Faith = Belief X Action | Why Moving in Faith Means Doing It Scared

Hey, who hasn't dreamed of being a hero Hey, who hasn't dreamed of being a hero at some point? at some point? at some point? >> There's something in all of us that >> There's something in all of us that >> There's something in all of us that wants our lives to matter, to be part of wants our lives to matter, to be part of wants our lives to matter, to be part of a story that is bigger than ourselves. a story that is bigger than ourselves. a story that is bigger than ourselves. >> That's right. Hey, the funny thing is >> That's right. Hey, the funny thing is >> That's right. Hey, the funny thing is when you look through the Bible, God's when you look through the Bible, God's when you look through the Bible, God's heroes usually aren't the people that heroes usually aren't the people that heroes usually aren't the people that you'd expect, right? They're ordinary you'd expect, right? They're ordinary you'd expect, right? They're ordinary people with their doubts, flaws, people with their doubts, flaws, people with their doubts, flaws, setbacks, questions. There's like setbacks, questions. There's like setbacks, questions. There's like murderers and adulterers in there. And murderers and adulterers in there. And murderers and adulterers in there. And somehow they're exactly the people that somehow they're exactly the people that somehow they're exactly the people that God invites into something God invites into something God invites into something extraordinary. I think our church is extraordinary. I think our church is extraordinary. I think our church is filled with those kinds of ordinary filled with those kinds of ordinary filled with those kinds of ordinary people who could be invited into people who could be invited into people who could be invited into something extraordinary. Welcome to something extraordinary. Welcome to something extraordinary. Welcome to Crossroads. My name is Andy. Crossroads. My name is Andy. Crossroads. My name is Andy. >> Yes, welcome. And I am Jen. And today >> Yes, welcome. And I am Jen. And today >> Yes, welcome. And I am Jen. And today we're kicking off a brand new series we're kicking off a brand new series we're kicking off a brand new series called Origin Stories where we'll called Origin Stories where we'll called Origin Stories where we'll explore the moments God met ordinary explore the moments God met ordinary explore the moments God met ordinary people and changed the trajectory of people and changed the trajectory of people and changed the trajectory of their lives. Because maybe the story God their lives. Because maybe the story God their lives. Because maybe the story God wants to write through your life starts wants to write through your life starts wants to write through your life starts the same way. the same way. the same way. >> That's right. That's right. >> That's right. That's right. >> That's right. That's right. >> Not having to have it all figured out or >> Not having to have it all figured out or >> Not having to have it all figured out or just knowing that take the next step. just knowing that take the next step. just knowing that take the next step. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, hey, wherever you're coming from >> So, hey, wherever you're coming from >> So, hey, wherever you're coming from today, you get to come exactly as you as today, you get to come exactly as you as today, you get to come exactly as you as you are. But before we jump into you are. But before we jump into you are. But before we jump into anything else, we're going to start with anything else, we're going to start with anything else, we're going to start with a song about hope in the middle of a song about hope in the middle of a song about hope in the middle of uncertainty and about finding courage uncertainty and about finding courage uncertainty and about finding courage when we least expect it.

when we least expect it. when we least expect it. >> That's right. Just like the dolphins, Just like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim. But nothing But nothing nothing keep us together. Yeah, we can beat them Yeah, we can beat them forever and forever and forever and ever. ever. ever. Cuz we can be heroes and nothing and nothing nothing can drive us away.

we can be us. we can be us. Oh, Oh, Oh, just for one day. and the gun and the gun the gun is shot by our head The shame The shame was on the other side. just forever and ever. just forever and ever. We could be heroes just for one day.

just for one day. Yeah. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Crossroads. Hey, if we Welcome to Crossroads. Hey, if we Welcome to Crossroads. Hey, if we haven't met, my name is Chris and I lead haven't met, my name is Chris and I lead haven't met, my name is Chris and I lead our students around here. But I'm so our students around here. But I'm so our students around here. But I'm so excited to hang out with you today excited to hang out with you today excited to hang out with you today because we are kicking off a brand new because we are kicking off a brand new because we are kicking off a brand new series called Origin Stories. And it's series called Origin Stories. And it's series called Origin Stories. And it's all about the moments where God meets all about the moments where God meets all about the moments where God meets ordinary people and he invites them into ordinary people and he invites them into ordinary people and he invites them into something more. And whether you're here something more. And whether you're here something more. And whether you're here today and you're so sure that God has today and you're so sure that God has today and you're so sure that God has more for you or you're unsure about this more for you or you're unsure about this more for you or you're unsure about this whole Jesus thing, I want you to know whole Jesus thing, I want you to know whole Jesus thing, I want you to know that you're in the right place to that you're in the right place to that you're in the right place to experience God. And we're going to do experience God. And we're going to do experience God. And we're going to do something around here that we do every something around here that we do every something around here that we do every week called worship. And worship is week called worship. And worship is week called worship. And worship is simply us singing songs about God to simply us singing songs about God to simply us singing songs about God to God. And so, why don't you stand and God. And so, why don't you stand and God. And so, why don't you stand and join us as we worship this morning? If join us as we worship this morning? If join us as we worship this morning? If you're watching online, so happy you're you're watching online, so happy you're you're watching online, so happy you're here with us.

I'm coming with a heart of worship. I'm I'm coming with a heart of worship. I'm bringing in ready for a miracle. bringing in ready for a miracle. bringing in ready for a miracle. Hearts praying for a fresh encounter. Hearts praying for a fresh encounter. Hearts praying for a fresh encounter. Souls looking to the living God. Like a Souls looking to the living God. Like a Souls looking to the living God. Like a bloody spirit come the poor and overflowing on true the poor and overflowing on true redemption and overflowing of your redemption and overflowing of your redemption and overflowing of your kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. We're ready for a real revival. We're ready for a real revival. We're ready for a real revival. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit like like like the fire. the fire. the fire. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit in his place in our hearts. in his place in our hearts. in his place in our hearts. Holy Spirit come. Oh, can you feel it? Oh, can you feel it? Oh, Holy Spirit come.

Oh, Holy Spirit come. Oh, Holy Spirit come. Heaven is reaching. Heaven is reaching. Heaven is reaching. Oh, can you hear? healing? healing? Oh, just receive it. Oh, just receive it. Oh, just receive it. Receive the freom. Receive the freom. Receive the freom. Oh, can you feel it? Heaven is reaching. Oh, can you feel it? Heaven is reaching. Oh, can you feel it? Heaven is reaching. Oh, can you hear it? Our God is Oh, can you hear it? Our God is Oh, can you hear it? Our God is speaking. speaking. speaking. Oh, can you see it? He's got your Oh, can you see it? He's got your Oh, can you see it? He's got your height.

And he's been my fourth man in the fire And he's been my fourth man in the fire time after time. And what he did for me on Calvary is And what he did for me on Calvary is more than enough. I trust in God, I trust in God, my savior. You're the one my savior. You're the one my savior. You're the one who will never who will never who will never fail. I trust in God, I trust in God, my savior. You're the one my savior. You're the one my savior. You're the one who will never who will never who will never fail. I know the author of tomorrow has I know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps.

praising my risen king and savior all praising my risen king and savior all the day long. My My will never will never will never fail. fail. fail. I trust in God. I trust in God. I trust in God. I say he will never fail. he will never fail. Will never. I sought the Lord. I sought the Lord and I sought the Lord. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought the he heard and he answered. I sought the he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered.

heard and he answered. That's why I heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I sought the Lord trust him. That's why I sought the Lord trust him. That's why I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought and he heard and he answered. I sought and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. the Lord and he heard and he answered. the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I trust. I saw the Lord. And he heard and trust. I saw the Lord. And he heard and trust. I saw the Lord. And he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord. Heat. Heat. I saw the Lord and he heard and he

I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard answered. I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. and he answered. That's why I trust him. and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I trust. I saw the Lord and That's why I trust. I saw the Lord and That's why I trust. I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord he heard and he answered. I saw the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought and he heard and he answered. I sought and he heard and he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. the Lord and he heard and he answered. the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I That's why I trust him. That's why I trust in God trust in God trust in God is my savior. is my savior. is my savior. The one The one The one who will never who will never who will never fail. I trust in God. I trust in God. He's my He's my He's my one because I I sing these songs. My name's because I I sing these songs. My name's when I have sung those songs when I have sung those songs when I have sung those songs like the song like he heard and I sing like the song like he heard and I sing like the song like he heard and I sing it out of knowledge.

Room full of lots of different people. Room full of lots of different people. And I love this room because it's all of our stuff. It's big enough for all of our stuff. It's big enough for all of your questions. It's big enough all of your questions. It's big enough all of your questions. It's big enough for all of my baggage. And it's big for all of my baggage. And it's big for all of my baggage. And it's big enough for us all to come together and enough for us all to come together and enough for us all to come together and ask God for the big things like his ask God for the big things like his ask God for the big things like his power to save, his power to heal. power to save, his power to heal. power to save, his power to heal. And I believe And I believe And I believe that he has power to heal, power to that he has power to heal, power to that he has power to heal, power to save, power that rises when we start to save, power that rises when we start to save, power that rises when we start to pray. Cuz that's who my God is. pray. Cuz that's who my God is. pray. Cuz that's who my God is. And I believe he has power to move, And I believe he has power to move, And I believe he has power to move, power to change, bringing beauty from power to change, bringing beauty from power to change, bringing beauty from all of the pain. all of the pain. all of the pain. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. That's who my God is.

So God, would you turn your ear towards So God, would you turn your ear towards Crossroads in this room right now? We Crossroads in this room right now? We Crossroads in this room right now? We come to you because we're in need of come to you because we're in need of come to you because we're in need of encountering you. encountering you. encountering you. I pray to the healer, I pray to the healer, I pray to the healer, the Savior, and Redeemer. the Savior, and Redeemer. the Savior, and Redeemer. He alone can make me whole again. I pray to the father, I pray to the father, protector and provider, protector and provider, protector and provider, the only one who hasn't failed me yet. He's the only one who hasn't failed me He's the only one who hasn't failed me yet. yet. yet. Cuz he has power to heal, power to save, Cuz he has power to heal, power to save, Cuz he has power to heal, power to save, power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. And I believe he has power to move, And I believe he has power to move, And I believe he has power to move, power to change, bringing the beauty power to change, bringing the beauty power to change, bringing the beauty from all of the pain. That's who my God from all of the pain. That's who my God from all of the pain. That's who my God is. That's who my God is.

