1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:03,040 Speaker 1: Are you ready to move your career forward? Make your 2 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:06,560 Speaker 1: comeback with Purdue Global and get college credit for your work, school, life, 3 00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:09,760 Speaker 1: or military experiences. With these credits, you may have already 4 00:00:09,760 --> 00:00:12,560 Speaker 1: completed up to seventy five percent of your undergraduate degree. 5 00:00:12,640 --> 00:00:14,720 Speaker 1: You've worked hard to get where you are. It's time 6 00:00:14,720 --> 00:00:16,880 Speaker 1: to get the recognition you deserve and earn a degree 7 00:00:16,880 --> 00:00:19,520 Speaker 1: you'll be proud of, one that employers will trust and 8 00:00:19,600 --> 00:00:21,799 Speaker 1: respect when you take the next step in your life 9 00:00:21,800 --> 00:00:25,480 Speaker 1: and career. Make account with Purdue Global produce online University 10 00:00:25,520 --> 00:00:29,600 Speaker 1: for working adults. Start your comeback at Purdueglobal dot edu. 11 00:00:30,640 --> 00:00:33,360 Speaker 2: Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. Thanks for listening to 12 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:36,160 Speaker 2: our podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry. 13 00:00:36,280 --> 00:00:38,640 Speaker 3: If you enjoy today's message, why don't you be a 14 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:40,200 Speaker 3: blessing and share it with a friend. 15 00:00:40,520 --> 00:00:43,239 Speaker 2: We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in 16 00:00:43,320 --> 00:00:58,920 Speaker 2: your life. God bless you. It's a joy to come 17 00:00:58,920 --> 00:01:01,960 Speaker 2: into your homes and you're ever in our area. Please 18 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:04,200 Speaker 2: stop buying be a part of one of our services. 19 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:06,559 Speaker 2: I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. 20 00:01:06,840 --> 00:01:09,200 Speaker 2: But thanks so much for tuning in. Thank you again 21 00:01:09,240 --> 00:01:11,840 Speaker 2: for coming out. I like to start with something funny 22 00:01:11,840 --> 00:01:15,279 Speaker 2: and I heard about this. Husband. He was quietly reading 23 00:01:15,280 --> 00:01:18,200 Speaker 2: the newspaper when his wife walked up behind him and 24 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:21,600 Speaker 2: hit him on the head with a frying pan. He said, 25 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:24,080 Speaker 2: what was that for? She said, that was for the 26 00:01:24,080 --> 00:01:26,399 Speaker 2: piece of paper I found in your pocket with the 27 00:01:26,480 --> 00:01:29,480 Speaker 2: name Mary Lou on it. He said, oh, honey, that's 28 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:31,360 Speaker 2: just one of the horses that I bet on at 29 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:35,200 Speaker 2: the racetrack last week. She apologized, went about her business. 30 00:01:35,520 --> 00:01:37,640 Speaker 2: Two days later, she hit him on the head with 31 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:41,080 Speaker 2: a bigger frying pan. When he came to he said, 32 00:01:41,080 --> 00:01:43,840 Speaker 2: what in the world was that for? She said, your 33 00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:50,600 Speaker 2: horse just called. That's not inspiring at all. But say 34 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:53,560 Speaker 2: it like you mean it. This is my Bible. I 35 00:01:53,600 --> 00:01:55,880 Speaker 2: am what it says. I am. I have what it 36 00:01:55,880 --> 00:01:58,320 Speaker 2: says I have. I can do what it says I 37 00:01:58,320 --> 00:02:01,400 Speaker 2: can do. Today I will we talk the word of God. 38 00:02:01,920 --> 00:02:06,280 Speaker 2: I boldly confess. My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. 39 00:02:06,600 --> 00:02:10,280 Speaker 2: I will never be the same. In Jesus' name, God 40 00:02:10,360 --> 00:02:13,880 Speaker 2: bless you. I want to talk to you today about 41 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:18,520 Speaker 2: don't fight it. We all face situations that we don't like. 42 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:22,720 Speaker 2: Somebody's not treating us right. Business is not growing as 43 00:02:22,760 --> 00:02:25,480 Speaker 2: fast as we had hoped we're seeing God and still 44 00:02:25,520 --> 00:02:29,640 Speaker 2: haven't met anyone. It's easy to live uptight, all wrought 45 00:02:29,720 --> 00:02:33,520 Speaker 2: up on the inside. We don't understand why it's taken 46 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:37,840 Speaker 2: so long, why this person hasn't changed, why our prayers 47 00:02:37,919 --> 00:02:43,160 Speaker 2: haven't been answered. We end up frustrated, fighting against everything 48 00:02:43,160 --> 00:02:46,840 Speaker 2: that we don't like. But here's the key. Just because 49 00:02:46,880 --> 00:02:50,480 Speaker 2: it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it's not where we're supposed to be. 50 00:02:51,360 --> 00:02:55,440 Speaker 2: God uses difficulties to do a work in us. We 51 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:58,800 Speaker 2: grow in the tough times. That's when our character is 52 00:02:58,840 --> 00:03:03,200 Speaker 2: being developed. And God will not allow a difficulty unless 53 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:05,880 Speaker 2: he has a divine purpose for it. And if we're 54 00:03:05,919 --> 00:03:09,000 Speaker 2: going to reach our highest potential, we have to make 55 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:12,600 Speaker 2: up our mind. I'm not going to live frustrated because 56 00:03:12,600 --> 00:03:16,399 Speaker 2: I'm uncomfortable. I'm not going to be upset because things 57 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:19,480 Speaker 2: are not happening on my timetable. I'm not going to 58 00:03:19,560 --> 00:03:23,840 Speaker 2: fight against everything that I don't like. Our attitude should 59 00:03:23,840 --> 00:03:28,560 Speaker 2: be God. I trust you you're in complete control. I 60 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:32,160 Speaker 2: may not like this situation, but you wouldn't have me 61 00:03:32,280 --> 00:03:35,400 Speaker 2: here unless I needed it. So I'm going to keep 62 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,600 Speaker 2: a good attitude and be my best right where I 63 