative
00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:08.170
What you hear in your spirit is more powerful than any negative words that have been spoken over
00:09:08.237 --> 00:09:09.338
More powerful than any negative words that have been spoken over you. if you will listen
00:09:09.405 --> 00:09:11.240
Words that have been spoken over you. if you will listen carefully you'll hear the sound
00:09:11.307 --> 00:09:12.908
You. if you will listen carefully you'll hear the sound of abundance, the sound of
00:09:12.975 --> 00:09:14.744
Carefully you'll hear the sound of abundance, the sound of increase, the sound of new
00:09:14.810 --> 00:09:16.579
Of abundance, the sound of increase, the sound of new levels. that's the creator of
00:09:16.646 --> 00:09:19.248
Increase, the sound of new levels. that's the creator of the universe calling out your
00:09:19.315 --> 00:09:21.417
Levels. that's the creator of the universe calling out your seeds of greatness. god does
00:09:21.484 --> 00:09:23.819
The universe calling out your seeds of greatness. god does not want you to stay where you
00:09:23.886 --> 00:09:25.488
Seeds of greatness. god does not want you to stay where you are. he's got new levels.
00:09:25.554 --> 00:09:27.423
Not want you to stay where you are. he's got new levels. but you've got to get into
00:09:27.490 --> 00:09:28.924
Are. he's got new levels. but you've got to get into agreement with him. you've got
00:09:28.991 --> 00:09:30.559
But you've got to get into agreement with him. you've got to ignite this moment and say,
00:09:30.626 --> 00:09:32.762
Agreement with him. you've got to ignite this moment and say, "yes, this is for me today. my
00:09:32.828 --> 00:09:34.764
To ignite this moment and say, "yes, this is for me today. my child may be off course but i'm
00:09:34.830 --> 00:09:36.866
"yes, this is for me today. my child may be off course but i'm not worried. i hear the sound
00:09:36.932 --> 00:09:39.101
Child may be off course but i'm not worried. i hear the sound of restoration. i know the rain
00:09:39.168 --> 00:09:40.903
Not worried. i hear the sound of restoration. i know the rain is coming."
00:09:40.970 --> 00:09:42.805
Of restoration. i know the rain is coming." "i may not feel well. i'm not
00:09:42.872 --> 00:09:44.373
Is coming." "i may not feel well. i'm not discouraged. i hear the sound
00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:45.908
"i may not feel well. i'm not discouraged. i hear the sound of healing."
00:09:45.975 --> 00:09:47.810
Discouraged. i hear the sound of healing." "i went through a loss. i'm not
00:09:47.877 --> 00:09:48.978
Of healing." "i went through a loss. i'm not living depressed. i hear the
00:09:49.045 --> 00:09:50.646
"i went through a loss. i'm not living depressed. i hear the sound of new beginnings. i know
00:09:50.713 --> 00:09:53.015
Living depressed. i hear the sound of new beginnings. i know the drought is ending and the
00:09:53.082 --> 00:09:54.517
Sound of new beginnings. i know the drought is ending and the rain is coming."
00:09:54.583 --> 00:09:56.719
The drought is ending and the rain is coming." when i look out at you, do you
00:09:56.786 --> 00:09:58.354
Rain is coming." when i look out at you, do you know what i hear? the sound of
00:09:58.421 --> 00:09:59.755
When i look out at you, do you know what i hear? the sound of dreams coming to pass.
00:09:59.822 --> 00:10:01.524
Know what i hear? the sound of dreams coming to pass. the sound of marriages being
00:10:01.590 --> 00:10:02.858
Dreams coming to pass. the sound of marriages being restored. the sound of that
00:10:02.925 --> 00:10:04.627
The sound of marriages being restored. the sound of that baby you've been believing for.
00:10:04.694 --> 00:10:06.729
Restored. the sound of that baby you've been believing for. the sound of divine connections.
00:10:06.796 --> 00:10:09.398
Baby you've been believing for. the sound of divine connections. you meeting the right person.
00:10:09.465 --> 00:10:11.400
The sound of divine connections. you meeting the right person. i hear the sound of new
00:10:11.467 --> 00:10:12.535
You meeting the right person. i hear the sound of new opportunities. it's the sound
00:10:12.601 --> 00:10:13.836
I hear the sound of new opportunities. it's the sound of abundance.
00:10:13.903 --> 00:10:16.205
Opportunities. it's the sound of abundance. on the seventh time, the
00:10:16.272 --> 00:10:18.074
Of abundance. on the seventh time, the assistant came back and said,
00:10:18.140 --> 00:10:19.842
On the seventh time, the assistant came back and said, "elijah, this time i saw a small
00:10:19.909 --> 00:10:22.111
Assistant came back and said, "elijah, this time i saw a small cloud in the sky. it wasn't
00:10:22.178 --> 00:10:24.513
"elijah, this time i saw a small cloud in the sky. it wasn't much. don't get your hopes up.
00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:26.749
Cloud in the sky. it wasn't much. don't get your hopes up. it was just about the size of a
00:10:26.816 --> 00:10:28.684
Much. don't get your hopes up. it was just about the size of a man's hand."
00:10:28.751 --> 00:10:30.553
It was just about the size of a man's hand." one thing i love about god is he
00:10:30.619 --> 00:10:33.089
Man's hand." one thing i love about god is he can take something small and
00:10:33.155 --> 00:10:34.790
One thing i love about god is he can take something small and turn it into much. god doesn't
00:10:34.857 --> 00:10:37.226
Can take something small and turn it into much. god doesn't need the whole sky to be filled
00:10:37.293 --> 00:10:39.962
Turn it into much. god doesn't need the whole sky to be filled with clouds. he can take a tiny
00:10:40.029 --> 00:10:42.031
Need the whole sky to be filled with clouds. he can take a tiny little cloud. most people would
00:10:42.098 --> 00:10:43.999
With clouds. he can take a tiny little cloud. most people would dismiss it. "it's nothing. it's
00:10:44.066 --> 00:10:46.669
Little cloud. most people would dismiss it. "it's nothing. it's insignificant." yet god can
00:10:46.736 --> 00:10:48.237
Dismiss it. "it's nothing. it's insignificant." yet god can bring a downpour out of it.
00:10:48.304 --> 00:10:50.439
Insignificant." yet god can bring a downpour out of it. what am i saying? you don't
00:10:50.506 --> 00:10:51.674
Bring a downpour out of it. what am i saying? you don't need a bunch of people behind
00:10:51.741 --> 00:10:53.442
What am i saying? you don't need a bunch of people behind you. you just need the right
00:10:53.509 --> 00:10:55.144
Need a bunch of people behind you. you just need the right person behind you. (applause)
00:10:55.211 --> 00:10:57.613
You. you just need the right person behind you. (applause) you don't have to be the most
00:10:57.680 --> 00:10:59.582
Person behind you. (applause) you don't have to be the most powerful, the most influential.
00:10:59.648 --> 00:11:01.550
You don't have to be the most powerful, the most influential. god used a teenage girl named
00:11:01.617 --> 00:11:04.887
Powerful, the most influential. god used a teenage girl named esther, an orphan, to save all
00:11:04.954 --> 00:11:07.056
God used a teenage girl named esther, an orphan, to save all of israel.
00:11:07.123 --> 00:11:08.958
Esther, an orphan, to save all of israel. god used a donkey to speak to a
00:11:09.024 --> 00:11:10.559
Of israel. god used a donkey to speak to a prophet. no offense, but most
00:11:10.626 --> 00:11:13.329
God used a donkey to speak to a prophet. no offense, but most of us don't pay any attention
00:11:13.395 --> 00:11:14.597
Prophet. no offense, but most of us don't pay any attention to a donkey. it's
00:11:14.663 --> 00:11:16.165
Of us don't pay any attention to a donkey. it's insignificant.
00:11:16.232 --> 00:11:17.233
To a donkey. it's insignificant. god used a slingshot and a few
00:11:17.299 --> 00:11:19.034
Insignificant. god used a slingshot and a few stones to defeat goliath and put
00:11:19.101 --> 00:11:21.570
God used a slingshot and a few stones to defeat goliath and put david, a shepherd boy with no
00:11:21.637 --> 00:11:24.840
Stones to defeat goliath and put david, a shepherd boy with no training on the throne of
00:11:24.907 --> 00:11:27.209
David, a shepherd boy with no training on the throne of israel.
