Everyday Joy - Winning The Battle Of The Mind - Dr. John Huff

in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Wow, man. We this worship team, y'all Wow, man. We this worship team, y'all Wow, man. We this worship team, y'all did an amazing job. Thank you. I really did an amazing job. Thank you. I really did an amazing job. Thank you. I really am grateful. Thank you very much. am grateful. Thank you very much. am grateful. Thank you very much. The uh welcome to the gymnasium of the The uh welcome to the gymnasium of the The uh welcome to the gymnasium of the Lord. Lord. Lord. The uh you know, we call this the The uh you know, we call this the The uh you know, we call this the greenhouse uh for a couple of reasons. greenhouse uh for a couple of reasons. greenhouse uh for a couple of reasons. And I really like the idea that we are, And I really like the idea that we are, And I really like the idea that we are, you know, we are scattering seed and we you know, we are scattering seed and we you know, we are scattering seed and we are are are uh we are growing in depth uh we are growing in depth uh we are growing in depth in our in our walk with Jesus. And uh in our in our walk with Jesus. And uh in our in our walk with Jesus. And uh and hopefully we will be part of uh and hopefully we will be part of uh and hopefully we will be part of uh planting additional churches like the planting additional churches like the planting additional churches like the one that we just recently sent out to one that we just recently sent out to one that we just recently sent out to Columbia, Missouri. Um, Columbia, Missouri. Um, Columbia, Missouri. Um, I want to um I want to um I want to um I want to share with you a story today I want to share with you a story today I want to share with you a story today that is a very um that is a very um that is a very um uh it's a it's a it's a precious pearl uh it's a it's a it's a precious pearl uh it's a it's a it's a precious pearl of a story that the Lord uh built in of a story that the Lord uh built in of a story that the Lord uh built in Andre and I's life uh Andre and I's life uh Andre and I's life uh about 27 years ago. When I look back at about 27 years ago. When I look back at about 27 years ago. When I look back at at at at uh uh uh Andre and I have been married 38 years, Andre and I have been married 38 years, Andre and I have been married 38 years, 39 years.

39 years. 39 years. So I'm 61, she's I was going to say So I'm 61, she's I was going to say So I'm 61, she's I was going to say she's 49, but that would have made her she's 49, but that would have made her she's 49, but that would have made her 10. So 10. So 10. So we're about the same age. we're about the same age. we're about the same age. And we have five children and they range And we have five children and they range And we have five children and they range uh 28 to 35. She says she uh she has a mind 28 to 35. She says she uh she has a mind to keep up with these things. I know to keep up with these things. I know to keep up with these things. I know where she is and so that that does the where she is and so that that does the where she is and so that that does the trick. Um trick. Um trick. Um the uh and and you know when I was the uh and and you know when I was the uh and and you know when I was looking back I reading the scriptures looking back I reading the scriptures looking back I reading the scriptures that we're going to read here in a that we're going to read here in a that we're going to read here in a minute. I was looking back and I was minute. I was looking back and I was minute. I was looking back and I was just just just I was seeing the the faith stories that I was seeing the the faith stories that I was seeing the the faith stories that the Lord has built in our life over the the Lord has built in our life over the the Lord has built in our life over the last uh 39 years. and and and and every last uh 39 years. and and and and every last uh 39 years. and and and and every one of these stories one of these stories one of these stories was built around a trial, was built was built around a trial, was built was built around a trial, was built around something that could [snorts] around something that could [snorts] around something that could [snorts] have easily been seen as um as as as a have easily been seen as um as as as a have easily been seen as um as as as a bad situation, if not even horrific bad situation, if not even horrific bad situation, if not even horrific situation, situation, situation, but that the Lord used that but that the Lord used that but that the Lord used that to achieve his purpose. purpes in and to achieve his purpose. purpes in and to achieve his purpose. purpes in and through us through us through us and uh and it has given us a perspective and uh and it has given us a perspective and uh and it has given us a perspective that is different than I think our lives

that is different than I think our lives that is different than I think our lives that I know than what our life would that I know than what our life would that I know than what our life would have been if we had looked at those have been if we had looked at those have been if we had looked at those things differently or if they had not things differently or if they had not things differently or if they had not occurred at all. And uh and and there's occurred at all. And uh and and there's occurred at all. And uh and and there's one particular story that I want to one particular story that I want to one particular story that I want to share with you today that um I feel like share with you today that um I feel like share with you today that um I feel like really illustrates this well. really illustrates this well. really illustrates this well. Well, uh, Well, uh, Well, uh, about four I guess about 4,000 years about four I guess about 4,000 years about four I guess about 4,000 years ago, there was a tradition that was ago, there was a tradition that was ago, there was a tradition that was started of standing when the word of God started of standing when the word of God started of standing when the word of God is read. So, I want to invite you to is read. So, I want to invite you to is read. So, I want to invite you to stand with us while I'm reading from stand with us while I'm reading from stand with us while I'm reading from Philippians today. So, the scripture for today is So, the scripture for today is Philippians 4 Philippians 4 Philippians 4 uh 6-9, but we're going to we're going uh 6-9, but we're going to we're going uh 6-9, but we're going to we're going to back up to to verse four. So, I'm to back up to to verse four. So, I'm to back up to to verse four. So, I'm going to start at verse four. It says, going to start at verse four. It says, going to start at verse four. It says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Again, I "Rejoice in the Lord always." Again, I "Rejoice in the Lord always." Again, I say, "Rejoice. say, "Rejoice. say, "Rejoice. Let your forbearing spirit be known to Let your forbearing spirit be known to Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

all men. The Lord is near. all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in Be anxious for nothing, but in Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God made known to God. And the peace of God made known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension will that surpasses all comprehension will that surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good whatever is lovely, whatever is of good whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and repute, if there is any excellence and repute, if there is any excellence and of any worthy of praise, let your mind of any worthy of praise, let your mind of any worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things, dwell on these things, dwell on these things, the things that you have learned and the things that you have learned and the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, received and heard and seen in me, received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of practice these things, and the God of practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. peace will be with you. peace will be with you. God, thank you for your word. Speak to God, thank you for your word. Speak to God, thank you for your word. Speak to us now through it. Jesus name. Amen. And us now through it. Jesus name. Amen. And us now through it. Jesus name. Amen. And be seated. be seated.

be seated. So, in 1999, Andre and I uh So, in 1999, Andre and I uh So, in 1999, Andre and I uh were able to uh purchase a little farm, were able to uh purchase a little farm, were able to uh purchase a little farm, a little have a house on it. I say a little have a house on it. I say a little have a house on it. I say little farm, it's not even 40 acres. And little farm, it's not even 40 acres. And little farm, it's not even 40 acres. And uh it it it was uh it it it was uh it it it was For us, it was a place where our five For us, it was a place where our five For us, it was a place where our five kids could just run and play and do. Uh kids could just run and play and do. Uh kids could just run and play and do. Uh we eventually adopted a boy uh that was we eventually adopted a boy uh that was we eventually adopted a boy uh that was in foster care. We had a lot of other in foster care. We had a lot of other in foster care. We had a lot of other children that came around the house a children that came around the house a children that came around the house a lot. Um lot. Um lot. Um and and it gave us room to operate. and and it gave us room to operate. and and it gave us room to operate. Um I'm a veterinarian and and I love Um I'm a veterinarian and and I love Um I'm a veterinarian and and I love animals. I just all of them. uh animals. I just all of them. uh animals. I just all of them. uh really all of them and and we we have really all of them and and we we have really all of them and and we we have had a lots of different critters over had a lots of different critters over had a lots of different critters over the years and we still have some but not the years and we still have some but not the years and we still have some but not as many as we used to have when I had as many as we used to have when I had as many as we used to have when I had free labor. Uh but they've all they've free labor. Uh but they've all they've free labor. Uh but they've all they've all moved away and uh and so uh I I we all moved away and uh and so uh I I we all moved away and uh and so uh I I we had to kind of cut back a little bit.