00:03:38,640 --> 00:03:44,240 Speaker 2: am that's how you position yourself for promotion. In the scripture, 64 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:48,640 Speaker 2: it says that God didn't lead the Israelites the shortest 65 00:03:48,720 --> 00:03:52,480 Speaker 2: route to the Promised Land. He took them the long 66 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:56,240 Speaker 2: way on purpose because they were not prepared for war. 67 00:03:57,320 --> 00:03:59,880 Speaker 2: God knew if he would have taken them into quickly, 68 00:04:00,840 --> 00:04:04,440 Speaker 2: they would have been easily defeated. Their enemies were much bigger, 69 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:09,760 Speaker 2: much more experienced. I'm sure they prayed many times, God, 70 00:04:09,920 --> 00:04:13,240 Speaker 2: we're uncomfortable out here in the desert, we're hot, we're tired, 71 00:04:13,360 --> 00:04:17,160 Speaker 2: let us go in sooner. But God didn't answer that prayer. 72 00:04:18,080 --> 00:04:21,000 Speaker 2: Not because God was trying to make their life miserable. 73 00:04:21,640 --> 00:04:24,240 Speaker 2: But God knew what was up in front of them. 74 00:04:25,040 --> 00:04:28,360 Speaker 2: He had to toughen them up and get them prepared 75 00:04:28,960 --> 00:04:31,599 Speaker 2: so they could step into the fullness of their destiny. 76 00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:35,599 Speaker 2: In the same way, God has already laid out the 77 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:39,839 Speaker 2: plan for your life. He knows exactly what you need, 78 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:43,359 Speaker 2: when you need it, who you need. He knows the 79 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:46,680 Speaker 2: battles you're going to face, the dreams you're going to accomplish. 80 00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:50,600 Speaker 2: It's got it all figured out. That's why we cannot 81 00:04:50,640 --> 00:04:55,880 Speaker 2: pray away every uncomfortable situation. God, this person at work. 82 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,960 Speaker 2: They're getting on my nerves. You've got to get him 83 00:04:58,000 --> 00:05:00,400 Speaker 2: out of my life. No, God will you. He's that 84 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:04,200 Speaker 2: person like sandpaper to rub the rough edges off of you. 85 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:08,000 Speaker 2: Even if you were to pray them away, God would 86 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:11,840 Speaker 2: send you two more people just like this. I've learned this. 87 00:05:12,480 --> 00:05:16,240 Speaker 2: God is more interested in changing us than he is 88 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:20,560 Speaker 2: in changing our circumstances. God loves you too much to 89 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 2: let you stay where you are. It may be uncomfortable, 90 00:05:24,560 --> 00:05:27,240 Speaker 2: but you have to remind yourself this is not working 91 00:05:27,279 --> 00:05:31,039 Speaker 2: against me. This is working for me. It's getting me 92 00:05:31,120 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 2: in position for the amazing future God has in story. 93 00:05:35,480 --> 00:05:38,000 Speaker 2: And the truth is, some of the things you may 94 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:41,880 Speaker 2: be praying about, if God were to remove them right now, 95 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:45,800 Speaker 2: you wouldn't be prepared for where God has taken you. 96 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:47,640 Speaker 2: You've got to let God do the work in you. 97 00:05:48,120 --> 00:05:51,120 Speaker 2: In other words, be kind to the people that are 98 00:05:51,120 --> 00:05:54,720 Speaker 2: not treating you right. Keep being your best, even though 99 00:05:54,760 --> 00:05:59,080 Speaker 2: you're not getting the credit pass those tests. Paul prayed 100 00:05:59,120 --> 00:06:02,760 Speaker 2: in Colossiana that the people would have the strength to 101 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:06,960 Speaker 2: endure whatever came their way. He didn't pray that God 102 00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:11,760 Speaker 2: would deliver them instantly remove the difficulty. He prayed that 103 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 2: they would have the strength to go through it with 104 00:06:14,200 --> 00:06:19,359 Speaker 2: a good attitude. Paul understood this principle that God uses 105 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:24,040 Speaker 2: the tough times to get us prepared for the next level. 106 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:28,000 Speaker 2: Think about David. He was chosen to be king, anointed 107 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:31,479 Speaker 2: by God to be the next leader of Israel. Surely 108 00:06:31,520 --> 00:06:34,800 Speaker 2: God would answer all of his prayers. Surely God would 109 00:06:34,839 --> 00:06:38,120 Speaker 2: make his life comfortable. No, David had to go through 110 00:06:38,120 --> 00:06:42,880 Speaker 2: this same process for many years. King Saul made David's 111 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:47,359 Speaker 2: life miserable. David had done Saul nothing but good. He 112 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:51,040 Speaker 2: would play music when Saul wasn't feeling well, treated him 113 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:55,040 Speaker 2: with respect. But in return, Saul tried to kill David, 114 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:59,479 Speaker 2: chased him through the mountainside. I can hear David praying, God, 115 00:06:59,680 --> 00:07:02,320 Speaker 2: you got to get this man out of my life. God, 116 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:06,320 Speaker 2: you know I haven't done anything wrong. Isn't it interesting 117 00:07:06,880 --> 00:07:11,400 Speaker 2: God didn't remove solve, He didn't answer that prayer. Here 118 00:07:11,520 --> 00:07:15,440 Speaker 2: David was doing the right thing. It was an unfair situation, 119 00:07:16,400 --> 00:07:19,559 Speaker 2: but God knew what he was doing. He was getting 120 00:07:19,720 --> 00:07:24,600 Speaker 2: David prepared. The longer you do the right thing when 121 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:28,120 Speaker 2: the wrong thing's happening, the longer you keep a good 122 00:07:28,120 --> 00:07:32,360 Speaker 2: attitude in an unfair situation the higher God is going 123 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:37,000 Speaker 2: to take you. Don't be discouraged by it, Joel, I've 124 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:39,520 Speaker 2: been doing the right thing in this marriage for years. 