1 00:00:04,800 --> 00:00:07,560 Speaker 1: Well, God bless you. It's a joy to come into 2 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:08,280 Speaker 1: your homes. 3 00:00:08,320 --> 00:00:11,319 Speaker 2: And if you're ever in our area, please come out 4 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:13,280 Speaker 2: and be a part of one of our services. 5 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:15,920 Speaker 1: I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. 6 00:00:16,760 --> 00:00:18,960 Speaker 2: I like to start with something funny, and I heard 7 00:00:18,960 --> 00:00:22,360 Speaker 2: about this pastor and song leader that weren't getting along, 8 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:26,600 Speaker 2: and it started spilling over into the services. One Sunday, 9 00:00:26,880 --> 00:00:30,520 Speaker 2: the pastor talked about being a giver. Afterwards, the song 10 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:33,640 Speaker 2: leader got up and led the song Jesus paid it all. 11 00:00:34,360 --> 00:00:37,440 Speaker 2: The next week he talked about not gossiping. The song 12 00:00:37,520 --> 00:00:39,559 Speaker 2: leader got up and led, I love to. 13 00:00:39,520 --> 00:00:40,960 Speaker 1: Tell the story. 14 00:00:41,080 --> 00:00:45,200 Speaker 2: The pastor was so frustrated he resigned, told his congregation 15 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 2: Jesus brought me here and Jesus has taken me away. 16 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,720 Speaker 2: The song leader then led, what a friend we have 17 00:00:51,840 --> 00:00:55,960 Speaker 2: in Jesus. Say it like you mean it. This is 18 00:00:56,040 --> 00:00:59,080 Speaker 2: my Bible. I am what it says I am. I 19 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:01,560 Speaker 2: have what it says I have. I can do what 20 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:04,440 Speaker 2: it says I can do. Today I will be taught 21 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:08,560 Speaker 2: the word of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert, 22 00:01:08,959 --> 00:01:10,240 Speaker 2: my heart is receptive. 23 00:01:10,560 --> 00:01:14,400 Speaker 1: I will never be the same. In Jesus' name, God 24 00:01:14,440 --> 00:01:14,920 Speaker 1: bless you. 25 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:18,319 Speaker 2: I want to talk to you today about when the 26 00:01:18,400 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 2: water breaks. Years ago, when Victoria was pregnant with our 27 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:26,959 Speaker 2: first child, she was at a downtown office building headed 28 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:27,920 Speaker 2: to an appointment. 29 00:01:28,480 --> 00:01:29,720 Speaker 1: She was in the final. 30 00:01:29,400 --> 00:01:34,640 Speaker 2: Stages of pregnancy, standing in a crowded elevator, minding her 31 00:01:34,680 --> 00:01:38,920 Speaker 2: own business. All of a sudden, her water broke. Water 32 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:42,760 Speaker 2: came pouring out on the ground. Victoria was kind of embarrassed. 33 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:45,760 Speaker 2: She tried to stand back and not affect anyone else. 34 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:49,760 Speaker 2: But the people on the elevator didn't get upset. They 35 00:01:49,800 --> 00:01:54,240 Speaker 2: weren't paniced thinking something was wrong. They knew the water 36 00:01:54,320 --> 00:01:57,480 Speaker 2: breaking was a sign she was about to give birth. 37 00:01:58,120 --> 00:02:00,560 Speaker 2: They knew it was all a part of the process 38 00:02:00,880 --> 00:02:04,800 Speaker 2: that her baby was about to be born. Victoria got 39 00:02:04,840 --> 00:02:08,280 Speaker 2: off the elevator and drove straight to the hospital. Not 40 00:02:08,440 --> 00:02:11,600 Speaker 2: long after that, she gave birth to our son, Jonathan. 41 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:15,720 Speaker 2: And when the water breaks in your life, when you 42 00:02:15,760 --> 00:02:19,280 Speaker 2: face an unexpected difficulty, you didn't see it coming. 43 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:21,880 Speaker 1: You were going along being your best. 44 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:25,880 Speaker 2: You came down with an illness, a relationship didn't work out, 45 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:27,280 Speaker 2: the company had. 46 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:27,960 Speaker 1: To lay you off. 47 00:02:28,320 --> 00:02:31,280 Speaker 2: It's easy to get discouraged and think it's never going 48 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:34,800 Speaker 2: to get better, to have a new perspective. When the 49 00:02:34,880 --> 00:02:38,639 Speaker 2: water breaks, that's a sign you're about to give birth. 50 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 2: God's about to do something new, something that you haven't seen. 51 00:02:44,240 --> 00:02:47,000 Speaker 2: Without the water breaking, you would get stuck. 52 00:02:47,520 --> 00:02:48,600 Speaker 1: You wouldn't reach the. 53 00:02:48,480 --> 00:02:51,800 Speaker 2: Fullness of what God has in store. And that's what's 54 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:55,160 Speaker 2: happened to all of us here in Houston. Hurricane Harvey 55 00:02:55,240 --> 00:02:59,720 Speaker 2: came and our water broke. There was a flood. Looking 56 00:02:59,720 --> 00:03:03,520 Speaker 2: at it on the surface, at the damage, it's easy 57 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:06,400 Speaker 2: to get discouraged. I think that ruined my house, that 58 00:03:06,480 --> 00:03:10,200 Speaker 2: flooded my car, that disrupted my life. What you have 59 00:03:10,320 --> 00:03:14,960 Speaker 2: to remember is the water breaking means a birth is coming. 