I'll trust in the process. I'll trust in the process. He's faithful to his promise. He's faithful to his promise. He's faithful to his promise. My God will do what only he can do. My God will do what only he can do. My God will do what only he can do. I believe he will. My God will do what I believe he will. My God will do what I believe he will. My God will do what only he can do. He has power to heal, power to save, He has power to heal, power to save, power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. And I believe he has power to lose, And I believe he has power to lose, And I believe he has power to lose, power to change, bringing the beauty power to change, bringing the beauty power to change, bringing the beauty from all of the pain. That's who my God from all of the pain. That's who my God from all of the pain. That's who my God is. That's who my God is. over everything.

over everything. He holds the victory. Peace is what he promis me Peace is what he promis me beyond what I can see beyond what I can see beyond what I can see above anxiety. over everything. over everything. He holds the victory. He holds the victory. He holds the victory. Yes, he does. Yes, he does. Yes, he does. And this is what he promise me. And this is what he promise me. And this is what he promise me. You're what I can see. He has power to heal, power to save, He has power to heal, power to save, power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. That's my That's my That's my heat.

power that rises when we start to pray. power that rises when we start to pray. That's who my god is. And I believe we That's who my god is. And I believe we That's who my god is. And I believe we have power have power have power to change bringing the beautiful world. to change bringing the beautiful world. to change bringing the beautiful world. That's who my God is. That's who my God That's who my God is. That's who my God That's who my God is. That's who my God is. Uh God, we come here uh because we are Uh God, we come here uh because we are seeking you. And I ask that you would seeking you. And I ask that you would seeking you. And I ask that you would see all of the choices that we made, all see all of the choices that we made, all see all of the choices that we made, all the decisions, the decisions, the decisions, all the planning to get into this place all the planning to get into this place all the planning to get into this place in this room and online as us knocking in this room and online as us knocking in this room and online as us knocking on your door of us saying, "God, would on your door of us saying, "God, would on your door of us saying, "God, would you come meet us?" Many because uh you come meet us?" Many because uh you come meet us?" Many because uh because we we have experienced that and because we we have experienced that and because we we have experienced that and many because we need to experience you.

many because we need to experience you. many because we need to experience you. It's in the powerful, beautiful, kind It's in the powerful, beautiful, kind It's in the powerful, beautiful, kind name of Jesus. We say, "Amen." name of Jesus. We say, "Amen." name of Jesus. We say, "Amen." >> Oh my goodness, y'all. Thanks so much >> Oh my goodness, y'all. Thanks so much >> Oh my goodness, y'all. Thanks so much for uh for being such a a sweet for uh for being such a a sweet for uh for being such a a sweet community to get to come together with. community to get to come together with. community to get to come together with. It's so good. Why don't you turn to It's so good. Why don't you turn to It's so good. Why don't you turn to somebody and just uh give them a quick somebody and just uh give them a quick somebody and just uh give them a quick hey, good morning, how you doing? And uh hey, good morning, how you doing? And uh hey, good morning, how you doing? And uh have a quick seat. There are a lot of ways uh to experience There are a lot of ways uh to experience life change here at Crossroads. Uh, one life change here at Crossroads. Uh, one life change here at Crossroads. Uh, one of the most important ways is in the of the most important ways is in the of the most important ways is in the context of community. And we've got a context of community. And we've got a context of community. And we've got a cool story for you to hear about a young cool story for you to hear about a young cool story for you to hear about a young man who did just that. For a lot of my early years, Crossroads For a lot of my early years, Crossroads was kind of my parents' church. It was was kind of my parents' church. It was was kind of my parents' church. It was my parents' faith, and it didn't really my parents' faith, and it didn't really my parents' faith, and it didn't really mean much more to me than something we mean much more to me than something we mean much more to me than something we did as a family. I think on the outside did as a family. I think on the outside did as a family. I think on the outside I always desired to be in good image but I always desired to be in good image but I always desired to be in good image but then there were certain drawers of my then there were certain drawers of my then there were certain drawers of my life where I just wasn't willing to life where I just wasn't willing to life where I just wasn't willing to invite God in. I also liked being seen invite God in. I also liked being seen invite God in. I also liked being seen so I like the fact that I had so many so I like the fact that I had so many so I like the fact that I had so many friends but it was just the lack of friends but it was just the lack of friends but it was just the lack of depth I think that really kept me depth I think that really kept me depth I think that really kept me wandering around.

wandering around. wandering around. When I got to college I kind of When I got to college I kind of When I got to college I kind of immediately was thrown into the Greek immediately was thrown into the Greek immediately was thrown into the Greek life scene. kind of just seemed like the life scene. kind of just seemed like the life scene. kind of just seemed like the thing to do at the time and that kind of thing to do at the time and that kind of thing to do at the time and that kind of set the pace for that entire first year. set the pace for that entire first year. set the pace for that entire first year. I had toyed around with drinking and I had toyed around with drinking and I had toyed around with drinking and sort of the party scene in high school sort of the party scene in high school sort of the party scene in high school and it kind of ramped up a lot. Felt and it kind of ramped up a lot. Felt and it kind of ramped up a lot. Felt like in those first couple of weeks I like in those first couple of weeks I like in those first couple of weeks I dug myself into a bit of a hole. I kind dug myself into a bit of a hole. I kind dug myself into a bit of a hole. I kind of had God like in a small box during of had God like in a small box during of had God like in a small box during that time of my life and it was really that time of my life and it was really that time of my life and it was really just like the Sunday morning church just like the Sunday morning church just like the Sunday morning church service. Coming back for last summer, um service. Coming back for last summer, um service. Coming back for last summer, um I just decided to go with my family like I just decided to go with my family like I just decided to go with my family like it was any regular Sunday. There was, I it was any regular Sunday. There was, I it was any regular Sunday. There was, I think, a part of me that was looking for think, a part of me that was looking for think, a part of me that was looking for community to belong to over the summer community to belong to over the summer community to belong to over the summer because I think I had this idea that because I think I had this idea that because I think I had this idea that maybe my freshman year of college wasn't maybe my freshman year of college wasn't maybe my freshman year of college wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to exactly what I thought it was going to exactly what I thought it was going to be. And after the service, I ran into be. And after the service, I ran into be. And after the service, I ran into Tim Sen about 1824 that they were going Tim Sen about 1824 that they were going Tim Sen about 1824 that they were going to be hosting a Romans Bible study over to be hosting a Romans Bible study over to be hosting a Romans Bible study over the summer. Showing up that first time the summer. Showing up that first time the summer. Showing up that first time gave me an end to a community that I gave me an end to a community that I gave me an end to a community that I really had no idea how much of an impact really had no idea how much of an impact really had no idea how much of an impact it was going to have on my life. I it was going to have on my life. I it was going to have on my life. I remember during the small group time remember during the small group time remember during the small group time afterwards, I sat around in a circle on afterwards, I sat around in a circle on afterwards, I sat around in a circle on the floor of the auditorium with a bunch the floor of the auditorium with a bunch the floor of the auditorium with a bunch of guys who I didn't really know. I had of guys who I didn't really know. I had of guys who I didn't really know. I had an ability to bring part of the weight an ability to bring part of the weight an ability to bring part of the weight that I was carrying from this past year that I was carrying from this past year that I was carrying from this past year at college into the light in that at college into the light in that at college into the light in that circle. And and like I remember leaving circle. And and like I remember leaving circle. And and like I remember leaving the George after the first Romans Bible the George after the first Romans Bible the George after the first Romans Bible study and being like this is a place study and being like this is a place study and being like this is a place where I want to come back to for the where I want to come back to for the where I want to come back to for the entire summer.

entire summer. entire summer. And I remember walking in alone and And I remember walking in alone and And I remember walking in alone and being a little bit nervous. I didn't being a little bit nervous. I didn't being a little bit nervous. I didn't really know anybody at the time. Um, I really know anybody at the time. Um, I really know anybody at the time. Um, I ended up going up to a group of four ended up going up to a group of four ended up going up to a group of four guys who were kind of in conversation guys who were kind of in conversation guys who were kind of in conversation and they openly welcomed me into their and they openly welcomed me into their and they openly welcomed me into their circle and it was like 5 minutes into circle and it was like 5 minutes into circle and it was like 5 minutes into this conversation and each of us in the this conversation and each of us in the this conversation and each of us in the circle are bringing out some of our like circle are bringing out some of our like circle are bringing out some of our like darkest times in our lives and praying darkest times in our lives and praying darkest times in our lives and praying over one another. And I remember leaving over one another. And I remember leaving over one another. And I remember leaving and I was like those sorts of and I was like those sorts of and I was like those sorts of conversations don't happen in any other conversations don't happen in any other conversations don't happen in any other space. And I even remember journaling. I space. And I even remember journaling. I space. And I even remember journaling. I don't know what's going on right now, don't know what's going on right now, don't know what's going on right now, but I feel like my faith is radically but I feel like my faith is radically but I feel like my faith is radically changing. This is a place where I want changing. This is a place where I want changing. This is a place where I want to come back to for the entire summer. to come back to for the entire summer. to come back to for the entire summer. Eventually, I came to realize and made Eventually, I came to realize and made Eventually, I came to realize and made the decision that going forward, I did the decision that going forward, I did the decision that going forward, I did not want my college experience to look not want my college experience to look not want my college experience to look like what it had been. That season of my like what it had been. That season of my like what it had been. That season of my life honestly was one of the most life honestly was one of the most life honestly was one of the most terrifying as I looked forward to going terrifying as I looked forward to going terrifying as I looked forward to going back to college because I had built such back to college because I had built such back to college because I had built such a strong faith community here in a strong faith community here in a strong faith community here in Cincinnati, but I knew that I didn't Cincinnati, but I knew that I didn't Cincinnati, but I knew that I didn't have that in Colombia. And at some have that in Colombia. And at some have that in Colombia. And at some point, as I'm telling my story about point, as I'm telling my story about point, as I'm telling my story about going back to a school where I was going going back to a school where I was going going back to a school where I was going to live in a fraternity house, I made a to live in a fraternity house, I made a to live in a fraternity house, I made a joke and I was like, "What if I just joke and I was like, "What if I just joke and I was like, "What if I just brought this down to Columbia?" The girl brought this down to Columbia?" The girl brought this down to Columbia?" The girl that I was talking to, she was like, that I was talking to, she was like, that I was talking to, she was like, "You could." And I remember I was just "You could." And I remember I was just "You could." And I remember I was just like, "I'm not worth it. like I'm going like, "I'm not worth it. like I'm going like, "I'm not worth it. like I'm going to be living in a fraternity house. But to be living in a fraternity house. But to be living in a fraternity house. But then over the next two weeks, I would then over the next two weeks, I would then over the next two weeks, I would say the thought kept coming back to say the thought kept coming back to say the thought kept coming back to mind. Could I actually start this in mind. Could I actually start this in mind. Could I actually start this in Colombia? Like is that a possibility?

Colombia? Like is that a possibility? Colombia? Like is that a possibility? Because I just had this deep desire of Because I just had this deep desire of Because I just had this deep desire of like what if there's kids like me back like what if there's kids like me back like what if there's kids like me back down in Colombia who are broken, who are down in Colombia who are broken, who are down in Colombia who are broken, who are searching for something deeper and they searching for something deeper and they searching for something deeper and they just don't know where to go. They don't just don't know where to go. They don't just don't know where to go. They don't know where to start. I think one invite can change I think one invite can change everything. And I think now like even as everything. And I think now like even as everything. And I think now like even as I attend collective nights and even as I I attend collective nights and even as I I attend collective nights and even as I attend outreach nights like I try to be attend outreach nights like I try to be attend outreach nights like I try to be intentional about inviting people in my intentional about inviting people in my intentional about inviting people in my life to those who I feel like could life to those who I feel like could life to those who I feel like could experience some form of freedom in that. experience some form of freedom in that. experience some form of freedom in that. So I think there's a lot of power in So I think there's a lot of power in So I think there's a lot of power in just inviting people and I think we all just inviting people and I think we all just inviting people and I think we all naturally desire to be invited into naturally desire to be invited into naturally desire to be invited into community. I think that's where a lot of community. I think that's where a lot of community. I think that's where a lot of people just experience freedom and people just experience freedom and people just experience freedom and experience joy. And I think young adult experience joy. And I think young adult experience joy. And I think young adult events embody that idea of amazingly events embody that idea of amazingly events embody that idea of amazingly well. I think I felt like I was going to well. I think I felt like I was going to well. I think I felt like I was going to be trapped in this identity that I had be trapped in this identity that I had be trapped in this identity that I had built for myself freshman year. But in built for myself freshman year. But in built for myself freshman year. But in walking faithfully with God and just walking faithfully with God and just walking faithfully with God and just experiencing his presence in my life, I experiencing his presence in my life, I experiencing his presence in my life, I realized that I didn't have to be bound realized that I didn't have to be bound realized that I didn't have to be bound by the things that once held me down. So by the things that once held me down. So by the things that once held me down. So ultimately, I would say I experienced ultimately, I would say I experienced ultimately, I would say I experienced freedom and being able to bring myself freedom and being able to bring myself freedom and being able to bring myself and and all of myself into community and and and all of myself into community and and and all of myself into community and and into relationship with people.

