God Is Able | Justin Bilson | Miracles of Jesus

Well, good morning church. Well, good morning church. >> This is the day that the Lord has made >> This is the day that the Lord has made >> This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. and we will rejoice and be glad in it. It is a good thing to be together in the It is a good thing to be together in the It is a good thing to be together in the Lord's house, both in the room and Lord's house, both in the room and Lord's house, both in the room and watching online. Would you do me a favor watching online. Would you do me a favor watching online. Would you do me a favor here in the room? Would you turn to here in the room? Would you turn to here in the room? Would you turn to someone next to you or someone around someone next to you or someone around someone next to you or someone around you and just tell them, "I'm glad you're you and just tell them, "I'm glad you're you and just tell them, "I'm glad you're here today." Tell them that for me. Tell here today." Tell them that for me. Tell here today." Tell them that for me. Tell them, "I'm glad you're here today. them, "I'm glad you're here today. them, "I'm glad you're here today. Amen. I always believe that's important I always believe that's important because you never know who needs to hear because you never know who needs to hear because you never know who needs to hear those words. I'm glad you're here today. those words. I'm glad you're here today. those words. I'm glad you're here today. If I haven't met you yet, my name is If I haven't met you yet, my name is If I haven't met you yet, my name is Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four Justin Bilson. I'm one of the four teaching pastors here at Fellowship. We teaching pastors here at Fellowship. We teaching pastors here at Fellowship. We are one church in seven locations and are one church in seven locations and are one church in seven locations and God is moving throughout central God is moving throughout central God is moving throughout central Arkansas. Our mission is making Arkansas. Our mission is making Arkansas. Our mission is making disciples who live by God's grace and disciples who live by God's grace and disciples who live by God's grace and for his glory at home and across the for his glory at home and across the for his glory at home and across the world. And I'm excited as we are uh last world. And I'm excited as we are uh last world. And I'm excited as we are uh last Sunday as you heard was our vision Sunday as you heard was our vision Sunday as you heard was our vision Sunday where we cast vision for where we Sunday where we cast vision for where we Sunday where we cast vision for where we believe uh to see God move in and believe uh to see God move in and believe uh to see God move in and through our church over the coming through our church over the coming through our church over the coming ministry year where we talked about this ministry year where we talked about this ministry year where we talked about this theme of God is able. Uh we wanted to theme of God is able. Uh we wanted to theme of God is able. Uh we wanted to kick off the sermon series by talking kick off the sermon series by talking kick off the sermon series by talking about uh the miracles of Jesus. And so about uh the miracles of Jesus. And so about uh the miracles of Jesus. And so we've got six sermons that we're going we've got six sermons that we're going we've got six sermons that we're going to walk through various passages in the to walk through various passages in the to walk through various passages in the word of God. Uh p primarily of course in word of God. Uh p primarily of course in word of God. Uh p primarily of course in the gospels where we see miracles, signs the gospels where we see miracles, signs the gospels where we see miracles, signs and wonders. And the heart of this and wonders. And the heart of this and wonders. And the heart of this series is to draw our attention upward series is to draw our attention upward series is to draw our attention upward to see the fact to remind us that our

to see the fact to remind us that our to see the fact to remind us that our God is able and he does work miracles. God is able and he does work miracles. God is able and he does work miracles. And so I want to invite you to join me And so I want to invite you to join me And so I want to invite you to join me as we look at this first installment in as we look at this first installment in as we look at this first installment in the series uh today in John chapter 5. the series uh today in John chapter 5. the series uh today in John chapter 5. The Gospel of John chapter 5 is where The Gospel of John chapter 5 is where The Gospel of John chapter 5 is where we're going to be today. John chapter 5. we're going to be today. John chapter 5. we're going to be today. John chapter 5. And I want to read verses 1-1 17. And I want to read verses 1-1 17. And I want to read verses 1-1 17. Primarily I'm going to read uh look at Primarily I'm going to read uh look at Primarily I'm going to read uh look at verses 1-9. Uh but [snorts] just want to verses 1-9. Uh but [snorts] just want to verses 1-9. Uh but [snorts] just want to look give us the context of this look give us the context of this look give us the context of this passage. This is a beautiful story. If passage. This is a beautiful story. If passage. This is a beautiful story. If you're not familiar with it, John 5 you're not familiar with it, John 5 you're not familiar with it, John 5 verse 1-1 17 is where we're going to be verse 1-1 17 is where we're going to be verse 1-1 17 is where we're going to be today. It'll be on the screen if you today. It'll be on the screen if you today. It'll be on the screen if you don't have it in front of you. The don't have it in front of you. The don't have it in front of you. The writer says, "After this, there was a writer says, "After this, there was a writer says, "After this, there was a feast to the Jews. And Jesus went up to feast to the Jews. And Jesus went up to feast to the Jews. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool in Aramaic called the sheep gate a pool in Aramaic called the sheep gate a pool in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed Bethesda, which has five roofed Bethesda, which has five roofed colonades, and in it lay a multitude of colonades, and in it lay a multitude of colonades, and in it lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed." invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed." invalids, blind, lame, and paralyzed." One man was there who had been an One man was there who had been an One man was there who had been an invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him invalid for 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already lying there and knew that he had already lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said, "Do you been there a long time, he said, "Do you been there a long time, he said, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man want to be healed?" The sick man want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool where the water when me into the pool where the water when me into the pool where the water when the water is stirred up." And while I'm the water is stirred up." And while I'm the water is stirred up." And while I'm going, another steps down before me.

