1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:02,880 Speaker 1: No one likes to talk about money. Am I saving enough? 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:05,040 Speaker 1: Can I buy a house? Am I paying too much 3 00:00:05,040 --> 00:00:07,760 Speaker 1: in taxes? Will I be able to retire? What if 4 00:00:07,760 --> 00:00:10,360 Speaker 1: you could unlock insights about your finances in less than 5 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:12,840 Speaker 1: five minutes, with a clear picture of where you stand 6 00:00:12,880 --> 00:00:15,720 Speaker 1: today and where your money can work harder. Now you 7 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:18,759 Speaker 1: can visit facet dot com to take the free quiz 8 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:23,400 Speaker 1: and get your financial wellness score today. That's Facet dot com. 9 00:00:23,440 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: This ad is sponsored by Facet. Fast Wealth in Corporated 10 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:27,280 Speaker 1: is an sec registered investment advisor. This is not an 11 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:29,080 Speaker 1: offer to buy your self securities or is it investment, 12 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:30,080 Speaker 1: legal or tax advice. 13 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:33,120 Speaker 2: Are you ready to move your career forward? Make your 14 00:00:33,159 --> 00:00:36,640 Speaker 2: comeback with Perdue Global and get college credit for your work, school, life, 15 00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:39,840 Speaker 2: or military experiences. With these credits, you may have already 16 00:00:39,840 --> 00:00:42,680 Speaker 2: completed up to seventy five percent of your undergraduate degree. 17 00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:44,800 Speaker 2: You've worked hard to get where you are. It's time 18 00:00:44,840 --> 00:00:46,920 Speaker 2: to get the recognition you deserve and earn a degree 19 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:49,600 Speaker 2: you'll be proud of, one that employers will trust and 20 00:00:49,720 --> 00:00:51,840 Speaker 2: respect when you take the next step in your life 21 00:00:51,880 --> 00:00:55,040 Speaker 2: and career. Make it count with Perdue Global produce online 22 00:00:55,120 --> 00:00:59,720 Speaker 2: University for working adults start your comeback at Purdueglobal dot edu. 23 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:03,600 Speaker 3: Hi, this is Joel and Victoria. 24 00:01:03,680 --> 00:01:06,680 Speaker 4: Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting 25 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:09,640 Speaker 4: the ministry. If you enjoy today's message, why don't you 26 00:01:09,680 --> 00:01:11,840 Speaker 4: be a blessing and share it with a friend. We 27 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:16,000 Speaker 4: appreciate you and pray for God's very best in your life. Well, 28 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:19,600 Speaker 4: God bless you always a joy to come into your homes. 29 00:01:19,840 --> 00:01:22,319 Speaker 4: We love you, and if you're ever in our area, 30 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:24,319 Speaker 4: please stop by and be a part of one of 31 00:01:24,319 --> 00:01:27,160 Speaker 4: our services. I promise you we'll make you feel right 32 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:29,560 Speaker 4: at home. But thanks so much for tuning in, and 33 00:01:29,800 --> 00:01:32,280 Speaker 4: thank you again for coming out today. I'd like to 34 00:01:32,319 --> 00:01:35,240 Speaker 4: start with something funny each week, and this is just 35 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:38,720 Speaker 4: a joke, please don't be offended. And I heard about 36 00:01:38,720 --> 00:01:43,120 Speaker 4: this blonde lady. That's what gets me into trouble. But 37 00:01:43,720 --> 00:01:46,959 Speaker 4: this blonde lady was feeding down the freeway when she 38 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:50,400 Speaker 4: was pulled over by a female police officer who also 39 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:53,240 Speaker 4: happened to be blonde. The officer asked to see her 40 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:56,600 Speaker 4: driver's license, and the lady doug and dug through her purse, 41 00:01:56,640 --> 00:01:59,520 Speaker 4: getting more and more agitated, and finally said to the 42 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:02,240 Speaker 4: officer what does it look like The officer said, it's 43 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:04,400 Speaker 4: just a little square that's got your picture on it. 44 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:07,480 Speaker 4: The lady found a mirror in her person, saw herself 45 00:02:07,520 --> 00:02:09,120 Speaker 4: in it, and sad on handed it. 46 00:02:09,080 --> 00:02:09,799 Speaker 3: To the officer. 47 00:02:10,280 --> 00:02:12,520 Speaker 4: The officer looked at the mirror and saw herself and 48 00:02:12,680 --> 00:02:14,800 Speaker 4: handed it back and said, you can go. I didn't 49 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:18,920 Speaker 4: realize you were a police officer. Hold up your bible. 50 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:23,560 Speaker 4: I'm gonna need a ride home today. Say it like 51 00:02:23,600 --> 00:02:26,280 Speaker 4: you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what 52 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:28,640 Speaker 4: it says I am. I have what it says I have. 53 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:31,600 Speaker 4: I can do what it says I can do. Today 54 00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:34,840 Speaker 4: I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess. 55 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:38,480 Speaker 4: My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will 56 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:42,160 Speaker 4: never be the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. 57 00:02:43,160 --> 00:02:45,880 Speaker 4: I want to talk to you today about it's only 58 00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:50,600 Speaker 4: a test. We all face situations that are uncomfortable. We're 59 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:53,680 Speaker 4: not getting our way, We're dealing with the person that's 60 00:02:53,720 --> 00:02:56,440 Speaker 4: hard to get along with. We get caught by the 61 00:02:56,520 --> 00:03:00,720 Speaker 4: train driving to work, missed the morning appointment. As much 62 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:05,840 Speaker 4: as we don't like it, God allows uncomfortable situations when 63 00:03:05,880 --> 00:03:07,119 Speaker 4: we're put under pressure. 