>> Man, I love stories like that. Now, >> Man, I love stories like that. Now, Carson's story is unique, but we also Carson's story is unique, but we also Carson's story is unique, but we also hear stories like it all the time at hear stories like it all the time at hear stories like it all the time at Crossroads. The story of life change, of Crossroads. The story of life change, of Crossroads. The story of life change, of finding community, and finding freedom. finding community, and finding freedom. finding community, and finding freedom. And it might be easy to say like, "Oh, And it might be easy to say like, "Oh, And it might be easy to say like, "Oh, look at how Crossroads changes life." look at how Crossroads changes life." look at how Crossroads changes life." That is not what happened here. God That is not what happened here. God That is not what happened here. God changes life. Crossroads just happen to changes life. Crossroads just happen to changes life. Crossroads just happen to be the setting where it happened. be the setting where it happened. be the setting where it happened. >> Yeah. It can happen because of faithful >> Yeah. It can happen because of faithful >> Yeah. It can happen because of faithful people who call Crossroads home who have people who call Crossroads home who have people who call Crossroads home who have been attending or streaming for a bit been attending or streaming for a bit been attending or streaming for a bit and we give of our money. And when we and we give of our money. And when we and we give of our money. And when we give of our money, it fuels the things give of our money, it fuels the things give of our money, it fuels the things that invite people like Carson into a that invite people like Carson into a that invite people like Carson into a different space to connect with God. different space to connect with God. different space to connect with God. >> That's good. So whether you've been >> That's good. So whether you've been >> That's good. So whether you've been giving for years or maybe you've never giving for years or maybe you've never giving for years or maybe you've never taken that step before, there's no taken that step before, there's no taken that step before, there's no guilt, no obligation, but maybe today is guilt, no obligation, but maybe today is guilt, no obligation, but maybe today is a chance to explore what generosity a chance to explore what generosity a chance to explore what generosity could look like for you. could look like for you. could look like for you. >> I know it's changed my life. Hey, if >> I know it's changed my life. Hey, if >> I know it's changed my life. Hey, if you'd like to learn more or get started, you'd like to learn more or get started, you'd like to learn more or get started, head to crossers.net/g. head to crossers.net/g. head to crossers.net/g. >> All right, speaking of taking a step, >> All right, speaking of taking a step, >> All right, speaking of taking a step, when was the last time you actually when was the last time you actually when was the last time you actually unplugged? And I'm not just talking unplugged? And I'm not just talking unplugged? And I'm not just talking about like answering texts from a about like answering texts from a about like answering texts from a prettier location, although I prefer prettier location, although I prefer prettier location, although I prefer that. that. that. >> Sure. But unplugged, like not checking >> Sure. But unplugged, like not checking >> Sure. But unplugged, like not checking your phone for hours at a time. I mean, your phone for hours at a time. I mean, your phone for hours at a time. I mean, like really stepped away because a lot like really stepped away because a lot like really stepped away because a lot of us are running pretty hard right now.

of us are running pretty hard right now. of us are running pretty hard right now. Work, kids, schedules, laundry, laundry, Work, kids, schedules, laundry, laundry, Work, kids, schedules, laundry, laundry, laundry, laundry, bills, school. Somehow laundry, laundry, bills, school. Somehow laundry, laundry, bills, school. Somehow we're also supposed to have hobbies. And we're also supposed to have hobbies. And we're also supposed to have hobbies. And do you drink enough water, Andy? do you drink enough water, Andy? do you drink enough water, Andy? >> No. No. Hey, and all the things we're >> No. No. Hey, and all the things we're >> No. No. Hey, and all the things we're supposed to doing, man. all all the supposed to doing, man. all all the supposed to doing, man. all all the things we're supposed to do, the the things we're supposed to do, the the things we're supposed to do, the the to-do list and the normal routine and to-do list and the normal routine and to-do list and the normal routine and grind isn't going to be the thing that grind isn't going to be the thing that grind isn't going to be the thing that changes you or helps you grow or get to changes you or helps you grow or get to changes you or helps you grow or get to a new place, right? So, whether you're a new place, right? So, whether you're a new place, right? So, whether you're single, married, raising kids, fresh out single, married, raising kids, fresh out single, married, raising kids, fresh out of college, or just looking for a reset, of college, or just looking for a reset, of college, or just looking for a reset, there's probably a camp with your name there's probably a camp with your name there's probably a camp with your name on it. on it. on it. >> Yes, camps outside. >> Yes, camps outside. >> Yes, camps outside. >> I think that's obvious. Um, and it's a >> I think that's obvious. Um, and it's a >> I think that's obvious. Um, and it's a space for life change. Another story is space for life change. Another story is space for life change. Another story is a woman named Nikki. She's gone to woman a woman named Nikki. She's gone to woman a woman named Nikki. She's gone to woman camp for four years and she says when I camp for four years and she says when I camp for four years and she says when I went to camp uh with she went with the went to camp uh with she went with the went to camp uh with she went with the same four women. She didn't expect that same four women. She didn't expect that same four women. She didn't expect that she was going to have lifelong community she was going to have lifelong community she was going to have lifelong community and transformation that came out of and transformation that came out of and transformation that came out of that. I also just talked to a woman this that. I also just talked to a woman this that. I also just talked to a woman this week who wants to go to woman camp for week who wants to go to woman camp for week who wants to go to woman camp for the very first time and we're going to the very first time and we're going to the very first time and we're going to help plug her in to a group for the help plug her in to a group for the help plug her in to a group for the first time. So whether you're bringing first time. So whether you're bringing first time. So whether you're bringing people with you or need to find a group, people with you or need to find a group, people with you or need to find a group, we want to make it happen with you. we want to make it happen with you. we want to make it happen with you. >> That's great. Yeah. And I don't know >> That's great. Yeah. And I don't know >> That's great. Yeah. And I don't know what you're looking for. Whether it's what you're looking for. Whether it's what you're looking for. Whether it's adventure, friends, or just an adventure, friends, or just an adventure, friends, or just an alternative kind of the normal routine alternative kind of the normal routine alternative kind of the normal routine or scroll or grind or whatever, check or scroll or grind or whatever, check or scroll or grind or whatever, check out everything that's coming up at out everything that's coming up at out everything that's coming up at camps. us.

camps. us. camps. us. >> Yep. Yep. One of my favorite things >> Yep. Yep. One of my favorite things >> Yep. Yep. One of my favorite things about camp are hearing all the stories about camp are hearing all the stories about camp are hearing all the stories of people that come out of it. of people that come out of it. of people that come out of it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Stories about taking risk or >> Yeah. Yeah. Stories about taking risk or >> Yeah. Yeah. Stories about taking risk or doing something different or new. Like doing something different or new. Like doing something different or new. Like we said, often sometimes the thing is we said, often sometimes the thing is we said, often sometimes the thing is discovering that God's been at work the discovering that God's been at work the discovering that God's been at work the whole time. And actually, that's what whole time. And actually, that's what whole time. And actually, that's what our series is all about. our series is all about. our series is all about. >> Yeah. We are in this new series called >> Yeah. We are in this new series called >> Yeah. We are in this new series called Origin Stories. And here we are for week Origin Stories. And here we are for week Origin Stories. And here we are for week one. one. one. >> An origin story is the part nobody talks >> An origin story is the part nobody talks >> An origin story is the part nobody talks about. The part before confidence and about. The part before confidence and about. The part before confidence and success before anyone knows your name. success before anyone knows your name. success before anyone knows your name. It's false starts, wrong turns, and It's false starts, wrong turns, and It's false starts, wrong turns, and total failure. It's the beginning. Every total failure. It's the beginning. Every total failure. It's the beginning. Every person you admire has one. person you admire has one. person you admire has one. The Bible may just be the greatest The Bible may just be the greatest The Bible may just be the greatest origin story ever told. It's a book origin story ever told. It's a book origin story ever told. It's a book about how God meets people at the about how God meets people at the about how God meets people at the beginning. In the beginning, God beginning. In the beginning, God beginning. In the beginning, God creates. In the beginning, humanity is creates. In the beginning, humanity is creates. In the beginning, humanity is formed from dust. In the beginning, formed from dust. In the beginning, formed from dust. In the beginning, there is possibility, purpose, and there is possibility, purpose, and there is possibility, purpose, and relationship. Then things fall apart.

relationship. Then things fall apart. relationship. Then things fall apart. But God rebuilds and enlists humanity in But God rebuilds and enlists humanity in But God rebuilds and enlists humanity in the work of restoration. the work of restoration. the work of restoration. The Bible is full of people who The Bible is full of people who The Bible is full of people who eventually become known for things like eventually become known for things like eventually become known for things like faith and courage, wisdom, and faith and courage, wisdom, and faith and courage, wisdom, and sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. We call them heroes of the faith. We call them heroes of the faith. We call them heroes of the faith. But none of them started there. The But none of them started there. The But none of them started there. The story God tells is about him meeting story God tells is about him meeting story God tells is about him meeting ordinary people in ordinary places and ordinary people in ordinary places and ordinary people in ordinary places and inviting them into something inviting them into something inviting them into something extraordinary. extraordinary. extraordinary. Today's origin story is about Today's origin story is about Today's origin story is about Gideon, a fearful worker who became a Gideon, a fearful worker who became a Gideon, a fearful worker who became a warrior. Now, this is a story Now, this is a story all about how all about how all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. my life got flipped, turned upside down. my life got flipped, turned upside down. So, I'd like to take a minute, just sit So, I'd like to take a minute, just sit So, I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there. I'll tell you how I became right there. I'll tell you how I became right there. I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bair in West the prince of a town called Bair in West the prince of a town called Bair in West Philadelphia. Born and raised on the Philadelphia. Born and raised on the Philadelphia. Born and raised on the playground is where I spent most of my playground is where I spent most of my playground is where I spent most of my days. Chilling out, maxing, relaxing, or days. Chilling out, maxing, relaxing, or days. Chilling out, maxing, relaxing, or cooling, or shooting some Bballball cooling, or shooting some Bballball cooling, or shooting some Bballball outside of the school when a couple of outside of the school when a couple of outside of the school when a couple of guys, they were up to no good. started guys, they were up to no good. started guys, they were up to no good. started making trouble in my neighborhood. I got making trouble in my neighborhood. I got making trouble in my neighborhood. I got in one little fight and my mom got in one little fight and my mom got in one little fight and my mom got scared. You finished?

scared. You finished? scared. You finished? >> That's right. That's right. You guys >> That's right. That's right. You guys >> That's right. That's right. You guys know that. You guys know that. I think know that. You guys know that. I think know that. You guys know that. I think you I think you could wake me up in the you I think you could wake me up in the you I think you could wake me up in the middle of the night, put a gun to my middle of the night, put a gun to my middle of the night, put a gun to my head, and I could probably wrap that. head, and I could probably wrap that. head, and I could probably wrap that. So, um I I'm shocked, by the way, if So, um I I'm shocked, by the way, if So, um I I'm shocked, by the way, if we've not met. I'm one of the teaching we've not met. I'm one of the teaching we've not met. I'm one of the teaching pastors here. And Will Smith at the pastors here. And Will Smith at the pastors here. And Will Smith at the beginning of that is telling an origin beginning of that is telling an origin beginning of that is telling an origin story. An origin story. And that's what story. An origin story. And that's what story. An origin story. And that's what the series that we're entering into the series that we're entering into the series that we're entering into today is all about. It's about origin today is all about. It's about origin today is all about. It's about origin stories. And today, like you heard, stories. And today, like you heard, stories. And today, like you heard, we're talking about a guy named Gideon. we're talking about a guy named Gideon. we're talking about a guy named Gideon. You may be familiar with Gideon's story. You may be familiar with Gideon's story. You may be familiar with Gideon's story. You may not. But I want you to picture You may not. But I want you to picture You may not. But I want you to picture in your mind the prototypical biblical in your mind the prototypical biblical in your mind the prototypical biblical leader, like someone that is used leader, like someone that is used leader, like someone that is used mightily by God, someone who just does mightily by God, someone who just does mightily by God, someone who just does incredible things with God. And whatever incredible things with God. And whatever incredible things with God. And whatever the prototype is that comes to your the prototype is that comes to your the prototype is that comes to your mind, Gideon is not that. He's messy. mind, Gideon is not that. He's messy. mind, Gideon is not that. He's messy. His story has fits and starts in it. And His story has fits and starts in it. And His story has fits and starts in it. And maybe that's why I love it so much maybe that's why I love it so much maybe that's why I love it so much because Gideon is Right. Gideon is like us. But I think we Right. Gideon is like us. But I think we can like us. Anybody else got a messy can like us. Anybody else got a messy can like us. Anybody else got a messy story?