00:11:27.276 --> 00:11:28.043
Training on the throne of israel. don't discount the little cloud.
00:11:28.110 --> 00:11:30.045
Israel. don't discount the little cloud. god can take something small and
00:11:30.112 --> 00:11:31.514
Don't discount the little cloud. god can take something small and turn it into something great.
00:11:31.580 --> 00:11:33.082
God can take something small and turn it into something great. (applause)
00:11:33.149 --> 00:11:35.151
Turn it into something great. (applause) that's how lakewood got
00:11:35.217 --> 00:11:36.152
(applause) that's how lakewood got started. (applause)
00:11:36.218 --> 00:11:37.486
That's how lakewood got started. (applause) in 1959, my dad decided to
00:11:37.553 --> 00:11:39.054
Started. (applause) in 1959, my dad decided to leave the church he was
00:11:39.121 --> 00:11:40.356
In 1959, my dad decided to leave the church he was pastoring. he felt limited by
00:11:40.422 --> 00:11:42.691
Leave the church he was pastoring. he felt limited by the denomination he was in. he
00:11:42.758 --> 00:11:44.460
Pastoring. he felt limited by the denomination he was in. he heard the sound of something
00:11:44.527 --> 00:11:45.861
The denomination he was in. he heard the sound of something bigger on the inside. daddy
00:11:45.928 --> 00:11:47.863
Heard the sound of something bigger on the inside. daddy wanted to start a new church
00:11:47.930 --> 00:11:49.632
Bigger on the inside. daddy wanted to start a new church but he didn't have any money.
00:11:49.698 --> 00:11:51.367
Wanted to start a new church but he didn't have any money. he didn't have a building.
00:11:51.433 --> 00:11:53.235
But he didn't have any money. he didn't have a building. there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
00:11:53.302 --> 00:11:56.005
He didn't have a building. there wasn't a cloud in the sky. but one of his neighbors said,
00:11:56.071 --> 00:11:57.273
There wasn't a cloud in the sky. but one of his neighbors said, "john, i've got an old rundown
00:11:57.339 --> 00:11:59.642
But one of his neighbors said, "john, i've got an old rundown feed store that we're not using
00:11:59.708 --> 00:12:01.710
"john, i've got an old rundown feed store that we're not using anymore. you're welcome to hold
00:12:01.777 --> 00:12:03.479
Feed store that we're not using anymore. you're welcome to hold your services there."
00:12:03.546 --> 00:12:05.815
Anymore. you're welcome to hold your services there." this little wood frame building
00:12:05.881 --> 00:12:07.950
Your services there." this little wood frame building had holes in the floor. it
00:12:08.017 --> 00:12:09.518
This little wood frame building had holes in the floor. it still had hay and feed in it.
00:12:09.585 --> 00:12:11.854
Had holes in the floor. it still had hay and feed in it. my parents and some others, they
00:12:11.921 --> 00:12:13.522
Still had hay and feed in it. my parents and some others, they cleaned it out, put 90 wooden
00:12:13.589 --> 00:12:14.824
My parents and some others, they cleaned it out, put 90 wooden chairs and started lakewood
00:12:14.890 --> 00:12:16.792
Cleaned it out, put 90 wooden chairs and started lakewood church. we've come a long way,
00:12:16.859 --> 00:12:18.928
Chairs and started lakewood church. we've come a long way, baby. don't despise the day of
00:12:18.994 --> 00:12:20.930
Church. we've come a long way, baby. don't despise the day of small beginnings. (applause)
00:12:20.996 --> 00:12:24.700
Baby. don't despise the day of small beginnings. (applause) some of you, like elijah, all
00:12:24.767 --> 00:12:26.635
Small beginnings. (applause) some of you, like elijah, all you can see is a little cloud, a
00:12:26.702 --> 00:12:28.938
Some of you, like elijah, all you can see is a little cloud, a little glimmer of hope. it
00:12:29.004 --> 00:12:30.673
You can see is a little cloud, a little glimmer of hope. it doesn't look like much. every
00:12:30.739 --> 00:12:32.274
Little glimmer of hope. it doesn't look like much. every voice tells you, "don't get
00:12:32.341 --> 00:12:33.709
Doesn't look like much. every voice tells you, "don't get your hopes up. you're going to
00:12:33.776 --> 00:12:35.077
Voice tells you, "don't get your hopes up. you're going to be disappointed again. nothing
00:12:35.144 --> 00:12:36.579
Your hopes up. you're going to be disappointed again. nothing is going to change."
00:12:36.645 --> 00:12:37.680
Be disappointed again. nothing is going to change." i want to tell you just the
00:12:37.746 --> 00:12:38.848
Is going to change." i want to tell you just the opposite. get your hopes up.
00:12:38.914 --> 00:12:41.116
I want to tell you just the opposite. get your hopes up. find your umbrella. put your
00:12:41.183 --> 00:12:43.085
Opposite. get your hopes up. find your umbrella. put your raincoat on. god is about to
00:12:43.152 --> 00:12:44.720
Find your umbrella. put your raincoat on. god is about to rain down an abundance of
00:12:44.787 --> 00:12:46.755
Raincoat on. god is about to rain down an abundance of favor. there is going to be an
00:12:46.822 --> 00:12:48.157
Rain down an abundance of favor. there is going to be an abundance of goodness in your
00:12:48.224 --> 00:12:49.792
Favor. there is going to be an abundance of goodness in your life. god has done it in the
00:12:49.859 --> 00:12:51.594
Abundance of goodness in your life. god has done it in the past. he is going to do it in
00:12:51.660 --> 00:12:53.429
Life. god has done it in the past. he is going to do it in the future. that drought is
00:12:53.495 --> 00:12:54.964
Past. he is going to do it in the future. that drought is coming to an end.
00:12:55.030 --> 00:12:57.166
The future. that drought is coming to an end. a few months ago i was in my
00:12:57.233 --> 00:12:58.500
Coming to an end. a few months ago i was in my backyard. it's a beautiful day,
00:12:58.567 --> 00:13:01.003
A few months ago i was in my backyard. it's a beautiful day, sunny, blue and clear. i was in
00:13:01.070 --> 00:13:03.138
Backyard. it's a beautiful day, sunny, blue and clear. i was in a lawn chair just relaxing,
00:13:03.205 --> 00:13:05.207
Sunny, blue and clear. i was in a lawn chair just relaxing, enjoying the day. all of the
00:13:05.274 --> 00:13:07.276
A lawn chair just relaxing, enjoying the day. all of the sudden, out of nowhere, it
00:13:07.343 --> 00:13:08.978
Enjoying the day. all of the sudden, out of nowhere, it began to rain.
00:13:09.044 --> 00:13:11.480
Sudden, out of nowhere, it began to rain. i did not see one cloud in the
00:13:11.547 --> 00:13:13.716
Began to rain. i did not see one cloud in the sky. it was as blue as can be.
00:13:13.782 --> 00:13:16.318
I did not see one cloud in the sky. it was as blue as can be. the sun was out very bright.
00:13:16.385 --> 00:13:18.587
Sky. it was as blue as can be. the sun was out very bright. but for about three minutes
00:13:18.654 --> 00:13:19.955
The sun was out very bright. but for about three minutes there was this downpour.