64 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:09,080 Speaker 3: It shows what we're made of. 65 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:14,080 Speaker 4: These tests bring delight impurities in our character that we 66 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:17,560 Speaker 4: need to deal with. Peter said to Jesus, I'll never 67 00:03:17,639 --> 00:03:20,440 Speaker 4: deny you. I'm your best friend. I'll be loyal to 68 00:03:20,480 --> 00:03:24,919 Speaker 4: the very end. Peter's heart was right, he had good intentions, 69 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:27,720 Speaker 4: but when he was put under pressure, it was a 70 00:03:27,720 --> 00:03:31,480 Speaker 4: different story. He denied three times that he knew Christ. 71 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:35,560 Speaker 4: And it's not that God just wants us to be uncomfortable. 72 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:41,200 Speaker 4: These tests are beneficial. They show us weaknesses in our character, 73 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:45,360 Speaker 4: like Peter, areas that are keeping us from being our best. 74 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:50,360 Speaker 4: And if we'll be willing to make adjustments, improvements, let 75 00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:54,040 Speaker 4: God refine us, then we'll pass the test. That's when 76 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:58,160 Speaker 4: promotion comes. The scripture says in first Peter, don't be 77 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:02,880 Speaker 4: amazed at the fire ordeal that is taking place to 78 00:04:02,920 --> 00:04:07,320 Speaker 4: test your quality. Notice the purpose of the trial is 79 00:04:07,400 --> 00:04:12,320 Speaker 4: to test your character. Every traffic jam, every person that 80 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:17,039 Speaker 4: irritates you, every time you're tempted to worry, to be critical, 81 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:20,400 Speaker 4: to be jealous, to get discouraged. Those are not just 82 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:25,280 Speaker 4: random trials. That is God testing your quality. It's an 83 00:04:25,279 --> 00:04:29,280 Speaker 4: opportunity for you to grow in the difficult times. 84 00:04:29,320 --> 00:04:30,880 Speaker 3: We show God what we're made of. 85 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:34,920 Speaker 4: Many people get stuck at the same level because they're 86 00:04:34,960 --> 00:04:38,479 Speaker 4: not dealing with what God brings to light. The next 87 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:41,560 Speaker 4: time you get caught in traffic, instead of fighting against 88 00:04:41,560 --> 00:04:45,160 Speaker 4: it being all upset, try a different approach. Say, I 89 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:49,040 Speaker 4: realize this is only a test. This is an opportunity 90 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:51,120 Speaker 4: for me to come up higher. I'm going to keep 91 00:04:51,120 --> 00:04:53,920 Speaker 4: my peace and just go with the flow. That's passing 92 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:58,600 Speaker 4: the test. When you go through a disappointment, something unfair happens. 93 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:02,599 Speaker 4: Instead of being discouraged living in self pity, no, I 94 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:05,599 Speaker 4: realize this is only a test. I'm going to keep 95 00:05:05,600 --> 00:05:08,599 Speaker 4: my joy. God's still on the throne. He's got something 96 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:12,600 Speaker 4: amazing in my future. That's passing the test. That's how 97 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:16,719 Speaker 4: God refines us. But so often we try to pray 98 00:05:16,760 --> 00:05:20,560 Speaker 4: away what God wants to use God. I shouldn't have 99 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:23,039 Speaker 4: to put up with this grouchy boss. He's getting on 100 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:27,040 Speaker 4: my nerves. He irritates me. So have you ever thought 101 00:05:27,520 --> 00:05:30,120 Speaker 4: God may have you there on purpose to do a 102 00:05:30,200 --> 00:05:34,000 Speaker 4: work in you, to test your quality. You may not 103 00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:36,719 Speaker 4: like it, but that boss is an opportunity for you 104 00:05:36,760 --> 00:05:40,840 Speaker 4: to grow. That boss is like sandpaper that can rub 105 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,440 Speaker 4: the rough edges off of you. God uses the people 106 00:05:44,480 --> 00:05:48,520 Speaker 4: in our life, our spouse, our children, our friends, to 107 00:05:48,600 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 4: show us areas we need to improve in we pray, God, 108 00:05:52,520 --> 00:05:54,080 Speaker 4: you got to change these children. 109 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:56,039 Speaker 3: They're about to drive me crazy. Now. 110 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:59,600 Speaker 4: The key is to look inside and say, God, how 111 00:05:59,600 --> 00:06:02,960 Speaker 4: can I change? Can I learn to be more patient, 112 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:08,000 Speaker 4: more understanding, more forgiving? Don't ever ask God to change 113 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:12,720 Speaker 4: somebody else without first asking God to change you. Well, Joe, 114 00:06:12,880 --> 00:06:15,600 Speaker 4: my spouse knows how to push just the right buttons. 115 00:06:15,880 --> 00:06:19,840 Speaker 4: He aggravates me, She gets me so upset. That may 116 00:06:19,920 --> 00:06:23,600 Speaker 4: be true, but it's only a test. If you'll start 117 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:29,720 Speaker 4: ruling over your emotions, exercising self control. Before long, those 118 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:33,119 Speaker 4: buttons won't work anymore. They can push all they want. 119 00:06:33,279 --> 00:06:37,560 Speaker 4: It doesn't affect you. They didn't change, but you changed. You. 120 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:42,360 Speaker 3: Let God refine you. What happened. Your quality came up higher. 