125 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:43,080 Speaker 2: I'm not seeing any results. I've been volunteering in the 126 00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:46,000 Speaker 2: nursery for a long time. Nobody ever says thank you. 127 00:07:46,520 --> 00:07:48,200 Speaker 2: I go to work, do more than I have to. 128 00:07:48,280 --> 00:07:51,880 Speaker 2: I'm not being promoted. You're right where David was. Keep 129 00:07:51,920 --> 00:07:55,840 Speaker 2: being faithful, keep doing the right thing. God is getting 130 00:07:55,840 --> 00:08:00,280 Speaker 2: you prepared for something amazing. Your future is so big. 131 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:04,920 Speaker 2: God has to get your spiritual muscles, your character, your 132 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:08,520 Speaker 2: maturity to match the level that God is about to 133 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:12,600 Speaker 2: thrust you too. Now, don't fight it, just keep being 134 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:17,960 Speaker 2: your best. God is closely watching you. He sees every 135 00:08:18,080 --> 00:08:22,080 Speaker 2: time you make a sacrifice, every time you overlook a wrong, 136 00:08:22,600 --> 00:08:25,400 Speaker 2: every time you take the high road, every time you 137 00:08:25,520 --> 00:08:29,840 Speaker 2: help someone in need that doesn't go unnoticed. God is 138 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:34,479 Speaker 2: keeping the records. He's saying, payday is coming, the breakthrough 139 00:08:34,520 --> 00:08:37,920 Speaker 2: is coming, the reward is coming, the new level is coming. 140 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:41,280 Speaker 2: Just like David, You're going to take your throne and 141 00:08:41,320 --> 00:08:45,400 Speaker 2: become everything God's created you to be. But we naturally 142 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:50,080 Speaker 2: all like things easier. We love for God to remove 143 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:55,080 Speaker 2: the difficult people. Eliminate the hardships. Answer our prayers the 144 00:08:55,120 --> 00:08:58,520 Speaker 2: first time we prayed. But that's not always what's best. 145 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:04,280 Speaker 2: Have a new PERSPECTI those difficulties are not happening to you. 146 00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:08,040 Speaker 2: They're happening for you, the people that are hard to 147 00:09:08,040 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 2: get along with. If you'll have the right attitude, take 148 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:15,960 Speaker 2: the high road, be kind, ignore their negative comments. They're 149 00:09:16,000 --> 00:09:20,200 Speaker 2: not holding you down. They're polishing you. They're refining you. 150 00:09:20,520 --> 00:09:24,840 Speaker 2: They're making you shine. Don't be upset. You couldn't go 151 00:09:25,040 --> 00:09:28,560 Speaker 2: where God wants you to go without them. They're doing 152 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:32,080 Speaker 2: you a favor. Without that sandpaper, you would stay rough. 153 00:09:32,760 --> 00:09:35,360 Speaker 2: The next time you see them said that, thinking, oh man, 154 00:09:35,360 --> 00:09:37,760 Speaker 2: I'm gonna feel like dealing with them. No, just smile 155 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:40,240 Speaker 2: and say thank you Lord. I'm gonna be polished a 156 00:09:40,240 --> 00:09:43,160 Speaker 2: little bit more today. I'm gonna shine a little bit brighter. 157 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:48,760 Speaker 2: Could it be that you are fighting what God wants 158 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:52,280 Speaker 2: to use. You're spending all your time trying to pray 159 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:55,760 Speaker 2: away the difficulty when you should be spending your time 160 00:09:56,040 --> 00:09:59,960 Speaker 2: honoring God in the midst of the difficulty. Instead of 161 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:04,760 Speaker 2: fighting where you are, try a different approach. Embrace where 162 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:08,080 Speaker 2: you are. It may not be where you want to stay. 163 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:12,440 Speaker 2: I'm not saying to settle there and accept mediocrity. I'm 164 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:16,800 Speaker 2: saying to accept where you are, knowing that the creator 165 00:10:16,840 --> 00:10:19,280 Speaker 2: of the universe has you in the palm of his hand. 166 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:23,560 Speaker 2: He's directing your steps. Nothing that's happened to you is 167 00:10:23,559 --> 00:10:27,199 Speaker 2: a surprise to him. At the right time, God will 168 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:31,360 Speaker 2: change it in your due season, when you're ready, when 169 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:35,160 Speaker 2: it's best for you. God will remove the difficulty and 170 00:10:35,240 --> 00:10:38,120 Speaker 2: take you to a new level. But in the meantime, 171 00:10:38,960 --> 00:10:42,240 Speaker 2: one way we can show God we're trusting him is 172 00:10:42,280 --> 00:10:46,640 Speaker 2: by enjoying our life while God is changing the circumstances. 