Learn from his story what it means to Learn from his story what it means to say yes to God's bigger story. Do you say yes to God's bigger story. Do you say yes to God's bigger story. Do you realize that he will play out in your realize that he will play out in your realize that he will play out in your life? The question though that we're life? The question though that we're life? The question though that we're wrestling with today and we're going to wrestling with today and we're going to wrestling with today and we're going to wrestle with every day. It God has wrestle with every day. It God has wrestle with every day. It God has something to teach us today. So let's something to teach us today. So let's something to teach us today. So let's pray before we go further. God, thank pray before we go further. God, thank pray before we go further. God, thank you for today. Thank you for origin you for today. Thank you for origin you for today. Thank you for origin story are God. all the different places story are God. all the different places story are God. all the different places that we are. Pray that you would meet that we are. Pray that you would meet that we are. Pray that you would meet us. The book of Hebrews in the New us. The book of Hebrews in the New us. The book of Hebrews in the New Testament and Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now Testament and Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now Testament and Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things. Don't faith is the assurance of things. Don't faith is the assurance of things. Don't have total vision." Faith though is have total vision." Faith though is have total vision." Faith though is saying yes to God and moving in his saying yes to God and moving in his saying yes to God and moving in his direction. Knowledge in the world. But direction. Knowledge in the world. But direction. Knowledge in the world. But if you're not moving, it's not faith. if you're not moving, it's not faith. if you're not moving, it's not faith. And by the same token, if you're doing And by the same token, if you're doing And by the same token, if you're doing there isn't even a noun form of the word there isn't even a noun form of the word there isn't even a noun form of the word faith. Faith is only expressed as a faith. Faith is only expressed as a faith. Faith is only expressed as a verb. Faith is never a straight line. No verb. Faith is never a straight line. No verb. Faith is never a straight line. No matter who you're here leading rookie matter who you're here leading rookie matter who you're here leading rookie motorcycle riders me riders me being and motorcycle riders me riders me being and motorcycle riders me riders me being and the premise was this. The premise was the premise was this. The premise was the premise was this. The premise was Ryan was challenging maybe even Ryan was challenging maybe even Ryan was challenging maybe even dangerous. It was dangerous trick most dangerous. It was dangerous trick most dangerous. It was dangerous trick most people whose meltdowns happen in people whose meltdowns happen in people whose meltdowns happen in private. Mine were filmed private. Mine were filmed private. Mine were filmed from multiple angles from multiple angles from multiple angles and I was miked the whole time.

and I was miked the whole time. and I was miked the whole time. So welcome to one of the toughest days So welcome to one of the toughest days So welcome to one of the toughest days of my things that I don't know that I of my things that I don't know that I of my things that I don't know that I can overcome. One more. More One more. More >> and Okay. So, you let you let off here, >> and Okay. So, you let you let off here, >> and Okay. So, you let you let off here, right? right? right? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, you want to keep in it. >> So, you want to keep in it. >> So, you want to keep in it. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Get on it. >> Get on it. >> Get on it. >> I was nervous about my direction. >> I was nervous about my direction. >> I was nervous about my direction. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> We got you >> We got you >> We got you on it.

Brad's doing a really, really great job Brad's doing a really, really great job at being an encourager and trying to at being an encourager and trying to at being an encourager and trying to patch people up emotionally and patch people up emotionally and patch people up emotionally and specifically Chuck emotionally as he specifically Chuck emotionally as he specifically Chuck emotionally as he tries to sweep him up the top of this tries to sweep him up the top of this tries to sweep him up the top of this hill. So, we get to the top of Corkscrew Pass So, we get to the top of Corkscrew Pass and it is amazing. The view is amazing.

and it is amazing. The view is amazing. and it is amazing. The view is amazing. The camaraderie is amazing. I felt like The camaraderie is amazing. I felt like The camaraderie is amazing. I felt like grabbing everybody by the helmet saying, grabbing everybody by the helmet saying, grabbing everybody by the helmet saying, "See, I told you. I told you." The "See, I told you. I told you." The "See, I told you. I told you." The morale is skyhigh. The energy is morale is skyhigh. The energy is morale is skyhigh. The energy is skyhigh. The belief that yes, we can do skyhigh. The belief that yes, we can do skyhigh. The belief that yes, we can do this is skyhigh. No question. This is an this is skyhigh. No question. This is an this is skyhigh. No question. This is an emotional highlight for this trip. emotional highlight for this trip. emotional highlight for this trip. >> I I'm just so thankful for these guys. >> I I'm just so thankful for these guys. >> I I'm just so thankful for these guys. They encouraged me. They put something They encouraged me. They put something They encouraged me. They put something in me that I didn't have. And I just in me that I didn't have. And I just in me that I didn't have. And I just wanted to get up one freaking mountain wanted to get up one freaking mountain wanted to get up one freaking mountain and I got up this mountain. Hey kids, this is Dad. I'm not even sure Hey kids, this is Dad. I'm not even sure I was going to work on this, but I I was going to work on this, but I I was going to work on this, but I wanted to show you the top of a wanted to show you the top of a wanted to show you the top of a mountain. mountain. mountain. It's the hardest thing I ever did, and I It's the hardest thing I ever did, and I It's the hardest thing I ever did, and I didn't think I'd be able to do it. It didn't think I'd be able to do it. It didn't think I'd be able to do it. It was so hard and I needed everybody's was so hard and I needed everybody's was so hard and I needed everybody's help. There were times I wanted to quit, help. There were times I wanted to quit, help. There were times I wanted to quit, turn around. turn around. turn around. And when I got to the point where I was And when I got to the point where I was And when I got to the point where I was ready to give up, I've probably fallen ready to give up, I've probably fallen ready to give up, I've probably fallen off my bike 15 times today getting up off my bike 15 times today getting up off my bike 15 times today getting up this hill. And when I thought about this hill. And when I thought about this hill. And when I thought about giving up, I thought about you. I giving up, I thought about you. I giving up, I thought about you. I thought about you, Nathan. I thought thought about you, Nathan. I thought thought about you, Nathan. I thought about you, Sam. And I thought about you, about you, Sam. And I thought about you, about you, Sam. And I thought about you, Isabelle.

Isabelle. Isabelle. And I don't want you guys to ever be And I don't want you guys to ever be And I don't want you guys to ever be people who give up because you can do people who give up because you can do people who give up because you can do amazing things with help, with people's amazing things with help, with people's amazing things with help, with people's help and with God's help. So, I just help and with God's help. So, I just help and with God's help. So, I just want to record this for you cuz I want want to record this for you cuz I want want to record this for you cuz I want you to know I made it to the top of this you to know I made it to the top of this you to know I made it to the top of this mountain and you motivated me to do it. mountain and you motivated me to do it. mountain and you motivated me to do it. I love you guys so much. I love you. I I love you guys so much. I love you. I I love you guys so much. I love you. I believe in you. I believe in everything believe in you. I believe in everything believe in you. I believe in everything that God's doing in your life. And I that God's doing in your life. And I that God's doing in your life. And I just want you to know I'm not crying. You're crying. I'm not crying. You're crying. >> Man, I I I still get moved every time I >> Man, I I I still get moved every time I >> Man, I I I still get moved every time I look at that film because that was a look at that film because that was a look at that film because that was a that was a zigzag journey. It really that was a zigzag journey. It really that was a zigzag journey. It really was. You know, there are two versions of was. You know, there are two versions of was. You know, there are two versions of that story. There's a version of that that story. There's a version of that that story. There's a version of that story I could tell. that is. Hey, one story I could tell. that is. Hey, one story I could tell. that is. Hey, one time I rode my bike up one of the most time I rode my bike up one of the most time I rode my bike up one of the most challenging roads in Colorado, but as challenging roads in Colorado, but as challenging roads in Colorado, but as you now know, there's way more to the you now know, there's way more to the you now know, there's way more to the story than that. It was a little bit story than that. It was a little bit story than that. It was a little bit more detailed than that. I don't know if more detailed than that. I don't know if more detailed than that. I don't know if you can tell from the film, but my the you can tell from the film, but my the you can tell from the film, but my the ledge to the right there was death.

ledge to the right there was death. ledge to the right there was death. I at least injury and certainly could I at least injury and certainly could I at least injury and certainly could have been death. I mean, it was crazy. have been death. I mean, it was crazy. have been death. I mean, it was crazy. And we're at altitude. You can see when And we're at altitude. You can see when And we're at altitude. You can see when Brian just got off his bike just from Brian just got off his bike just from Brian just got off his bike just from riding like you're just huffing and riding like you're just huffing and riding like you're just huffing and puffing. And so after picking up the puffing. And so after picking up the puffing. And so after picking up the bike all those times, man, that was a bike all those times, man, that was a bike all those times, man, that was a messy journey. So yeah, and it sucked. It was really, really and it sucked. It was really, really hard. And I think that it's much more hard. And I think that it's much more hard. And I think that it's much more like a journey of faith than we think. like a journey of faith than we think. like a journey of faith than we think. See, if I want you to take away anything See, if I want you to take away anything See, if I want you to take away anything today, it is this. Faith is not always today, it is this. Faith is not always today, it is this. Faith is not always up and to the right. Friends, faith up and to the right. Friends, faith up and to the right. Friends, faith zigzags. zigzags. zigzags. Faith zigzags. So if you're in a place Faith zigzags. So if you're in a place Faith zigzags. So if you're in a place in your life right now where you're in your life right now where you're in your life right now where you're feeling more because that's what it feeling more because that's what it feeling more because that's what it looks like to have a journey of faith. looks like to have a journey of faith. looks like to have a journey of faith. We learn a lot about this from the story We learn a lot about this from the story We learn a lot about this from the story of Gideon. Gideon lived in action from a nation called the Midianites. And from a nation called the Midianites. And what that meant was Gideon lived in a what that meant was Gideon lived in a what that meant was Gideon lived in a time of economic shuff suffering. I mean time of economic shuff suffering. I mean time of economic shuff suffering. I mean they would literally try to grow crops they would literally try to grow crops they would literally try to grow crops and then the Midianites would come in and then the Midianites would come in and then the Midianites would come in and destroy their crops. That was and destroy their crops. That was and destroy their crops. That was destroying their income. That was destroying their income. That was destroying their income. That was destroying their source of food. So it destroying their source of food. So it destroying their source of food. So it was a time of economic pain. It was also was a time of economic pain. It was also was a time of economic pain. It was also a time of family difficulty for Gideon.

a time of family difficulty for Gideon. a time of family difficulty for Gideon. His family was being targeted in some His family was being targeted in some His family was being targeted in some specific ways. So he was struggling and specific ways. So he was struggling and specific ways. So he was struggling and because of that there was shame. In fact because of that there was shame. In fact because of that there was shame. In fact we find Gideon this hero. So so said we we find Gideon this hero. So so said we we find Gideon this hero. So so said we find him hiding in a wine press. Gideon find him hiding in a wine press. Gideon find him hiding in a wine press. Gideon is a nobody from nowhere. Anybody feel is a nobody from nowhere. Anybody feel is a nobody from nowhere. Anybody feel like a nobody from nowhere? Gideon was a like a nobody from nowhere? Gideon was a like a nobody from nowhere? Gideon was a nobody from nowhere. In fact he says nobody from nowhere. In fact he says nobody from nowhere. In fact he says himself, I'm from the smallest and the himself, I'm from the smallest and the himself, I'm from the smallest and the weakest tribe in Israel. And yet God weakest tribe in Israel. And yet God weakest tribe in Israel. And yet God sees something in Gideon beyond his sees something in Gideon beyond his sees something in Gideon beyond his current situation and sends an angel to current situation and sends an angel to current situation and sends an angel to Gideon with this message in Judges 6:12. Gideon with this message in Judges 6:12. Gideon with this message in Judges 6:12. The Lord is with you, oh mighty man of The Lord is with you, oh mighty man of The Lord is with you, oh mighty man of valor. To which Gideon responds, say valor. To which Gideon responds, say valor. To which Gideon responds, say what now? You you talking to me? Like what now? You you talking to me? Like what now? You you talking to me? Like this guy is hiding. This guy's hiding. this guy is hiding. This guy's hiding. this guy is hiding. This guy's hiding. And yet God sees something in him. Six And yet God sees something in him. Six And yet God sees something in him. Six zigzags today that happen in the journey zigzags today that happen in the journey zigzags today that happen in the journey of faith. The first one is this. Faith of faith. The first one is this. Faith of faith. The first one is this. Faith begins with an encounter. It begins with begins with an encounter. It begins with begins with an encounter. It begins with an encounter. Faith is not about courage an encounter. Faith is not about courage an encounter. Faith is not about courage you generate. Faith is the response to a you generate. Faith is the response to a you generate. Faith is the response to a God who initiates.