60 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:20,680 Speaker 2: The trauma indicates transition is on the way. God never 61 00:03:20,760 --> 00:03:25,120 Speaker 2: brings you out the same, He's birthing you into something greater. 62 00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:28,360 Speaker 2: Your house may have flooded, but you're going to give 63 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:32,320 Speaker 2: birth to a new house, an improved house, a remodeled house. 64 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:37,880 Speaker 2: God is transitioning you into another level. He has new 65 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:41,520 Speaker 2: things He wants to birth, not just through you, but 66 00:03:41,720 --> 00:03:45,480 Speaker 2: in you. In the difficult times. If you'll keep the 67 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:50,480 Speaker 2: right attitude, you'll develop a greater strength, a greater confidence, 68 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:51,480 Speaker 2: a greater. 69 00:03:51,240 --> 00:03:52,080 Speaker 1: Trust in God. 70 00:03:52,920 --> 00:03:57,200 Speaker 2: Don't complain because the water broke. Get ready, Fever is coming, 71 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:01,880 Speaker 2: Increase is coming, New levels are coming. What you give 72 00:04:01,960 --> 00:04:05,760 Speaker 2: birth to will be greater than anything that you've lost. 73 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:08,800 Speaker 2: You may have lost your car. You're going to give 74 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:12,720 Speaker 2: birth to a better car. You may have lost a relationship. 75 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:15,520 Speaker 2: Somebody walked away. You're going to give. 76 00:04:15,400 --> 00:04:17,120 Speaker 1: Birth to a better relationship. 77 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:21,280 Speaker 2: The company had to downside, said they don't need you. 78 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:25,000 Speaker 1: You were loyal. You didn't see it coming. Don't get better. 79 00:04:25,400 --> 00:04:29,240 Speaker 2: God has a better job, in a higher position, with 80 00:04:29,279 --> 00:04:33,200 Speaker 2: more influence, more income, more benefits, where your gifts can 81 00:04:33,240 --> 00:04:36,719 Speaker 2: come out in a greater way. Now I'm not just 82 00:04:36,960 --> 00:04:40,880 Speaker 2: encouraging you. I'm prophesying. You're going to give birth to 83 00:04:41,000 --> 00:04:45,920 Speaker 2: something greater than you've imagined. God is going to open 84 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:52,120 Speaker 2: doors you never dreamed would open, give you resources, opportunities, influence. 85 00:04:52,520 --> 00:04:53,440 Speaker 1: That is amazing. 86 00:04:54,320 --> 00:04:58,280 Speaker 2: But the floods, the disappointments, the betrayals, they are all 87 00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:02,880 Speaker 2: a part of God's plan. Without the water breaking, you 88 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:03,960 Speaker 2: can't give birth. 89 00:05:04,960 --> 00:05:08,039 Speaker 1: And when we give birth, there will be labor pains. 90 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:11,919 Speaker 2: You're going to have to push, stretch, be willing to 91 00:05:12,000 --> 00:05:15,840 Speaker 2: be uncomfortable. But when you understand it's a part of 92 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:19,159 Speaker 2: the process. When you realize you can't go to the 93 00:05:19,200 --> 00:05:23,080 Speaker 2: next level without the water breaking, then you'll go. 94 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:24,840 Speaker 1: Through it with a good attitude. 95 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:29,320 Speaker 2: You could be negative, complaining. Instead you have a smile 96 00:05:29,360 --> 00:05:32,040 Speaker 2: on your face. You have a song of praise in 97 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:36,880 Speaker 2: your heart, expectancy in your spirit. You know the trauma 98 00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:41,119 Speaker 2: means transition is coming. You know it's just a matter 99 00:05:41,160 --> 00:05:44,360 Speaker 2: of time before you give birth to the new things 100 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:49,800 Speaker 2: God has in store. The process may be uncomfortable, but 101 00:05:49,839 --> 00:05:51,120 Speaker 2: the purpose. 102 00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:51,680 Speaker 1: Is worth it. 103 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:55,680 Speaker 2: If you could see where God is taking you, if 104 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:59,080 Speaker 2: you could see the new things on the horizon, the favor, 105 00:05:59,480 --> 00:06:03,600 Speaker 2: the enflame, luence, the opportunities, the friendships, then you wouldn't. 106 00:06:03,279 --> 00:06:05,320 Speaker 1: Be bothered by what you're going through. 107 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:11,440 Speaker 2: Paul said, these light afflictions are for a moment, yet 108 00:06:11,480 --> 00:06:12,520 Speaker 2: they work in us. 109 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:14,560 Speaker 1: And eternal weight of glory. 110 00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:20,040 Speaker 2: What you're going through is temporary. The birthing process doesn't 111 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:24,560 Speaker 2: last forever. The discomfort is for a moment, but what 112 00:06:24,680 --> 00:06:27,839 Speaker 2: you give birth to, the blessings, they will last for 113 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:32,720 Speaker 2: a lifetime. And what's interesting is Victoria didn't choose where 114 00:06:32,760 --> 00:06:33,599 Speaker 2: her water broke. 