had to kind of cut back a little bit. had to kind of cut back a little bit. But when we first moved there and uh we But when we first moved there and uh we But when we first moved there and uh we were getting some things, you know, were getting some things, you know, were getting some things, you know, whipped into shape. We were doing a lot whipped into shape. We were doing a lot whipped into shape. We were doing a lot of land clearing and a lot of mowing and of land clearing and a lot of mowing and of land clearing and a lot of mowing and fencing. A lot of fencing to get ready fencing. A lot of fencing to get ready fencing. A lot of fencing to get ready for the animals. Uh and my little Molly, for the animals. Uh and my little Molly, for the animals. Uh and my little Molly, Molly was in the middle. She was she had Molly was in the middle. She was she had Molly was in the middle. She was she had uh two older and two younger. And Molly, uh two older and two younger. And Molly, uh two older and two younger. And Molly, she was five years old and she was she was five years old and she was she was five years old and she was always right by my side. She was always always right by my side. She was always always right by my side. She was always helping me and whatever we were doing. helping me and whatever we were doing. helping me and whatever we were doing. Um, and we were cutting I had some Um, and we were cutting I had some Um, and we were cutting I had some rolled up wire the fencing about four rolled up wire the fencing about four rolled up wire the fencing about four foot tall fencing uh material and we foot tall fencing uh material and we foot tall fencing uh material and we were cutting that into sections and were cutting that into sections and were cutting that into sections and making uh round cages to for tomatoes to making uh round cages to for tomatoes to making uh round cages to for tomatoes to grow in or berries or I think we were grow in or berries or I think we were grow in or berries or I think we were planting blackberries that day. And um planting blackberries that day. And um planting blackberries that day. And um and so she was helping me and I was and so she was helping me and I was and so she was helping me and I was cutting these these wire cages and and I cutting these these wire cages and and I cutting these these wire cages and and I had had had made about 10 of them. And uh we were made about 10 of them. And uh we were made about 10 of them. And uh we were getting near the end of the roll and and getting near the end of the roll and and getting near the end of the roll and and as I was cutting them, I was making sure as I was cutting them, I was making sure as I was cutting them, I was making sure that you know I was being safe and that you know I was being safe and that you know I was being safe and holding everything very carefully so holding everything very carefully so holding everything very carefully so that it didn't scratch anybody. And uh that it didn't scratch anybody. And uh that it didn't scratch anybody. And uh on the last cut that I made, something on the last cut that I made, something on the last cut that I made, something went different and the wire pulled back.

went different and the wire pulled back. went different and the wire pulled back. So these that that wire when you cut it, So these that that wire when you cut it, So these that that wire when you cut it, you know, these are little small squares you know, these are little small squares you know, these are little small squares of welded wire fencing and and when it of welded wire fencing and and when it of welded wire fencing and and when it cut it it it came back and it and it cut it it it came back and it and it cut it it it came back and it and it came and and hit Molly right in the came and and hit Molly right in the came and and hit Molly right in the face. and one of those wires went into face. and one of those wires went into face. and one of those wires went into her eye right next to her eyeball right her eye right next to her eyeball right her eye right next to her eyeball right here. Didn't go into the eyeball, but it here. Didn't go into the eyeball, but it here. Didn't go into the eyeball, but it went beside it. She screamed and I ran went beside it. She screamed and I ran went beside it. She screamed and I ran over there to her and immediately I over there to her and immediately I over there to her and immediately I could see that could see that could see that um um um the um her pupil the um her pupil the um her pupil on her right eye was fully dilated on her right eye was fully dilated on her right eye was fully dilated and her eye was now pointing out to the and her eye was now pointing out to the and her eye was now pointing out to the side. side. side. She if I asked her how many fingers I She if I asked her how many fingers I She if I asked her how many fingers I had, she couldn't she could tell my hand had, she couldn't she could tell my hand had, she couldn't she could tell my hand was up. She really couldn't see my was up. She really couldn't see my was up. She really couldn't see my numbers. She couldn't see that.

numbers. She couldn't see that. numbers. She couldn't see that. And of course, she going to manage and And of course, she going to manage and And of course, she going to manage and the the panic that I was experiencing. the the panic that I was experiencing. the the panic that I was experiencing. She was experiencing She was experiencing She was experiencing family. And I I called my friend uh Dr. family. And I I called my friend uh Dr. family. And I I called my friend uh Dr. Russell Harold. Russell's an Russell Harold. Russell's an Russell Harold. Russell's an opthalmologist here in town. I've grown opthalmologist here in town. I've grown opthalmologist here in town. I've grown up with Russell. Been friends with him up with Russell. Been friends with him up with Russell. Been friends with him my whole life. And and he said, "Meet my whole life. And and he said, "Meet my whole life. And and he said, "Meet me, you know, at the clinic." And so I me, you know, at the clinic." And so I me, you know, at the clinic." And so I we drove there. Um this was the Memorial we drove there. Um this was the Memorial we drove there. Um this was the Memorial Day weekend 99 Day weekend 99 Day weekend 99 and and and he examined her and he said you know he examined her and he said you know he examined her and he said you know this is not not good. It's it's a bad this is not not good. It's it's a bad this is not not good. It's it's a bad injury. Um and injury. Um and injury. Um and uh he sent us to the hospital for you uh he sent us to the hospital for you uh he sent us to the hospital for you know what began to be the a long long know what began to be the a long long know what began to be the a long long road. road. road. So you can imagine So you can imagine So you can imagine the emotions, the feelings. This was I I the emotions, the feelings. This was I I the emotions, the feelings. This was I I would say had the largest impact on me than any ex had the largest impact on me than any ex experience that I've had, negative experience that I've had, negative experience that I've had, negative experience like that up to that point in experience like that up to that point in experience like that up to that point in my life. That just it cut me to the my life. That just it cut me to the my life. That just it cut me to the core. It it it just it took my legs out core. It it it just it took my legs out core. It it it just it took my legs out from under me. It it I could not get from under me. It it I could not get from under me. It it I could not get away from this. I would was would be away from this. I would was would be away from this. I would was would be working and I was constantly thinking working and I was constantly thinking working and I was constantly thinking about Molly and about what happened.

about Molly and about what happened. about Molly and about what happened. Of course, the devil made sure I felt Of course, the devil made sure I felt Of course, the devil made sure I felt really guilty really guilty really guilty and I played it through my mind 15,000 and I played it through my mind 15,000 and I played it through my mind 15,000 times times times and and I can be goo goofy and I like and and I can be goo goofy and I like and and I can be goo goofy and I like having fun, but but we weren't goofing having fun, but but we weren't goofing having fun, but but we weren't goofing off when that happened. off when that happened. off when that happened. And And And Anyway, I I it it it it Anyway, I I it it it it Anyway, I I it it it it just did something to me. And anyway, I just did something to me. And anyway, I just did something to me. And anyway, I I began to seek God in a way that I'd I began to seek God in a way that I'd I began to seek God in a way that I'd never sought him before. never sought him before. never sought him before. I would pray I would pray I would pray harder, would fast, and would would just harder, would fast, and would would just harder, would fast, and would would just get on my face and I would wake up in get on my face and I would wake up in get on my face and I would wake up in the middle of the night and I would pray the middle of the night and I would pray the middle of the night and I would pray and pray and I would go in there and I'd and pray and I would go in there and I'd and pray and I would go in there and I'd wake her up and I'd look at her and I wake her up and I'd look at her and I wake her up and I'd look at her and I she said, "What do you what do you need, she said, "What do you what do you need, she said, "What do you what do you need, Daddy?" And I'm like, "I'm just just Daddy?" And I'm like, "I'm just just Daddy?" And I'm like, "I'm just just loving on you, Molly. Just just just loving on you, Molly. Just just just loving on you, Molly. Just just just checking you." and her eye would be checking you." and her eye would be checking you." and her eye would be turned, turned, turned, pupil would be big pupil would be big pupil would be big and it just it it just shook me and it just it it just shook me and it just it it just shook me and I was like, God, where where how how and I was like, God, where where how how and I was like, God, where where how how what do I do from here? How do we deal what do I do from here? How do we deal what do I do from here? How do we deal with how what do I do?

with how what do I do? with how what do I do? When I was growing up, my When I was growing up, my When I was growing up, my I had two older brothers and we'd sit I had two older brothers and we'd sit I had two older brothers and we'd sit around the dinner table, the breakfast around the dinner table, the breakfast around the dinner table, the breakfast table, and on the wall across from me, table, and on the wall across from me, table, and on the wall across from me, there was a bulletin board. She had a my there was a bulletin board. She had a my there was a bulletin board. She had a my mom had a world map on the wall, mom had a world map on the wall, mom had a world map on the wall, which is pretty good. As a missions which is pretty good. As a missions which is pretty good. As a missions pastor, I got to see that every day. pastor, I got to see that every day. pastor, I got to see that every day. And my mom had me praying for different And my mom had me praying for different And my mom had me praying for different countries countries countries since I can remember. And there was a since I can remember. And there was a since I can remember. And there was a Bible verse that she had written right Bible verse that she had written right Bible verse that she had written right there. And it was the living translation there. And it was the living translation there. And it was the living translation of that scripture, living Bible of that scripture, living Bible of that scripture, living Bible translation, that scripture I just read. translation, that scripture I just read. translation, that scripture I just read. It said this. Don't worry about It said this. Don't worry about It said this. Don't worry about anything. anything. anything. Instead, pray about everything. Instead, pray about everything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don't forget to Tell God your needs and don't forget to Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank him for his answers. thank him for his answers. thank him for his answers. and the peace that passes understanding and the peace that passes understanding and the peace that passes understanding will keep your hearts and minds in will keep your hearts and minds in will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus. I never remember sitting down and trying I never remember sitting down and trying I never remember sitting down and trying to memorize that scripture. It was just to memorize that scripture. It was just to memorize that scripture. It was just there every morning. I read it over and there every morning. I read it over and there every morning. I read it over and over and over and over and it just over and over and over and it just over and over and over and it just became part of my thinking.