173 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:51,480 Speaker 2: Maybe all your friends are married, you're still single. That's 174 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:54,199 Speaker 2: all right. This is where God has me right now. 175 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:57,480 Speaker 2: I'm at peace. I'm happy. I know the right person 176 00:10:57,600 --> 00:11:00,120 Speaker 2: is already on their way. That's how you pay as 177 00:11:00,320 --> 00:11:03,480 Speaker 2: the test, not every other minute. God. I'm begging you, 178 00:11:03,559 --> 00:11:06,720 Speaker 2: please and be a man. God. I've been waiting for this. No, God, 179 00:11:06,760 --> 00:11:10,720 Speaker 2: I trust you. Maybe you're in an apartment believing for 180 00:11:10,760 --> 00:11:13,800 Speaker 2: a nicer place to live. Not God. I am so 181 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:16,480 Speaker 2: sick and tired of this place. And God, Joel said, 182 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:18,679 Speaker 2: things have shifted, and I have seen one shift in 183 00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:22,480 Speaker 2: my life. No, God, I trust you. This is where 184 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:25,440 Speaker 2: you have me right now. I'm content. But God, I 185 00:11:25,559 --> 00:11:28,160 Speaker 2: know in my future you're going to open the windows 186 00:11:28,160 --> 00:11:32,560 Speaker 2: of heaven pour out blessings that I cannot contain. Lord, 187 00:11:32,600 --> 00:11:34,920 Speaker 2: I want to thank you in advance that it's on 188 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:38,080 Speaker 2: the way. That's how you see promises come to pass. 189 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:42,160 Speaker 2: When we were trying to acquire this facility, the former 190 00:11:42,240 --> 00:11:45,439 Speaker 2: Compact Center, it was a three and a half year battle. 191 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:48,959 Speaker 2: The Houston City Council voted for us to have the building, 192 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:52,240 Speaker 2: but then a large company filed a lawsuit to try 193 00:11:52,240 --> 00:11:56,120 Speaker 2: to keep us from moving in. At times it looked impossible. 194 00:11:56,679 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 2: All the odds were against us. Even if we were 195 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:01,920 Speaker 2: to win, the lawsuit could have been tied up for 196 00:12:02,040 --> 00:12:05,160 Speaker 2: ten years in the court system. Now I had already 197 00:12:05,200 --> 00:12:08,160 Speaker 2: told the congregation that it was ours. We were gonna 198 00:12:08,160 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 2: renovate it and move in. Many times I woke up 199 00:12:12,480 --> 00:12:15,000 Speaker 2: in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, 200 00:12:15,600 --> 00:12:18,640 Speaker 2: with a voice saying, what if it doesn't work out, 201 00:12:19,280 --> 00:12:22,240 Speaker 2: What if you don't win the lawsuit. You've already put 202 00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:25,360 Speaker 2: the vision out, Joel. People have given funds. It's going 203 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:28,520 Speaker 2: to be a big mess. I was tempted to worry, 204 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:32,640 Speaker 2: be stressed, beg God, God, you gotta please make this happen. Now, 205 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:35,600 Speaker 2: I did what I'm asking you to do. God, It's 206 00:12:35,640 --> 00:12:39,040 Speaker 2: all in your hands. I believe God, You've promised us 207 00:12:39,040 --> 00:12:42,760 Speaker 2: to this building. But while I'm waiting, I'm not gonna worry. 208 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:46,400 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna live frustrated. I'm not gonna play out 209 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:49,520 Speaker 2: all the what ifs. God. I trust you, I know 210 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:55,160 Speaker 2: you have the final say. Instead of fighting it begging God, 211 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:59,400 Speaker 2: I embraced where I was. We're in a lawsuit. It's 212 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:02,760 Speaker 2: out of my cot. I've done my best. Now I'm 213 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:05,400 Speaker 2: going to stay in faith and trust God to do 214 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:08,559 Speaker 2: the rest. Three and a half years later, God gave 215 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:12,640 Speaker 2: us this beautiful facility, and here we are today. But 216 00:13:12,679 --> 00:13:16,800 Speaker 2: think about this. God could have answered our prayers the 217 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:20,439 Speaker 2: first week we prayed just as easily as he did 218 00:13:20,559 --> 00:13:23,400 Speaker 2: three and a half years later. He's God, would have 219 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,760 Speaker 2: been no big deal. He wouldn't have even had to 220 00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:28,240 Speaker 2: get up off the throne. He could have just spoken 221 00:13:28,280 --> 00:13:30,360 Speaker 2: it and it would have happened. Why didn't he do it? 222 00:13:31,280 --> 00:13:34,559 Speaker 2: One reason I believe is God was doing a work 223 00:13:34,640 --> 00:13:38,360 Speaker 2: in me during those three and a half years I 224 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:41,400 Speaker 2: learned to trust God like I'd never trusted him before. 225 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:45,560 Speaker 2: Some things you can only learn in the struggle. You 226 00:13:45,600 --> 00:13:48,240 Speaker 2: can't learn in the good times, when it's easy everything's 227 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:51,520 Speaker 2: going your way. That doesn't take any faith. You can 228 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:55,160 Speaker 2: only learn, like David, when you're in the wilderness and 229 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:59,400 Speaker 2: you're not being treated right. Don't be frustrated because it's 230 00:13:59,440 --> 00:14:03,360 Speaker 2: not happening in your way on your timetable. God knows 231 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:07,200 Speaker 2: what he's doing. He's getting you prepared. Here's the key. 232 00:14:07,679 --> 00:14:11,280 Speaker 2: Your destiny is bigger than you think. You're going to 233 00:14:11,320 --> 00:14:15,200 Speaker 2: go further than you can imagine. God can see the 234 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:18,679 Speaker 2: new levels in front of you. He knows what's up there. Now. 235 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:24,280 Speaker 2: Keep passing those tests. Stay in faith even when it's difficult. 236 00:14:24,560 --> 00:14:27,800 Speaker 2: Keep doing the right thing, even when the wrong thing's happening. 