115 00:06:34,480 --> 00:06:36,520 Speaker 1: If she knew when it was going to break, she. 116 00:06:36,520 --> 00:06:39,120 Speaker 2: Would have stayed at home, had it all planned out, 117 00:06:39,279 --> 00:06:43,719 Speaker 2: been prepared. But you can't choose where your water breaks. 118 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 2: You can't choose when the flood comes, the disappointment, the loss. 119 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:52,400 Speaker 2: We can't decide when we're going to give birth. That's 120 00:06:52,440 --> 00:06:56,679 Speaker 2: in God's hands. We may not understand it, but God 121 00:06:56,800 --> 00:07:02,000 Speaker 2: knows what he's doing. There is a purpose for every challenge. 122 00:07:02,200 --> 00:07:05,640 Speaker 2: Most of the time we can see the challenge, but 123 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:09,920 Speaker 2: we can't see the purpose. The problem is visible, but 124 00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:13,840 Speaker 2: the purpose is hidden. This is when we have to say, God, 125 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:17,920 Speaker 2: I trust you. I don't see what you're doing. Doesn't 126 00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:21,040 Speaker 2: make sense to me. God, my house flooded, or my 127 00:07:21,160 --> 00:07:24,080 Speaker 2: child got off course, my finances went down. 128 00:07:24,440 --> 00:07:28,040 Speaker 1: God, I don't understand it, but I know your ways 129 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:31,760 Speaker 1: are better than my ways. My life is in your hands, 130 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:33,679 Speaker 1: I've learned. 131 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:38,480 Speaker 2: God will not mismanage your life. He will not allow 132 00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 2: things to happen that don't somehow move you toward your destiny. 133 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:47,160 Speaker 1: He can see things that we can't see. He knows 134 00:07:47,200 --> 00:07:49,040 Speaker 1: the end from the beginning. 135 00:07:49,760 --> 00:07:52,320 Speaker 2: And there are times it feels like God's taken us 136 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:55,600 Speaker 2: the wrong direction. We were about to pay the car 137 00:07:55,720 --> 00:07:57,200 Speaker 2: off and the flood hits. 138 00:07:57,440 --> 00:08:00,840 Speaker 1: We have to start all over. Somebody's spread rumors and 139 00:08:01,000 --> 00:08:02,160 Speaker 1: you didn't get the promotion. 140 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:06,240 Speaker 2: We think, God, where were you? You could have stopped 141 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:09,200 Speaker 2: the flood. God, you could have kept me from this rejection. 142 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 2: What we can't see are the disappointments, the betrayals, the 143 00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:17,320 Speaker 2: bad breaks are all a part of God's plan. 144 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:19,000 Speaker 1: We don't like it. 145 00:08:19,000 --> 00:08:23,360 Speaker 2: It's uncomfortable, but without them we wouldn't reach the fullness 146 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:24,320 Speaker 2: of our destinies. 147 00:08:25,240 --> 00:08:27,720 Speaker 1: We see this in the scripture with Joseph. 148 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:31,200 Speaker 2: He was doing the right thing, but he was betrayed 149 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:36,480 Speaker 2: by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by lady, 150 00:08:36,960 --> 00:08:40,840 Speaker 2: put in prison for thirteen years. It was one bad 151 00:08:40,920 --> 00:08:45,520 Speaker 2: break after another. But one day Joseph interpreted a dream 152 00:08:45,800 --> 00:08:49,920 Speaker 2: for the Pharaoh. Pharaoh was so pleased he put Joseph 153 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:53,400 Speaker 2: in charge of the food supply in all of Egypt. 154 00:08:53,880 --> 00:08:57,440 Speaker 2: Joseph was second in command of the nation, one of 155 00:08:57,440 --> 00:08:58,040 Speaker 2: the most. 156 00:08:57,840 --> 00:08:59,520 Speaker 1: Powerful people of that day. 157 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:03,480 Speaker 2: But why did God allow Joseph to go through all 158 00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:04,520 Speaker 2: these difficulties. 159 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:08,480 Speaker 1: It didn't seem fair. But God wasn't just making his 160 00:09:08,640 --> 00:09:13,319 Speaker 1: life miserable. He had a plan. God knew years later 161 00:09:13,960 --> 00:09:14,760 Speaker 1: there would be a. 162 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:18,600 Speaker 2: Famine in the land Egypt would be the only place 163 00:09:18,640 --> 00:09:21,960 Speaker 2: that would have food. God had to put someone on 164 00:09:22,040 --> 00:09:25,600 Speaker 2: the inside of Egypt that would be favorable to the 165 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:30,960 Speaker 2: Israelites so they could survive. So God ordain Joseph to 166 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:35,160 Speaker 2: be betrayed, He ordained him to be falsely accused, ordained 167 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:36,520 Speaker 2: him to be put in prison. 