121 00:06:43,279 --> 00:06:46,440 Speaker 4: Every time you overlook an offense, you're passing the test. 122 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:50,360 Speaker 4: Every time you bite your tongue when you feel like arguing, 123 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:53,840 Speaker 4: you're passing the test. When you let someone else be 124 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:57,760 Speaker 4: right even though you know they're wrong. That's passing the test. 125 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:01,880 Speaker 4: When you do that, that's allowing God to make you 126 00:07:02,279 --> 00:07:04,440 Speaker 4: and mold you into who he wants you to be. 127 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:09,039 Speaker 4: Now I've learned God is more interested in changing me 128 00:07:09,640 --> 00:07:13,840 Speaker 4: than he is in changing my circumstances. And yes, God 129 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:18,000 Speaker 4: will change the circumstances. God will change other people. But 130 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:21,360 Speaker 4: you have to look inside and say, where can I 131 00:07:21,480 --> 00:07:22,280 Speaker 4: come up higher? 132 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:24,560 Speaker 3: I know people they're. 133 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:28,480 Speaker 4: Dealing with the same issues year after year, arguing with 134 00:07:28,520 --> 00:07:32,720 Speaker 4: their spouse over the same petty things, getting upset every 135 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 4: time they don't get their way, stressed out every time 136 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 4: they get caught in traffic. They wonder, God, when are 137 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:41,240 Speaker 4: you going to change this? When are you going to 138 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:41,920 Speaker 4: make it better? 139 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:42,800 Speaker 2: Now? 140 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:45,480 Speaker 4: God is not going to remove it. He wants to 141 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:48,760 Speaker 4: do a work in you. You've got to stay pliable. 142 00:07:49,160 --> 00:07:53,400 Speaker 4: You've got to be willing to make adjustments. Sometimes you'll 143 00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:57,800 Speaker 4: even have to sow a radical seed of obedience. That 144 00:07:57,880 --> 00:07:59,760 Speaker 4: means you've got to do the right thing. 145 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:00,680 Speaker 3: And it's hard. 146 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:03,840 Speaker 4: It's hard to be kind to someone when they're being 147 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,720 Speaker 4: rude to you. It's hard to be happy for them 148 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:10,000 Speaker 4: when they got the promotion you wanted. It's hard to 149 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:13,520 Speaker 4: stay in peace when the traffic's slowing down and your 150 00:08:13,520 --> 00:08:16,760 Speaker 4: plane leaves in thirty minutes. But when you sow a 151 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:20,360 Speaker 4: radical seed of obedience. You do the right thing when 152 00:08:20,360 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 4: it's hard, you will reap a radical harvest. And anytime 153 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:27,680 Speaker 4: we're going to go up higher, part of our flesh 154 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:31,320 Speaker 4: has to go down lower. We'll never see our character 155 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:34,120 Speaker 4: fully developed if we're getting our way all the time. 156 00:08:34,920 --> 00:08:37,880 Speaker 4: The next time you find yourself in a situation that's 157 00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:41,520 Speaker 4: uncomfortable you don't like it, instead of fighting against it, 158 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:45,280 Speaker 4: have the attitude I must need this or I wouldn't 159 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:48,360 Speaker 4: be here. See it as an opportunity to come up higher. 160 00:08:49,040 --> 00:08:52,120 Speaker 4: Maybe all of your friends are getting married, you're still single, 161 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:56,439 Speaker 4: you haven't met anyone. That's a test. Have the attitude. 162 00:08:56,679 --> 00:09:00,440 Speaker 4: No big deal. I'm not going to live discouraged. God 163 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:03,240 Speaker 4: is working behind the scenes, and at the right time, 164 00:09:03,360 --> 00:09:05,400 Speaker 4: he'll bring the perfect person into my life. 165 00:09:05,640 --> 00:09:06,520 Speaker 3: Pass that test. 166 00:09:07,240 --> 00:09:10,079 Speaker 4: Maybe you're standing with a group of friends and they 167 00:09:10,120 --> 00:09:14,319 Speaker 4: start to talk bad about someone, start to gossip. Understand 168 00:09:14,440 --> 00:09:17,680 Speaker 4: it's not a coincidence that you're there. You are there 169 00:09:17,800 --> 00:09:21,439 Speaker 4: so you can show God your quality. You can prove 170 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:24,200 Speaker 4: to him you're going to take the high road and 171 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 4: not say something that could damage their reputation. Maybe the 172 00:09:28,240 --> 00:09:31,840 Speaker 4: person they're talking about has done you wrong. You know, 173 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 4: some juicy information could really make them look bad. In 174 00:09:36,320 --> 00:09:38,960 Speaker 4: your minds, you can justify it. You can think of 175 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:42,800 Speaker 4: a thousand reasons why it would be okay. Now, you've 176 00:09:42,800 --> 00:09:47,080 Speaker 4: got to recognize that is a test. That's an opportunity 177 00:09:47,280 --> 00:09:49,720 Speaker 4: for you to come up higher. If you will bite 178 00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:53,400 Speaker 4: your tongue cover the offense, then you pass the test. 179 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 3: That's what puts you in position for promotion. 180 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:00,520 Speaker 4: But if you give in, talk bad about them, fail 181 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:04,199 Speaker 4: the test. The good news is God doesn't write us off. 182 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:07,680 Speaker 4: He'll give you another opportunity. You'll get to take the 183 00:10:07,720 --> 00:10:11,760 Speaker 4: test again. When you pass that test, not once, but 184 00:10:11,880 --> 00:10:15,600 Speaker 4: again and again. Every time you do, it'll get easier. 185 00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:17,640 Speaker 4: That's God refining you. 186 00:10:18,320 --> 00:10:19,000 Speaker 3: What happened. 