became part of my thinking. became part of my thinking. But God reminded me of that scripture But God reminded me of that scripture But God reminded me of that scripture and he said, "This is your prescription and he said, "This is your prescription and he said, "This is your prescription for peace." for peace." for peace." Just like I might write a prescription Just like I might write a prescription Just like I might write a prescription for someone to go get medicine for their for someone to go get medicine for their for someone to go get medicine for their animal, this was God's prescription of animal, this was God's prescription of animal, this was God's prescription of how can you find peace. how can you find peace. how can you find peace. There's other scriptures that that the There's other scriptures that that the There's other scriptures that that the Lord used. James 1 and two, you know, Lord used. James 1 and two, you know, Lord used. James 1 and two, you know, this is uh if you got your Bibles, you this is uh if you got your Bibles, you this is uh if you got your Bibles, you might want to look at this. This is an might want to look at this. This is an might want to look at this. This is an amazing scripture. amazing scripture. amazing scripture. So James 1 verse 2 through4 this is So James 1 verse 2 through4 this is So James 1 verse 2 through4 this is you know there's big James and there's you know there's big James and there's you know there's big James and there's James the lesser little James the James the lesser little James the James the lesser little James the disciples and then there's James this disciples and then there's James this disciples and then there's James this James this is the brother of Jesus James this is the brother of Jesus James this is the brother of Jesus imagine that the brother of Jesus if imagine that the brother of Jesus if imagine that the brother of Jesus if anybody would have known if Jesus was a anybody would have known if Jesus was a anybody would have known if Jesus was a fake if Jesus was not the son of God fake if Jesus was not the son of God fake if Jesus was not the son of God perfect it would be this guy perfect it would be this guy perfect it would be this guy All right. And this guy was like his All right. And this guy was like his All right. And this guy was like his number one fan. And this is what he number one fan. And this is what he number one fan. And this is what he said. Consider it all joy, my brothers, said. Consider it all joy, my brothers, said. Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, when you encounter various trials, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

produces endurance. produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect result Let endurance have its perfect result Let endurance have its perfect result that you may be perfect and complete and that you may be perfect and complete and that you may be perfect and complete and lacking in nothing. Guys, it's not a trial if it's not a Guys, it's not a trial if it's not a trial. trial. trial. That's why they call it a trial. Right That's why they call it a trial. Right That's why they call it a trial. Right now, here's the thing. You may be going now, here's the thing. You may be going now, here's the thing. You may be going through I may be going through something through I may be going through something through I may be going through something that in you you in your experience, that in you you in your experience, that in you you in your experience, you may go, "Oh, that's nothing. you may go, "Oh, that's nothing. you may go, "Oh, that's nothing. I've I've done that." But for me, it's a trial. It's kind of But for me, it's a trial. It's kind of like pain. Your pain is your pain. If like pain. Your pain is your pain. If like pain. Your pain is your pain. If it's the worst pain you've ever had, it's the worst pain you've ever had, it's the worst pain you've ever had, it's the worst pain you've ever had. it's the worst pain you've ever had. it's the worst pain you've ever had. Maybe you just hadn't had a lot of pain Maybe you just hadn't had a lot of pain Maybe you just hadn't had a lot of pain in your life. There's some people that in your life. There's some people that in your life. There's some people that experience tremendous amounts of pain experience tremendous amounts of pain experience tremendous amounts of pain every day, and they've learned to to every day, and they've learned to to every day, and they've learned to to deal with that in a way that's deal with that in a way that's deal with that in a way that's maybe something that you've never maybe something that you've never maybe something that you've never experienced.

God will put you in situations that test God will put you in situations that test you. Does God tempt you? No. Scriptur is you. Does God tempt you? No. Scriptur is you. Does God tempt you? No. Scriptur is real clear. Says, "Let no man say when real clear. Says, "Let no man say when real clear. Says, "Let no man say when he's tempted, I'm tempted by God." he's tempted, I'm tempted by God." he's tempted, I'm tempted by God." Because God doesn't tempt anyone. But Because God doesn't tempt anyone. But Because God doesn't tempt anyone. But every man is tempted when he's drawn every man is tempted when he's drawn every man is tempted when he's drawn away of his own lust and enticed. away of his own lust and enticed. away of his own lust and enticed. When sin brings forth, it brings forth When sin brings forth, it brings forth When sin brings forth, it brings forth eventually brings forth death. But God eventually brings forth death. But God eventually brings forth death. But God is not the one that tempts you. But you is not the one that tempts you. But you is not the one that tempts you. But you know what? God created us in a world know what? God created us in a world know what? God created us in a world that has free will. that has free will. that has free will. Why do we have free will? Because Why do we have free will? Because Why do we have free will? Because without free will you can't have a without free will you can't have a without free will you can't have a relationship. So when God created this planet So when God created this planet he did it in such a way that man has a he did it in such a way that man has a he did it in such a way that man has a choice choice choice to walk with him or not. to walk with him or not. to walk with him or not. He gave us the ability to abide with him He gave us the ability to abide with him He gave us the ability to abide with him or not. or not. or not. How many bad trees were in the garden? How many bad trees were in the garden? How many bad trees were in the garden? One bad tree, two that had names, One bad tree, two that had names, One bad tree, two that had names, one that had fruit, and he said one that had fruit, and he said one that had fruit, and he said [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] they were all good trees, but there was they were all good trees, but there was they were all good trees, but there was one that we were supposed to not mess one that we were supposed to not mess one that we were supposed to not mess with, the tree of knowledge of good and with, the tree of knowledge of good and with, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He said, so he stacked the odds evil. He said, so he stacked the odds evil. He said, so he stacked the odds way in our favor.

way in our favor. way in our favor. And he said, "Eat of any tree you want, And he said, "Eat of any tree you want, And he said, "Eat of any tree you want, but that one." Now, I don't know how but that one." Now, I don't know how but that one." Now, I don't know how long it took Adam and Eve to get around long it took Adam and Eve to get around long it took Adam and Eve to get around eating from that tree. Might have been a eating from that tree. Might have been a eating from that tree. Might have been a long time. If it was me, I'd have done long time. If it was me, I'd have done long time. If it was me, I'd have done it a day sooner. I guarantee you. So, it a day sooner. I guarantee you. So, it a day sooner. I guarantee you. So, I'm not looking at Adam and Eve and I'm not looking at Adam and Eve and I'm not looking at Adam and Eve and blaming them. All right? We've all blaming them. All right? We've all blaming them. All right? We've all sinned. We've all fallen short of the sinned. We've all fallen short of the sinned. We've all fallen short of the glory of God. If we had been Adam or glory of God. If we had been Adam or glory of God. If we had been Adam or Eve, we would have all fallen. Eve, we would have all fallen. Eve, we would have all fallen. But God made a way through that. But God made a way through that. But God made a way through that. Just like God has made a way through the Just like God has made a way through the Just like God has made a way through the trial that you are you you may be trial that you are you you may be trial that you are you you may be experiencing or you will experience. experiencing or you will experience. experiencing or you will experience. Some of you have experienced some things Some of you have experienced some things Some of you have experienced some things in your life that far exceed any trial in your life that far exceed any trial in your life that far exceed any trial I've ever ever had. I've ever ever had. I've ever ever had. And I I know that and respect that. And And I I know that and respect that. And And I I know that and respect that. And some of you God has used your trials to some of you God has used your trials to some of you God has used your trials to teach me and is still using that to teach me and is still using that to teach me and is still using that to teach me. And I want to say thank you teach me. And I want to say thank you teach me. And I want to say thank you for allowing me to enter part of that for allowing me to enter part of that for allowing me to enter part of that with you. I appreciate that.