God who initiates. God who initiates. Gideon was hiding. He wasn't sharpening Gideon was hiding. He wasn't sharpening Gideon was hiding. He wasn't sharpening his sword. He wasn't preparing for the his sword. He wasn't preparing for the his sword. He wasn't preparing for the moment when God would call him up to be moment when God would call him up to be moment when God would call him up to be a great warrior. No, he was hiding. And a great warrior. No, he was hiding. And a great warrior. No, he was hiding. And God comes looking for Gideon. And I want God comes looking for Gideon. And I want God comes looking for Gideon. And I want you to know today, wherever you are, God you to know today, wherever you are, God you to know today, wherever you are, God in your shame and he comes looking. But in your shame and he comes looking. But in your shame and he comes looking. But maybe you're hiding from it. Maybe maybe you're hiding from it. Maybe maybe you're hiding from it. Maybe you're who are um either new dads or potential who are um either new dads or potential new dads. There's one friend who uh just new dads. There's one friend who uh just new dads. There's one friend who uh just announced that him and um and then another friend of mine who um and then another friend of mine who just had guys that I get to spend time with and I guys that I get to spend time with and I am so excited for them to be new fathers am so excited for them to be new fathers am so excited for them to be new fathers because one of the things parent knows no one is born a great parent knows no one is born a great parent. parent. parent. No one comes out of the womb a great No one comes out of the womb a great No one comes out of the womb a great parent. you become a great parent. parent. you become a great parent. parent. you become a great parent. There's a formation process. There's a There's a formation process. There's a There's a formation process. There's a zigzagging journey that over time makes zigzagging journey that over time makes zigzagging journey that over time makes you into something that you may not see you into something that you may not see you into something that you may not see in your hiding, but God sees him as a fearless hiding, but God sees him as a fearless warrior. God sees him as that. Now, you warrior. God sees him as that. Now, you warrior. God sees him as that. Now, you ask the question, is God being ask the question, is God being ask the question, is God being optimistic when he calls Gideon this as optimistic when he calls Gideon this as optimistic when he calls Gideon this as he's hiding in a wine press? Is God he's hiding in a wine press? Is God he's hiding in a wine press? Is God being unrealistic? And what I realistic because here's what matters.

realistic because here's what matters. It doesn't matter the measure of the man It doesn't matter the measure of the man It doesn't matter the measure of the man that's being called >> God says about me and believing that >> God says about me and believing that what God calls me to is actually what I what God calls me to is actually what I what God calls me to is actually what I can do. What was Gideon's biggest enemy? can do. What was Gideon's biggest enemy? can do. What was Gideon's biggest enemy? Was his biggest enemy the Midianites out Was his biggest enemy the Midianites out Was his biggest enemy the Midianites out there or was his biggest enemy the enemy there or was his biggest enemy the enemy there or was his biggest enemy the enemy in here? Our minds get us into trouble in here? Our minds get us into trouble in here? Our minds get us into trouble all the time because we can fall into all the time because we can fall into all the time because we can fall into one of two ditches. We can either have one of two ditches. We can either have one of two ditches. We can either have too high of a view of ourselves which too high of a view of ourselves which too high of a view of ourselves which what the Bible calls pride and that what the Bible calls pride and that what the Bible calls pride and that always leads to a fall or we can have always leads to a fall or we can have always leads to a fall or we can have too low a view of our potential because and faith is recognizing that neither of and faith is recognizing that neither of those is true. Neither of those is true. those is true. Neither of those is true. those is true. Neither of those is true. What God says about you is true. And What God says about you is true. And What God says about you is true. And it's choosing to believe. Fame is it's choosing to believe. Fame is it's choosing to believe. Fame is certainty. Faith is not the same.

have doubt, but you're voicing that have doubt, but you're voicing that doubt toward God, that's actually an act doubt toward God, that's actually an act doubt toward God, that's actually an act of faith. If you're expressing your of faith. If you're expressing your of faith. If you're expressing your doubt to God, that's an act of faith. It doubt to God, that's an act of faith. It doubt to God, that's an act of faith. It only becomes unbelief when you step away only becomes unbelief when you step away only becomes unbelief when you step away and walk away from the conversation. We're in here, but we haven't been in a We're in here, but we haven't been in a place like this or we haven't been open place like this or we haven't been open place like this or we haven't been open to something like this because of to something like this because of to something like this because of something that happened from God. I want you to know God has not from God. I want you to know God has not walked away from you. I want you to know walked away from you. I want you to know walked away from you. I want you to know that God will receive you in the midst that God will receive you in the midst that God will receive you in the midst of your doubt. You can come to him with of your doubt. You can come to him with of your doubt. You can come to him with your doubts. Have you heard this new your doubts. Have you heard this new your doubts. Have you heard this new term looks maxing? Like it's like you term looks maxing? Like it's like you term looks maxing? Like it's like you know how people are trying to like do know how people are trying to like do know how people are trying to like do all these things some of them very all these things some of them very all these things some of them very unhealthy things to make themselves as unhealthy things to make themselves as unhealthy things to make themselves as handsome or as beautiful as possible. handsome or as beautiful as possible. handsome or as beautiful as possible. Well, Gideon is doing some doubts maxing Well, Gideon is doing some doubts maxing Well, Gideon is doing some doubts maxing in this story. He he he really does not in this story. He he he really does not in this story. He he he really does not believe what the angel says to him. In believe what the angel says to him. In believe what the angel says to him. In fact, this is his response to the angel. fact, this is his response to the angel. fact, this is his response to the angel. He says, "Please, my Lord, if the He says, "Please, my Lord, if the He says, "Please, my Lord, if the Anybody been there where it's hard to Anybody been there where it's hard to Anybody been there where it's hard to have faith because life is hard, it's have faith because life is hard, it's have faith because life is hard, it's hard to have confidence in God because hard to have confidence in God because hard to have confidence in God because so much is happening that seems to be so much is happening that seems to be so much is happening that seems to be going wrong." I just love the realism going wrong." I just love the realism going wrong." I just love the realism that Gideon brings to this story. And I that Gideon brings to this story. And I that Gideon brings to this story. And I actually think again, if you're in that actually think again, if you're in that actually think again, if you're in that place, if you are engaging God in that place, if you are engaging God in that place, if you are engaging God in that doubt, that is in of itself an act of doubt, that is in of itself an act of doubt, that is in of itself an act of faith. I've had to learn this in my own faith. I've had to learn this in my own faith. I've had to learn this in my own life. I've had to learn to be life. I've had to learn to be life. I've had to learn to be emotionally open.

You know, my family of origin taught me You know, my family of origin taught me some things about emotions. Some of some things about emotions. Some of some things about emotions. Some of those things were good, some of those those things were good, some of those those things were good, some of those things were not good. And one of the things were not good. And one of the things were not good. And one of the things my family of origin taught me was things my family of origin taught me was things my family of origin taught me was like, I just learned early on in my at like, I just learned early on in my at like, I just learned early on in my at God. I mean, isn't God going to strike God. I mean, isn't God going to strike God. I mean, isn't God going to strike me with lightning if I'm angry at him? me with lightning if I'm angry at him? me with lightning if I'm angry at him? And yet, think about it. Is there any And yet, think about it. Is there any And yet, think about it. Is there any close relationship you're in where anger close relationship you're in where anger close relationship you're in where anger isn't a part of it at some point? I isn't a part of it at some point? I isn't a part of it at some point? I mean, I love my kids. You saw me SHOOT mean, I love my kids. You saw me SHOOT mean, I love my kids. You saw me SHOOT THAT VIDEO TO MY KIDS on the top of a THAT VIDEO TO MY KIDS on the top of a THAT VIDEO TO MY KIDS on the top of a mountain. Those same three suckers can mountain. Those same three suckers can mountain. Those same three suckers can make me so angry make me so angry make me so angry because we're in relationship. because we're in relationship. because we're in relationship. And so I had to learn I can express the And so I had to learn I can express the And so I had to learn I can express the fullness of my emotions to God. Why? fullness of my emotions to God. Why? fullness of my emotions to God. Why? Because God is the most psychologically Because God is the most psychologically Because God is the most psychologically safe being in the universe. safe being in the universe. safe being in the universe. Think about it. Think about it. God is a Think about it. Think about it. God is a Think about it. Think about it. God is a God who gives grace. And part of God's God who gives grace. And part of God's God who gives grace. And part of God's grace is the next zigzag. Faith allows grace is the next zigzag. Faith allows grace is the next zigzag. Faith allows reassurance. reassurance. reassurance. Now, you may not be familiar with all Now, you may not be familiar with all Now, you may not be familiar with all the chapters and verses of Gideon's the chapters and verses of Gideon's the chapters and verses of Gideon's story, but you've probably heard someone story, but you've probably heard someone story, but you've probably heard someone reference something that comes from as a way of kind of testing or as a way of kind of testing or discerning whether they're going to do discerning whether they're going to do discerning whether they're going to do something or not. That actually comes something or not. That actually comes something or not. That actually comes from Gideon's story. Gideon has so much from Gideon's story. Gideon has so much from Gideon's story. Gideon has so much doubt that he says, "God, you want me to doubt that he says, "God, you want me to doubt that he says, "God, you want me to do something for you." In Judges 6 do something for you." In Judges 6 do something for you." In Judges 6 starting at verse 36, it says, "Then starting at verse 36, it says, "Then starting at verse 36, it says, "Then Gideon said to God, if you will save Gideon said to God, if you will save Gideon said to God, if you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, Israel by my hand, as you have said, Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry all on the fleece alone, and it is dry all on the fleece alone, and it is dry all on the ground,

as you have said," and it was so. When as you have said," and it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed he rose early next morning and squeezed he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he rung out enough dew from the fleece, he rung out enough dew from the fleece, he rung out enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. the fleece to fill a bowl with water. the fleece to fill a bowl with water. God overd delivered on Gideon's request. God overd delivered on Gideon's request. God overd delivered on Gideon's request. Then Gideon said to God, "That's all I Then Gideon said to God, "That's all I Then Gideon said to God, "That's all I need." No, that's not what he said. He need." No, that's not what he said. He need." No, that's not what he said. He said, "Let not your anger burn against said, "Let not your anger burn against said, "Let not your anger burn against me. Let uh let me speak just once more. me. Let uh let me speak just once more. me. Let uh let me speak just once more. Please, let me just test you once more Please, let me just test you once more Please, let me just test you once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on with the fleece. Please let it be dry on with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only this time. And on all the fleece only this time. And on all the fleece only this time. And on all the ground let there be dew." And God the ground let there be dew." And God the ground let there be dew." And God did so that night. And it was dry on the did so that night. And it was dry on the did so that night. And it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there fleece only, and on all the ground there fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. Guys, this is not looking like a guy who's this is not looking like a guy who's growing in faith, is it? He's keeping growing in faith, is it? He's keeping growing in faith, is it? He's keeping asking God, do it again. Okay, you did asking God, do it again. Okay, you did asking God, do it again. Okay, you did that. Do this again. Like, this is not I don't think this is my dude. I think I I don't think this is my dude. I think I got to keep looking for somebody who got to keep looking for somebody who got to keep looking for somebody who will trust me. We can judge Gideon for will trust me. We can judge Gideon for will trust me. We can judge Gideon for testing God, but don't we test God all testing God, but don't we test God all testing God, but don't we test God all the time?