168 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:41,719 Speaker 1: That whole time, God was ordering his steps. Yet if we. 169 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 2: Looked at the steps individually, we would think, Wow, Joseph, 170 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:46,600 Speaker 2: you got a raw deal. 171 00:09:47,160 --> 00:09:51,640 Speaker 1: God must not like you. The truth is God trusted 172 00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:54,400 Speaker 1: Joseph so much. He knew he. 173 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:57,560 Speaker 2: Could count on Joseph to go through the things he 174 00:09:57,679 --> 00:10:02,320 Speaker 2: didn't understand with a good add ita. If Joseph would 175 00:10:02,320 --> 00:10:06,120 Speaker 2: have become bitter, angry, held a grudge, he would have 176 00:10:06,160 --> 00:10:06,840 Speaker 2: gotten stuck. 177 00:10:07,160 --> 00:10:09,480 Speaker 1: He wouldn't have made it to the throne. 178 00:10:09,559 --> 00:10:12,880 Speaker 2: And when you face things you don't understand that are 179 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:17,560 Speaker 2: not fair, be a Joseph. Dare to believe that God 180 00:10:17,760 --> 00:10:21,280 Speaker 2: is in complete control. Dare to believe that He's still 181 00:10:21,480 --> 00:10:22,720 Speaker 2: directing your steps. 182 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:25,480 Speaker 1: It's all a part of the plan to get you 183 00:10:25,880 --> 00:10:27,960 Speaker 1: to where you're supposed to be. Now. 184 00:10:28,000 --> 00:10:32,280 Speaker 2: I know you can trust God, but can God trust you? 185 00:10:33,120 --> 00:10:36,040 Speaker 2: Can he trust you with difficulties? To be a Joseph, 186 00:10:36,440 --> 00:10:40,040 Speaker 2: to keep a good attitude even when life doesn't seem fair. 187 00:10:40,960 --> 00:10:44,760 Speaker 1: Sometimes we're trying to pray away what God has ordained. 188 00:10:45,200 --> 00:10:45,920 Speaker 1: Joseph could have. 189 00:10:45,920 --> 00:10:49,960 Speaker 2: Prayed, God, please keep my brothers from betraying me. His 190 00:10:50,120 --> 00:10:54,520 Speaker 2: prayer wouldn't have been answered, not because God didn't love him, 191 00:10:54,679 --> 00:10:56,280 Speaker 2: but because God. 192 00:10:56,080 --> 00:10:57,559 Speaker 1: Can see the big picture. 193 00:10:58,360 --> 00:11:02,360 Speaker 2: God knew that betrayal was an important step that was 194 00:11:02,480 --> 00:11:07,839 Speaker 2: leading Joseph somewhere amazing. Had God kept Joseph from the betrayal, 195 00:11:08,440 --> 00:11:09,440 Speaker 2: he would have kept. 196 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:13,120 Speaker 1: Him from his destiny. God loves you too. 197 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:16,280 Speaker 2: Much to answer a prayer that's going to keep you 198 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:19,360 Speaker 2: from your purpose when it doesn't. 199 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:19,880 Speaker 1: Happen our way. 200 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:23,480 Speaker 2: It's tempting to get discouraged. God, Why didn't you turn 201 00:11:23,480 --> 00:11:26,960 Speaker 2: it around? Why didn't you answer me? Your way may 202 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,320 Speaker 2: be more comfortable, but it will limit how high you 203 00:11:30,400 --> 00:11:34,240 Speaker 2: can go. That's why God won't let us be comfortable 204 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:38,839 Speaker 2: all the time. There will be seasons of stretching, growing 205 00:11:39,200 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 2: where we're not getting our way, where the wrong thing 206 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:42,640 Speaker 2: is happening. 207 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:45,600 Speaker 1: The good news is God has given. 208 00:11:45,360 --> 00:11:48,960 Speaker 2: Us strength for every battle, grace for every season. 209 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:52,959 Speaker 1: There's nothing you're facing that's too much for you. You can 210 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:53,560 Speaker 1: handle it. 211 00:11:54,160 --> 00:11:57,320 Speaker 2: You've been equipped, empowered, and anointed. 212 00:11:58,000 --> 00:11:58,760 Speaker 1: And here's the key. 213 00:11:59,600 --> 00:12:03,880 Speaker 2: Just because you have difficulties doesn't mean you don't have favor. 214 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:08,800 Speaker 2: While Joseph was a slave, he had favor with Potterphar, 215 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:11,640 Speaker 2: the man that he worked for. Potterphar put him in 216 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:15,680 Speaker 2: charge of his whole house. In the prison, Joseph had 217 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:17,120 Speaker 2: favor with the guards. 218 00:12:17,480 --> 00:12:19,120 Speaker 1: They put him in charge of the prison. 219 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:23,400 Speaker 2: He should have been at a disadvantage, but because of 220 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 2: the favor on his life, it caused him to keep 221 00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:32,120 Speaker 2: rising to the top. The scripture says Potterphar saw the 222 00:12:32,240 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 2: Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in everything 223 00:12:36,600 --> 00:12:37,160 Speaker 2: that he did. 224 00:12:38,040 --> 00:12:39,240 Speaker 1: You may be in a storm. 225 00:12:39,880 --> 00:12:43,679 Speaker 2: Forces are coming against you that seem bigger, stronger, more powerful. 226 00:12:43,960 --> 00:12:48,240 Speaker 2: Stay encouraged. You have the favor of God. You can 227 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:52,640 Speaker 2: shine even in a storm. You can excel even when 228 00:12:52,679 --> 00:12:56,520 Speaker 2: people are trying to push you down. God's favor will 229 00:12:56,559 --> 00:12:59,800 Speaker 2: cause you to overcome what you could not overcome on 230 00:12:59,840 --> 00:13:04,280 Speaker 2: your own. You will defeat giants that are bigger, accomplish 231 00:13:04,440 --> 00:13:05,480 Speaker 2: dreams where you. 232 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:06,800 Speaker 1: Didn't have the experience. 