But with Molly, But with Molly, God taught me I need to pray and I need God taught me I need to pray and I need God taught me I need to pray and I need to pray and I need to pray and I need to to pray and I need to pray and I need to to pray and I need to pray and I need to pray. And every time I would think about pray. And every time I would think about pray. And every time I would think about it, I would pray and not just worry, not it, I would pray and not just worry, not it, I would pray and not just worry, not just fret, not just be miserable, not just fret, not just be miserable, not just fret, not just be miserable, not beat myself up. beat myself up. beat myself up. So God Paul is not saying don't care So God Paul is not saying don't care So God Paul is not saying don't care because that's not the that's not the because that's not the that's not the because that's not the that's not the case. Paul himself case. Paul himself case. Paul himself in Philippians 2 had this little piece in Philippians 2 had this little piece in Philippians 2 had this little piece there where he says, you know, I'm there where he says, you know, I'm there where he says, you know, I'm sending Epapraditis back to you. sending Epapraditis back to you. sending Epapraditis back to you. Epaphroditis was a was a person the Epaphroditis was a was a person the Epaphroditis was a was a person the church at Philippi had sent to Paul. church at Philippi had sent to Paul. church at Philippi had sent to Paul. He's in a prison in Rome and the and the He's in a prison in Rome and the and the He's in a prison in Rome and the and the Philippians sent Epaproditis with some Philippians sent Epaproditis with some Philippians sent Epaproditis with some gifts, gifts, gifts, you know, probably some some money, you know, probably some some money, you know, probably some some money, maybe some clothes, something like that. maybe some clothes, something like that. maybe some clothes, something like that. Sent him to go be with Paul and help Sent him to go be with Paul and help Sent him to go be with Paul and help Paul out. Well, when he got there, he Paul out. Well, when he got there, he Paul out. Well, when he got there, he got sick and he almost died. And the got sick and he almost died. And the got sick and he almost died. And the Philippians heard about it. And Paul Philippians heard about it. And Paul Philippians heard about it. And Paul says, "I'm sending Epaphroditis back to says, "I'm sending Epaphroditis back to says, "I'm sending Epaphroditis back to be with you because I know that you are be with you because I know that you are be with you because I know that you are concerned. Actually, I'm concerned that concerned. Actually, I'm concerned that concerned. Actually, I'm concerned that you are so concerned that it's not good you are so concerned that it's not good you are so concerned that it's not good for you and so I'm sending him back to for you and so I'm sending him back to for you and so I'm sending him back to be with you."

be with you." be with you." So Paul's not contradicting himself So Paul's not contradicting himself So Paul's not contradicting himself here. All right? We God wants us to be here. All right? We God wants us to be here. All right? We God wants us to be concerned. Why do we share Jesus with concerned. Why do we share Jesus with concerned. Why do we share Jesus with the nations? the nations? the nations? because we're concerned about them. Now, because we're concerned about them. Now, because we're concerned about them. Now, we don't like to use the word worry. we don't like to use the word worry. we don't like to use the word worry. All right? But you got to define your All right? But you got to define your All right? But you got to define your terms. Okay? So, when we say worry, what terms. Okay? So, when we say worry, what terms. Okay? So, when we say worry, what we're really meaning there is carrying we're really meaning there is carrying we're really meaning there is carrying in a way that instead of carrying it to in a way that instead of carrying it to in a way that instead of carrying it to carrying your care to God, carrying your care to God, carrying your care to God, you're you're bearing this. you're you're bearing this. you're you're bearing this. And that somehow or another you think And that somehow or another you think And that somehow or another you think that by stressing out about it and by that by stressing out about it and by that by stressing out about it and by thinking about it and churning it and thinking about it and churning it and thinking about it and churning it and mulling over it and problem solving it, mulling over it and problem solving it, mulling over it and problem solving it, writing it out, telling everybody and writing it out, telling everybody and writing it out, telling everybody and brewing over it that that's somehow brewing over it that that's somehow brewing over it that that's somehow going to make it better. going to make it better. going to make it better. But what does it do? It raises your But what does it do? It raises your But what does it do? It raises your blood pressure. It it it it's straining blood pressure. It it it it's straining blood pressure. It it it it's straining and stressful. all these, you know, and stressful. all these, you know, and stressful. all these, you know, catakolamines are released out of your catakolamines are released out of your catakolamines are released out of your body and epinephrine and and cortisol, body and epinephrine and and cortisol, body and epinephrine and and cortisol, all that. It's bad for you. All right?

all that. It's bad for you. All right? all that. It's bad for you. All right? It leads to things like, you know, It leads to things like, you know, It leads to things like, you know, vision loss and kidney disease and and vision loss and kidney disease and and vision loss and kidney disease and and and other organ system failure, malf and other organ system failure, malf and other organ system failure, malf malfunctioning of your immune system malfunctioning of your immune system malfunctioning of your immune system from being so stressed. from being so stressed. from being so stressed. The world is a stressed out place. The world is a stressed out place. The world is a stressed out place. I I ran that through my eye this week I I ran that through my eye this week I I ran that through my eye this week and I was like, you know, what are the and I was like, you know, what are the and I was like, you know, what are the concerns of the world? concerns of the world? concerns of the world? And I'm like, what are the concerns of And I'm like, what are the concerns of And I'm like, what are the concerns of Americans? What are the concerns of Americans? What are the concerns of Americans? What are the concerns of people in [snorts] India? What are the people in [snorts] India? What are the people in [snorts] India? What are the concerns of people in began to run that concerns of people in began to run that concerns of people in began to run that through? And you know what? Everybody's through? And you know what? Everybody's through? And you know what? Everybody's stressed out. Most everybody's stressed stressed out. Most everybody's stressed stressed out. Most everybody's stressed out about money and about security. out about money and about security. out about money and about security. Few people are still stressed out about Few people are still stressed out about Few people are still stressed out about global warming but economy's kind of global warming but economy's kind of global warming but economy's kind of taken over that now. All right. taken over that now. All right. taken over that now. All right. But the world stresses this is a common But the world stresses this is a common But the world stresses this is a common problem. problem. problem. Right? Right? Right? There are people that that that we work There are people that that that we work There are people that that that we work with that we know that live on about a with that we know that live on about a with that we know that live on about a dollar a day and that would be dollar a day and that would be dollar a day and that would be stretching it.

stretching it. stretching it. And in their minds, And in their minds, And in their minds, we really should have no problems we really should have no problems we really should have no problems because if we ha if they had a fraction because if we ha if they had a fraction because if we ha if they had a fraction of the money that we have available to of the money that we have available to of the money that we have available to us, us, us, they would have well, they wouldn't have they would have well, they wouldn't have they would have well, they wouldn't have anything else to worry about. anything else to worry about. anything else to worry about. That's the way they think, right? So, we That's the way they think, right? So, we That's the way they think, right? So, we know that getting money, getting stuff, know that getting money, getting stuff, know that getting money, getting stuff, having availability of things isn't having availability of things isn't having availability of things isn't going to fix your problems. That's not going to fix your problems. That's not going to fix your problems. That's not what makes it go away. What is it that what makes it go away. What is it that what makes it go away. What is it that solves worry? solves worry? solves worry? It's God. It's God. It's God. And God gives you the way of doing it. And God gives you the way of doing it. And God gives you the way of doing it. One, you pray about it. One, you pray about it. One, you pray about it. And he and it's really clear. God, you And he and it's really clear. God, you And he and it's really clear. God, you know, he says, "Pray about what what do know, he says, "Pray about what what do know, he says, "Pray about what what do we pray about?" You pray about we pray about?" You pray about we pray about?" You pray about everything. everything. everything. What do you tell him? You tell him your What do you tell him? You tell him your What do you tell him? You tell him your needs. needs. needs. And don't forget to thank him for the And don't forget to thank him for the And don't forget to thank him for the answers. Why? What's the deal with the answers. Why? What's the deal with the answers. Why? What's the deal with the the thanksgiving? What's up with that?