00:13:20.022 --> 00:13:21.757
But for about three minutes there was this downpour. i thought, "where is this rain
00:13:21.824 --> 00:13:22.424
There was this downpour. i thought, "where is this rain coming from?" it was like god
00:13:22.491 --> 00:13:24.526
I thought, "where is this rain coming from?" it was like god said, "joel, i can make it rain
00:13:24.593 --> 00:13:26.695
Coming from?" it was like god said, "joel, i can make it rain whenever i want to. i can use a
00:13:26.762 --> 00:13:29.131
Said, "joel, i can make it rain whenever i want to. i can use a little cloud, a big cloud, or
00:13:29.198 --> 00:13:32.134
Whenever i want to. i can use a little cloud, a big cloud, or no cloud. i'm god. i'm the all
00:13:32.201 --> 00:13:35.571
Little cloud, a big cloud, or no cloud. i'm god. i'm the all powerful creator of the
00:13:35.638 --> 00:13:37.740
No cloud. i'm god. i'm the all powerful creator of the universe. when i say rain i
00:13:37.806 --> 00:13:40.209
Powerful creator of the universe. when i say rain i don't need a cloud." (applause)
00:13:40.276 --> 00:13:44.280
Universe. when i say rain i don't need a cloud." (applause) "when i say healing i don't
00:13:44.346 --> 00:13:45.614
Don't need a cloud." (applause) "when i say healing i don't have to have medicine. when i
00:13:45.681 --> 00:13:47.750
"when i say healing i don't have to have medicine. when i say promotion i don't need your
00:13:47.816 --> 00:13:48.984
Have to have medicine. when i say promotion i don't need your boss's approval. when i say
00:13:49.051 --> 00:13:51.053
Say promotion i don't need your boss's approval. when i say abundance i don't need a bank."
00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:54.490
Boss's approval. when i say abundance i don't need a bank." "i'm not limited by the natural.
00:13:54.556 --> 00:13:56.325
Abundance i don't need a bank." "i'm not limited by the natural. i'm a supernatural god."
00:13:56.392 --> 00:13:57.960
"i'm not limited by the natural. i'm a supernatural god." (applause)
00:13:58.027 --> 00:14:00.296
I'm a supernatural god." (applause) all of your circumstances may
00:14:00.362 --> 00:14:01.764
(applause) all of your circumstances may say, "you'll never get well.
00:14:01.830 --> 00:14:03.999
All of your circumstances may say, "you'll never get well. you'll never get out of debt.
00:14:04.066 --> 00:14:05.367
Say, "you'll never get well. you'll never get out of debt. you'll never accomplish your
00:14:05.434 --> 00:14:06.402
You'll never get out of debt. you'll never accomplish your dreams. there's not a cloud in
00:14:06.468 --> 00:14:07.836
You'll never accomplish your dreams. there's not a cloud in the sky." but take heart.
00:14:07.903 --> 00:14:10.940
Dreams. there's not a cloud in the sky." but take heart. he is still god. he is still on
00:14:11.006 --> 00:14:12.508
The sky." but take heart. he is still god. he is still on the throne. he doesn't need a
00:14:12.574 --> 00:14:14.310
He is still god. he is still on the throne. he doesn't need a cloud to make it rain.
00:14:14.376 --> 00:14:17.713
The throne. he doesn't need a cloud to make it rain. i met a man after our services a
00:14:17.780 --> 00:14:19.315
Cloud to make it rain. i met a man after our services a while back. he had had 90% of
00:14:19.381 --> 00:14:21.450
I met a man after our services a while back. he had had 90% of his vocal chords removed. he
00:14:21.517 --> 00:14:24.053
While back. he had had 90% of his vocal chords removed. he had some kind of infection. it
00:14:24.119 --> 00:14:25.921
His vocal chords removed. he had some kind of infection. it wouldn't go away. finally, the
00:14:25.988 --> 00:14:27.556
Had some kind of infection. it wouldn't go away. finally, the doctors had to remove them.
00:14:27.623 --> 00:14:29.758
Wouldn't go away. finally, the doctors had to remove them. he was told that he would never
00:14:29.825 --> 00:14:31.193
Doctors had to remove them. he was told that he would never be able to speak, that he might
00:14:31.260 --> 00:14:33.162
He was told that he would never be able to speak, that he might be able to make some sounds but
00:14:33.228 --> 00:14:34.530
Be able to speak, that he might be able to make some sounds but he would never be able to speak.
00:14:34.596 --> 00:14:37.066
Be able to make some sounds but he would never be able to speak. but he talked to me just like
00:14:37.132 --> 00:14:38.968
He would never be able to speak. but he talked to me just like i'm talking to you. i didn't
00:14:39.034 --> 00:14:40.903
But he talked to me just like i'm talking to you. i didn't know anything was wrong.
00:14:40.970 --> 00:14:42.805
I'm talking to you. i didn't know anything was wrong. the doctors couldn't explain it.
00:14:42.871 --> 00:14:44.707
Know anything was wrong. the doctors couldn't explain it. they said, "medically speaking,
00:14:44.773 --> 00:14:46.208
The doctors couldn't explain it. they said, "medically speaking, you shouldn't be able to talk."
00:14:46.275 --> 00:14:48.777
They said, "medically speaking, you shouldn't be able to talk." what was that? god making it
00:14:48.844 --> 00:14:49.878
You shouldn't be able to talk." what was that? god making it rain without a cloud. god can
00:14:49.945 --> 00:14:52.715
What was that? god making it rain without a cloud. god can do what medical science cannot
00:14:52.781 --> 00:14:55.084
Rain without a cloud. god can do what medical science cannot do. don't talk yourself out of
00:14:55.150 --> 00:14:57.753
Do what medical science cannot do. don't talk yourself out of it. don't let your
00:14:57.820 --> 00:14:59.288
Do. don't talk yourself out of it. don't let your circumstances discourage you.
00:14:59.355 --> 00:15:01.657
It. don't let your circumstances discourage you. everything doesn't have to look
00:15:01.724 --> 00:15:03.258
Circumstances discourage you. everything doesn't have to look the way you think it should
00:15:03.325 --> 00:15:04.893
Everything doesn't have to look the way you think it should look. god's ways are not our
00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:06.362
The way you think it should look. god's ways are not our ways. god brought water out of
00:15:06.428 --> 00:15:08.664
Look. god's ways are not our ways. god brought water out of a rock. jesus told peter to go
00:15:08.731 --> 00:15:12.267
Ways. god brought water out of a rock. jesus told peter to go catch a fish, open its mouth
00:15:12.334 --> 00:15:14.003
A rock. jesus told peter to go catch a fish, open its mouth and there was the money he
00:15:14.069 --> 00:15:15.604
Catch a fish, open its mouth and there was the money he needed for taxes. god caused a
00:15:15.671 --> 00:15:17.973
And there was the money he needed for taxes. god caused a young lady named mary to have a
00:15:18.040 --> 00:15:19.775
Needed for taxes. god caused a young lady named mary to have a baby without knowing a man.
00:15:19.842 --> 00:15:22.945
Young lady named mary to have a baby without knowing a man. god healed my mother from
00:15:23.012 --> 00:15:24.313
Baby without knowing a man. god healed my mother from terminal cancer without
00:15:24.380 --> 00:15:25.981
God healed my mother from terminal cancer without treatment. god put me up here
00:15:26.048 --> 00:15:28.350
Terminal cancer without treatment. god put me up here in front of a lot of people
00:15:28.417 --> 00:15:30.019
Treatment. god put me up here in front of a lot of people without going to seminary. god
00:15:30.085 --> 00:15:32.755
In front of a lot of people without going to seminary. god gave me a beautiful wife
00:15:32.821 --> 00:15:34.289
Without going to seminary. god gave me a beautiful wife without find-a-mate.com.
00:15:34.356 --> 00:15:36.191
Gave me a beautiful wife without find-a-mate.com. (laughter)
00:15:36.258 --> 00:15:38.694
Without find-a-mate.com. (laughter) he is god. he can use those
00:15:38.761 --> 00:15:40.629
(laughter) he is god. he can use those things or he can do it another
00:15:40.696 --> 00:15:43.399
He is god. he can use those things or he can do it another way, without a cloud, without a
00:15:43.465 --> 00:15:45.734
Things or he can do it another way, without a cloud, without a bank, without the treatment,
00:15:45.801 --> 00:15:48.771
Way, without a cloud, without a bank, without the treatment, without the experience. god has
00:15:48.837 --> 00:15:50.439
Bank, without the treatment, without the experience. god has ways to make it rain in your
00:15:50.506 --> 00:15:52.441
Without the experience. god has ways to make it rain in your life that you've never dreamed
00:15:52.508 --> 00:15:54.209
Ways to make it rain in your life that you've never dreamed of. you don't have to figure
00:15:54.276 --> 00:15:55.978
Life that you've never dreamed of. you don't have to figure everything out. all you've got
00:15:56.045 --> 00:15:57.479
Of. you don't have to figure everything out. all you've got to do is believe.