in our life. God, if I get this job in our life. God, if I get this job offer by Friday, I'm going to take it. offer by Friday, I'm going to take it. offer by Friday, I'm going to take it. Anybody ever said something like that? Anybody ever said something like that? Anybody ever said something like that? How about this one? God, if the test How about this one? God, if the test How about this one? God, if the test results come back clean, I'm going back results come back clean, I'm going back results come back clean, I'm going back to church. to church. to church. Some of y'all are here today because of Some of y'all are here today because of Some of y'all are here today because of that. Praise God. Your tests are clean that. Praise God. Your tests are clean that. Praise God. Your tests are clean and you are back in church. We are glad and you are back in church. We are glad and you are back in church. We are glad to have you back. Seriously. Okay, maybe to have you back. Seriously. Okay, maybe to have you back. Seriously. Okay, maybe those at Chick-fil-A. It means I'm meant to go at Chick-fil-A. It means I'm meant to go get the pimento got that way yesterday. I know you did. got that way yesterday. I know you did. I know you did. How about this? It means you want me to buy that $40 It means you want me to buy that $40 candle that I don't need. I I know that candle that I don't need. I I know that candle that I don't need. I I know that some of you test God that way. Or how some of you test God that way. Or how some of you test God that way. Or how about this? In five minutes, we're basically In five minutes, we're basically engaged. I mean, we we test God. We engaged. I mean, we we test God. We engaged. I mean, we we test God. We totally test God. And isn't it totally test God. And isn't it totally test God. And isn't it interesting that God has enough grace interesting that God has enough grace interesting that God has enough grace and patience to allow us to be in this and patience to allow us to be in this and patience to allow us to be in this banter and conversation with him on the banter and conversation with him on the banter and conversation with him on the journey of faith? It says something journey of faith? It says something journey of faith? It says something about God. Hebrews 11:1 gives us the about God. Hebrews 11:1 gives us the about God. Hebrews 11:1 gives us the definition of faith. Five verses later, definition of faith. Five verses later, definition of faith. Five verses later, it says this about faith. And without it says this about faith. And without it says this about faith. And without faith, it is impossible to please him.

Exists and that he rewards those who Exists and that he rewards those who seek him. It's okay to need reassurance seek him. It's okay to need reassurance seek him. It's okay to need reassurance as long as we are drawing near. as long as we are drawing near. as long as we are drawing near. God cares much more about the trajectory God cares much more about the trajectory God cares much more about the trajectory and posture of your heart than he does and posture of your heart than he does and posture of your heart than he does about where you are right now in this about where you are right now in this about where you are right now in this moment. In this moment, you might be moment. In this moment, you might be moment. In this moment, you might be fearful. In this moment, you might be fearful. In this moment, you might be fearful. In this moment, you might be doubting. In this moment, you might be doubting. In this moment, you might be doubting. In this moment, you might be angry. In this moment, you might be angry. In this moment, you might be angry. In this moment, you might be afraid. God is not judging you for this afraid. God is not judging you for this afraid. God is not judging you for this moment. He's looking for the trajectory moment. He's looking for the trajectory moment. He's looking for the trajectory of our heart that says, "God, I'm angry, of our heart that says, "God, I'm angry, of our heart that says, "God, I'm angry, but I'll still go in your direction. but I'll still go in your direction. but I'll still go in your direction. God, I'm frustrated, but I'm still going God, I'm frustrated, but I'm still going God, I'm frustrated, but I'm still going to move forward with what you've given to move forward with what you've given to move forward with what you've given me. God, I'm afraid that that's what God cares about. It that that's what God cares about. It allows for reassurance, but make no allows for reassurance, but make no allows for reassurance, but make no mistake. Next zigzag, faith has a mistake. Next zigzag, faith has a mistake. Next zigzag, faith has a deadline on hesitation. deadline on hesitation. deadline on hesitation. At some point, it's time to move. What At some point, it's time to move. What At some point, it's time to move. What did I say the definition of faith is? did I say the definition of faith is? did I say the definition of faith is? Faith is belief, times action. At some Faith is belief, times action. At some Faith is belief, times action. At some point, you got to move. You got to go point, you got to move. You got to go point, you got to move. You got to go forward. Think of them what you may. He forward. Think of them what you may. He forward. Think of them what you may. He certainly has some troubles in his past, certainly has some troubles in his past, certainly has some troubles in his past, but Michael Jackson was a prolific but Michael Jackson was a prolific but Michael Jackson was a prolific singer songwriter for sure. And one of singer songwriter for sure. And one of singer songwriter for sure. And one of the interesting quotes he had is he the interesting quotes he had is he the interesting quotes he had is he said, "I feel like I need to be in a said, "I feel like I need to be in a said, "I feel like I need to be in a place to receive all these songs because place to receive all these songs because place to receive all these songs because if not, God might give him the prince."

if not, God might give him the prince." if not, God might give him the prince." He might have been right. He might have He might have been right. He might have He might have been right. He might have been right. I have a friend who actually been right. I have a friend who actually been right. I have a friend who actually um whether he was fearful or whatever, um whether he was fearful or whatever, um whether he was fearful or whatever, he he never wrote the book and he was he he never wrote the book and he was he he never wrote the book and he was like I know God gave me like the the like I know God gave me like the the like I know God gave me like the the topic, the the whole flow, how this topic, the the whole flow, how this topic, the the whole flow, how this should go, but he didn't ever step in should go, but he didn't ever step in should go, but he didn't ever step in and write the book. He said one day he and write the book. He said one day he and write the book. He said one day he was on Amazon and he actually saw that was on Amazon and he actually saw that was on Amazon and he actually saw that book. Someone else had done what I believe God Someone else had done what I believe God had called him to do. At some point, it had called him to do. At some point, it had called him to do. At some point, it is time to move. We see this in Gideon's is time to move. We see this in Gideon's is time to move. We see this in Gideon's story in a powerful way because Gideon story in a powerful way because Gideon story in a powerful way because Gideon was going to face in the college. I am was going to face in the college. I am was going to face in the college. I am not a war strategy expert, but basic not a war strategy expert, but basic not a war strategy expert, but basic math would tell me if I'm going into a math would tell me if I'm going into a math would tell me if I'm going into a battle, it's better to have more battle, it's better to have more battle, it's better to have more soldiers on my side with only 32,000 of soldiers on my side with only 32,000 of soldiers on my side with only 32,000 of his own. And so, how is God going to fill story? And so, how is God going to fill story? Gideon was going to have to face this Gideon was going to have to face this Gideon was going to have to face this army. But the first thing God told him army. But the first thing God told him army. But the first thing God told him to do is give license to anyone who is to do is give license to anyone who is to do is give license to anyone who is too afraid to go forward to go home.

too afraid to go forward to go home. too afraid to go forward to go home. This is what it says in G in Judges 7:3. This is what it says in G in Judges 7:3. This is what it says in G in Judges 7:3. Gideon says, "Whoever is fearful and Gideon says, "Whoever is fearful and Gideon says, "Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry trembling, let him return home and hurry trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead." Now, you might away from Mount Gilead." Now, you might away from Mount Gilead." Now, you might think out of 32,000, I don't know, 10% think out of 32,000, I don't know, 10% think out of 32,000, I don't know, 10% would be afraid. would be afraid. would be afraid. 22,000 go home. 10,000 that remain down 22,000 go home. 10,000 that remain down 22,000 go home. 10,000 that remain down to only I I know for for us fear but to only I I know for for us fear but to only I I know for for us fear but they're not today because you didn't they're not today because you didn't they're not today because you didn't have the the next step. I wonder if have the the next step. I wonder if have the the next step. I wonder if there might be some relationships that there might be some relationships that there might be some relationships that you could be in right now that you're you could be in right now that you're you could be in right now that you're not because you didn't have the courage not because you didn't have the courage not because you didn't have the courage to trust God. I wonder if there's some to trust God. I wonder if there's some to trust God. I wonder if there's some things that God has called you to create things that God has called you to create things that God has called you to create or make. Some things he's asked you to or make. Some things he's asked you to or make. Some things he's asked you to be a part of healing. Some ways he's be a part of healing. Some ways he's be a part of healing. Some ways he's invited you to participate IN THE WORLD invited you to participate IN THE WORLD invited you to participate IN THE WORLD THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS ENJOYING BECAUSE THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS ENJOYING BECAUSE THAT SOMEONE ELSE IS ENJOYING BECAUSE YOU AND I didn't have the courage. I'm YOU AND I didn't have the courage. I'm YOU AND I didn't have the courage. I'm sure that when I get to heaven, I'm sure that when I get to heaven, I'm sure that when I get to heaven, I'm going to see some things God invited me going to see some things God invited me going to see some things God invited me to participate in, but because I didn't to participate in, but because I didn't to participate in, but because I didn't have the courage to. And so, I wonder what that might be for And so, I wonder what that might be for you and for me you and for me you and for me because guess what?

Fear gets to zero. Fear gets to zero. Or you I was put this way. You will Or you I was put this way. You will Or you I was put this way. You will likely not get to a point where the fear likely not get to a point where the fear likely not get to a point where the fear gets to zero. After a court drew passed, gets to zero. After a court drew passed, gets to zero. After a court drew passed, I had day after day after day of I had day after day after day of I had day after day after day of climbing yet another mountain with a climbing yet another mountain with a climbing yet another mountain with a cliff with the danger of injury or cliff with the danger of injury or cliff with the danger of injury or death. And guess what? IT NEVER GOT death. And guess what? IT NEVER GOT death. And guess what? IT NEVER GOT easier on that trip. I never woke up one easier on that trip. I never woke up one easier on that trip. I never woke up one day and said, "You know what? I'm fine day and said, "You know what? I'm fine day and said, "You know what? I'm fine riding on the edge of the mountain. If I riding on the edge of the mountain. If I riding on the edge of the mountain. If I fall off, I FALL OFF." NO, THAT NEVER fall off, I FALL OFF." NO, THAT NEVER fall off, I FALL OFF." NO, THAT NEVER HAPPENED. HAPPENED. HAPPENED. And that's the same with faith, friends, And that's the same with faith, friends, And that's the same with faith, friends, because faith moves scared. Faith moves because faith moves scared. Faith moves because faith moves scared. Faith moves scared. I love what God says when scared. I love what God says when scared. I love what God says when Gideon, guys, if you read Gideon's Gideon, guys, if you read Gideon's Gideon, guys, if you read Gideon's story, he is doubtful all the way up to story, he is doubtful all the way up to story, he is doubtful all the way up to the end. I mean, like even after God has the end. I mean, like even after God has the end. I mean, like even after God has shown him this is going to happen, he's shown him this is going to happen, he's shown him this is going to happen, he's still fearful. He's still doubtful. But still fearful. He's still doubtful. But still fearful. He's still doubtful. But I love that ultimately God says to I love that ultimately God says to I love that ultimately God says to Gideon what I think he's saying to you Gideon what I think he's saying to you Gideon what I think he's saying to you and I in Judges 6:14, go in the strength and I in Judges 6:14, go in the strength and I in Judges 6:14, go in the strength that you have. Go in the strength that that you have. Go in the strength that that you have. Go in the strength that you have. Hey, you know what? Sometimes you have. Hey, you know what? Sometimes you have. Hey, you know what? Sometimes you have to do it scared. Sometimes you you have to do it scared. Sometimes you you have to do it scared. Sometimes you have to do it before anybody else is on have to do it before anybody else is on have to do it before anybody else is on board with you. Sometimes you have to do board with you. Sometimes you have to do board with you. Sometimes you have to do it when you don't feel like you have all it when you don't feel like you have all it when you don't feel like you have all the resources to do it. Sometimes you the resources to do it. Sometimes you the resources to do it. Sometimes you have to forgive before you feel like have to forgive before you feel like have to forgive before you feel like you've got the capacity to forgive.