the thanksgiving? What's up with that? the thanksgiving? What's up with that? It reminds you of God's faithfulness. It reminds you of God's faithfulness. It reminds you of God's faithfulness. It reminds you that God has already got It reminds you that God has already got It reminds you that God has already got the solution for your problem. the solution for your problem. the solution for your problem. And it's exceedingly abundantly above And it's exceedingly abundantly above And it's exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ask or think. God's all that you could ask or think. God's all that you could ask or think. God's got a plan for you that is better than a got a plan for you that is better than a got a plan for you that is better than a plan that you could design for yourself. plan that you could design for yourself. plan that you could design for yourself. I promise you that. Why do I promise I promise you that. Why do I promise I promise you that. Why do I promise that? Because scripture says that. that? Because scripture says that. that? Because scripture says that. Ephesians 3:20. Ephesians 3:20. Ephesians 3:20. You know, that's the that's what we You know, that's the that's what we You know, that's the that's what we named our residency program, the 320 named our residency program, the 320 named our residency program, the 320 program. And and that's he is able to do program. And and that's he is able to do program. And and that's he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above we above exceedingly abundantly above we above exceedingly abundantly above we above all that we ask or think. Well, how? all that we ask or think. Well, how? all that we ask or think. Well, how? According to the power that works in us, According to the power that works in us, According to the power that works in us, the Holy Spirit of God working in us to the Holy Spirit of God working in us to the Holy Spirit of God working in us to will and to do his good pleasure. will and to do his good pleasure. will and to do his good pleasure. And we can count on that. We can trust And we can count on that. We can trust And we can count on that. We can trust that that that some of you right this minute are going some of you right this minute are going some of you right this minute are going through a trial. I know it because I through a trial. I know it because I through a trial. I know it because I know some of you and I know some of you know some of you and I know some of you know some of you and I know some of you this is a trial that is going to be this is a trial that is going to be this is a trial that is going to be there for a long time.

there for a long time. there for a long time. It's just this situation will be there It's just this situation will be there It's just this situation will be there unless God comes in and immediately unless God comes in and immediately unless God comes in and immediately heals this which we believe he could do heals this which we believe he could do heals this which we believe he could do if he wants to. if he wants to. if he wants to. But you know what? Many times God But you know what? Many times God But you know what? Many times God doesn't fix problems in that way. Why? A doesn't fix problems in that way. Why? A doesn't fix problems in that way. Why? A lot of different reasons. But one is lot of different reasons. But one is lot of different reasons. But one is that this is thing about this guys. This that this is thing about this guys. This that this is thing about this guys. This is not the whole point. This is not is not the whole point. This is not is not the whole point. This is not everything. everything. everything. This is not our home. This is not our home. This is not our home. This is just what gets us ready for our This is just what gets us ready for our This is just what gets us ready for our home. Eternity awaits us. home. Eternity awaits us. home. Eternity awaits us. So many times as Americans especially, So many times as Americans especially, So many times as Americans especially, we forget that we forget that we forget that we have been told, you know, you can we have been told, you know, you can we have been told, you know, you can only go around once in life and so grab only go around once in life and so grab only go around once in life and so grab all you can get and that kind of thing. all you can get and that kind of thing. all you can get and that kind of thing. We we we've been sold that if if if we We we we've been sold that if if if we We we we've been sold that if if if we don't get our pony, if everything's not don't get our pony, if everything's not don't get our pony, if everything's not just like what we could possibly dream just like what we could possibly dream just like what we could possibly dream of or ask of, we're getting ripped off.

of or ask of, we're getting ripped off. of or ask of, we're getting ripped off. And if you believe in God, well, then And if you believe in God, well, then And if you believe in God, well, then God's ripping you off. God's ripping you off. God's ripping you off. But God is so much more than a fairy But God is so much more than a fairy But God is so much more than a fairy godmother that grants your wishes. godmother that grants your wishes. godmother that grants your wishes. God wants to have a relationship with God wants to have a relationship with God wants to have a relationship with you. you. you. And it and just the way we're wired, And it and just the way we're wired, And it and just the way we're wired, guys, trials guys, trials guys, trials are the things that God uses to to to are the things that God uses to to to are the things that God uses to to to achieve that. achieve that. achieve that. Think about your own life. The things Think about your own life. The things Think about your own life. The things that really have an impact, that really that really have an impact, that really that really have an impact, that really move you to change your behavior move you to change your behavior move you to change your behavior patterns, that really move you to deepen patterns, that really move you to deepen patterns, that really move you to deepen your walk with the Lord, typically are your walk with the Lord, typically are your walk with the Lord, typically are struggles, not just the day you get up and the not just the day you get up and the sun's out sun's out sun's out or you open the refrigerator and there's or you open the refrigerator and there's or you open the refrigerator and there's food in there. food in there. food in there. That just becomes the the norm. that That just becomes the the norm. that That just becomes the the norm. that becomes what we expect, becomes what we expect, becomes what we expect, right?

right? right? You know, You know, You know, let me read you a couple of statements let me read you a couple of statements let me read you a couple of statements here about stress and anxiety. It says, here about stress and anxiety. It says, here about stress and anxiety. It says, "Anxiety is rehearsing a future that you "Anxiety is rehearsing a future that you "Anxiety is rehearsing a future that you cannot control." cannot control." cannot control." Prayer is entrusting that future to the Prayer is entrusting that future to the Prayer is entrusting that future to the one who can. one who can. one who can. Anxiety says, "What if." Thanksgiving Anxiety says, "What if." Thanksgiving Anxiety says, "What if." Thanksgiving says, "Look at what God has already says, "Look at what God has already says, "Look at what God has already done." Thankfulness does not deny your done." Thankfulness does not deny your done." Thankfulness does not deny your problem. It reminds you that the problem problem. It reminds you that the problem problem. It reminds you that the problem is not your whole story. God is developing in you a story God is developing in you a story that if you let him, he will use to that if you let him, he will use to that if you let him, he will use to bless you, your family, and anyone that bless you, your family, and anyone that bless you, your family, and anyone that you commit you connect to. you commit you connect to. you commit you connect to. I'm sharing with you a story that I'm sharing with you a story that I'm sharing with you a story that occurred in our life occurred in our life occurred in our life 27 years ago. 27 years ago. 27 years ago. Now, many of you know Molly.

Now, many of you know Molly. Now, many of you know Molly. Molly has been with us this week. So Molly has been with us this week. So Molly has been with us this week. So Molly the last 10 years she's lived in Molly the last 10 years she's lived in Molly the last 10 years she's lived in Uganda Uganda Uganda and she moved there and started a and she moved there and started a and she moved there and started a ministry ministry ministry and and in the area that she lives and and and in the area that she lives and and and in the area that she lives and works in. works in. works in. It'd be a little scary to go hang out It'd be a little scary to go hang out It'd be a little scary to go hang out there if you didn't know the situation. So she's turning that ministry over to So she's turning that ministry over to the Ugandans that are there with her, the Ugandans that are there with her, the Ugandans that are there with her, which was the plan, which is what you which was the plan, which is what you which was the plan, which is what you want to see, Don. want to see, Don. want to see, Don. and she's now and she's now and she's now traveling in, I'm gonna say it this way, traveling in, I'm gonna say it this way, traveling in, I'm gonna say it this way, the the the countries that she works in, the the the countries that she works in, the the the countries that she works in, they will arrest you if you are praying they will arrest you if you are praying they will arrest you if you are praying publicly publicly publicly and it's not at one of the called times and it's not at one of the called times and it's not at one of the called times for prayer.

for prayer. for prayer. So if you're in your home and you're So if you're in your home and you're So if you're in your home and you're praying, you best pull your shades down praying, you best pull your shades down praying, you best pull your shades down because you could get arrested for that. because you could get arrested for that. because you could get arrested for that. So that's where she's going tomorrow. So that's where she's going tomorrow. So that's where she's going tomorrow. We're taking her to the airport We're taking her to the airport We're taking her to the airport tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. People ask me all the time or they'll People ask me all the time or they'll People ask me all the time or they'll they'll usually make a statement like they'll usually make a statement like they'll usually make a statement like this, you know, I love my daughter too this, you know, I love my daughter too this, you know, I love my daughter too much to let them go to places like that. much to let them go to places like that. much to let them go to places like that. And I and I and I get I get it. And I and I and I get I get it. And I and I and I get I get it. How did I get to the point where I can How did I get to the point where I can How did I get to the point where I can do that to my daughter? do that to my daughter? do that to my daughter? This story is one of those steps. This story is one of those steps. This story is one of those steps. So Molly had this deviation of her eye. So Molly had this deviation of her eye. So Molly had this deviation of her eye. It's called an she that strabismas. It's called an she that strabismas. It's called an she that strabismas. So the nerve that that works the medial So the nerve that that works the medial So the nerve that that works the medial muscles allow that eye to turn and point muscles allow that eye to turn and point muscles allow that eye to turn and point out this way. and the and the and the out this way. and the and the and the out this way. and the and the and the muscle and nerves that control the pupil muscle and nerves that control the pupil muscle and nerves that control the pupil dilation that was damaged. Her vision dilation that was damaged. Her vision dilation that was damaged. Her vision did improve significantly, but it was did improve significantly, but it was did improve significantly, but it was still not perfect, not but not equal to still not perfect, not but not equal to still not perfect, not but not equal to the other eye.