187 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:23,079 Speaker 4: Your quality came up higher. Now some of you are 188 00:10:23,080 --> 00:10:26,760 Speaker 4: going to be tested before you get home today. Driving 189 00:10:26,760 --> 00:10:29,160 Speaker 4: out of the parking lot, the police officer is going 190 00:10:29,240 --> 00:10:31,480 Speaker 4: to let four hundred cars go in front of you. 191 00:10:33,120 --> 00:10:35,800 Speaker 4: Will you keep a good attitude and remember this is 192 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:38,640 Speaker 4: only a test, or will you think I don't care 193 00:10:38,679 --> 00:10:42,440 Speaker 4: what that young minister says. I'm honking my horn. You 194 00:10:42,559 --> 00:10:44,720 Speaker 4: get home and you want to watch the ball game. 195 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:48,480 Speaker 4: You've been looking forward to it. The doorbell rings. It's 196 00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:51,880 Speaker 4: the new family in the neighborhood. They stop by to 197 00:10:51,920 --> 00:10:53,600 Speaker 4: spend some time getting. 198 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:55,280 Speaker 3: To know you. That's a test. 199 00:10:55,840 --> 00:10:57,920 Speaker 4: Are you going to be friendly and invite them in? 200 00:10:58,440 --> 00:11:00,240 Speaker 4: Are you going to tell them we don't live here, 201 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:01,520 Speaker 4: we're just cleaning the carpets. 202 00:11:02,920 --> 00:11:05,319 Speaker 3: Pass that test. Most of the. 203 00:11:05,320 --> 00:11:09,679 Speaker 4: Time we are tested in the area of our greatest weakness. 204 00:11:10,120 --> 00:11:13,280 Speaker 4: If you struggle with jealousy, don't be surprised if you 205 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:17,000 Speaker 4: see every person that has more than you. Your coworker 206 00:11:17,040 --> 00:11:20,200 Speaker 4: that makes half of your income will drive in in 207 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:23,160 Speaker 4: a brand new car. Your cousin will call and tell 208 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:25,839 Speaker 4: how they just won the lottery. You're going to take 209 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 4: your family to Galveston for a few days just to 210 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:32,200 Speaker 4: get away. You're excited till your friend tells how she's 211 00:11:32,240 --> 00:11:34,480 Speaker 4: going to Paris for a couple of weeks with her 212 00:11:34,520 --> 00:11:38,520 Speaker 4: whole family. God will put you right in the middle 213 00:11:38,640 --> 00:11:41,319 Speaker 4: of the fire, so to speak, to see what you're 214 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:45,120 Speaker 4: made of, to test your quality. Are you going to 215 00:11:45,200 --> 00:11:48,560 Speaker 4: keep a good attitude, be happy for them? Or are 216 00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:51,080 Speaker 4: you going to think God, it's not fair. I work 217 00:11:51,120 --> 00:11:54,520 Speaker 4: harder than they do. Come to church every Sunday. Why 218 00:11:54,520 --> 00:11:57,840 Speaker 4: don't I get any of these good breaks. That pressure 219 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:01,199 Speaker 4: is bringing delight impurity that we need to deal with. 220 00:12:02,160 --> 00:12:06,959 Speaker 4: It's not a coincidence the uncomfortable situations we find ourselves in. 221 00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:10,520 Speaker 4: God puts us there on purpose so we can see 222 00:12:10,559 --> 00:12:14,120 Speaker 4: the problem and hopefully deal with it. Now, pay attention 223 00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:18,200 Speaker 4: to the areas where you're being tested in my life. 224 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:21,320 Speaker 4: I never liked waiting, but it seemed like the more 225 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:24,720 Speaker 4: impatient I was, the more I had to wait. Wouldn't 226 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:27,600 Speaker 4: have a choice at the grocery store. If I was 227 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:31,080 Speaker 4: in a hurry, Inevitably I would get in the line. 228 00:12:30,760 --> 00:12:32,040 Speaker 3: With the slowest cashier. 229 00:12:32,640 --> 00:12:34,920 Speaker 4: First day on the job, man in front of me 230 00:12:34,960 --> 00:12:35,920 Speaker 4: would have twenty three. 231 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:38,599 Speaker 3: Items with no price on it. Get so frustrated. 232 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:42,880 Speaker 4: Seemed like the more impatient I was, the longer it 233 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:44,440 Speaker 4: would take Victoria to get dressed. 234 00:12:45,600 --> 00:12:47,280 Speaker 3: If we were running late to church. 235 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:50,320 Speaker 4: Little Alexandra wouldn't be able to find her shoes, the 236 00:12:50,360 --> 00:12:53,480 Speaker 4: iron wouldn't work, Jonathan would spill something on his shirt, 237 00:12:53,520 --> 00:12:55,880 Speaker 4: on and on. I never saw that as a test. 238 00:12:56,240 --> 00:12:58,800 Speaker 4: I saw that as the enemy trying to delay me. 239 00:13:00,040 --> 00:13:03,440 Speaker 4: So I'd try to pray it away, rebuke, resist God. 240 00:13:03,480 --> 00:13:05,880 Speaker 4: I need to get there on time. I'm the pastor 241 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:08,640 Speaker 4: of the church. God, and it's a big church, God, 242 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:09,520 Speaker 4: liquid church. 243 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:11,520 Speaker 3: God. 244 00:13:11,600 --> 00:13:14,400 Speaker 4: All these things are coming against me. God, you got 245 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:16,679 Speaker 4: to help me out. The more I prayed, the slower 246 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:20,600 Speaker 4: things went. One day I realized what I'm telling you, 247 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:24,959 Speaker 4: That wasn't the enemy attacking me. That was God attacking 248 00:13:25,040 --> 00:13:29,160 Speaker 4: my problem of being impatient. You can rebuke until your 249 00:13:29,160 --> 00:13:33,480 Speaker 4: rebuker wears out. You can pray buying loose thing shalt 250 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:37,320 Speaker 4: not going to do any good. God's interested in changing you. 251 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:40,680 Speaker 4: He's not going to leave you alone. That test is 252 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:41,400 Speaker 4: going to come. 253 00:13:41,320 --> 00:13:42,520 Speaker 3: Again and again. 