237 00:14:28,120 --> 00:14:31,480 Speaker 2: Don't fight it begging God every other minute, Please, God, 238 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:33,840 Speaker 2: you got to change it. That's just going to frustrate you. 239 00:14:34,480 --> 00:14:38,200 Speaker 2: Learn to embrace where you are, and it's okay to 240 00:14:38,280 --> 00:14:40,960 Speaker 2: be honest and say God, I don't like where I am. 241 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:46,160 Speaker 2: I'm uncomfortable. It's taken longer than I thought. But God, 242 00:14:46,480 --> 00:14:49,800 Speaker 2: I trust you. I know this is not happening to me. 243 00:14:50,280 --> 00:14:53,200 Speaker 2: It's happening for me. It's all a part of your 244 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:57,640 Speaker 2: divine plan. When you learn to embrace where you are, 245 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:01,520 Speaker 2: it's a freeing way to live. Takes all the pressure off. 246 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:07,560 Speaker 2: Hebrews says, those who have believed ent are into rest. 247 00:15:08,640 --> 00:15:11,560 Speaker 2: The way to know that you're really in faith is 248 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:15,480 Speaker 2: you're at rest. There's a peace. You may have a 249 00:15:15,560 --> 00:15:19,120 Speaker 2: problem believing for a situation to turn around. It's taking 250 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,840 Speaker 2: a long time. You could easily be discouraged. 251 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:22,520 Speaker 3: You know. 252 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:25,840 Speaker 2: The key is to stay in that place of rest, 253 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:29,440 Speaker 2: where you know God is in complete control. You're not 254 00:15:29,640 --> 00:15:33,080 Speaker 2: moved by what you see. You're not worried because it's 255 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:36,680 Speaker 2: taken a long time. You're not disappointed because you went 256 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:40,080 Speaker 2: through a setback. Every day you stay in peace, you 257 00:15:40,160 --> 00:15:44,080 Speaker 2: are one day closer to see in that situation turn around. Now, 258 00:15:44,160 --> 00:15:46,880 Speaker 2: you say, Joel, I just don't understand why God doesn't 259 00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 2: answer my prayers. I'm going to church, I'm faithful. I 260 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:55,400 Speaker 2: help others think about this. Maybe what you're praying about 261 00:15:55,960 --> 00:16:00,640 Speaker 2: is too small. Maybe God has something much better and 262 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 2: he loves you so much that he won't answer that prayer. 263 00:16:04,720 --> 00:16:08,640 Speaker 2: But until you enter into this rest and quit being sour, 264 00:16:08,960 --> 00:16:11,960 Speaker 2: thinking that God's letting you down. It'll keep the new 265 00:16:11,960 --> 00:16:15,120 Speaker 2: thing from happening. Now, a prayer that we should all 266 00:16:15,160 --> 00:16:18,720 Speaker 2: pray on a regular basis is God, not my will, 267 00:16:18,960 --> 00:16:22,360 Speaker 2: but let your will be done. And it's okay to say, God, 268 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:25,160 Speaker 2: this is what i'm believing for God, this is what 269 00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:27,920 Speaker 2: I want, this is what I'm dreaming about. But God, 270 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:31,040 Speaker 2: if you have something better, I trust you. You know 271 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:34,680 Speaker 2: what's best for me. If you're only going to be 272 00:16:34,840 --> 00:16:37,960 Speaker 2: happy if God does it your way, then you're not 273 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:41,960 Speaker 2: really trusting. We can only see a little bit down 274 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:45,800 Speaker 2: the road. God can see the big picture. He can 275 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:49,240 Speaker 2: see around every curve. He knows where the dead ends are, 276 00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:52,720 Speaker 2: where the shortcuts are. God knows how to get you 277 00:16:52,760 --> 00:16:56,480 Speaker 2: to your destination. Why don't you take your hands off 278 00:16:56,520 --> 00:16:59,040 Speaker 2: the wheels, so to speak, and let God take you 279 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:02,720 Speaker 2: where he wants you to. Two thousand and one, an 280 00:17:02,840 --> 00:17:07,399 Speaker 2: executive flew to Houston for an important job interview. It 281 00:17:07,440 --> 00:17:10,040 Speaker 2: was at a top company, one of the largest in 282 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:13,720 Speaker 2: the nation, headquartered right here in Houston. In the natural 283 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:17,480 Speaker 2: it was a golden opportunity looked like a huge boost 284 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:20,480 Speaker 2: for his career. He was ready to give up his 285 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:23,840 Speaker 2: position of nearly thirty years and move his family here 286 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:27,000 Speaker 2: to town. He flew in a day early, came to 287 00:17:27,040 --> 00:17:29,320 Speaker 2: the service and asked us to pray over the interview. 288 00:17:29,800 --> 00:17:32,200 Speaker 2: We prayed that God would give him wisdom and favor 289 00:17:32,280 --> 00:17:35,359 Speaker 2: and cause him to stand out. Called back the next 290 00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:40,040 Speaker 2: day so excited. Everything had gone great, looked very promising. 291 00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:44,920 Speaker 2: Three weeks later he was invited back for a second interview. 292 00:17:45,400 --> 00:17:48,040 Speaker 2: Once again, he flew in a day early. We prayed. 293 00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:50,680 Speaker 2: He went to the interview. A few hours later. They 294 00:17:50,680 --> 00:17:53,800 Speaker 2: called him back in said we really like you. You're 295 00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:57,520 Speaker 2: very talented, but we're sorry you're not going to fit 296 00:17:57,600 --> 00:18:02,639 Speaker 2: with our organization. Thought that his world had just ended. 