the other eye. the other eye. And it had been about a year And it had been about a year And it had been about a year and and and you know, we had settled back into life, you know, we had settled back into life, you know, we had settled back into life, but man, my heart was still but man, my heart was still but man, my heart was still hurting. hurting. hurting. But I was trusting God so much more. You But I was trusting God so much more. You But I was trusting God so much more. You know, trials can make you better or know, trials can make you better or know, trials can make you better or bitter. bitter. bitter. And I just said, "God, please help me And I just said, "God, please help me And I just said, "God, please help me make this one not make me bitter. make this one not make me bitter. make this one not make me bitter. God, I don't blame you for this. Help me God, I don't blame you for this. Help me God, I don't blame you for this. Help me not to ever blame you for this. not to ever blame you for this. not to ever blame you for this. Yes, I know you could have stopped it, Yes, I know you could have stopped it, Yes, I know you could have stopped it, but God, what are you doing in this? but God, what are you doing in this? but God, what are you doing in this? What are you doing?" What are you doing?" What are you doing?" One night I was praying One night I was praying One night I was praying and I I I I and I I I I and I I I I don't it wasn't a dream. I think it was don't it wasn't a dream. I think it was don't it wasn't a dream. I think it was a legit vision. a legit vision. a legit vision. And I've not shared this And I've not shared this And I've not shared this with a big group like this before with a big group like this before with a big group like this before um until 9:30. So this will be the um until 9:30. So this will be the um until 9:30. So this will be the second time.

second time. second time. But while I was praying, But while I was praying, But while I was praying, I I I had this honest vision. I wasn't I I I had this honest vision. I wasn't I I I had this honest vision. I wasn't conjuring this thought up in my head, conjuring this thought up in my head, conjuring this thought up in my head, but I could see a hand, what I but I could see a hand, what I but I could see a hand, what I interpreted to be the hand of God, interpreted to be the hand of God, interpreted to be the hand of God, coming down and touching little Molly coming down and touching little Molly coming down and touching little Molly while she was sleeping in the next room while she was sleeping in the next room while she was sleeping in the next room right here. right here. right here. And the Lord said to me in a voice that And the Lord said to me in a voice that And the Lord said to me in a voice that I have heard a few other times. I have heard a few other times. I have heard a few other times. And it it is much more plain than And it it is much more plain than And it it is much more plain than hearing something through my ears. hearing something through my ears. hearing something through my ears. I've heard other people talk about I've heard other people talk about I've heard other people talk about hearing the voice of the Lord and they hearing the voice of the Lord and they hearing the voice of the Lord and they describe it in a similar way, describe it in a similar way, describe it in a similar way, but this was my experience. And the Lord but this was my experience. And the Lord but this was my experience. And the Lord very clearly said to me, very clearly said to me, very clearly said to me, I'm I'm gonna I'm going to take care of I'm I'm gonna I'm going to take care of I'm I'm gonna I'm going to take care of this. And here's how I'm going to do it. this. And here's how I'm going to do it. this. And here's how I'm going to do it. She her pupil will always be slightly She her pupil will always be slightly She her pupil will always be slightly larger.

larger. larger. Her eye will be straight, but she will always have a small wound but she will always have a small wound right here on the medial canthus. right here on the medial canthus. right here on the medial canthus. And that and the pupil will always be a And that and the pupil will always be a And that and the pupil will always be a reminder of what I've done here. reminder of what I've done here. reminder of what I've done here. And oh yeah, I'm going to do this And oh yeah, I'm going to do this And oh yeah, I'm going to do this through Dr. Russell Harrell. And I And I I I woke up I I woke up I I woke up and I said, "Lord, and I said, "Lord, and I said, "Lord, is this just me? is this just me? is this just me? And is this just is just this one of the And is this just is just this one of the And is this just is just this one of the other hundreds of times that I prayed other hundreds of times that I prayed other hundreds of times that I prayed and would go wake Molly up and look at and would go wake Molly up and look at and would go wake Molly up and look at her and just like, I'm not dreaming. her and just like, I'm not dreaming. her and just like, I'm not dreaming. This is Yeah, this is happening. Sweet This is Yeah, this is happening. Sweet This is Yeah, this is happening. Sweet little Molly. Her eye was pointing way little Molly. Her eye was pointing way little Molly. Her eye was pointing way out. out. out. The pictures we have would break your The pictures we have would break your The pictures we have would break your heart heart heart and she knew she could look in the and she knew she could look in the and she knew she could look in the mirror and see.

mirror and see. mirror and see. So you know how we were feeling. So you know how we were feeling. So you know how we were feeling. And I say, "God, And I say, "God, And I say, "God, can this be? can this be? can this be? God is so sweet. He is so merciful. He God is so sweet. He is so merciful. He God is so sweet. He is so merciful. He is so loving. He is so kind. upon those is so loving. He is so kind. upon those is so loving. He is so kind. upon those gifts, he gave me this gift. He says, gifts, he gave me this gift. He says, gifts, he gave me this gift. He says, "John, wake her up and go look and you'll see wake her up and go look and you'll see what it's going to look like. But this what it's going to look like. But this what it's going to look like. But this is not this is just for tonight. is not this is just for tonight. is not this is just for tonight. In the morning when you wake up, it In the morning when you wake up, it In the morning when you wake up, it won't be this way." And I went and woke won't be this way." And I went and woke won't be this way." And I went and woke her up and her eye was perfectly her up and her eye was perfectly her up and her eye was perfectly straight straight straight and it was as God said. the pupil was a and it was as God said. the pupil was a and it was as God said. the pupil was a little smaller and she had a little scar little smaller and she had a little scar little smaller and she had a little scar right there. And I woke Andrea up and I right there. And I woke Andrea up and I right there. And I woke Andrea up and I said, "Andrea," I just woke her up. I said, "Andrea," I just woke her up. I said, "Andrea," I just woke her up. I said, "Look at Molly." And her eye was said, "Look at Molly." And her eye was said, "Look at Molly." And her eye was right on. I mean, it was just like what right on. I mean, it was just like what right on. I mean, it was just like what I said. And I told her about my vision. I said. And I told her about my vision. I said. And I told her about my vision. And I said, "Her eye, I think in the And I said, "Her eye, I think in the And I said, "Her eye, I think in the morning when we wake up, it's going to morning when we wake up, it's going to morning when we wake up, it's going to be like it was when we went to bed."

be like it was when we went to bed." be like it was when we went to bed." Sure enough, it was. We got up the next Sure enough, it was. We got up the next Sure enough, it was. We got up the next morning, her eye was pointed out. I morning, her eye was pointed out. I morning, her eye was pointed out. I called Dr. Harold. And I said, "Russell, called Dr. Harold. And I said, "Russell, called Dr. Harold. And I said, "Russell, I got something I need to tell you." And I got something I need to tell you." And I got something I need to tell you." And I told him the vision. I told him the vision. I told him the vision. And he he said, "Well, that's nice that And he he said, "Well, that's nice that And he he said, "Well, that's nice that you think that you think that you think that this is not a surgery that this is not a this is not a surgery that this is not a this is not a surgery that this is not a routine surgery that it was going to routine surgery that it was going to routine surgery that it was going to have to be done." have to be done." have to be done." And he really, you know, was trying to And he really, you know, was trying to And he really, you know, was trying to get me to go somewhere else. And I said, get me to go somewhere else. And I said, get me to go somewhere else. And I said, "Man, I I hear you. I get that. I'm I'm "Man, I I hear you. I get that. I'm I'm "Man, I I hear you. I get that. I'm I'm in the business in the business in the business being on the doggy end of it, but I get being on the doggy end of it, but I get being on the doggy end of it, but I get it. it. it. And and I said, but And and I said, but And and I said, but this is what God said in my vision. God used that in his life. God used that in his life. Just last week, I I texted him and I was Just last week, I I texted him and I was Just last week, I I texted him and I was telling him about Molly being here. And telling him about Molly being here. And telling him about Molly being here. And I said, "Man, I can't imagine her doing I said, "Man, I can't imagine her doing I said, "Man, I can't imagine her doing what she has done what she has done what she has done without the healing without the healing without the healing that the Lord brought through you." And that the Lord brought through you." And that the Lord brought through you." And he agreed. And he said, "It was he agreed. And he said, "It was he agreed. And he said, "It was obviously through God."