00:15:57.546 --> 00:15:59.615
Everything out. all you've got to do is believe. in fact, it says in proverbs,
00:15:59.681 --> 00:16:01.116
To do is believe. in fact, it says in proverbs, "lean not to your own
00:16:01.183 --> 00:16:02.284
In fact, it says in proverbs, "lean not to your own understanding."
00:16:02.351 --> 00:16:04.353
"lean not to your own understanding." sometimes there is no logical
00:16:04.420 --> 00:16:05.954
Understanding." sometimes there is no logical solution. you've got to turn
00:16:06.021 --> 00:16:07.556
Sometimes there is no logical solution. you've got to turn your mind off. if you're
00:16:07.623 --> 00:16:09.191
Solution. you've got to turn your mind off. if you're constantly trying to figure it
00:16:09.258 --> 00:16:11.060
Your mind off. if you're constantly trying to figure it out that's just going to make
00:16:11.126 --> 00:16:12.661
Constantly trying to figure it out that's just going to make you discouraged, depressed,
00:16:12.728 --> 00:16:14.229
Out that's just going to make you discouraged, depressed, frustrated, but just because
00:16:14.296 --> 00:16:16.298
You discouraged, depressed, frustrated, but just because you don't see a way doesn't
00:16:16.365 --> 00:16:18.100
Frustrated, but just because you don't see a way doesn't mean that god doesn't have a
00:16:18.167 --> 00:16:19.601
You don't see a way doesn't mean that god doesn't have a way.
00:16:19.668 --> 00:16:21.136
Mean that god doesn't have a way. i heard a story about a little
00:16:21.203 --> 00:16:22.404
Way. i heard a story about a little girl that wanted a kitten so
00:16:22.471 --> 00:16:24.239
I heard a story about a little girl that wanted a kitten so badly. she kept asking her
00:16:24.306 --> 00:16:26.708
Girl that wanted a kitten so badly. she kept asking her mother week after week. but her
00:16:26.775 --> 00:16:28.477
Badly. she kept asking her mother week after week. but her mom didn't want any more pets.
00:16:28.544 --> 00:16:31.213
Mother week after week. but her mom didn't want any more pets. she told her no again and again.
00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:34.083
Mom didn't want any more pets. she told her no again and again. this little girl wouldn't let
00:16:34.149 --> 00:16:35.217
She told her no again and again. this little girl wouldn't let up. for months she continued
00:16:35.284 --> 00:16:37.619
This little girl wouldn't let up. for months she continued asking for that kitten.
00:16:37.686 --> 00:16:39.588
Up. for months she continued asking for that kitten. finally, her mother said,
00:16:39.655 --> 00:16:40.656
Asking for that kitten. finally, her mother said, "listen, honey. if god gives
00:16:40.722 --> 00:16:41.857
Finally, her mother said, "listen, honey. if god gives you a kitten, i'll let you keep
00:16:41.924 --> 00:16:43.492
"listen, honey. if god gives you a kitten, i'll let you keep it." the little girl didn't
00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:45.494
You a kitten, i'll let you keep it." the little girl didn't know any better. she went out
00:16:45.561 --> 00:16:46.995
It." the little girl didn't know any better. she went out in her backyard, got on her
00:16:47.062 --> 00:16:48.664
Know any better. she went out in her backyard, got on her knees and said, "god, please
00:16:48.730 --> 00:16:50.399
In her backyard, got on her knees and said, "god, please give me a kitten."
00:16:50.466 --> 00:16:53.102
Knees and said, "god, please give me a kitten." when she finished praying, with
00:16:53.168 --> 00:16:54.837
Give me a kitten." when she finished praying, with her mother watching, this kitten
00:16:54.903 --> 00:16:57.139
When she finished praying, with her mother watching, this kitten came flying out of the air and
00:16:57.206 --> 00:16:59.641
Her mother watching, this kitten came flying out of the air and landed unharmed right beside
00:16:59.708 --> 00:17:04.179
Came flying out of the air and landed unharmed right beside her. the mother thought she was
00:17:04.246 --> 00:17:05.447
Landed unharmed right beside her. the mother thought she was seeing things. she went outside
00:17:05.514 --> 00:17:06.648
Her. the mother thought she was seeing things. she went outside and looked around. there was no
00:17:06.715 --> 00:17:07.850
Seeing things. she went outside and looked around. there was no tree overhead. it was like this
00:17:07.916 --> 00:17:09.017
And looked around. there was no tree overhead. it was like this kitten had been rained down
00:17:09.084 --> 00:17:10.853
Tree overhead. it was like this kitten had been rained down from the heavens. the little
00:17:10.919 --> 00:17:11.987
Kitten had been rained down from the heavens. the little girl picked it up. "thank you,
00:17:12.054 --> 00:17:13.021
From the heavens. the little girl picked it up. "thank you, lord, for my kitten."
00:17:13.088 --> 00:17:14.189
Girl picked it up. "thank you, lord, for my kitten." (laughter)
00:17:14.256 --> 00:17:16.091
Lord, for my kitten." (laughter) several weeks later the mother
00:17:16.158 --> 00:17:17.493
(laughter) several weeks later the mother learned that one of her
00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:18.994
Several weeks later the mother learned that one of her neighbors that lived behind her
00:17:19.061 --> 00:17:21.396
Learned that one of her neighbors that lived behind her and about four houses down was
00:17:21.463 --> 00:17:23.465
Neighbors that lived behind her and about four houses down was trying to get this little kitten
00:17:23.532 --> 00:17:25.467
And about four houses down was trying to get this little kitten out of a small tree. the father
00:17:25.534 --> 00:17:27.336
Trying to get this little kitten out of a small tree. the father couldn't reach it with his
00:17:27.402 --> 00:17:28.770
Out of a small tree. the father couldn't reach it with his ladder so he tied a rope around
00:17:28.837 --> 00:17:30.906
Couldn't reach it with his ladder so he tied a rope around the tree and the other end to
00:17:30.973 --> 00:17:33.041
Ladder so he tied a rope around the tree and the other end to the bumper of his car. he began
00:17:33.108 --> 00:17:35.010
The tree and the other end to the bumper of his car. he began to pull forward to bend the
00:17:35.077 --> 00:17:36.778
The bumper of his car. he began to pull forward to bend the tree over. when he got it bent
00:17:36.845 --> 00:17:39.181
To pull forward to bend the tree over. when he got it bent far enough over where he
00:17:39.248 --> 00:17:40.649
Tree over. when he got it bent far enough over where he thought he could get it, the
00:17:40.716 --> 00:17:42.251
Far enough over where he thought he could get it, the rope broke and the tree acted
00:17:42.317 --> 00:17:43.986
Thought he could get it, the rope broke and the tree acted like a slingshot. it swung that
00:17:44.052 --> 00:17:47.189
Rope broke and the tree acted like a slingshot. it swung that kitten over 200 yards away,
00:17:47.256 --> 00:17:51.193
Like a slingshot. it swung that kitten over 200 yards away, landed right by that little
00:17:51.260 --> 00:17:51.960
Kitten over 200 yards away, landed right by that little girl. friends, god knows how to
00:17:52.027 --> 00:17:54.863
Landed right by that little girl. friends, god knows how to make it rain in your life. he
00:17:54.930 --> 00:17:56.565
Girl. friends, god knows how to make it rain in your life. he doesn't need a cloud.
00:17:56.632 --> 00:17:58.567
Make it rain in your life. he doesn't need a cloud. (applause)
00:17:58.634 --> 00:18:01.036
Doesn't need a cloud. (applause) he may not do it an ordinary
00:18:01.103 --> 00:18:02.838
(applause) he may not do it an ordinary way. quit trying to figure out
00:18:02.905 --> 00:18:05.007
He may not do it an ordinary way. quit trying to figure out how it's going to happen and
00:18:05.073 --> 00:18:06.675
Way. quit trying to figure out how it's going to happen and just believe that it will
00:18:06.742 --> 00:18:07.643
How it's going to happen and just believe that it will happen.