297 00:18:03,160 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 2: He was so set on having that position. He felt 298 00:18:06,640 --> 00:18:09,960 Speaker 2: like God had totally let him down. I told him 299 00:18:10,000 --> 00:18:13,320 Speaker 2: what I'm telling you, You've got to trust God. Even 300 00:18:13,359 --> 00:18:16,080 Speaker 2: when you don't get the answer that you were looking for. 301 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:19,960 Speaker 2: You got to believe that God's in control. He's directing 302 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:23,040 Speaker 2: your steps, keeping you on the best plan for your life. 303 00:18:24,040 --> 00:18:27,440 Speaker 2: He went back home to his city very very disappointed. 304 00:18:28,160 --> 00:18:31,120 Speaker 2: Six months later, the company he was trying to get 305 00:18:31,119 --> 00:18:35,080 Speaker 2: a position with filed for bankruptcy. It was a big 306 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:38,680 Speaker 2: scandal all over the national news. The company ended up 307 00:18:38,720 --> 00:18:42,640 Speaker 2: totally folding. Here's how good God is. He was two 308 00:18:42,720 --> 00:18:46,359 Speaker 2: years away from his retirement. If he'd have gotten hired 309 00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:49,840 Speaker 2: by that company, he would not only not have a job, 310 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:52,840 Speaker 2: but he would have lost nearly thirty years of his 311 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:58,040 Speaker 2: retirement benefits. Friends, God knows what he's doing. Quit fighting 312 00:18:58,080 --> 00:19:03,719 Speaker 2: against what doesn't go your way. Quit being disappointed because 313 00:19:03,720 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 2: your plans didn't work out. You may not understand it now, 314 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:11,480 Speaker 2: but one day you will thank God for those closed doors. 315 00:19:12,119 --> 00:19:15,679 Speaker 2: God's ways are better than our ways. Don't try to 316 00:19:15,720 --> 00:19:18,120 Speaker 2: figure it all out. Well, Joe, why didn't I get 317 00:19:18,119 --> 00:19:22,119 Speaker 2: the promotion I had, the seniority, I worked the hardest. Listen, 318 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:27,399 Speaker 2: just as God supernaturally opens doors, God will supernaturally close doors. 319 00:19:28,359 --> 00:19:31,320 Speaker 2: We all thank God for the open doors, and that's good. 320 00:19:31,359 --> 00:19:34,720 Speaker 2: We should celebrate that. But I've learned to thank God 321 00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:38,120 Speaker 2: just as much for my closed doors. What I used 322 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:41,600 Speaker 2: to see as a disappointment, now I see as the 323 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:45,760 Speaker 2: hand of God. I realized, if God closed it, he 324 00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:49,480 Speaker 2: has something better in store. Why don't you trust him? 325 00:19:49,640 --> 00:19:52,760 Speaker 2: Why don't you enter into that rest? God, you know 326 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:55,320 Speaker 2: what's best for me. I don't have to have my 327 00:19:55,440 --> 00:19:58,480 Speaker 2: way to be happy. I know your plans are better 328 00:19:58,520 --> 00:20:02,280 Speaker 2: than my plans. A few years back, a young lady 329 00:20:02,359 --> 00:20:05,840 Speaker 2: came to the altar for prayer. She was very distraught 330 00:20:06,080 --> 00:20:09,080 Speaker 2: because her boyfriend had just broken up with her. She 331 00:20:09,280 --> 00:20:12,199 Speaker 2: was certain he was the man of her dreams. She 332 00:20:12,280 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 2: couldn't live without him. We prayed and asked God to 333 00:20:15,600 --> 00:20:20,359 Speaker 2: restore that relationship. For the next six months, almost every 334 00:20:20,400 --> 00:20:22,960 Speaker 2: week she would come back for prayer. We prayed again 335 00:20:23,160 --> 00:20:26,639 Speaker 2: and again. I tried to tell her to stay open, 336 00:20:27,240 --> 00:20:29,560 Speaker 2: trust God to do it his way. He knows what's 337 00:20:29,600 --> 00:20:31,520 Speaker 2: best for you. She didn't want to hear any of that. 338 00:20:32,200 --> 00:20:35,800 Speaker 2: She only wanted God to do it her way. But 339 00:20:35,880 --> 00:20:39,520 Speaker 2: God is so merciful, He loves us so much. If 340 00:20:39,560 --> 00:20:42,560 Speaker 2: it's not the right thing, God will keep the door 341 00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:46,080 Speaker 2: closed even though we're trying to pry it open. We 342 00:20:46,119 --> 00:20:49,000 Speaker 2: see it as a big disappointment God, I can't believe 343 00:20:49,080 --> 00:20:52,159 Speaker 2: you let me down. You didn't answer my prayer. The 344 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 2: truth is God was doing us a favor. He was 345 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:58,960 Speaker 2: saving us from heartache and pain. Now I didn't see 346 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,399 Speaker 2: her for a long time. About five years later, I 347 00:21:02,480 --> 00:21:05,480 Speaker 2: ran into her in the lobby after the service. She 348 00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:08,720 Speaker 2: was very happy. She had a handsome young man by 349 00:21:08,760 --> 00:21:12,600 Speaker 2: her side, a newborn baby. Come to find out they 350 00:21:12,640 --> 00:21:15,920 Speaker 2: were married a couple of years earlier. She was so excited. 351 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:20,280 Speaker 2: I congratulated them, prayed over the little baby. At one 352 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:24,880 Speaker 2: point her husband stepped away. She whispered, Joel, you remember 353 00:21:24,960 --> 00:21:26,760 Speaker 2: the young man I used to have you pray about 354 00:21:26,760 --> 00:21:29,280 Speaker 2: all the time. I thought, yeah, the one you couldn't 355 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:33,919 Speaker 2: live without. And she told how he's been married and 356 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:37,800 Speaker 2: divorced twice already, He's constantly in and out of trouble, 357 00:21:38,040 --> 00:21:41,280 Speaker 2: can't hold down a good job. I'll never forget what 358 00:21:41,359 --> 00:21:44,800 Speaker 2: she said. I thank God every day that he didn't 359 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:51,040 Speaker 2: answer those prayers. But I wonder how many things are 