obviously through God." obviously through God." and he did surgery and he did surgery and he did surgery and her eye is just as God said it would and her eye is just as God said it would and her eye is just as God said it would be. be. be. Now Now Now God does not always answer every prayer God does not always answer every prayer God does not always answer every prayer like that like that like that like that. like that. like that. But if you are seeking God and you are But if you are seeking God and you are But if you are seeking God and you are bringing these things to him, he will bringing these things to him, he will bringing these things to him, he will answer your prayer. And I can promise answer your prayer. And I can promise answer your prayer. And I can promise you you you that God has something in store for you that God has something in store for you that God has something in store for you that is beyond what you could hope or that is beyond what you could hope or that is beyond what you could hope or imagine. And and we think often that imagine. And and we think often that imagine. And and we think often that like, well, if we could just, you know, like, well, if we could just, you know, like, well, if we could just, you know, if that disease would just go away, that if that disease would just go away, that if that disease would just go away, that cancer would just be gone. No, No, God's got bigger plans than that. God's got bigger plans than that. God's got bigger plans than that. God has your eternity in mind. And not God has your eternity in mind. And not God has your eternity in mind. And not just yours, the rest of the nations. just yours, the rest of the nations. just yours, the rest of the nations. And God uses trials And God uses trials And God uses trials to establish deep relationships to establish deep relationships to establish deep relationships with humans with humans with humans so that we can enjoy that. And then we so that we can enjoy that. And then we so that we can enjoy that. And then we can also share the hope that is within can also share the hope that is within can also share the hope that is within us with gentleness and with respect as us with gentleness and with respect as us with gentleness and with respect as Peter would say.

Peter would say. Peter would say. Guys, that's the plan. That's what he's Guys, that's the plan. That's what he's Guys, that's the plan. That's what he's doing. doing. doing. And so we pray and then we think, right? And so we pray and then we think, right? And so we pray and then we think, right? We think about the things that are We think about the things that are We think about the things that are lovely, that are positive, that are lovely, that are positive, that are lovely, that are positive, that are good. Now, is it the power of positive good. Now, is it the power of positive good. Now, is it the power of positive thinking? Some of y'all are old enough thinking? Some of y'all are old enough thinking? Some of y'all are old enough to know who Norman Vincent Peele is. to know who Norman Vincent Peele is. to know who Norman Vincent Peele is. He's the guy in 1952 released the book He's the guy in 1952 released the book He's the guy in 1952 released the book called The Power of Positive Thinking. called The Power of Positive Thinking. called The Power of Positive Thinking. He was a physician. He was a believer. He was a physician. He was a believer. He was a physician. He was a believer. He started Guidepost Magazine. Okay. It wasn't just happy thoughts that fixed It wasn't just happy thoughts that fixed Molly's eye, Molly's eye, Molly's eye, right? It was God. right? It was God. right? It was God. And so that ju it's just thinking those And so that ju it's just thinking those And so that ju it's just thinking those right thoughts doesn't do it. But here's right thoughts doesn't do it. But here's right thoughts doesn't do it. But here's what the Bible tells us. Long before what the Bible tells us. Long before what the Bible tells us. Long before neuroscientists told us there is a thing neuroscientists told us there is a thing neuroscientists told us there is a thing called neuroplasticity, called neuroplasticity, called neuroplasticity, which is your brain's ability to heal, which is your brain's ability to heal, which is your brain's ability to heal, your brain's ability to rewire. your brain's ability to rewire. your brain's ability to rewire. Okay. Stroke research. People who've had Okay. Stroke research. People who've had Okay. Stroke research. People who've had stroke, they've learned that the brain stroke, they've learned that the brain stroke, they've learned that the brain by using specialized MRIs that they can by using specialized MRIs that they can by using specialized MRIs that they can see the brain literally rewiring.

see the brain literally rewiring. see the brain literally rewiring. So, you may have habits and and you may So, you may have habits and and you may So, you may have habits and and you may be an old dog with old habits, be an old dog with old habits, be an old dog with old habits, but old dogs can learn new tricks is but old dogs can learn new tricks is but old dogs can learn new tricks is what I'm saying. And so, God can rewire what I'm saying. And so, God can rewire what I'm saying. And so, God can rewire your brain if you cooperate with him. your brain if you cooperate with him. your brain if you cooperate with him. The Bible says, "Be transformed by the The Bible says, "Be transformed by the The Bible says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you can renewing of your mind so that you can renewing of your mind so that you can prove the good, acceptable, and perfect prove the good, acceptable, and perfect prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God." How do you do that? You will of God." How do you do that? You will of God." How do you do that? You hide God's word in your heart so that hide God's word in your heart so that hide God's word in your heart so that you will not sin against him. You don't you will not sin against him. You don't you will not sin against him. You don't put junk in your brain. What music are put junk in your brain. What music are put junk in your brain. What music are you listening? What are you watching on you listening? What are you watching on you listening? What are you watching on TV? It's not because it's just bad. No, TV? It's not because it's just bad. No, TV? It's not because it's just bad. No, it's not good for your brain. Okay? You it's not good for your brain. Okay? You it's not good for your brain. Okay? You want to put God's thoughts in there. want to put God's thoughts in there. want to put God's thoughts in there. Sing praise songs. Hey y'all get used to Sing praise songs. Hey y'all get used to Sing praise songs. Hey y'all get used to that last one. We're going to sing that that last one. We're going to sing that that last one. We're going to sing that one a lot in heaven. Revelations five. one a lot in heaven. Revelations five. one a lot in heaven. Revelations five. Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty. Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty. Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty. All right. All right. All right. Let those hymns be in your heart.

Let those hymns be in your heart. Let those hymns be in your heart. Okay? Speak words of encouragement. Okay? Speak words of encouragement. Okay? Speak words of encouragement. Speak words of positiveness to yourself Speak words of positiveness to yourself Speak words of positiveness to yourself and to others. Build your children up. and to others. Build your children up. and to others. Build your children up. Don't worry about them getting to be Don't worry about them getting to be Don't worry about them getting to be like arrogant. You're not telling them like arrogant. You're not telling them like arrogant. You're not telling them like you're the best baseball player in like you're the best baseball player in like you're the best baseball player in the world. I mean, you can tell them the world. I mean, you can tell them the world. I mean, you can tell them that, but don't lie to them. But, you that, but don't lie to them. But, you that, but don't lie to them. But, you know, but encourage them to walk with know, but encourage them to walk with know, but encourage them to walk with God. Encourage them to develop the fruit God. Encourage them to develop the fruit God. Encourage them to develop the fruit of the spirit. Say, "Man, that was so of the spirit. Say, "Man, that was so of the spirit. Say, "Man, that was so loving. That was so generous. That was loving. That was so generous. That was loving. That was so generous. That was so gentle. That was so wise." Okay, so gentle. That was so wise." Okay, so gentle. That was so wise." Okay, speak that to each other. Scripture is speak that to each other. Scripture is speak that to each other. Scripture is clear to do that. And then what? And clear to do that. And then what? And clear to do that. And then what? And then you do the right things. Look, when then you do the right things. Look, when then you do the right things. Look, when your brain is being transformed, now your brain is being transformed, now your brain is being transformed, now your behavior is going to change. Paul your behavior is going to change. Paul your behavior is going to change. Paul says, "I've showed you the way to walk. says, "I've showed you the way to walk. says, "I've showed you the way to walk. Walk in the way that I've walked." What Walk in the way that I've walked." What Walk in the way that I've walked." What does Paul say to about himself? He says, does Paul say to about himself? He says, does Paul say to about himself? He says, "I'm a bond servant. I am the slave of "I'm a bond servant. I am the slave of "I'm a bond servant. I am the slave of God. God. God. And if I am poured out as a drink And if I am poured out as a drink And if I am poured out as a drink offering, if I just poured out on the offering, if I just poured out on the offering, if I just poured out on the ground, ground, ground, praise God."