233 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:11,000 Speaker 2: The favor on your life gives you an advantage. I 234 00:13:11,080 --> 00:13:14,880 Speaker 2: love what David said in Psalm thirty God's favor last 235 00:13:15,240 --> 00:13:21,280 Speaker 2: for a lifetime. The adversity is temporary. The favor is permanent. 236 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:24,319 Speaker 1: You didn't have favor before the storm. 237 00:13:24,800 --> 00:13:27,400 Speaker 2: Look what happened. You must not have it now. Favor 238 00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:31,360 Speaker 2: doesn't come and go. The right attitude is I'm favored 239 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:35,080 Speaker 2: in the flood, I'm favored in the hospital, I'm favored 240 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:39,760 Speaker 2: in the financial difficulty. Favor doesn't leave you. You used 241 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:43,120 Speaker 2: to have favor, No, you have favor right now. Favor 242 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:46,080 Speaker 2: is what's going to help you overcome the challenge. 243 00:13:46,200 --> 00:13:48,360 Speaker 1: Instead of thinking, oh man, look what I've been through. 244 00:13:48,400 --> 00:13:51,560 Speaker 2: It's not fair. Turn it around. Father, Thank you for 245 00:13:51,640 --> 00:13:55,000 Speaker 2: your favor. Thank you that good breaks are chasing me down. 246 00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 2: Think you that blessings are headed my way. Isaiah said, 247 00:13:59,720 --> 00:14:02,800 Speaker 2: when when you go through the flood, you will not drown. 248 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:06,120 Speaker 2: When you go through the fire, you won't be burned. 249 00:14:06,640 --> 00:14:09,800 Speaker 2: Psalm thirty seven says when you're in the famine, you 250 00:14:09,840 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 2: will have more than enough. Notice the three f's through 251 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:15,959 Speaker 2: the flood, through the fire, through the famine. 252 00:14:16,080 --> 00:14:19,160 Speaker 1: The good news is God has one more f it's 253 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:19,920 Speaker 1: called favor. 254 00:14:20,640 --> 00:14:24,240 Speaker 2: When you're in the flood, don't complain, get ready for favor. 255 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:29,400 Speaker 2: The Psalmist said, we didn't win the victory in our 256 00:14:29,440 --> 00:14:35,000 Speaker 2: own strength, it was because you favored us in difficult times. 257 00:14:35,560 --> 00:14:39,480 Speaker 2: Remind yourself there is something God has put on you 258 00:14:39,800 --> 00:14:43,600 Speaker 2: that no person can stop. No bad break, no sickness, 259 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:48,480 Speaker 2: no hurricane, all the forces of darkness cannot hold you down. 260 00:14:48,840 --> 00:14:50,360 Speaker 1: You have the favor of God. 261 00:14:51,600 --> 00:14:55,240 Speaker 2: Now, God wouldn't have allowed the difficulty if it was 262 00:14:55,320 --> 00:15:00,040 Speaker 2: going to keep you from your destiny. Like Joseph, that 263 00:15:00,120 --> 00:15:04,960 Speaker 2: difficulty is going to launch you into your destiny. Now, 264 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:09,400 Speaker 2: quit losing sleep over what God ordained. He may not 265 00:15:09,520 --> 00:15:13,520 Speaker 2: have sent it, but He controls the universe. Nothing happens 266 00:15:13,560 --> 00:15:17,920 Speaker 2: without his permission. If it happened, don't get bitter, don't 267 00:15:17,960 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 2: try to figure it out. 268 00:15:19,440 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 1: Stay in faith. 269 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:23,560 Speaker 2: The favor on your life is going to cause you 270 00:15:23,640 --> 00:15:29,280 Speaker 2: to rise above every obstacle. That opposition is going to 271 00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:33,040 Speaker 2: be what God uses to birth you into a new level, 272 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:38,040 Speaker 2: a new level in your career, in relationships, in finances, a. 273 00:15:37,960 --> 00:15:39,240 Speaker 1: New level in the annointing. 274 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:43,480 Speaker 2: I've seen this in my own life every time I've 275 00:15:43,480 --> 00:15:47,280 Speaker 2: had major increase. It came out of a difficult time 276 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:51,600 Speaker 2: when my father died. I lost one of my best friends. 277 00:15:52,120 --> 00:15:55,080 Speaker 2: I'd worked with him seventeen years, behind the scenes. Every 278 00:15:55,200 --> 00:16:00,080 Speaker 2: day we'd traveled the world together. Nothing seemed good about. 279 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:01,040 Speaker 1: My father's death. 280 00:16:01,840 --> 00:16:05,680 Speaker 2: But what I couldn't see was God was using that loss, 281 00:16:06,040 --> 00:16:10,400 Speaker 2: that dark time, to birth something new in me. I 282 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:13,480 Speaker 2: didn't realize it then, but the loss. 283 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:15,800 Speaker 1: Of my father was my water breaking. 284 00:16:16,600 --> 00:16:19,560 Speaker 2: Gifts and talents were birthed in me that I didn't 285 00:16:19,600 --> 00:16:21,120 Speaker 2: know I had now. 286 00:16:21,160 --> 00:16:23,760 Speaker 1: I wouldn't be up here now if my father was 287 00:16:23,760 --> 00:16:28,000 Speaker 1: still alive. I was comfortable behind the scenes. I didn't 288 00:16:28,040 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 1: have to stretch. 