254 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:46,239 Speaker 4: The sooner you deal with it, the sooner you make adjustments, 255 00:13:46,320 --> 00:13:49,520 Speaker 4: the better off you will be. Years ago, I was 256 00:13:49,600 --> 00:13:52,240 Speaker 4: driving to church. It was a Tuesday morning, had a 257 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:55,640 Speaker 4: very important meeting to attend. Back then, the drive was 258 00:13:55,679 --> 00:13:58,520 Speaker 4: thirty minutes. I was running a little late, but I 259 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:00,720 Speaker 4: knew if I didn't hit any trap, I could still 260 00:14:00,760 --> 00:14:03,320 Speaker 4: make it on time. So I prayed that God would 261 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:06,360 Speaker 4: give me favor. On the freeway, quoted the scripture of 262 00:14:06,360 --> 00:14:09,960 Speaker 4: God's going before me making crooked places straight. I rebuked 263 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:14,600 Speaker 4: every slow driver out of my path. Just the opposite happened. 264 00:14:14,720 --> 00:14:18,680 Speaker 4: It was almost comical. There's a light leaving my neighborhood 265 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:21,480 Speaker 4: that in three years, I have never seen it red. 266 00:14:21,760 --> 00:14:25,080 Speaker 4: It's always green, But that day, when I got to it, 267 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:25,880 Speaker 4: it turned red. 268 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:28,560 Speaker 3: I could not believe it. I just knew that was 269 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:29,080 Speaker 3: the enemy. 270 00:14:29,640 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 4: Got on the freeway and took off, praying for discernment 271 00:14:33,280 --> 00:14:35,680 Speaker 4: that God would show me which hell the police officer 272 00:14:35,680 --> 00:14:39,480 Speaker 4: would be sitting over. I was doing fine, still had 273 00:14:39,520 --> 00:14:42,360 Speaker 4: time to make it. Then the traffic started to slow down. 274 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:45,720 Speaker 4: I started to pray even harder. God, you parted the 275 00:14:45,760 --> 00:14:48,880 Speaker 4: Red Sea from Moses, you can part these cars for me. 276 00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:53,680 Speaker 4: I prayer didn't work. My lane got slower slower. Finally 277 00:14:53,720 --> 00:14:57,000 Speaker 4: it came to a complete stop. I was so frustrated. 278 00:14:57,440 --> 00:14:59,600 Speaker 4: The lane next to me was still moving ten or 279 00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:02,560 Speaker 4: fifteen miles an hour. And put my blinker on, but 280 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:06,920 Speaker 4: nobody would let me over. I smiled, I waved, I 281 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:08,600 Speaker 4: blew kisses, I held up money. 282 00:15:08,680 --> 00:15:11,840 Speaker 3: None of that work. Thought, these are the meanest people 283 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:12,520 Speaker 3: I've ever seen. 284 00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:17,640 Speaker 4: After the longest time, this little old lady slowed down. 285 00:15:17,840 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 4: Let me in that lane, I thought, thank you Jesus. 286 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 4: The moment I got in that lane, it stopped and 287 00:15:23,600 --> 00:15:28,400 Speaker 4: my old lane started going. I realize now That wasn't 288 00:15:28,440 --> 00:15:32,520 Speaker 4: a coincidence. That was God allowing me to be in 289 00:15:32,560 --> 00:15:37,200 Speaker 4: an uncomfortable situation so I could grow. It didn't happen overnight, 290 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:41,080 Speaker 4: but little by little I let God refine me. Now 291 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:43,880 Speaker 4: doesn't bother me anymore. I've learned to just be patient, 292 00:15:44,200 --> 00:15:47,080 Speaker 4: go with the flow. Maybe some of you are doing 293 00:15:47,080 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 4: what I did. You're trying to pray away the very 294 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:54,120 Speaker 4: thing that God wants you to deal with. The situation 295 00:15:54,360 --> 00:15:57,880 Speaker 4: may not change, but when you change, it's not going 296 00:15:57,960 --> 00:16:00,960 Speaker 4: to bother you anymore. I love to tell you that 297 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:04,600 Speaker 4: if you let God refine you, you deal with these impurities, 298 00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:08,200 Speaker 4: then all these things that annoy you, that irritates you, 299 00:16:08,360 --> 00:16:11,840 Speaker 4: that they'll go away. But that's not reality. I still 300 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:14,760 Speaker 4: get stuck in traffic, still get in the longest line 301 00:16:14,760 --> 00:16:18,280 Speaker 4: at the grocery store. Our flights are still delayed. Now 302 00:16:18,760 --> 00:16:21,280 Speaker 4: it doesn't stress me. I don't get upset. I stay 303 00:16:21,320 --> 00:16:26,440 Speaker 4: in peace. Why my quality has improved because I work 304 00:16:26,560 --> 00:16:29,520 Speaker 4: with God and let him make me and mold me. 305 00:16:30,160 --> 00:16:33,600 Speaker 4: Those tests have actually made me better. And the next 306 00:16:33,640 --> 00:16:37,120 Speaker 4: time you're tempted to be impatient, remind yourself this is 307 00:16:37,240 --> 00:16:40,560 Speaker 4: only a test. I'm gonna stay in peace. I know 308 00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:44,280 Speaker 4: God has directed my steps. When you're tempted to get 309 00:16:44,320 --> 00:16:49,760 Speaker 4: your feelings hurt somebody says something insensitive, remind yourself this 310 00:16:49,920 --> 00:16:52,920 Speaker 4: is only a test. I'm not gonna get better. I 311 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:56,600 Speaker 4: know God is fighting my battles. You go through that disappointment, 312 00:16:56,800 --> 00:16:58,080 Speaker 4: This is only a test. 313 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:00,680 Speaker 3: I know what's meant for my harm. God's going to 314 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:03,640 Speaker 3: use to my advantage. See it as a test. 315 00:17:04,240 --> 00:17:08,440 Speaker 4: Show God what quality you are. Sometimes God will allow 316 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:11,240 Speaker 4: us to be in a situation where we're not getting 317 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:13,040 Speaker 4: any thanks, any. 318 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:13,960 Speaker 3: Kind of appreciation. 319 00:17:14,800 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 4: At the office, you're doing all the work but not 320 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:21,200 Speaker 4: getting any credit. In the nursery or at the hospital 321 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:24,480 Speaker 4: you've been volunteering for two years, not one person has 322 00:17:24,520 --> 00:17:27,840 Speaker 4: ever said thank you. It's almost like people have gone 323 00:17:27,880 --> 00:17:31,399 Speaker 4: out of their way to not express appreciation, to not 324 00:17:31,560 --> 00:17:35,000 Speaker 4: compliment you. That is not a coincidence. 