praise God." praise God." Why? To live as Christ, to die is Why? To live as Christ, to die is Why? To live as Christ, to die is gain. So after the Molly thing, my faith So after the Molly thing, my faith levels went from here to here. levels went from here to here. levels went from here to here. Three years later, I'm 38. Best shape of Three years later, I'm 38. Best shape of Three years later, I'm 38. Best shape of my life. my life. my life. Business is really rolling. Business is really rolling. Business is really rolling. I get cancer. I had a tumor bigger than I get cancer. I had a tumor bigger than I get cancer. I had a tumor bigger than this sitting inside my chest. this sitting inside my chest. this sitting inside my chest. causing me to cough and messed a lot of causing me to cough and messed a lot of causing me to cough and messed a lot of things up. things up. things up. Praise God. I learned to rejoice that Praise God. I learned to rejoice that Praise God. I learned to rejoice that experience with Molly. I don't I experience with Molly. I don't I experience with Molly. I don't I couldn't have handled I don't couldn't have handled I don't couldn't have handled I don't Right. God never gives you anything that Right. God never gives you anything that Right. God never gives you anything that he doesn't give you the grace to do it. he doesn't give you the grace to do it. he doesn't give you the grace to do it. All right. So, if you ever hear of All right. So, if you ever hear of All right. So, if you ever hear of somebody going through something, you're somebody going through something, you're somebody going through something, you're like, there's no way I could do that. like, there's no way I could do that. like, there's no way I could do that. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, that's right. But I can do all things through Christ But I can do all things through Christ But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So if God gives you who strengthens me. So if God gives you who strengthens me. So if God gives you a special needs child, a special needs child, a special needs child, he has given you the grace to do that.

he has given you the grace to do that. he has given you the grace to do that. He has given you the strength and the He has given you the strength and the He has given you the strength and the power in him to walk that road. And the Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord And the Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Again I say, rejoice. How can you rejoice in a bad situation How can you rejoice in a bad situation like that? How can I rejoice that I've like that? How can I rejoice that I've like that? How can I rejoice that I've got cancer? got cancer? got cancer? The Lord had taught me to say, "It is The Lord had taught me to say, "It is The Lord had taught me to say, "It is well with my soul." And I can I can honestly tell you, was I And I can I can honestly tell you, was I scared? Yeah, I was scared. scared? Yeah, I was scared. scared? Yeah, I was scared. I was scared mostly about leaving five I was scared mostly about leaving five I was scared mostly about leaving five children children children and a wife, and a wife, and a wife, right? But I wasn't scared about my right? But I wasn't scared about my right? But I wasn't scared about my eternal future. eternal future. eternal future. I knew I would be with the Lord. I knew I would be with the Lord. I knew I would be with the Lord. But I wanted to provide. I wanted to But I wanted to provide. I wanted to But I wanted to provide. I wanted to care for them. And so was that care and care for them. And so was that care and care for them. And so was that care and concern unspiritual? No. God gives us concern unspiritual? No. God gives us concern unspiritual? No. God gives us that kind of concern, that passion, that that kind of concern, that passion, that that kind of concern, that passion, that desire to live.

desire to live. desire to live. I think Paul desired to live and serve I think Paul desired to live and serve I think Paul desired to live and serve God up until the day they killed him. God up until the day they killed him. God up until the day they killed him. That's the way I want to live my life. I That's the way I want to live my life. I That's the way I want to live my life. I want to live with passion, with want to live with passion, with want to live with passion, with vitality, vitality, vitality, with a purpose, with a purpose, with a purpose, and then go to be with Jesus. and then go to be with Jesus. and then go to be with Jesus. And if that's tomorrow, then it's And if that's tomorrow, then it's And if that's tomorrow, then it's tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. If it's when I'm 95, If it's when I'm 95, If it's when I'm 95, praise God. That's what we have to offer. That's what we have to offer. That's what we're selling today. Anybody That's what we're selling today. Anybody That's what we're selling today. Anybody buying? buying? buying? You know, it's good stuff, man. There is You know, it's good stuff, man. There is You know, it's good stuff, man. There is no better news. That's why they call it no better news. That's why they call it no better news. That's why they call it the good news. It's the gospel. This is the good news. It's the gospel. This is the good news. It's the gospel. This is why we go all over the world and tell why we go all over the world and tell why we go all over the world and tell people this stuff. This is why we need people this stuff. This is why we need people this stuff. This is why we need to go across the street and tell our to go across the street and tell our to go across the street and tell our neighbors. It's a lot easier sometimes, neighbors. It's a lot easier sometimes, neighbors. It's a lot easier sometimes, right, to go to Africa than to go to the right, to go to Africa than to go to the right, to go to Africa than to go to the person in the cubicle next to you at person in the cubicle next to you at person in the cubicle next to you at work. But here's the deal, guys. So work. But here's the deal, guys. So work. But here's the deal, guys. So what? Just let them know Jesus loves what? Just let them know Jesus loves what? Just let them know Jesus loves them.

them. them. Start learning how to have those Start learning how to have those Start learning how to have those conversations conversations conversations to be able to share the hope that you to be able to share the hope that you to be able to share the hope that you have because there is no better hope have because there is no better hope have because there is no better hope than this right here. than this right here. than this right here. Now guys, Now guys, Now guys, the trial that you're in right now or the trial that you're in right now or the trial that you're in right now or the trial you just came out of or the the trial you just came out of or the the trial you just came out of or the trial you're about to go into, trial you're about to go into, trial you're about to go into, get used to it. It's called life. get used to it. It's called life. get used to it. It's called life. And and instead of dreading trials, get And and instead of dreading trials, get And and instead of dreading trials, get to the place where you actually start to to the place where you actually start to to the place where you actually start to look forward to them. You're like, look forward to them. You're like, look forward to them. You're like, "Yeah, because I know when I experience "Yeah, because I know when I experience "Yeah, because I know when I experience a trial, I'm going to grow. It's going a trial, I'm going to grow. It's going a trial, I'm going to grow. It's going to draw me closer to the Lord and God's to draw me closer to the Lord and God's to draw me closer to the Lord and God's going to use it." Now, the faith that going to use it." Now, the faith that going to use it." Now, the faith that God has built in us through Molly has God has built in us through Molly has God has built in us through Molly has allowed us to turn Molly loose allowed us to turn Molly loose allowed us to turn Molly loose because God loves her more than we do. because God loves her more than we do. because God loves her more than we do. And who is it that watches over and And who is it that watches over and And who is it that watches over and protects her anyway? The same God that's protects her anyway? The same God that's protects her anyway? The same God that's watching her right now while she's in watching her right now while she's in watching her right now while she's in Jonesboro is the same God that's going Jonesboro is the same God that's going Jonesboro is the same God that's going to watch her when she's in those to watch her when she's in those to watch her when she's in those countries.

countries. countries. And he is able to do a lot better job And he is able to do a lot better job And he is able to do a lot better job than me. And we either trust him or we than me. And we either trust him or we than me. And we either trust him or we don't. Right? don't. Right? don't. Right? Nathan's going to come and he's going to Nathan's going to come and he's going to Nathan's going to come and he's going to sing. sing. sing. I want to encourage you this. If you are I want to encourage you this. If you are I want to encourage you this. If you are experiencing a trial, we did this last experiencing a trial, we did this last experiencing a trial, we did this last service and I think it was important. service and I think it was important. service and I think it was important. There's going to be a few of us down There's going to be a few of us down There's going to be a few of us down here. If you want to talk to us, come here. If you want to talk to us, come here. If you want to talk to us, come talk. But if you don't, just walk up talk. But if you don't, just walk up talk. But if you don't, just walk up here and pray and just say, "God, I'm here and pray and just say, "God, I'm here and pray and just say, "God, I'm giving you this." Just say it by name. giving you this." Just say it by name. giving you this." Just say it by name. Whatever it is, say, "I'm giving you Whatever it is, say, "I'm giving you Whatever it is, say, "I'm giving you this, God." this, God." this, God." And I'm going to challenge you. And I'm going to challenge you. And I'm going to challenge you. say, "I thank you, God, say, "I thank you, God, say, "I thank you, God, this trial this trial this trial because I know that by working that because I know that by working that because I know that by working that trial in my life, you are working to trial in my life, you are working to trial in my life, you are working to make me mature and complete and lacking make me mature and complete and lacking make me mature and complete and lacking in nothing." I trust you that much, in nothing." I trust you that much, in nothing." I trust you that much, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. That's what I would encourage you to do.

That's what I would encourage you to do. That's what I would encourage you to do. I know that's a big ask and it's not for I know that's a big ask and it's not for I know that's a big ask and it's not for me. It's for you. me. It's for you. me. It's for you. So let's sing and if God has touched So let's sing and if God has touched So let's sing and if God has touched you, you, you, come forward. come forward. come forward. Father, thank you so much for your word. Father, thank you so much for your word. Father, thank you so much for your word. Thank you most of all for who you are. Thank you most of all for who you are. Thank you most of all for who you are. Just the way you roll. God, you are so Just the way you roll. God, you are so Just the way you roll. God, you are so good. You are God. good. You are God. good. You are God. We love you, Father.