289 00:16:29,640 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 2: But sometimes God will use the storm to push you 290 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:37,960 Speaker 2: out of the womb. It's because the womb is too small. 291 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:42,960 Speaker 2: It was designed for a limited time. When the water breaks, 292 00:16:43,360 --> 00:16:46,520 Speaker 2: ready or not, here you come. The key is to 293 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:50,760 Speaker 2: come with a good attitude. Come knowing that it's ordained 294 00:16:50,800 --> 00:16:53,840 Speaker 2: by God, that it's a part of his plan. Come 295 00:16:53,920 --> 00:16:56,560 Speaker 2: knowing that the favor on your life is going to 296 00:16:56,640 --> 00:17:00,680 Speaker 2: cause you to succeed. After all, Joseph went through You 297 00:17:00,840 --> 00:17:04,920 Speaker 2: never read where he complained, where he got sour, where 298 00:17:04,960 --> 00:17:09,199 Speaker 2: he blamed people. Deep down, Joseph knew that God was 299 00:17:09,240 --> 00:17:14,200 Speaker 2: in control and he would not mismanage his life. God 300 00:17:14,280 --> 00:17:18,040 Speaker 2: will not allow negative things just so you can go 301 00:17:18,080 --> 00:17:18,560 Speaker 2: through them. 302 00:17:19,119 --> 00:17:21,000 Speaker 1: He's not up there in heaven thinking. 303 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:23,480 Speaker 2: Let me send them a flood and make their lives miserable, 304 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:26,440 Speaker 2: let me take their loved going away, Let me cause 305 00:17:26,480 --> 00:17:27,960 Speaker 2: this person to cheat them. 306 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:30,119 Speaker 1: God is our heavenly father. 307 00:17:31,080 --> 00:17:33,800 Speaker 2: If you're a parent, you know how much you love 308 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:36,520 Speaker 2: your children, how you go out of your way to 309 00:17:36,600 --> 00:17:39,840 Speaker 2: watch after them, protect them, be good to them. 310 00:17:40,080 --> 00:17:44,760 Speaker 1: God is that way. But billions of times more, you 311 00:17:44,840 --> 00:17:45,280 Speaker 1: are his. 312 00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:50,200 Speaker 2: Most prized possession. There's nothing he cares more about than you. 313 00:17:50,920 --> 00:17:53,720 Speaker 2: He knows the number of hair on your head. He's 314 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:59,280 Speaker 2: closely watching over you. He sees every bad break, every difficulty, 315 00:17:59,680 --> 00:18:04,480 Speaker 2: every unfair situation. When you go through things you don't understand, 316 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:08,960 Speaker 2: you need to remind yourself that your heavenly father is 317 00:18:09,080 --> 00:18:12,760 Speaker 2: in control and he has your best interest at heart. 318 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:16,199 Speaker 2: What you're going through may not feel good, may not 319 00:18:16,359 --> 00:18:17,159 Speaker 2: be fair. 320 00:18:17,119 --> 00:18:18,960 Speaker 1: But God knows what he's doing. 321 00:18:19,359 --> 00:18:21,680 Speaker 2: When he brings you out, you're not going to come 322 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:24,320 Speaker 2: out the same. You're going to come out better off 323 00:18:24,359 --> 00:18:29,879 Speaker 2: than you were before. First Peter five says after you 324 00:18:29,960 --> 00:18:34,760 Speaker 2: have suffered a little, while it doesn't say after you've suffered. 325 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:35,080 Speaker 1: Your whole life. 326 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:40,639 Speaker 2: It says a little while one translation says, this suffering 327 00:18:41,000 --> 00:18:45,080 Speaker 2: isn't going to last forever. It won't be long before 328 00:18:45,119 --> 00:18:49,560 Speaker 2: this generous God puts you together back on your feet 329 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:53,280 Speaker 2: for good. He gets the last word, Yes he does. 330 00:18:54,960 --> 00:18:57,040 Speaker 2: You may feel like you've been knocked down. 331 00:18:57,440 --> 00:18:58,360 Speaker 1: Be encouraged. 332 00:18:58,680 --> 00:19:02,080 Speaker 2: This generous God is about to put you back on 333 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:03,399 Speaker 2: your feet for good. 334 00:19:04,200 --> 00:19:08,240 Speaker 1: Harvey doesn't have the final say. God has the final say. 335 00:19:10,040 --> 00:19:12,520 Speaker 1: Harvey is simply a set up. 336 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:17,680 Speaker 2: The sickness, the disappointment, the betrayal. It may not make 337 00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:21,720 Speaker 2: sense to you, but without it, God couldn't launch. 338 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:22,639 Speaker 1: You to a new level. 339 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:26,720 Speaker 2: It's setting you up to give birth to something greater 340 00:19:26,920 --> 00:19:31,160 Speaker 2: than you can imagine. The process may be painful, but 341 00:19:31,240 --> 00:19:34,960 Speaker 2: the purpose will be well worth it. One day, you're 342 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:38,439 Speaker 2: going to look back and see how God used everything 343 00:19:38,560 --> 00:19:41,560 Speaker 2: that you went through. If the flood hadn't come, you 344 00:19:41,560 --> 00:19:44,160 Speaker 2: wouldn't have met this person, You wouldn't have moved into 345 00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:46,920 Speaker 2: this new house, you wouldn't have taken this different job. 346 00:19:47,400 --> 00:19:51,280 Speaker 1: It's all working for your good. Stay in faith. It's 347 00:19:51,320 --> 00:19:51,840 Speaker 1: a set up. 348 00:19:53,400 --> 00:19:56,960 Speaker 2: In nexts chapter two, the disciples were all in Jerusalem 349 00:19:57,119 --> 00:20:00,359 Speaker 2: in the upper room the Holy spirit came in like 350 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:03,960 Speaker 2: a rushing mighty wind. It was a great sign of 351 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:07,840 Speaker 2: God's blessing and favor. I'm sure they were excited. They 352 00:20:07,880 --> 00:20:10,400 Speaker 2: knew God was on their side and they were going 353 00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:14,280 Speaker 2: to do great things. But in chapter eight, a man 354 00:20:14,359 --> 00:20:18,520 Speaker 2: named Saul showed up. He hated these disciples. He was 355 00:20:18,560 --> 00:20:22,200 Speaker 2: having them arrested and put in prison. The scripture says 356 00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:25,800 Speaker 2: Saul wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on the church. 357 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:29,760 Speaker 1: Havoc is a strong word that means he. 358 00:20:29,800 --> 00:20:35,680 Speaker 2: Turned the city upside down. Things were thrown into disarray confusion. 359 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:39,960 Speaker 2: In the midst of this calamity, a young man named Stephen, 360 00:20:40,359 --> 00:20:44,040 Speaker 2: a follower of Christ, was stoned to death. Saul was 361 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:48,679 Speaker 2: standing right there giving his approval. It's interesting that Saul 362 00:20:48,760 --> 00:20:53,720 Speaker 2: came to Jerusalem and caused so much turmoil. Jerusalem means 363 00:20:54,119 --> 00:20:57,760 Speaker 2: the city of peace. This was home to many of 364 00:20:57,800 --> 00:20:58,640 Speaker 2: the disciples. 365 00:20:59,119 --> 00:21:01,840 Speaker 1: This is where they fell secure. They could relax and 366 00:21:01,920 --> 00:21:02,639 Speaker 1: be at ease. 367 00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:06,600 Speaker 2: But now their city of peace was turned into a 368 00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:08,240 Speaker 2: city of chaos. 369 00:21:09,040 --> 00:21:09,879 Speaker 1: Where was God? 370 00:21:10,280 --> 00:21:13,600 Speaker 2: A few chapters earlier, he sent the rushing mighty wind. 371 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:17,479 Speaker 2: It's not like God couldn't have stopped Saul from wreaking havoc. 372 00:21:18,119 --> 00:21:20,640 Speaker 2: But God doesn't stop every difficulty. 373 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:22,000 Speaker 1: They're a part of his plan. 374 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:27,600 Speaker 2: Because of the persecution in Jerusalem, Philip had to go 375 00:21:27,640 --> 00:21:33,159 Speaker 2: to Samaria. In Samaria, the scripture says Philip performed all 376 00:21:33,320 --> 00:21:37,760 Speaker 2: kinds of miracles. Great favor was on his life. Blind 377 00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:40,440 Speaker 2: eyes were open, the lepers were cured. 378 00:21:41,080 --> 00:21:43,840 Speaker 1: What's my point, Saul was a set up. 379 00:21:44,440 --> 00:21:48,480 Speaker 2: Saul wreaking Havoc was to push Philip into this new 380 00:21:48,600 --> 00:21:54,560 Speaker 2: level of ministry. Sometimes God will allow your place of peace, 381 00:21:55,280 --> 00:21:59,480 Speaker 2: your home where you're comfortable, to be disrupted. That's what's 382 00:21:59,520 --> 00:22:02,399 Speaker 2: happened to us here in Houston. Now I'm not saying 383 00:22:02,440 --> 00:22:06,600 Speaker 2: that God sends the storms, but God will allow storms. 384 00:22:06,800 --> 00:22:10,280 Speaker 2: He will allow Sauls to come along. This is where 385 00:22:10,280 --> 00:22:13,520 Speaker 2: you have to know who God is and what he's 386 00:22:13,640 --> 00:22:16,879 Speaker 2: up to. Number One, God is a good God. 387 00:22:17,200 --> 00:22:20,320 Speaker 1: He is for you. Number Two, He's. 388 00:22:20,119 --> 00:22:23,719 Speaker 2: Going to use that discomfort to launch you to a 389 00:22:23,760 --> 00:22:28,960 Speaker 2: new level. The storm is your water breaking. You're about 390 00:22:29,040 --> 00:22:32,480 Speaker 2: to give birth. Like Philip, You're going to see things 391 00:22:32,480 --> 00:22:35,360 Speaker 2: you've never seen, accomplish. 392 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:36,440 Speaker 1: What you've never accomplished. 393 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:41,200 Speaker 2: When Saul shows up, when Harvey hits, things that disrupt 394 00:22:41,240 --> 00:22:42,159 Speaker 2: your place of peace. 395 00:22:42,760 --> 00:22:45,480 Speaker 1: Be still and know that he is God. 396 00:22:46,080 --> 00:22:49,919 Speaker 2: He has in the palm of his hand. The enemy 397 00:22:50,040 --> 00:22:53,639 Speaker 2: sent that storm to harm you, disrupt you. What he 398 00:22:53,680 --> 00:22:58,040 Speaker 2: didn't realize is God saw it coming, and he already 399 00:22:58,119 --> 00:23:01,000 Speaker 2: has a plan to use it to promote you, to 400 00:23:01,160 --> 00:23:03,679 Speaker 2: increase you, to launch you to a new level. 401 00:23:05,520 --> 00:23:06,840 Speaker 1: But none of us like to be. 402 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:10,960 Speaker 2: Uncomfortable, to be under pressure in situations that are unfair. 403 00:23:11,359 --> 00:23:16,000 Speaker 2: The truth is, giving birth is uncomfortable. I've been in 404 00:23:16,080 --> 00:23:19,800 Speaker 2: the delivery room when our children were born. Victoria is 405 00:23:19,840 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 2: as nice as can be, easy going, fun to be around. 