360 00:21:51,080 --> 00:21:55,639 Speaker 2: we upset over wondering why God didn't answer that prayer, 361 00:21:55,680 --> 00:21:59,320 Speaker 2: why the situation didn't change, why the door closed. Yet, 362 00:21:59,359 --> 00:22:02,600 Speaker 2: if God to pull back the curtain and let us 363 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,280 Speaker 2: see into the future what he can see, we'd realize 364 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:09,720 Speaker 2: God knows exactly what he's doing. God has our best 365 00:22:09,760 --> 00:22:12,959 Speaker 2: interests at heart. That promotion you didn't get, you were 366 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:17,120 Speaker 2: so disappointed. It's because God has something better. That door 367 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:20,640 Speaker 2: that closed, we couldn't understand. It seemed like a perfect 368 00:22:20,680 --> 00:22:24,520 Speaker 2: fit for us. But seeing the big picture. We realized 369 00:22:24,560 --> 00:22:27,840 Speaker 2: that road was a dead end. It was leading to nowhere. 370 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:30,840 Speaker 2: That traffic jam you got caught in you were so 371 00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 2: stressed out. It was saving you from an accident. That 372 00:22:34,480 --> 00:22:37,480 Speaker 2: person that walked out on you, it's very painful, but 373 00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:40,760 Speaker 2: if they hadn't left, you wouldn't meet the right person 374 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:44,280 Speaker 2: God has in your future. I'm asking you to quit 375 00:22:44,400 --> 00:22:48,960 Speaker 2: fighting against everything you don't like. It's not happening to you. 376 00:22:49,320 --> 00:22:52,959 Speaker 2: It's happening for you. When you're at rest, You're passing 377 00:22:53,040 --> 00:22:56,600 Speaker 2: the test. A friend of mine went up to the 378 00:22:56,640 --> 00:23:00,560 Speaker 2: mall recently to return an item. She had her little 379 00:23:00,600 --> 00:23:03,320 Speaker 2: newborn baby in the back seat. When she pulled in 380 00:23:03,400 --> 00:23:06,000 Speaker 2: the parking lot, she noticed this lady was about to 381 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:10,080 Speaker 2: pull out, and she waited there and waited and waited 382 00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:14,200 Speaker 2: and waited. The lady was taken forever. The longer she waited, 383 00:23:14,320 --> 00:23:17,280 Speaker 2: the more frustrated she became. She thought, come on, lady, 384 00:23:17,320 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 2: I know you can see me. What could be taken 385 00:23:19,800 --> 00:23:23,560 Speaker 2: you so long? After several minutes, she got aggravated and 386 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,480 Speaker 2: just drove off, went and parked at the very end 387 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:29,399 Speaker 2: of the road. She got out, got her little baby, 388 00:23:29,440 --> 00:23:32,159 Speaker 2: and headed to the store. When she got to the 389 00:23:32,200 --> 00:23:35,479 Speaker 2: front of the store, she realized she had forgotten the 390 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:39,080 Speaker 2: item that she wanted to take back. She's already frustrated, 391 00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:42,800 Speaker 2: She thought, this is just not my day, Nothing is 392 00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:45,600 Speaker 2: going my way. She walked all the way back to 393 00:23:45,680 --> 00:23:48,960 Speaker 2: her car, long way with her baby, got the item 394 00:23:49,080 --> 00:23:52,120 Speaker 2: she needed, turned back and started walking toward the store. 395 00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:55,320 Speaker 2: When she got about halfway there, this car came around 396 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:58,680 Speaker 2: in a big rush, rolled down the window and said, hey, 397 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:02,199 Speaker 2: don't go in the store. There's a deranged man in 398 00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:06,280 Speaker 2: there with a gun taking people hostage. In less than 399 00:24:06,280 --> 00:24:09,720 Speaker 2: a minute, there were a dozen police cars, swat team, 400 00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:14,120 Speaker 2: helicopter surrounding that place trying to get the people out safely. 401 00:24:15,040 --> 00:24:18,760 Speaker 2: Without that delay, she could have been in there with 402 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 2: her newborn baby, trapped with that deranged man. What am 403 00:24:22,880 --> 00:24:27,000 Speaker 2: I saying? Don't fight your delays, don't fight the inconveniences, 404 00:24:27,080 --> 00:24:31,840 Speaker 2: don't fight when you get caught by that train. You 405 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:35,160 Speaker 2: may not understand it, but God knows what he's doing. 406 00:24:35,800 --> 00:24:39,159 Speaker 2: He can see the big picture. Dare to trust him. 407 00:24:39,560 --> 00:24:43,800 Speaker 2: Proverbs twenty says, since the Lord is directing our steps, 408 00:24:44,400 --> 00:24:47,400 Speaker 2: why do we try to figure out everything that happens 409 00:24:47,440 --> 00:24:50,719 Speaker 2: along the way. You may never know why you had 410 00:24:50,720 --> 00:24:54,840 Speaker 2: a delay, a disappointment, a setback. But when you really 411 00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:57,960 Speaker 2: believe that the creator of the universe has you in 412 00:24:58,000 --> 00:25:00,560 Speaker 2: the palm of his hand, then you you can stay 413 00:25:00,560 --> 00:25:03,800 Speaker 2: in peace even when you don't understand it. That's what 414 00:25:03,920 --> 00:25:07,480 Speaker 2: faith is all about. I know a gentleman that does 415 00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:11,000 Speaker 2: missionary work in Africa. He was supposed to catch an 416 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:14,399 Speaker 2: early morning flight the next day to come back home. 417 00:25:15,080 --> 00:25:18,240 Speaker 2: The person taking him had car trouble and he ended 418 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:21,840 Speaker 2: up missing that flight. It's very upset because it was 419 00:25:21,840 --> 00:25:24,200 Speaker 2: going to take him another week to get home from 420 00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:27,080 