00:18:07.709 --> 00:18:09.711
Just believe that it will happen. i received a letter from a
00:18:09.778 --> 00:18:10.779
Happen. i received a letter from a young lady named alana. she and
00:18:10.846 --> 00:18:12.881
I received a letter from a young lady named alana. she and her parents, brother, they've
00:18:12.948 --> 00:18:14.750
Young lady named alana. she and her parents, brother, they've been a part of lakewood for
00:18:14.816 --> 00:18:16.185
Her parents, brother, they've been a part of lakewood for about ten years. alana was born
00:18:16.251 --> 00:18:17.786
Been a part of lakewood for about ten years. alana was born with spina bifida. at several
00:18:17.853 --> 00:18:20.122
About ten years. alana was born with spina bifida. at several months old she had to have
00:18:20.189 --> 00:18:21.323
With spina bifida. at several months old she had to have surgery to untether her spinal
00:18:21.390 --> 00:18:23.825
Months old she had to have surgery to untether her spinal cord. her parents were told she
00:18:23.892 --> 00:18:26.094
Surgery to untether her spinal cord. her parents were told she would probably never be able to
00:18:26.161 --> 00:18:27.729
Cord. her parents were told she would probably never be able to walk, to run, or do any kind of
00:18:27.796 --> 00:18:29.731
Would probably never be able to walk, to run, or do any kind of physical activity. but they
00:18:29.798 --> 00:18:31.433
Walk, to run, or do any kind of physical activity. but they believed that god can make a
00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:33.135
Physical activity. but they believed that god can make a way even when we don't see any
00:18:33.202 --> 00:18:34.836
Believed that god can make a way even when we don't see any way. every day her mother would
00:18:34.903 --> 00:18:37.706
Way even when we don't see any way. every day her mother would do leg exercises with little
00:18:37.773 --> 00:18:39.708
Way. every day her mother would do leg exercises with little alana. much to the doctor's
00:18:39.775 --> 00:18:41.710
Do leg exercises with little alana. much to the doctor's surprise at seven months old
00:18:41.777 --> 00:18:44.546
Alana. much to the doctor's surprise at seven months old she started walking. it was
00:18:44.613 --> 00:18:46.048
Surprise at seven months old she started walking. it was like god putting an exclamation
00:18:46.114 --> 00:18:47.482
She started walking. it was like god putting an exclamation point on it. she grew up and
00:18:47.549 --> 00:18:49.585
Like god putting an exclamation point on it. she grew up and joined our children's choir,
00:18:49.651 --> 00:18:51.687
Point on it. she grew up and joined our children's choir, loved to sing, loved to dance,
00:18:51.753 --> 00:18:53.555
Joined our children's choir, loved to sing, loved to dance, life was good. but at ten years
00:18:53.622 --> 00:18:55.457
Loved to sing, loved to dance, life was good. but at ten years old she had complications with
00:18:55.524 --> 00:18:57.960
Life was good. but at ten years old she had complications with her spinal cord, had to have an
00:18:58.026 --> 00:18:59.962
Old she had complications with her spinal cord, had to have an emergency surgery.
00:19:00.028 --> 00:19:02.431
Her spinal cord, had to have an emergency surgery. when she woke up she was
00:19:02.497 --> 00:19:03.599
Emergency surgery. when she woke up she was paralyzed from the neck down.
00:19:03.665 --> 00:19:06.034
When she woke up she was paralyzed from the neck down. the doctors told her, "i'm
00:19:06.101 --> 00:19:07.569
Paralyzed from the neck down. the doctors told her, "i'm sorry, alana. you'll never be
00:19:07.636 --> 00:19:08.904
The doctors told her, "i'm sorry, alana. you'll never be able to walk again."
00:19:08.971 --> 00:19:11.306
Sorry, alana. you'll never be able to walk again." she could have gotten
00:19:11.373 --> 00:19:12.708
Able to walk again." she could have gotten depressed, and thought, "well,
00:19:12.774 --> 00:19:13.709
She could have gotten depressed, and thought, "well, just my luck. i knew this was
00:19:13.775 --> 00:19:14.810
Depressed, and thought, "well, just my luck. i knew this was coming." no, at ten years old
00:19:14.876 --> 00:19:16.645
Just my luck. i knew this was coming." no, at ten years old she said, "doctors, god did it
00:19:16.712 --> 00:19:18.513
Coming." no, at ten years old she said, "doctors, god did it for me once. he will do it for
00:19:18.580 --> 00:19:20.482
She said, "doctors, god did it for me once. he will do it for me again." (applause)
00:19:20.549 --> 00:19:24.920
For me once. he will do it for me again." (applause) she said, "i walked in here on
00:19:24.987 --> 00:19:26.688
Me again." (applause) she said, "i walked in here on my own and i'll walk out of here
00:19:26.755 --> 00:19:28.423
She said, "i walked in here on my own and i'll walk out of here on my own."
00:19:28.490 --> 00:19:30.425
My own and i'll walk out of here on my own." she was in a drought, but like
00:19:30.492 --> 00:19:31.760
On my own." she was in a drought, but like elijah, she heard the sound of
00:19:31.827 --> 00:19:33.695
She was in a drought, but like elijah, she heard the sound of rain. every circumstance said,
00:19:33.762 --> 00:19:36.365
Elijah, she heard the sound of rain. every circumstance said, "you're paralyzed. just accept
00:19:36.431 --> 00:19:38.500
Rain. every circumstance said, "you're paralyzed. just accept it. your life is limited."
00:19:38.567 --> 00:19:41.470
"you're paralyzed. just accept it. your life is limited." but on the inside she heard god
00:19:41.536 --> 00:19:43.205
It. your life is limited." but on the inside she heard god saying, "this is not the end of
00:19:43.272 --> 00:19:45.240
But on the inside she heard god saying, "this is not the end of your story. you will walk
00:19:45.307 --> 00:19:47.409
Saying, "this is not the end of your story. you will walk again. i've got a destiny for
00:19:47.476 --> 00:19:49.111
Your story. you will walk again. i've got a destiny for you to fulfill."
00:19:49.177 --> 00:19:51.313
Again. i've got a destiny for you to fulfill." when she told the doctor,
00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.514
You to fulfill." when she told the doctor, "i walked in here and i'll walk
00:19:52.581 --> 00:19:53.915
When she told the doctor, "i walked in here and i'll walk out," right then for the first
00:19:53.982 --> 00:19:56.351
"i walked in here and i'll walk out," right then for the first time since the surgery she felt
00:19:56.418 --> 00:19:58.620
Out," right then for the first time since the surgery she felt her toes begin to move.
00:19:58.687 --> 00:20:00.756
Time since the surgery she felt her toes begin to move. (applause)
00:20:00.822 --> 00:20:02.124
Her toes begin to move. (applause) her therapist told her, "out of
00:20:02.190 --> 00:20:03.458
(applause) her therapist told her, "out of all of my patients with spina
00:20:03.525 --> 00:20:05.127
Her therapist told her, "out of all of my patients with spina bifida you're the only one that
00:20:05.193 --> 00:20:06.995
All of my patients with spina bifida you're the only one that can walk without leg braces."
00:20:07.062 --> 00:20:09.831
Bifida you're the only one that can walk without leg braces." her doctors wrote on her report,
00:20:09.898 --> 00:20:12.000
Can walk without leg braces." her doctors wrote on her report, "there is no scientific
00:20:12.067 --> 00:20:13.902
Her doctors wrote on her report, "there is no scientific explanation as to why alana is
00:20:13.969 --> 00:20:16.638
"there is no scientific explanation as to why alana is the way she is."
00:20:16.705 --> 00:20:18.507
Explanation as to why alana is the way she is." what was that? god making it
00:20:18.573 --> 00:20:19.941
The way she is." what was that? god making it rain without a cloud.