406 00:23:24,040 --> 00:23:27,440 Speaker 2: But when she was in labor, when those contractions hit, 407 00:23:28,119 --> 00:23:32,040 Speaker 2: I saw a new side of this lady. They tell 408 00:23:32,080 --> 00:23:35,280 Speaker 2: you in the birthing classes beforehand that the husband is 409 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:37,880 Speaker 2: supposed to be the coach and tell the wife when 410 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:40,880 Speaker 2: to breathe. When I saw how much pain she was in, 411 00:23:41,200 --> 00:23:44,160 Speaker 2: I thought, you can breathe whenever you want to. I'm 412 00:23:44,160 --> 00:23:44,960 Speaker 2: not gonna tell you. 413 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:47,320 Speaker 1: What to do. But what's funny. 414 00:23:47,680 --> 00:23:51,800 Speaker 2: One moment she was in great pain, uncomfortable, But when 415 00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:55,320 Speaker 2: she gave birth, when she held her little son saw 416 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:59,080 Speaker 2: how amazing he was, she forgot all about the pain 417 00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:03,560 Speaker 2: she was. I'm so overjoyed, so grateful to God. She 418 00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:07,399 Speaker 2: didn't think about what she had been through. Yes, the 419 00:24:07,480 --> 00:24:09,480 Speaker 2: birthing process can be painful. 420 00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:11,920 Speaker 1: We don't like it. We have to endure. 421 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:15,280 Speaker 2: But can I encourage you when you give birth to 422 00:24:15,359 --> 00:24:17,840 Speaker 2: what God has put in you, when you see the 423 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:20,520 Speaker 2: new things He has in store. You're not going to 424 00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:23,639 Speaker 2: remember all the trauma. You're not going to think about 425 00:24:23,920 --> 00:24:27,560 Speaker 2: what didn't work out and how unfair it was. When 426 00:24:27,600 --> 00:24:31,000 Speaker 2: you see your baby, so to speak, your new house, 427 00:24:31,600 --> 00:24:35,000 Speaker 2: your child back on course, your health restored. When you 428 00:24:35,080 --> 00:24:37,960 Speaker 2: give birth, you're going to be so grateful to God, 429 00:24:38,520 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 2: so amazed at his goodness. You won't have time to 430 00:24:42,240 --> 00:24:46,120 Speaker 2: think about the process. You'll be too caught up enjoying 431 00:24:46,160 --> 00:24:50,119 Speaker 2: the blessings. Now, my challenge, keep looking ahead. 432 00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:51,840 Speaker 1: Your baby is coming. 433 00:24:52,640 --> 00:24:56,879 Speaker 2: It may be painful now you feel flooded by challenges. 434 00:24:57,240 --> 00:24:58,520 Speaker 1: Have the right perspective. 435 00:24:58,840 --> 00:25:02,760 Speaker 2: Your water broke, that means you're about to give birth. 436 00:25:03,320 --> 00:25:07,560 Speaker 2: That difficulty is a setup for God to do something new, 437 00:25:08,160 --> 00:25:11,359 Speaker 2: something that you haven't seen, so you can take new 438 00:25:11,440 --> 00:25:15,200 Speaker 2: ground for the kingdom, so you can set a new standard. 439 00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:15,520 Speaker 1: For your family. 440 00:25:16,480 --> 00:25:19,119 Speaker 2: You may have been through the flood, through the fire, 441 00:25:19,280 --> 00:25:22,080 Speaker 2: and through the famine, but get ready for the fourth 442 00:25:22,280 --> 00:25:26,679 Speaker 2: f favor is coming. What you give birth to is 443 00:25:26,720 --> 00:25:30,400 Speaker 2: going to be greater than anything that you lost. This 444 00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:32,359 Speaker 2: is not the time to be discouraged. 445 00:25:32,440 --> 00:25:35,800 Speaker 1: This is the time to stir your faith up. God 446 00:25:35,880 --> 00:25:39,119 Speaker 1: has not brought you this far to leave you. The 447 00:25:39,200 --> 00:25:42,440 Speaker 1: flood may have interrupted your life, but it did not 448 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:47,280 Speaker 1: interrupt your destiny. God is still on the throne. Life 449 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:49,600 Speaker 1: with Joseph is all a part of His plan. 450 00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:53,560 Speaker 2: You may not understand it, but God will not mismanage 451 00:25:53,560 --> 00:25:54,240 Speaker 2: your life. 452 00:25:54,560 --> 00:25:54,679 Speaker 1: Now. 453 00:25:54,680 --> 00:25:58,640 Speaker 2: I believe and declare for everything that you've lost, God 454 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:01,439 Speaker 2: is going to give you back more for everything that 455 00:26:01,560 --> 00:26:02,200 Speaker 2: was unfair. 456 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:03,040 Speaker 1: You're going to. 457 00:26:03,000 --> 00:26:07,439 Speaker 2: Come out better, stronger, healthier, promoted to a new level 458 00:26:07,520 --> 00:26:11,320 Speaker 2: of your destiny. In Jesus' name, if you receive it, 459 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:12,080 Speaker 2: can you say it? 460 00:26:12,200 --> 00:26:12,320 Speaker 1: Men? 461 00:26:12,400 --> 00:26:17,560 Speaker 2: Today, I'd like to give you an opportunity to make 462 00:26:17,680 --> 00:26:20,679 Speaker 2: Jesus the lord of your life. Would you pray with 463 00:26:20,760 --> 00:26:26,400 Speaker 2: me today? Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent of my sins. 464 00:26:27,680 --> 00:26:28,680 Speaker 2: Come into my heart. 465 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:31,600 Speaker 1: I make you my Lord and savior. 466 00:26:33,040 --> 00:26:35,640 Speaker 2: If you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got 467 00:26:35,680 --> 00:26:38,879 Speaker 2: born again. Get in a good Bible based church, and 468 00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:40,479 Speaker 2: keep God first place,