you've got the capacity to forgive. you've got the capacity to forgive. Sometimes you've got to step in and Sometimes you've got to step in and Sometimes you've got to step in and serve when you really don't feel like serve when you really don't feel like serve when you really don't feel like you have the capacity to serve. But what you have the capacity to serve. But what you have the capacity to serve. But what God says to you and me is the same thing God says to you and me is the same thing God says to you and me is the same thing he said to Gideon. Go in the strength he said to Gideon. Go in the strength he said to Gideon. Go in the strength that you have. that you have. that you have. Because guess what? You can be scared Because guess what? You can be scared Because guess what? You can be scared and miss what God has for you. Or you and miss what God has for you. Or you and miss what God has for you. Or you can be scared and step into what God has can be scared and step into what God has can be scared and step into what God has for you. Either way, you're going to be for you. Either way, you're going to be for you. Either way, you're going to be scared. Question is, what do you want? scared. Question is, what do you want? scared. Question is, what do you want? Do you want what God has for you? And Do you want what God has for you? And Do you want what God has for you? And here's the beautiful thing. While you here's the beautiful thing. While you here's the beautiful thing. While you may need to do it scared, you're never may need to do it scared, you're never may need to do it scared, you're never doing it alone. God says to Gideon, and doing it alone. God says to Gideon, and doing it alone. God says to Gideon, and I believe he says to us in Judges 6:16, I believe he says to us in Judges 6:16, I believe he says to us in Judges 6:16, "I will be with you." "I will be with you." "I will be with you." God promises to be with us in the zigzag God promises to be with us in the zigzag God promises to be with us in the zigzag journey of faith. He promises to be with journey of faith. He promises to be with journey of faith. He promises to be with us. You might remember on the video us. You might remember on the video us. You might remember on the video there was a guy that Brian said was on there was a guy that Brian said was on there was a guy that Brian said was on the trip for a specific purpose. His the trip for a specific purpose. His the trip for a specific purpose. His name was Brad. And Brad was the guy who name was Brad. And Brad was the guy who name was Brad. And Brad was the guy who when I couldn't pick up my bike anymore, when I couldn't pick up my bike anymore, when I couldn't pick up my bike anymore, he was picking up my bike for me. Brad he was picking up my bike for me. Brad he was picking up my bike for me. Brad was the guy who was coaching me. He was was the guy who was coaching me. He was was the guy who was coaching me. He was the guy who had his arm around me when I the guy who had his arm around me when I the guy who had his arm around me when I took off the jacket and I was ready to took off the jacket and I was ready to took off the jacket and I was ready to quit. And it was pretty cool. I got to quit. And it was pretty cool. I got to quit. And it was pretty cool. I got to ride a bicycle, not motorcycle, with ride a bicycle, not motorcycle, with ride a bicycle, not motorcycle, with Brad just this weekend. And I was like, Brad just this weekend. And I was like, Brad just this weekend. And I was like, "Man, I'm talking about you this weekend "Man, I'm talking about you this weekend "Man, I'm talking about you this weekend because I would not have made it if it because I would not have made it if it because I would not have made it if it wasn't for you." And here's what I want wasn't for you." And here's what I want wasn't for you." And here's what I want you to know. God loves you so much. He you to know. God loves you so much. He you to know. God loves you so much. He believes in your life so much that he believes in your life so much that he believes in your life so much that he didn't just send a person. He didn't didn't just send a person. He didn't didn't just send a person. He didn't just send an angel. God sent his very just send an angel. God sent his very just send an angel. God sent his very son, Jesus, to come and live on the son, Jesus, to come and live on the son, Jesus, to come and live on the earth, live the perfect life you and I

earth, live the perfect life you and I earth, live the perfect life you and I could never live, die in our place on could never live, die in our place on could never live, die in our place on the cross so that we could have life the cross so that we could have life the cross so that we could have life with God. And no matter what the zigzag with God. And no matter what the zigzag with God. And no matter what the zigzag journey of your faith is, you are never journey of your faith is, you are never journey of your faith is, you are never alone because Jesus is your brat. alone because Jesus is your brat. alone because Jesus is your brat. Jesus is with you when you're fearful. Jesus is with you when you're fearful. Jesus is with you when you're fearful. He's with you when you need to vent your He's with you when you need to vent your He's with you when you need to vent your anger. He's with you when he celebrates anger. He's with you when he celebrates anger. He's with you when he celebrates your clims. No matter where you find your clims. No matter where you find your clims. No matter where you find yourselves, we serve a God who says, "I yourselves, we serve a God who says, "I yourselves, we serve a God who says, "I will always be with you. You will never will always be with you. You will never will always be with you. You will never be alone." be alone." be alone." And here's the beautiful thing. God gets And here's the beautiful thing. God gets And here's the beautiful thing. God gets the glory from that faith. When we step the glory from that faith. When we step the glory from that faith. When we step out in faith, it actually glorifies God. out in faith, it actually glorifies God. out in faith, it actually glorifies God. But don't miss it. Don't miss it. God But don't miss it. Don't miss it. God But don't miss it. Don't miss it. God also rewards faithfulness. Hebrews 11:6 also rewards faithfulness. Hebrews 11:6 also rewards faithfulness. Hebrews 11:6 again says this, "And without faith, it again says this, "And without faith, it again says this, "And without faith, it is impossible to please him. For whoever is impossible to please him. For whoever is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to him must believe that would draw near to him must believe that would draw near to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards. God exists and that he rewards. God exists and that he rewards. Everybody say rewards. Everybody say rewards. Everybody say rewards. >> Rewards. >> Rewards. >> Rewards. >> He rewards those who seek him. See, I've >> He rewards those who seek him. See, I've >> He rewards those who seek him. See, I've learned that there are some things with learned that there are some things with learned that there are some things with God that we receive simply by grace. We God that we receive simply by grace. We God that we receive simply by grace. We don't have to earn it. We can't earn it.

don't have to earn it. We can't earn it. don't have to earn it. We can't earn it. We simply receive it as a gift. One of We simply receive it as a gift. One of We simply receive it as a gift. One of those is the rescue that Jesus offers us those is the rescue that Jesus offers us those is the rescue that Jesus offers us from our brokenness and our sin. from our brokenness and our sin. from our brokenness and our sin. Restoring our relationship with God. We Restoring our relationship with God. We Restoring our relationship with God. We don't have to work for that. Thank God don't have to work for that. Thank God don't have to work for that. Thank God we just receive it by grace. And then he we just receive it by grace. And then he we just receive it by grace. And then he promises to give us God's very spirit promises to give us God's very spirit promises to give us God's very spirit alive in us, animating our thoughts, alive in us, animating our thoughts, alive in us, animating our thoughts, animating our lives, animating our animating our lives, animating our animating our lives, animating our actions in the same way it did Jesus. actions in the same way it did Jesus. actions in the same way it did Jesus. Man, that is a gift that we just simply Man, that is a gift that we just simply Man, that is a gift that we just simply get to receive. We receive family get to receive. We receive family get to receive. We receive family because no matter how we look on the because no matter how we look on the because no matter how we look on the outside, if you follow Jesus and I outside, if you follow Jesus and I outside, if you follow Jesus and I follow Jesus, we aren't like brothers follow Jesus, we aren't like brothers follow Jesus, we aren't like brothers and sisters. We are brothers and and sisters. We are brothers and and sisters. We are brothers and sisters. We receive all of that simply sisters. We receive all of that simply sisters. We receive all of that simply by grace. And there are some things when by grace. And there are some things when by grace. And there are some things when it comes to God, you will not receive it comes to God, you will not receive it comes to God, you will not receive unless you move. unless you move. unless you move. There are some things that you will have There are some things that you will have There are some things that you will have to obtain. There are some ways that you to obtain. There are some ways that you to obtain. There are some ways that you will experience God only if you act. And will experience God only if you act. And will experience God only if you act. And if not, you don't get to experience God if not, you don't get to experience God if not, you don't get to experience God that way. One of the biggest is you just that way. One of the biggest is you just that way. One of the biggest is you just get more of God. Man, anybody who's ever get more of God. Man, anybody who's ever get more of God. Man, anybody who's ever stepped out in faith, anybody who's ever stepped out in faith, anybody who's ever stepped out in faith, anybody who's ever done something out of their comfort zone done something out of their comfort zone done something out of their comfort zone that God has called you to do, I promise that God has called you to do, I promise that God has called you to do, I promise you that's a person who knows God's you that's a person who knows God's you that's a person who knows God's voice in a profound way. I promise you voice in a profound way. I promise you voice in a profound way. I promise you that's a person who has some perspective that's a person who has some perspective that's a person who has some perspective on how God can make a way out of on how God can make a way out of on how God can make a way out of nowhere. I promise you that's a person nowhere. I promise you that's a person nowhere. I promise you that's a person who even through the difficulty of it who even through the difficulty of it who even through the difficulty of it has something in their character that is has something in their character that is has something in their character that is strong that they can give away to others strong that they can give away to others strong that they can give away to others because they chose to step out in faith.

because they chose to step out in faith. because they chose to step out in faith. And here's the great thing. God is still And here's the great thing. God is still And here's the great thing. God is still looking for you. looking for you. looking for you. He's still looking for people hiding in He's still looking for people hiding in He's still looking for people hiding in wine presses. He's still looking for wine presses. He's still looking for wine presses. He's still looking for people who are still stuck in their people who are still stuck in their people who are still stuck in their shame. He's still looking for people who shame. He's still looking for people who shame. He's still looking for people who feel like they can't get over the pain feel like they can't get over the pain feel like they can't get over the pain in their life. He is still looking for in their life. He is still looking for in their life. He is still looking for partners to engage in the bigger story partners to engage in the bigger story partners to engage in the bigger story that he's writing. that he's writing. that he's writing. Will you say yes? Will you say yes? As Will you say yes? Will you say yes? As Will you say yes? Will you say yes? As we leave today, I want to leave you with we leave today, I want to leave you with we leave today, I want to leave you with two questions. And I think these two two questions. And I think these two two questions. And I think these two questions really are questions not just questions really are questions not just questions really are questions not just for the story of Gideon and how it for the story of Gideon and how it for the story of Gideon and how it applies to your life, but I think applies to your life, but I think applies to your life, but I think they're going to be true for every story they're going to be true for every story they're going to be true for every story we look at in this series. We're going we look at in this series. We're going we look at in this series. We're going to look at four additional stories. to look at four additional stories. to look at four additional stories. Joseph being one of them, some other Joseph being one of them, some other Joseph being one of them, some other names that you may know in the Bible. names that you may know in the Bible. names that you may know in the Bible. And we're going to look at each of those And we're going to look at each of those And we're going to look at each of those stories. And I think as you listen to stories. And I think as you listen to stories. And I think as you listen to these messages, I think you can ask these messages, I think you can ask these messages, I think you can ask these two questions every week. First these two questions every week. First these two questions every week. First question is, am I findable question is, am I findable question is, am I findable by God? Yeah, Gideon was hiding. He was by God? Yeah, Gideon was hiding. He was by God? Yeah, Gideon was hiding. He was hiding. But when the angel came, even in hiding. But when the angel came, even in hiding. But when the angel came, even in his clumsy way, even in his I need this his clumsy way, even in his I need this his clumsy way, even in his I need this fleece to be dry now, I need it to be fleece to be dry now, I need it to be fleece to be dry now, I need it to be wet way, he was findable. He was wet way, he was findable. He was wet way, he was findable. He was engaging with God. So ask yourself the engaging with God. So ask yourself the engaging with God. So ask yourself the question as it relates to your journey question as it relates to your journey question as it relates to your journey of faith, are you findable by God or are of faith, are you findable by God or are of faith, are you findable by God or are you hiding?