00:20:20.008 --> 00:20:22.344
What was that? god making it rain without a cloud. her doctors are so impressed
00:20:22.411 --> 00:20:23.812
Rain without a cloud. her doctors are so impressed they call her, "god's rock
00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:25.047
Her doctors are so impressed they call her, "god's rock star."
00:20:25.113 --> 00:20:27.015
They call her, "god's rock star." alana recently graduated from an
00:20:27.082 --> 00:20:28.984
Star." alana recently graduated from an early college program and is
00:20:29.051 --> 00:20:30.619
Alana recently graduated from an early college program and is about to get her nursing degree.
00:20:30.686 --> 00:20:32.921
Early college program and is about to get her nursing degree. her dream is to become a
00:20:32.988 --> 00:20:34.456
About to get her nursing degree. her dream is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon to help
00:20:34.523 --> 00:20:36.291
Her dream is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon to help other children in her same
00:20:36.358 --> 00:20:38.193
Pediatric neurosurgeon to help other children in her same condition. here's alana and her
00:20:38.260 --> 00:20:39.761
Other children in her same condition. here's alana and her family right here on the front
00:20:39.828 --> 00:20:40.962
Condition. here's alana and her family right here on the front row. come on, alana. will you
00:20:41.029 --> 00:20:42.464
Family right here on the front row. come on, alana. will you stand up for us? we're proud of
00:20:42.531 --> 00:20:43.899
Row. come on, alana. will you stand up for us? we're proud of you. (cheering/applause)
00:20:43.965 --> 00:20:50.205
Stand up for us? we're proud of you. (cheering/applause) you may be in a drought today.
00:20:50.272 --> 00:20:51.773
You. (cheering/applause) you may be in a drought today. you don't see any cloud in the
00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:52.908
You may be in a drought today. you don't see any cloud in the sky. but remember, god doesn't
00:20:52.974 --> 00:20:55.043
You don't see any cloud in the sky. but remember, god doesn't need a cloud. he did it for
00:20:55.110 --> 00:20:56.645
Sky. but remember, god doesn't need a cloud. he did it for alana. he can do it for you.
00:20:56.712 --> 00:20:59.448
Need a cloud. he did it for alana. he can do it for you. now you've got to get in
00:20:59.514 --> 00:21:00.349
Alana. he can do it for you. now you've got to get in agreement. start saying,
00:21:00.415 --> 00:21:01.917
Now you've got to get in agreement. start saying, "father, thank you that the
00:21:01.983 --> 00:21:02.951
Agreement. start saying, "father, thank you that the rain is coming. thank you that
00:21:03.018 --> 00:21:04.186
"father, thank you that the rain is coming. thank you that healing is coming. thank you
00:21:04.252 --> 00:21:05.754
Rain is coming. thank you that healing is coming. thank you that restoration is on its
00:21:05.821 --> 00:21:06.988
Healing is coming. thank you that restoration is on its way." dare to make some
00:21:07.055 --> 00:21:08.557
That restoration is on its way." dare to make some declarations of faith like she
00:21:08.623 --> 00:21:10.258
Way." dare to make some declarations of faith like she did. "i walked in here on my
00:21:10.325 --> 00:21:11.927
Declarations of faith like she did. "i walked in here on my own and i will walk out."
00:21:11.993 --> 00:21:14.062
Did. "i walked in here on my own and i will walk out." why? "the god i serve is a
00:21:14.129 --> 00:21:15.497
Own and i will walk out." why? "the god i serve is a rainmaking god. (applause)
00:21:15.564 --> 00:21:18.567
Why? "the god i serve is a rainmaking god. (applause) this is what abraham did when
00:21:18.633 --> 00:21:19.701
Rainmaking god. (applause) this is what abraham did when he was waiting for the child
00:21:19.768 --> 00:21:21.536
This is what abraham did when he was waiting for the child that god promised him.
00:21:21.603 --> 00:21:23.605
He was waiting for the child that god promised him. he was way too old. it looked
00:21:23.672 --> 00:21:25.006
That god promised him. he was way too old. it looked impossible but the scripture
00:21:25.073 --> 00:21:26.842
He was way too old. it looked impossible but the scripture says, "he grew strong in faith
00:21:26.908 --> 00:21:29.544
Impossible but the scripture says, "he grew strong in faith by giving praise to god."
00:21:29.611 --> 00:21:31.947
Says, "he grew strong in faith by giving praise to god." he got up every morning and
00:21:32.013 --> 00:21:33.482
By giving praise to god." he got up every morning and said, "lord, thank you that your
00:21:33.548 --> 00:21:34.416
He got up every morning and said, "lord, thank you that your rain is coming. thank you that
00:21:34.483 --> 00:21:35.684
Said, "lord, thank you that your rain is coming. thank you that my baby is on its way. thank
00:21:35.751 --> 00:21:37.986
Rain is coming. thank you that my baby is on its way. thank you that you are faithful to
00:21:38.053 --> 00:21:39.187
My baby is on its way. thank you that you are faithful to your word."
00:21:39.254 --> 00:21:40.655
You that you are faithful to your word." he kept thanking god for what he
00:21:40.722 --> 00:21:41.823
Your word." he kept thanking god for what he heard in his spirit.
00:21:41.890 --> 00:21:44.593
He kept thanking god for what he heard in his spirit. like abraham, god has put dreams
00:21:44.659 --> 00:21:46.561
Heard in his spirit. like abraham, god has put dreams in your heart. he has spoken
00:21:46.628 --> 00:21:48.497
Like abraham, god has put dreams in your heart. he has spoken promises over you. deep down
00:21:48.563 --> 00:21:51.400
In your heart. he has spoken promises over you. deep down you know you'll get well. you
00:21:51.466 --> 00:21:53.235
Promises over you. deep down you know you'll get well. you know you'll break that
00:21:53.301 --> 00:21:54.436
You know you'll get well. you know you'll break that addiction. you know you will
00:21:54.503 --> 00:21:55.871
Know you'll break that addiction. you know you will accomplish your dreams.
00:21:55.937 --> 00:21:57.706
Addiction. you know you will accomplish your dreams. but in the natural it looks
00:21:57.773 --> 00:21:59.408
Accomplish your dreams. but in the natural it looks impossible. you don't see how.
00:21:59.474 --> 00:22:01.176
But in the natural it looks impossible. you don't see how. the odds are against you. it's
00:22:01.243 --> 00:22:03.178
Impossible. you don't see how. the odds are against you. it's been so long.
00:22:03.245 --> 00:22:04.946
The odds are against you. it's been so long. no, god is saying, "what i
00:22:05.013 --> 00:22:06.047
Been so long. no, god is saying, "what i started in your life i will
00:22:06.114 --> 00:22:08.250
No, god is saying, "what i started in your life i will finish." rain is coming. the
00:22:08.316 --> 00:22:10.685
Started in your life i will finish." rain is coming. the clouds are starting to form.
00:22:10.752 --> 00:22:14.589
Finish." rain is coming. the clouds are starting to form. i can hear some thunder rumbling
00:22:14.656 --> 00:22:16.958
Clouds are starting to form. i can hear some thunder rumbling in the distance. now keep
00:22:17.025 --> 00:22:18.527
I can hear some thunder rumbling in the distance. now keep praying. keep believing. keep
00:22:18.593 --> 00:22:20.395
In the distance. now keep praying. keep believing. keep expecting. one touch of god's
00:22:20.462 --> 00:22:23.064
Praying. keep believing. keep expecting. one touch of god's favor, one downpour, and like
00:22:23.131 --> 00:22:25.033
Expecting. one touch of god's favor, one downpour, and like alana you will be able to walk
00:22:25.100 --> 00:22:27.169
Favor, one downpour, and like alana you will be able to walk again. like abraham, the baby
00:22:27.235 --> 00:22:29.104
Alana you will be able to walk again. like abraham, the baby will suddenly be conceived.
00:22:29.171 --> 00:22:31.573
Again. like abraham, the baby will suddenly be conceived. the drought will come to an end.