325 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:36,280 Speaker 3: That is a test. 326 00:17:36,600 --> 00:17:39,280 Speaker 4: God is wanting to teach us to trust Him in 327 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:43,760 Speaker 4: a greater way and to not rely on other people's approval. 328 00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:48,240 Speaker 4: Don't get discouraged, keep a good attitude, knowing that God 329 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:50,760 Speaker 4: is using that to work something in you. 330 00:17:51,080 --> 00:17:54,600 Speaker 3: He's growing you up, getting you prepared for greater things. 331 00:17:55,600 --> 00:17:58,520 Speaker 4: When I first started ministering back in nineteen ninety nine. 332 00:17:58,880 --> 00:17:59,760 Speaker 3: I was very. 333 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:04,160 Speaker 4: Insecure, never done this before, and I relied so heavily 334 00:18:04,520 --> 00:18:09,200 Speaker 4: on people's compliments after the service. If enough people didn't 335 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:11,640 Speaker 4: tell me that was good and they enjoyed it, I'd 336 00:18:11,680 --> 00:18:14,399 Speaker 4: get discouraged and wonder if I was even called to 337 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:17,280 Speaker 4: do this. In the first year or so, I had 338 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:21,440 Speaker 4: all kinds of compliments. I'd go home Sunday afternoon all 339 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:24,240 Speaker 4: fired up, ready for the next week. A year or 340 00:18:24,280 --> 00:18:26,760 Speaker 4: two into it got to the place where I wasn't 341 00:18:26,800 --> 00:18:30,880 Speaker 4: getting the appreciation like I had before. I remember one 342 00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:34,560 Speaker 4: Sunday in particular, I spoke the best message that I 343 00:18:34,640 --> 00:18:38,359 Speaker 4: possibly could. Afterwards, I was just waiting for everybody to 344 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:40,320 Speaker 4: tell me how much they enjoyed it. 345 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:44,879 Speaker 3: But do you know, not one person said anything about it. 346 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:48,080 Speaker 4: Not even Victoria, and she always would compliment me. 347 00:18:48,880 --> 00:18:49,600 Speaker 3: What am I saying? 348 00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:54,359 Speaker 4: Sometimes God will cause people in your life to not 349 00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:58,120 Speaker 4: give you something so that you can grow up. I mean, 350 00:18:58,200 --> 00:19:02,560 Speaker 4: Victoria's personality is very encouraging for her to not say something, 351 00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:05,399 Speaker 4: it had to be God, especially since my message was 352 00:19:05,440 --> 00:19:09,840 Speaker 4: so good. But one day I realized that was a 353 00:19:09,920 --> 00:19:14,159 Speaker 4: test that was God teaching me to not rely on 354 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:18,080 Speaker 4: what everybody thinks, and not to just live to please people, 355 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:21,240 Speaker 4: but instead to be my best, knowing that he is 356 00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:25,440 Speaker 4: pleased with me. I have a minister friend he struggled 357 00:19:25,440 --> 00:19:28,480 Speaker 4: in the same area. He just lived by how many 358 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:31,120 Speaker 4: compliments he could get and how many people liked his message. 359 00:19:31,160 --> 00:19:34,080 Speaker 4: And one Sunday after the service, he asked the man 360 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:37,680 Speaker 4: that sold his CDs in the back, did anybody by 361 00:19:37,720 --> 00:19:38,640 Speaker 4: a CD. 362 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:41,159 Speaker 3: From this morning's message? And he's hoping to get a 363 00:19:41,160 --> 00:19:42,639 Speaker 3: good report and be encouraged. 364 00:19:43,000 --> 00:19:45,919 Speaker 4: The man said no, pastor nobody bought a CD of 365 00:19:45,960 --> 00:19:49,520 Speaker 4: today's message, but one lady did return one from last week. 366 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:56,080 Speaker 4: We have to realize those are testing times. If your 367 00:19:56,119 --> 00:19:59,359 Speaker 4: spouse is not giving you compliments like they used to, 368 00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:03,320 Speaker 4: that's a test. If you're doing the work and not 369 00:20:03,359 --> 00:20:07,320 Speaker 4: getting the credit, it's a test. If people are overlooking 370 00:20:07,359 --> 00:20:10,879 Speaker 4: you take it all in stride and pass that test. 371 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:13,040 Speaker 3: That's God growing you up. 372 00:20:13,800 --> 00:20:15,840 Speaker 4: It's easy to get a chip on our shoulder and 373 00:20:15,880 --> 00:20:17,800 Speaker 4: think nobody appreciates me. 374 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:20,320 Speaker 3: See if I do anything for you. 375 00:20:20,320 --> 00:20:23,080 Speaker 4: Now keep the good attitude and say, God, I'm going 376 00:20:23,160 --> 00:20:26,520 Speaker 4: to be my best each day under you. If people 377 00:20:26,600 --> 00:20:29,240 Speaker 4: don't give me credit. If they don't recognize that, that's 378 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:33,600 Speaker 4: all right. I know you'll give me everything that I need. See, 379 00:20:33,600 --> 00:20:37,480 Speaker 4: God wants us to get our approval, our worth, our 380 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:42,359 Speaker 4: value from him. That way, we're not dependent on other people. 381 00:20:43,240 --> 00:20:46,639 Speaker 4: People will let you down. People will be too busy, 382 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:50,560 Speaker 4: people won't always be there when you need them. Really, 383 00:20:50,600 --> 00:20:54,000 Speaker 4: no one person can keep you cheered up, keep you 384 00:20:54,080 --> 00:20:55,400 Speaker 4: feeling good about yourself. 385 00:20:55,600 --> 00:20:56,520 Speaker 3: Only God can. 386 00:20:57,480 --> 00:21:00,879 Speaker 4: When we start off like babies, where needs somebody to 387 00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:04,800 Speaker 4: take care of us, somebody to encourage us when we're down, 388 00:21:05,119 --> 00:21:10,120 Speaker 4: to make sure we feel loved, appreciated, valued, approved. That's 389 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:14,360 Speaker 4: all important. We need that for a season. But there 390 00:21:14,359 --> 00:21:17,400 Speaker 4: will come a point where God will say it's time 391 00:21:17,440 --> 00:21:21,119 Speaker 4: to grow up. I want you to depend not on people, 392 00:21:21,480 --> 00:21:24,840 Speaker 4: but on me, and God will remove. 