Speaker 2: that small city. Went back to the hotel A little 421 00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:30,600 Speaker 2: later that afternoon, flipped on the news the plane he 422 00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:34,679 Speaker 2: was supposed to be on had crashed into the mountain side. 423 00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:37,639 Speaker 2: Some of the very things that we fight against, the 424 00:25:37,680 --> 00:25:41,920 Speaker 2: things that frustrate us, God has ordained them to keep 425 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:47,240 Speaker 2: us from accident and harm. They're called divine delays. Your 426 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:51,840 Speaker 2: plans are interrupted on purpose since the Lord is directing 427 00:25:51,840 --> 00:25:55,320 Speaker 2: our steps. Don't fight it. It's not always going to 428 00:25:55,320 --> 00:25:59,280 Speaker 2: make sense. I turned fifty years old in March of 429 00:25:59,320 --> 00:26:03,719 Speaker 2: this year. I was reflecting back over my thank you, 430 00:26:03,760 --> 00:26:06,679 Speaker 2: Thank you. Still good looking though, all right? Come on, 431 00:26:08,520 --> 00:26:11,480 Speaker 2: I was reflecting back over my life and just thinking 432 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:14,119 Speaker 2: about what would I have done differently, what could I 433 00:26:14,119 --> 00:26:17,760 Speaker 2: have done better? I have no big regrets. I've lived 434 00:26:17,760 --> 00:26:21,040 Speaker 2: a happy, blessed life. But one adjustment I would have 435 00:26:21,119 --> 00:26:25,320 Speaker 2: made is I would have trusted God more. I wouldn't 436 00:26:25,320 --> 00:26:28,679 Speaker 2: have worried about things that I couldn't change. I wouldn't 437 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:31,240 Speaker 2: have been stressed out when my plans didn't work out. 438 00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:34,600 Speaker 2: I wouldn't have stayed awake at night wondering how we're 439 00:26:34,600 --> 00:26:36,520 Speaker 2: going to raise the funds and what am I going 440 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:39,600 Speaker 2: to speak on next week. I would have entered into 441 00:26:39,640 --> 00:26:43,520 Speaker 2: this place of rest. Some of you are always fighting, 442 00:26:44,119 --> 00:26:47,440 Speaker 2: worried up tight, don't like where you are, don't like 443 00:26:47,520 --> 00:26:50,359 Speaker 2: the job, don't like the people. Why don't you try 444 00:26:50,400 --> 00:26:53,760 Speaker 2: a different approach? This will save you a lot of frustration. 445 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:58,920 Speaker 2: Embrace where you are, even when it's uncomfortable, even when 446 00:26:58,960 --> 00:27:02,480 Speaker 2: you don't like it, Stay in peace, keep a good attitude. 447 00:27:02,640 --> 00:27:05,920 Speaker 2: When you do that, God is using it to your advantage. 448 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:10,359 Speaker 2: You're growing, You're developing character. It's positioning you for the 449 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:13,640 Speaker 2: amazing future God has in store. And if you won't 450 00:27:13,800 --> 00:27:17,640 Speaker 2: enter into this rest and not fight against everything, you'll 451 00:27:17,640 --> 00:27:21,200 Speaker 2: not only enjoy your life more, but I believe and declare, 452 00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:24,640 Speaker 2: just like David, You're going to step into the fullness 453 00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:27,600 Speaker 2: of your destiny. God is going to take you further 454 00:27:27,680 --> 00:27:31,359 Speaker 2: than you've imagined, opening doors that no man can shut. 455 00:27:31,680 --> 00:27:35,879 Speaker 2: You're going to overcome every obstacle, accomplish every dream, and 456 00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:39,119 Speaker 2: become everything that God's created you to be. If you 457 00:27:39,200 --> 00:27:43,680 Speaker 2: receive it, can you say him in today? We never 458 00:27:43,800 --> 00:27:46,920 Speaker 2: like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity 459 00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:49,480 Speaker 2: to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Would you 460 00:27:49,520 --> 00:27:54,000 Speaker 2: pray with me? Just say Lord, Jesus, I repent of 461 00:27:54,040 --> 00:27:59,000 Speaker 2: my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my 462 00:27:59,119 --> 00:28:03,119 Speaker 2: Lord and savior. Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, 463 00:28:03,320 --> 00:28:05,840 Speaker 2: we believe you got born again. Get in a good 464 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:09,119 Speaker 2: Bible based church, Keep God first place. He's going to 465 00:28:09,200 --> 00:28:11,080 Speaker 2: take you places that you've never dreamed of. 466 00:28:11,840 --> 00:28:15,280 Speaker 3: Thank you for listening to the joel Ostein podcast. Help 467 00:28:15,359 --> 00:28:18,080 Speaker 3: us continue to share the message of hope with those 468 00:28:18,200 --> 00:28:22,080 Speaker 3: all over the world. Visit Jolostein dot com slash give 469 00:28:22,160 --> 00:28:23,840 Speaker 3: Hope to give a gift today. 470 00:28:25,119 --> 00:28:28,040 Speaker 2: Thanks so much for listening to today's message. I hope 471 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:31,439 Speaker 2: you'll subscribe so you can receive the latest podcast to 472 00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:34,720 Speaker 2: keep you inspired all through the week. We're praying for you. 473 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:37,320 Speaker 2: I know God's best is still ahead. We'll see you 474 00:28:37,400 --> 00:28:47,080 Speaker 2: next time. With millions of books on Amazon, there's a 475 00:28:47,120 --> 00:28:48,520 Speaker 2: reading feeling for everyone. 476 00:28:48,840 --> 00:28:53,400 Speaker 3: For example, Raquel's WHOA when she first entered the Kingdom 477 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:57,200 Speaker 3: by dragging back is different to Ari's WHOA when he 478 00:28:57,280 --> 00:29:00,360 Speaker 3: found out there was more than one crime scene. 479 00:29:00,440 --> 00:29:05,160 Speaker 2: Which is also different to Ava's whoa the moment when 480 00:29:05,160 --> 00:29:13,000 Speaker 2: the stable Boy became a stable man from two Amazon books, 481 00:29:13,320 --> 00:29:14,520 Speaker 2: that reading feeling awaits