00:22:31.640 --> 00:22:34.643
Will suddenly be conceived. the drought will come to an end. i have a pastor friend. he
00:22:34.709 --> 00:22:35.811
The drought will come to an end. i have a pastor friend. he needed a larger auditorium. his
00:22:35.877 --> 00:22:37.846
I have a pastor friend. he needed a larger auditorium. his church was really growing but
00:22:37.913 --> 00:22:39.648
Needed a larger auditorium. his church was really growing but he didn't have any way to
00:22:39.714 --> 00:22:40.916
Church was really growing but he didn't have any way to expand. he was landlocked.
00:22:40.982 --> 00:22:43.919
He didn't have any way to expand. he was landlocked. year after year he kept
00:22:43.985 --> 00:22:45.120
Expand. he was landlocked. year after year he kept searching, looking at the real
00:22:45.187 --> 00:22:46.755
Year after year he kept searching, looking at the real estate listings, driving the
00:22:46.822 --> 00:22:48.824
Searching, looking at the real estate listings, driving the city but nothing was available.
00:22:48.890 --> 00:22:51.393
Estate listings, driving the city but nothing was available. door after door had closed.
00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:53.662
City but nothing was available. door after door had closed. he could have gotten discouraged
00:22:53.728 --> 00:22:54.830
Door after door had closed. he could have gotten discouraged but he just kept praying, kept
00:22:54.896 --> 00:22:56.131
He could have gotten discouraged but he just kept praying, kept believing, kept thanking god
00:22:56.198 --> 00:22:57.599
But he just kept praying, kept believing, kept thanking god that the rain was coming. last
00:22:57.666 --> 00:22:59.701
Believing, kept thanking god that the rain was coming. last fall a large retail store about
00:22:59.768 --> 00:23:03.572
That the rain was coming. last fall a large retail store about two miles from his church
00:23:03.638 --> 00:23:06.141
Fall a large retail store about two miles from his church unexpectedly went out of
00:23:06.208 --> 00:23:07.542
Two miles from his church unexpectedly went out of business, broke their lease.
00:23:07.609 --> 00:23:09.478
Unexpectedly went out of business, broke their lease. the owners of the property came
00:23:09.544 --> 00:23:11.480
Business, broke their lease. the owners of the property came to him and said, "would you like
00:23:11.546 --> 00:23:13.448
The owners of the property came to him and said, "would you like to lease our building for your
00:23:13.515 --> 00:23:14.916
To him and said, "would you like to lease our building for your church?"
00:23:14.983 --> 00:23:16.284
To lease our building for your church?" now he has four times the
00:23:16.351 --> 00:23:17.486
Church?" now he has four times the space, four times the parking,
00:23:17.552 --> 00:23:19.721
Now he has four times the space, four times the parking, in a premier location. he said,
00:23:19.788 --> 00:23:22.057
Space, four times the parking, in a premier location. he said, "joel, it's better than
00:23:22.123 --> 00:23:23.124
In a premier location. he said, "joel, it's better than anything i ever imagined."
00:23:23.191 --> 00:23:25.193
"joel, it's better than anything i ever imagined." what was that?
00:23:25.260 --> 00:23:26.695
Anything i ever imagined." what was that? a downpour of god's goodness.
00:23:26.761 --> 00:23:28.964
What was that? a downpour of god's goodness. suddenly, the drought came to an
00:23:29.030 --> 00:23:30.298
A downpour of god's goodness. suddenly, the drought came to an end.
00:23:30.365 --> 00:23:31.399
Suddenly, the drought came to an end. friends, i hear the sound of an
00:23:31.466 --> 00:23:32.634
End. friends, i hear the sound of an abundance of rain. you need to
00:23:32.701 --> 00:23:34.870
Friends, i hear the sound of an abundance of rain. you need to get your umbrellas. god is
00:23:34.936 --> 00:23:36.905
Abundance of rain. you need to get your umbrellas. god is about to show you a downpour of
00:23:36.972 --> 00:23:39.341
Get your umbrellas. god is about to show you a downpour of his favor. every drought in
00:23:39.407 --> 00:23:41.610
About to show you a downpour of his favor. every drought in your life is coming to an end.
00:23:41.676 --> 00:23:44.279
His favor. every drought in your life is coming to an end. the dry places, the barren
00:23:44.346 --> 00:23:45.614
Your life is coming to an end. the dry places, the barren spots, are about to see new
00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:47.449
The dry places, the barren spots, are about to see new life. this is your year to
00:23:47.516 --> 00:23:49.451
Spots, are about to see new life. this is your year to bloom, to blossom, to flourish.
00:23:49.518 --> 00:23:52.721
Life. this is your year to bloom, to blossom, to flourish. now get up every morning
00:23:52.787 --> 00:23:53.755
Bloom, to blossom, to flourish. now get up every morning expecting it.
00:23:53.822 --> 00:23:54.956
Now get up every morning expecting it. "lord, thank you that your rain
00:23:55.023 --> 00:23:55.790
Expecting it. "lord, thank you that your rain is coming."
00:23:55.857 --> 00:23:56.992
"lord, thank you that your rain is coming." if you do this, i believe and
00:23:57.058 --> 00:23:58.393
Is coming." if you do this, i believe and declare you're going to see not
00:23:58.460 --> 00:24:00.161
If you do this, i believe and declare you're going to see not a trickle, not a sprinkle, but a
00:24:00.228 --> 00:24:02.430
Declare you're going to see not a trickle, not a sprinkle, but a downpour of god's goodness.
00:24:02.497 --> 00:24:04.499
A trickle, not a sprinkle, but a downpour of god's goodness. an abundance of rain.
00:24:04.566 --> 00:24:05.834
Downpour of god's goodness. an abundance of rain. in jesus' name. if you receive
00:24:05.901 --> 00:24:07.335
An abundance of rain. in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today?
00:24:07.402 --> 00:24:09.404
In jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause)
00:24:09.471 --> 00:24:10.005
Fear can be a powerful force
00:24:10.605 --> 00:24:12.941
Fear can be a powerful force and will try to make you feel
00:24:13.008 --> 00:24:14.676
And will try to make you feel alone, stuck, without hope.
00:24:14.743 --> 00:24:17.579
Alone, stuck, without hope. but fear doesn't
00:24:17.646 --> 00:24:18.580
But fear doesn't have to get the final say.
00:24:18.647 --> 00:24:20.382
Have to get the final say. there is a way out.
00:24:20.448 --> 00:24:22.417
There is a way out. fear is a powerful force,
00:24:22.484 --> 00:24:24.019
Fear is a powerful force, but so is faith.
00:24:24.085 --> 00:24:25.353
But so is faith. what we focus on shapes
00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:26.855
What we focus on shapes our reality.
00:24:26.922 --> 00:24:27.989
In my new book, no more fear:
00:24:28.089 --> 00:24:30.058
In my new book, no more fear: you have the mind of christ,
00:24:30.125 --> 00:24:31.826
You have the mind of christ, i'll show you how
00:24:31.893 --> 00:24:32.494
I'll show you how to silence fear and live boldly
00:24:32.561 --> 00:24:34.696
To silence fear and live boldly in faith and confidence.
00:24:34.763 --> 00:24:36.665
In faith and confidence. just like david said, "though
00:24:36.731 --> 00:24:38.400
Just like david said, "though i walk through the valley,
00:24:38.466 --> 00:24:39.701
I walk through the valley, i will not fear,"
00:24:39.768 --> 00:24:41.269
I will not fear," you too can walk through
00:24:41.336 --> 00:24:42.537
You too can walk through life's challenges
00:24:42.604 --> 00:24:43.672
Life's challenges without being paralyzed
00:24:43.738 --> 00:24:44.940
Without being paralyzed by fear.
00:24:45.006 --> 00:24:46.041
By fear. i can't promise you
00:24:46.107 --> 00:24:47.042
I can't promise you you'll never feel fear,
00:24:47.108 --> 00:24:48.677
You'll never feel fear, but i can teach you
00:24:48.743 --> 00:24:49.678
But i can teach you how to rise above it
00:24:49.744 --> 00:24:51.079
How to rise above it by dwelling on what god says,
00:24:51.146 --> 00:24:53.181
By dwelling on what god says, learning to replace
00:24:53.248 --> 00:24:54.316
Learning to replace the anxious thoughts
00:24:54.382 --> 00:24:55.550
The anxious thoughts with faith-filled ones.