393 00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,480 Speaker 3: That crutch, so to speak. 394 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:30,280 Speaker 4: That person that's always keeping your cheered up, that friend 395 00:21:30,359 --> 00:21:33,000 Speaker 4: that calls you all the time to compliment you and 396 00:21:33,040 --> 00:21:34,360 Speaker 4: tell you how great you are. 397 00:21:35,119 --> 00:21:36,880 Speaker 3: He will remove, maybe. 398 00:21:36,600 --> 00:21:40,959 Speaker 4: Not the person, but the encouragement, the compliments, the approval. 399 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:45,119 Speaker 4: Don't get mad at them. It's a test. God is saying, 400 00:21:45,560 --> 00:21:48,760 Speaker 4: I want you to look to me. I'm everything you need. 401 00:21:49,119 --> 00:21:53,000 Speaker 4: I'm your encouragement. I'm your approval, I'm your validation. I'm 402 00:21:53,040 --> 00:21:56,600 Speaker 4: your friend. I love you, I'm for you. 403 00:21:57,200 --> 00:21:58,720 Speaker 3: I will never let you down. 404 00:22:00,080 --> 00:22:03,320 Speaker 4: God didn't remove the crutch we would never grow up 405 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:06,920 Speaker 4: and become all He's created us to be. Our son, 406 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:10,199 Speaker 4: Jonathan is seventeen years old now. When he was a 407 00:22:10,200 --> 00:22:12,719 Speaker 4: little boy, I used to cut his food up for 408 00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:16,400 Speaker 4: him and make sure that he'd brush his teeth every 409 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:18,960 Speaker 4: day before he'd go to first grade. He'd come into 410 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:21,280 Speaker 4: my room and say, Daddy, fix my hair like you 411 00:22:21,400 --> 00:22:24,359 Speaker 4: fix yours. I'd get that geil and pull it back 412 00:22:24,480 --> 00:22:29,040 Speaker 4: just right. We told him morning, noon and night how 413 00:22:29,119 --> 00:22:31,880 Speaker 4: much we loved him, how proud we were of him, 414 00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:34,440 Speaker 4: how he was going to do great things in life, 415 00:22:34,640 --> 00:22:36,440 Speaker 4: and that's important we should do. 416 00:22:36,440 --> 00:22:37,320 Speaker 3: That as parents. 417 00:22:37,840 --> 00:22:40,680 Speaker 4: But now that he's seventeen, I don't cut his food 418 00:22:40,720 --> 00:22:43,760 Speaker 4: up for him anymore. He won't let me touch his hair. 419 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:47,840 Speaker 4: He doesn't have to hear every ten minutes how much 420 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:50,800 Speaker 4: we love him, how much we're proud of him. For 421 00:22:50,920 --> 00:22:53,880 Speaker 4: him to still feel good about himself, he's growing up. 422 00:22:54,640 --> 00:22:57,919 Speaker 4: It's the same way with our heavenly Father. We start 423 00:22:57,960 --> 00:23:01,879 Speaker 4: off like little babies. God will make sure somebody's there 424 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:04,960 Speaker 4: to encourage us, somebody to tell us how. 425 00:23:05,080 --> 00:23:07,480 Speaker 3: Loved and valuable and needed we are. 426 00:23:08,320 --> 00:23:12,080 Speaker 4: There's a season where it seems like everything falls into place. 427 00:23:12,720 --> 00:23:16,320 Speaker 4: Your prayers are getting answered left and right. A friend 428 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:19,240 Speaker 4: calls it just the right time, gives you a word 429 00:23:19,320 --> 00:23:22,160 Speaker 4: in due season. You hope in the Bible and read 430 00:23:22,320 --> 00:23:25,240 Speaker 4: just what you need to hear. You know God is real. 431 00:23:25,600 --> 00:23:29,240 Speaker 4: You've seed his hand again and again. And that's great 432 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:33,560 Speaker 4: for a season. But the truth is it won't last forever. 433 00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:37,840 Speaker 4: God won't let us stay babies. There'll be a point 434 00:23:38,040 --> 00:23:42,040 Speaker 4: where God removes the pampering. If he didn't, it would 435 00:23:42,119 --> 00:23:45,840 Speaker 4: hinder our growth. I could still be cutting Jonathan's food 436 00:23:45,920 --> 00:23:47,520 Speaker 4: up for him, but that would be. 437 00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:48,720 Speaker 3: Doing him a disservice. 438 00:23:49,480 --> 00:23:52,560 Speaker 4: And if you're not getting what you used to the 439 00:23:52,640 --> 00:23:56,520 Speaker 4: approval from another person, your prayers don't get answered the 440 00:23:56,560 --> 00:23:59,960 Speaker 4: first day like they did before. This may sound strange, 441 00:24:00,119 --> 00:24:04,080 Speaker 4: but take that as a compliment. God is growing you up, 442 00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:08,360 Speaker 4: He's maturing you, getting you ready for the amazing future 443 00:24:08,440 --> 00:24:12,080 Speaker 4: he has in store. This scripture talks about how as 444 00:24:12,560 --> 00:24:17,000 Speaker 4: long as we remain a child, will never receive our inheritance, 445 00:24:17,440 --> 00:24:21,760 Speaker 4: we'll never reach our full potential. But As you grow up, 446 00:24:22,200 --> 00:24:25,360 Speaker 4: as you let God make you and mold you, then 447 00:24:25,400 --> 00:24:28,560 Speaker 4: those seeds of greatness God's placed on the inside, they're 448 00:24:28,560 --> 00:24:29,800 Speaker 4: going to take root and. 449 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:30,840 Speaker 3: Start to flourish. 450 00:24:31,160 --> 00:24:33,520 Speaker 4: It's funny how when we first start off, how many 451 00:24:33,560 --> 00:24:37,000 Speaker 4: times have we opened our Bible just randomly closed our 452 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:40,040 Speaker 4: eyes and pointed to a scripture and there's something just 453 00:24:40,119 --> 00:24:40,480 Speaker 4: what we. 454 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:42,560 Speaker 3: Needed to hear, just spoke to us. 455 00:24:43,200 --> 00:24:45,440 Speaker 4: You go a few years and start to grow up 456 00:24:45,480 --> 00:24:48,960 Speaker 4: and open that Bible randomly point and it says repent, 457 00:24:49,080 --> 00:24:53,600 Speaker 4: you brew the vipers. That's when you know you're growing up. 458 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:59,720 Speaker 4: Now pass the test. Learn to encourage yourself, stay faithful. 