you hiding? you hiding? And the next question is this. Will you And the next question is this. Will you And the next question is this. Will you say yes to the next step? Because I wish say yes to the next step? Because I wish say yes to the next step? Because I wish I could tell you friends, when you I could tell you friends, when you I could tell you friends, when you follow Jesus, you're going to know the follow Jesus, you're going to know the follow Jesus, you're going to know the beginning from the end. He's going to beginning from the end. He's going to beginning from the end. He's going to help you understand the entire journey help you understand the entire journey help you understand the entire journey of your life. You're going to have steps of your life. You're going to have steps of your life. You're going to have steps 25 through 50 and 51 through 75. You're 25 through 50 and 51 through 75. You're 25 through 50 and 51 through 75. You're going to have ALL THE STEPS, BUT ANYBODY going to have ALL THE STEPS, BUT ANYBODY going to have ALL THE STEPS, BUT ANYBODY WHO HAS TRIED TO FOLLOW Jesus knows that WHO HAS TRIED TO FOLLOW Jesus knows that WHO HAS TRIED TO FOLLOW Jesus knows that ain't the way it goes. ain't the way it goes. ain't the way it goes. But he'll give you the next step. And if But he'll give you the next step. And if But he'll give you the next step. And if you trust him with the next step, he'll you trust him with the next step, he'll you trust him with the next step, he'll reveal the next step after that. And if reveal the next step after that. And if reveal the next step after that. And if you trust him with that step, he'll you trust him with that step, he'll you trust him with that step, he'll reveal the next step after that and the reveal the next step after that and the reveal the next step after that and the next step after that and the next step next step after that and the next step next step after that and the next step after that. And sure enough, over time, after that. And sure enough, over time, after that. And sure enough, over time, YOU'LL LOOK BACK and say, "Look at the YOU'LL LOOK BACK and say, "Look at the YOU'LL LOOK BACK and say, "Look at the 25 ways that God has been faithful in my 25 ways that God has been faithful in my 25 ways that God has been faithful in my life. Look at how God has zigzagged this life. Look at how God has zigzagged this life. Look at how God has zigzagged this journey to right where he wanted me to journey to right where he wanted me to journey to right where he wanted me to be." be." be." So, are you findable? So, are you findable? So, are you findable? And will you say yes to the next step? And will you say yes to the next step? And will you say yes to the next step? Big idea in the series again, faith is Big idea in the series again, faith is Big idea in the series again, faith is belief times action.

belief times action. belief times action. And when you step in and trust God, you And when you step in and trust God, you And when you step in and trust God, you get to be part of the bigger story he get to be part of the bigger story he get to be part of the bigger story he wants to write in your life. Let me pray wants to write in your life. Let me pray wants to write in your life. Let me pray for us. God, I pray that as we enter for us. God, I pray that as we enter for us. God, I pray that as we enter into the next uh several weeks of this into the next uh several weeks of this into the next uh several weeks of this series, we would just have our eyes and series, we would just have our eyes and series, we would just have our eyes and our ears open. God, I believe that there our ears open. God, I believe that there our ears open. God, I believe that there are people in here who have been hiding are people in here who have been hiding are people in here who have been hiding from you. And maybe that hiding is based from you. And maybe that hiding is based from you. And maybe that hiding is based on fear, bitterness, on fear, bitterness, on fear, bitterness, might just be based on deep, deep might just be based on deep, deep might just be based on deep, deep unbelief. unbelief. unbelief. But God, if they would be willing to But God, if they would be willing to But God, if they would be willing to just say, "Hey God, here I am. I I want just say, "Hey God, here I am. I I want just say, "Hey God, here I am. I I want to be findable." I believe that you will to be findable." I believe that you will to be findable." I believe that you will show up in their lives like you showed show up in their lives like you showed show up in their lives like you showed up in Gideon's life. It may not be a up in Gideon's life. It may not be a up in Gideon's life. It may not be a physical angel. It may be a person, physical angel. It may be a person, physical angel. It may be a person, maybe an opportunity to step into a maybe an opportunity to step into a maybe an opportunity to step into a group, but God, whatever it is, I pray group, but God, whatever it is, I pray group, but God, whatever it is, I pray that we would be findable by you so we that we would be findable by you so we that we would be findable by you so we can be a part of the bigger story you're can be a part of the bigger story you're can be a part of the bigger story you're telling in our lives. So God, I just telling in our lives. So God, I just telling in our lives. So God, I just pray blessings over all of us and all pray blessings over all of us and all pray blessings over all of us and all the zigzag journeys represented in this the zigzag journeys represented in this the zigzag journeys represented in this room and in homes wherever people are room and in homes wherever people are room and in homes wherever people are connecting right now because I know God, connecting right now because I know God, connecting right now because I know God, even though faith zigzags, you do not.

even though faith zigzags, you do not. even though faith zigzags, you do not. You are faithful and when we trust you You are faithful and when we trust you You are faithful and when we trust you and follow you, we find you. I pray that and follow you, we find you. I pray that and follow you, we find you. I pray that for all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. for all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. for all of us in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. >> Man, I love the reminder that faith >> Man, I love the reminder that faith >> Man, I love the reminder that faith isn't always up and to the right. Like isn't always up and to the right. Like isn't always up and to the right. Like it has zigzags. It's got a left turn it has zigzags. It's got a left turn it has zigzags. It's got a left turn when you think you're supposed to go when you think you're supposed to go when you think you're supposed to go right. It's two step forwards, one step right. It's two step forwards, one step right. It's two step forwards, one step back. That is one of the parts of just back. That is one of the parts of just back. That is one of the parts of just what it means to follow God. It's not what it means to follow God. It's not what it means to follow God. It's not always going to be a straight line. It's always going to be a straight line. It's always going to be a straight line. It's not always going to be easy. And man, not always going to be easy. And man, not always going to be easy. And man, God has good stuff when we walk with him God has good stuff when we walk with him God has good stuff when we walk with him through it. through it. through it. >> Yeah, I've definitely done the zigzag of >> Yeah, I've definitely done the zigzag of >> Yeah, I've definitely done the zigzag of especially in my career. Like, I'm going especially in my career. Like, I'm going especially in my career. Like, I'm going to trust God. I'm going to trust a to trust God. I'm going to trust a to trust God. I'm going to trust a really untrustworthy boss or advice or really untrustworthy boss or advice or really untrustworthy boss or advice or I'm going to trust myself and then I'm I'm going to trust myself and then I'm I'm going to trust myself and then I'm going to trust God again. It's like this going to trust God again. It's like this going to trust God again. It's like this thing. thing. thing. >> That's right. So, while faith isn't ever >> That's right. So, while faith isn't ever >> That's right. So, while faith isn't ever a straight line, it's also not meant to a straight line, it's also not meant to a straight line, it's also not meant to be something that we walk through alone. be something that we walk through alone. be something that we walk through alone. Chuck talked a lot about how Brad was Chuck talked a lot about how Brad was Chuck talked a lot about how Brad was there by his side, pushing over the there by his side, pushing over the there by his side, pushing over the mountain, coaching him, encouraging him. mountain, coaching him, encouraging him. mountain, coaching him, encouraging him. We all need a Brad. We all need somebody We all need a Brad. We all need somebody We all need a Brad. We all need somebody who's there with us, coaching us, who's there with us, coaching us, who's there with us, coaching us, encouraging us, just helping us to take encouraging us, just helping us to take encouraging us, just helping us to take the next step. the next step. the next step. >> We'd love to do that for you. Uh, and >> We'd love to do that for you. Uh, and >> We'd love to do that for you. Uh, and not just like we crossroads in general, not just like we crossroads in general, not just like we crossroads in general, but I mean like Jen and myself and our but I mean like Jen and myself and our but I mean like Jen and myself and our team.

team. team. >> We have a team of people. >> We have a team of people. >> We have a team of people. >> We're here for it. You can text anywhere >> We're here for it. You can text anywhere >> We're here for it. You can text anywhere to 301.301. Just literally text the word to 301.301. Just literally text the word to 301.301. Just literally text the word anywhere to 301301 and we'll reach out anywhere to 301301 and we'll reach out anywhere to 301301 and we'll reach out and connect with you. Or you can email and connect with you. Or you can email and connect with you. Or you can email us directly. We'd love to connect with us directly. We'd love to connect with us directly. We'd love to connect with you, help you find your next steps. You you, help you find your next steps. You you, help you find your next steps. You don't feel stuck, so you don't feel like don't feel stuck, so you don't feel like don't feel stuck, so you don't feel like you're only taking steps backward, but you're only taking steps backward, but you're only taking steps backward, but you are continuing to grow alongside you are continuing to grow alongside you are continuing to grow alongside other people. And we actually have an other people. And we actually have an other people. And we actually have an opportunity if you live in the Midwest, opportunity if you live in the Midwest, opportunity if you live in the Midwest, sort of the Great Lakes region, for you sort of the Great Lakes region, for you sort of the Great Lakes region, for you to grow and for you to take take a next to grow and for you to take take a next to grow and for you to take take a next step alongside other people. step alongside other people. step alongside other people. >> Excited about this. Yes, we are doing an >> Excited about this. Yes, we are doing an >> Excited about this. Yes, we are doing an anywhere weekend on the road in the anywhere weekend on the road in the anywhere weekend on the road in the Sanduski, Ohio area, which hits a lot of Sanduski, Ohio area, which hits a lot of Sanduski, Ohio area, which hits a lot of locations. We have a lot of people that locations. We have a lot of people that locations. We have a lot of people that stream within 2 hours of there. And we stream within 2 hours of there. And we stream within 2 hours of there. And we are doing a weekend where we're going to are doing a weekend where we're going to are doing a weekend where we're going to be able to connect with people face to be able to connect with people face to be able to connect with people face to face, grow spiritually, and also just face, grow spiritually, and also just face, grow spiritually, and also just have some good old unplugged time, if have some good old unplugged time, if have some good old unplugged time, if you will, of hanging out with each other you will, of hanging out with each other you will, of hanging out with each other and making friends. And it's going to be and making friends. And it's going to be and making friends. And it's going to be awesome. It is August 28th, 29th, 30th. awesome. It is August 28th, 29th, 30th. awesome. It is August 28th, 29th, 30th. That's right. That's right. That's right. >> And you can learn more about it online. >> And you can learn more about it online. >> And you can learn more about it online. And we'll really love to have anyone And we'll really love to have anyone And we'll really love to have anyone there who can come. Yeah, just check out there who can come. Yeah, just check out there who can come. Yeah, just check out crossroads.net/anyware crossroads.net/anyware crossroads.net/anyware for all the details. Hey guys, thank you for all the details. Hey guys, thank you for all the details. Hey guys, thank you so much for joining us. We'll see you so much for joining us. We'll see you so much for joining us. We'll see you next week at Crossroads.

next week at Crossroads. next week at Crossroads. >> See you.