00:24:55.617 --> 00:24:57.285
With faith-filled ones. you can live
00:24:57.352 --> 00:24:58.086
You can live from a place of peace,
00:24:58.153 --> 00:24:59.454
From a place of peace, power, and purpose.
00:24:59.521 --> 00:25:01.489
Power, and purpose. as our way of saying thank you
00:25:01.590 --> 00:25:03.291
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
00:25:03.358 --> 00:25:04.793
For your gift of any amount this month,
00:25:04.859 --> 00:25:05.560
This month, we would like to send you
00:25:05.627 --> 00:25:06.795
We would like to send you a copy of joel's book,
00:25:06.861 --> 00:25:08.363
A copy of joel's book, no more fear:
00:25:08.430 --> 00:25:09.698
No more fear: you have the mind of christ.
00:25:09.764 --> 00:25:11.866
You have the mind of christ. the bible proclaims,
00:25:11.933 --> 00:25:13.234
The bible proclaims, "the lord is my light
00:25:13.301 --> 00:25:14.669
"the lord is my light and my salvation;
00:25:14.736 --> 00:25:16.104
And my salvation; whom shall i fear?"
00:25:16.171 --> 00:25:17.772
Whom shall i fear?" this powerful
00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:18.673
This powerful and practical book
00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.841
And practical book will help you silence doubt,
00:25:19.908 --> 00:25:21.676
Will help you silence doubt, overcome anxiety,
00:25:21.743 --> 00:25:23.211
Overcome anxiety, and step boldly into god's
00:25:23.278 --> 00:25:25.080
And step boldly into god's overcoming power.
00:25:25.146 --> 00:25:26.648
Overcoming power. when fear whispers,
00:25:26.715 --> 00:25:27.949
When fear whispers, "you can't,"
00:25:28.016 --> 00:25:28.883
"you can't," this devotional will stir
00:25:28.950 --> 00:25:30.385
This devotional will stir your faith
00:25:30.452 --> 00:25:31.019
Your faith to declare, "god will."
00:25:31.086 --> 00:25:33.188
To declare, "god will." each page
00:25:33.254 --> 00:25:34.022
Each page reminds you
00:25:34.089 --> 00:25:34.756
Reminds you that you weren't
00:25:34.823 --> 00:25:35.523
That you weren't created to live in fear
00:25:35.590 --> 00:25:37.125
Created to live in fear or despair.
00:25:37.192 --> 00:25:38.326
Or despair. you were created to live
00:25:38.393 --> 00:25:39.928
You were created to live with passion,
00:25:39.995 --> 00:25:40.996
With passion, purpose, and confidence
00:25:41.062 --> 00:25:42.697
Purpose, and confidence in god's plans for your life.
00:25:42.764 --> 00:25:45.066
In god's plans for your life. let god's word
00:25:45.133 --> 00:25:46.101
Let god's word equip you to rise above fear
00:25:46.167 --> 00:25:48.403
Equip you to rise above fear and walk in victory.
00:25:48.470 --> 00:25:51.039
And walk in victory. fear doesn't have
00:25:51.106 --> 00:25:51.873
Fear doesn't have the final say, god does.
00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.875
The final say, god does. be bold,
00:25:53.942 --> 00:25:54.609
Be bold, be strong, and step up to who
00:25:54.676 --> 00:25:56.678
Be strong, and step up to who he made you to be.
00:25:56.745 --> 00:25:58.346
He made you to be. victoria and i want you to know
00:25:58.413 --> 00:25:59.614
Victoria and i want you to know we're praying for
00:25:59.681 --> 00:26:00.382
We're praying for you and your family,
00:26:00.448 --> 00:26:01.850
You and your family, believing for god's very best.
00:26:01.950 --> 00:26:04.019
Believing for god's very best. thank you so much
00:26:04.085 --> 00:26:04.919
Thank you so much for your prayer and support.
00:26:04.986 --> 00:26:06.688
For your prayer and support. your generosity
00:26:06.755 --> 00:26:07.756
Your generosity is helping people
00:26:07.822 --> 00:26:08.657
Is helping people around the world.
00:26:08.723 --> 00:26:10.258
Around the world. as we finish this year,
00:26:10.325 --> 00:26:11.660
As we finish this year, i hope you'll consider
00:26:11.726 --> 00:26:12.727
I hope you'll consider making a special year-end
00:26:12.794 --> 00:26:14.295
Making a special year-end gift; helps
00:26:14.362 --> 00:26:15.230
Gift; helps to keep the ministries strong.
00:26:15.330 --> 00:26:17.332
To keep the ministries strong. i always want to thank our
00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:18.500
I always want to thank our champion of hope partners
00:26:18.566 --> 00:26:19.801
Champion of hope partners for your monthly gifts.
00:26:19.868 --> 00:26:21.436
For your monthly gifts. if you're not a partner,
00:26:21.503 --> 00:26:22.537
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll
00:26:22.604 --> 00:26:23.071
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:23.138 --> 00:26:24.806
Consider becoming one. and until we see you next time,
00:26:24.873 --> 00:26:26.241
And until we see you next time, may the lord bless
00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:27.208
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:27.275 --> 00:26:29.244
You and keep you. be sure to request
00:26:29.310 --> 00:26:30.378
Be sure to request your copy of joel's new book,
00:26:30.445 --> 00:26:32.347
Your copy of joel's new book, no more fear:
00:26:32.414 --> 00:26:33.581
No more fear: you have the mind of christ.
00:26:33.648 --> 00:26:35.517
You have the mind of christ. visit joelosteen.com or
00:26:35.583 --> 00:26:37.686
Visit joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:37.752 --> 00:26:40.955
Call 888-567-joel. and for an additional gift
00:26:41.022 --> 00:26:42.457
And for an additional gift this month,
00:26:42.524 --> 00:26:43.158
This month, we're also offering the god's
00:26:43.224 --> 00:26:45.060
We're also offering the god's word work study collection.
00:26:45.126 --> 00:26:47.128
Word work study collection. this empowering set includes
00:26:47.195 --> 00:26:48.963
This empowering set includes the niv,
00:26:49.030 --> 00:26:49.831
The niv, the message
00:26:49.898 --> 00:26:50.465
The message parallel bible, joel's
00:26:50.532 --> 00:26:52.100
Parallel bible, joel's no more fear
00:26:52.167 --> 00:26:52.934
No more fear devotional, the classic
00:26:53.001 --> 00:26:54.536
Devotional, the classic how to read your bible
00:26:54.602 --> 00:26:55.804
How to read your bible and enjoy it,
00:26:55.870 --> 00:26:56.771
And enjoy it, plus a beautifully
00:26:56.838 --> 00:26:58.006
Plus a beautifully crafted leather
00:26:58.073 --> 00:26:58.873
Crafted leather bookmark with pen.
00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:00.308
Bookmark with pen. you can request these inspiring
00:27:00.375 --> 00:27:02.010
You can request these inspiring scripture discovery
00:27:02.077 --> 00:27:03.078
Resources
00:27:03.178 --> 00:27:03.845
By calling 888-567-joel
00:27:03.945 --> 00:27:07.215
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to joelosteen.com
00:27:07.282 --> 00:27:09.884
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:09.951 --> 00:27:10.685
Today. call or click anytime,
00:27:10.752 --> 00:27:12.387
Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:27:12.454 --> 00:27:14.255
24 hours a day. silence fear.
00:27:14.322 --> 00:27:15.557
Silence fear. strengthen your spirit.
00:27:15.623 --> 00:27:17.025
Strengthen your spirit. let god's word
00:27:17.092 --> 00:27:18.059
Let god's word equip you to rise above
00:27:18.126 --> 00:27:19.761
Equip you to rise above fear and walk in victory.
00:27:19.828 --> 00:27:22.197
Fear and walk in victory. request these resources today.
00:27:22.297 --> 00:27:25.166

Joel Osteen - The Rain Is Coming

November 6, 2025 | 29:56

Closed captions

Share