459 00:25:00,160 --> 00:25:04,080 Speaker 4: Know your prayers aren't being answered on your timetable. Don't 460 00:25:04,119 --> 00:25:08,520 Speaker 4: rely on other people for their approval, their validation. Get 461 00:25:08,600 --> 00:25:11,520 Speaker 4: up every morning and say, Father, I want to thank 462 00:25:11,600 --> 00:25:15,399 Speaker 4: you that you approve me. You made me in your image, 463 00:25:15,560 --> 00:25:19,680 Speaker 4: you breathed your life into me. You said, I'm a masterpiece, 464 00:25:20,040 --> 00:25:24,000 Speaker 4: I'm valuable, I'm approved, So God, I don't need other 465 00:25:24,040 --> 00:25:24,960 Speaker 4: people's approval. 466 00:25:25,119 --> 00:25:26,160 Speaker 3: I have your approval. 467 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:30,600 Speaker 4: The more we grow, the more we mature, the less 468 00:25:31,080 --> 00:25:34,960 Speaker 4: and less dependent we become on what other people think, 469 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:38,120 Speaker 4: or on what other people do, or don't give us. 470 00:25:38,400 --> 00:25:41,280 Speaker 4: We get it from our heavenly Father. And some of 471 00:25:41,320 --> 00:25:44,320 Speaker 4: you today are frustrated because a prayer is not being answered. 472 00:25:44,840 --> 00:25:47,960 Speaker 4: Another person is not giving you the approval they used to. 473 00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:51,399 Speaker 4: You kind of feel like that God has forgotten all 474 00:25:51,440 --> 00:25:55,560 Speaker 4: about you. But it's just the opposite. God is closely 475 00:25:55,760 --> 00:26:00,480 Speaker 4: watching you. This is a test of your quality. God 476 00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:03,760 Speaker 4: wants to see what you're made of. This is not 477 00:26:03,880 --> 00:26:06,920 Speaker 4: the time to get discouraged. It's not the time to think, 478 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:10,080 Speaker 4: what's the use It's never going to change, I'm stuck here. 479 00:26:10,600 --> 00:26:13,440 Speaker 3: No, it's only a test. This is the. 480 00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:16,600 Speaker 4: Time, more than ever, to dig your heels in and 481 00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:20,640 Speaker 4: sow a radical seed of obedience. Do the right thing 482 00:26:21,080 --> 00:26:24,280 Speaker 4: in spite of what somebody is not giving you. Keep 483 00:26:24,320 --> 00:26:27,360 Speaker 4: praying even though it feels like God went on vacation, 484 00:26:28,240 --> 00:26:31,200 Speaker 4: Keep believing, even though your mind is telling you it's 485 00:26:31,240 --> 00:26:34,000 Speaker 4: never going to change. If you'll do that, you'll pass 486 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:37,879 Speaker 4: that test. You will see that radical harvest. That's what 487 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:41,359 Speaker 4: it says in James. When we pass the test, you 488 00:26:41,440 --> 00:26:45,760 Speaker 4: will receive a victor's crown of life. Friends, there is 489 00:26:45,800 --> 00:26:48,240 Speaker 4: a crown of victory waiting for you. 490 00:26:49,000 --> 00:26:49,760 Speaker 3: The test you. 491 00:26:49,720 --> 00:26:53,200 Speaker 4: Are in is not permanent. It's only for a season. 492 00:26:53,560 --> 00:26:57,560 Speaker 4: You keep moving forward. Don't fight against everything that's hard. 493 00:26:58,240 --> 00:27:00,440 Speaker 4: Let God make you and mold you. 494 00:27:00,760 --> 00:27:01,760 Speaker 3: Work with God. 495 00:27:02,600 --> 00:27:07,160 Speaker 4: Be willing to make adjustments, make improvements. God's always giving 496 00:27:07,240 --> 00:27:11,000 Speaker 4: us opportunities to come up higher. As you grow, as 497 00:27:11,040 --> 00:27:14,600 Speaker 4: you mature, God is going to release the inheritance that 498 00:27:14,720 --> 00:27:17,880 Speaker 4: he has laid up for you. It's like nothing you've 499 00:27:17,880 --> 00:27:21,960 Speaker 4: seen before. God's going to release favor in a greater way. 500 00:27:22,680 --> 00:27:26,800 Speaker 4: You're going to come into supernatural opportunities. Problems that have 501 00:27:26,880 --> 00:27:29,679 Speaker 4: dogged you for years are going to suddenly turn around. 502 00:27:30,359 --> 00:27:32,479 Speaker 4: Loved Ones that wouldn't have anything to do with the 503 00:27:32,480 --> 00:27:34,200 Speaker 4: Lord are going to suddenly. 504 00:27:33,800 --> 00:27:34,520 Speaker 3: Come back home. 505 00:27:35,040 --> 00:27:37,800 Speaker 4: Dreams you've been praying about are going to suddenly come 506 00:27:37,840 --> 00:27:42,040 Speaker 4: to pass because you pass the test. God promises a 507 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:45,480 Speaker 4: crown of victory is waiting for you. That means victory 508 00:27:45,520 --> 00:27:49,600 Speaker 4: in your health, victory in your finances, victory in your career, 509 00:27:50,280 --> 00:27:55,119 Speaker 4: victory in relationships. I believe and declare victory is in 510 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:58,879 Speaker 4: your future in Jesus' name, if you receive it today, 511 00:27:59,119 --> 00:28:02,879 Speaker 4: can you say a man, well, we never like to 512 00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:06,760 Speaker 4: close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make Jesus, 513 00:28:06,800 --> 00:28:07,760 Speaker 4: the Lord of your life. 514 00:28:07,920 --> 00:28:08,840 Speaker 3: Would you pray with me? 515 00:28:09,560 --> 00:28:15,040 Speaker 4: Just say, Lord, Jesus, I repent of my sins, Come 516 00:28:15,040 --> 00:28:15,800 Speaker 4: into my heart. 517 00:28:16,880 --> 00:28:18,560 Speaker 3: I make you my Lord and savior. 518 00:28:20,080 --> 00:28:22,520 Speaker 4: Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you 519 00:28:22,560 --> 00:28:25,480 Speaker 4: got born again. Get in a good Bible based church. 520 00:28:25,720 --> 00:28:28,520 Speaker 4: Keep God first place. He's going to take your places 521 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:31,679 Speaker 4: that you've never dreamed of. Thanks so much for listening 522 00:28:31,680 --> 00:28:34,840 Speaker 4: to today's message. I hope you'll subscribe so you can 523 00:28:34,880 --> 00:28:38,440 Speaker 4: receive the latest podcast to keep you encouraged and inspired 524 00:28:38,520 --> 00:28:39,320 Speaker 4: all through the week. 525 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:41,680 Speaker 2: Help us to continue to share the message of hope 526 00:28:41,720 --> 00:28:43,160 Speaker 2: with those all around the world. 527 00:28:43,520 --> 00:28:45,040 Speaker 3: Visit Joelosting dot. 528 00:28:44,880 --> 00:28:47,760 Speaker 2: Com or click the link in the description to partner 529 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:48,520 Speaker 2: with us today. 530 00:28:48,760 --> 00:28:51,200 Speaker 4: We hope you'll share this message with a friend and 531 00:28:51,280 --> 00:28:53,280 Speaker 4: be sure to follow us on social media. 532 00:28:53,520 --> 00:28:56,840 Speaker 3: We're praying for you. 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