going, another steps down before me. going, another steps down before me. Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was bed, and walk." And at once the man was bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and healed, and he took up his bed and healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been the Jews said to the man who had been the Jews said to the man who had been healed, it is the Sabbath and it is not healed, it is the Sabbath and it is not healed, it is the Sabbath and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed. But lawful for you to take up your bed. But lawful for you to take up your bed. But he answered them, "The man who healed he answered them, "The man who healed he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, take up your me, that man said to me, take up your me, that man said to me, take up your bed and walk." They asked him, "Well, bed and walk." They asked him, "Well, bed and walk." They asked him, "Well, who is this man who said to you, take up who is this man who said to you, take up who is this man who said to you, take up your bed and walk?" Now the man who had your bed and walk?" Now the man who had your bed and walk?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for been healed did not know who it was, for been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, found him in the temple and said to him, found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well. sin no more that "See, you are well. sin no more that "See, you are well. sin no more that nothing may wor nothing worse may happen nothing may wor nothing worse may happen nothing may wor nothing worse may happen to you. The man went away and told the to you. The man went away and told the to you. The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed Jews that it was Jesus who had healed Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews were him. And this was why the Jews were him. And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus because he was doing persecuting Jesus because he was doing persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. Verse 17, these things on the Sabbath. Verse 17, these things on the Sabbath. Verse 17, but Jesus answered them, "My father is but Jesus answered them, "My father is but Jesus answered them, "My father is working until now and I am working."

working until now and I am working." working until now and I am working." This is the word of the Lord to us today This is the word of the Lord to us today This is the word of the Lord to us today as we talk about uh again this title or as we talk about uh again this title or as we talk about uh again this title or this theme as we begin this series. I this theme as we begin this series. I this theme as we begin this series. I want to talk about God is able today. want to talk about God is able today. want to talk about God is able today. That's what we're going to talk about. That's what we're going to talk about. That's what we're going to talk about. God is able. Let's let's pray together. God is able. Let's let's pray together. God is able. Let's let's pray together. Father, thank you for the joy that is Father, thank you for the joy that is Father, thank you for the joy that is ours today to be in this sacred space. ours today to be in this sacred space. ours today to be in this sacred space. We feel your presence here. We know that We feel your presence here. We know that We feel your presence here. We know that your presence is not combi confined your presence is not combi confined your presence is not combi confined rather to the four walls of this rather to the four walls of this rather to the four walls of this building. But thank you, Lord, that building. But thank you, Lord, that building. But thank you, Lord, that we're in your presence, that we get to we're in your presence, that we get to we're in your presence, that we get to gather to fellowship with one another, gather to fellowship with one another, gather to fellowship with one another, to be encouraged by one another, to to be encouraged by one another, to to be encouraged by one another, to encourage one another, to lift our encourage one another, to lift our encourage one another, to lift our voices, to sing of your praises and your voices, to sing of your praises and your voices, to sing of your praises and your goodness, to be reminded that you are in goodness, to be reminded that you are in goodness, to be reminded that you are in fact a way maker. We've seen evidence of fact a way maker. We've seen evidence of fact a way maker. We've seen evidence of it every day of our lives. And Lord, now it every day of our lives. And Lord, now it every day of our lives. And Lord, now as we approach your word, your word is as we approach your word, your word is as we approach your word, your word is life and light. Lord, we need your word. life and light. Lord, we need your word. life and light. Lord, we need your word. We need your word. We would be so lost We need your word. We would be so lost We need your word. We would be so lost without it. And we thank you that your without it. And we thank you that your without it. And we thank you that your word guides us. It is word guides us. It is word guides us. It is what we need in times like these. So, what we need in times like these. So, what we need in times like these. So, Father, would your word challenge us Father, would your word challenge us Father, would your word challenge us today? Would it sharpen us? Would it today? Would it sharpen us? Would it today? Would it sharpen us? Would it convict us in the areas that we need to convict us in the areas that we need to convict us in the areas that we need to grow? Would it lift us? Would it grow? Would it lift us? Would it grow? Would it lift us? Would it encourage us? Would it give answers to encourage us? Would it give answers to encourage us? Would it give answers to the questions we have? Thank you for the questions we have? Thank you for the questions we have? Thank you for your word, Lord. Don't leave us the same your word, Lord. Don't leave us the same your word, Lord. Don't leave us the same way we came, but thank you that we will way we came, but thank you that we will way we came, but thank you that we will be transformed and bettered by spending be transformed and bettered by spending be transformed and bettered by spending time together in worship and fellowship time together in worship and fellowship time together in worship and fellowship and in your word. Jesus name we pray.

and in your word. Jesus name we pray. and in your word. Jesus name we pray. Amen. Church, it was in his classic work Church, it was in his classic work entitled miracles, a preliminary study entitled miracles, a preliminary study entitled miracles, a preliminary study that famed author and theologian CS that famed author and theologian CS that famed author and theologian CS Lewis gives his defense for not only the Lewis gives his defense for not only the Lewis gives his defense for not only the possibility but more importantly the possibility but more importantly the possibility but more importantly the significance of miracles. Lewis argues significance of miracles. Lewis argues significance of miracles. Lewis argues that miracles are a retelling in small that miracles are a retelling in small that miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is letters of the very same story which is letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in written across the whole world in written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. letters too large for some of us to see. letters too large for some of us to see. His argument is powerful and it His argument is powerful and it His argument is powerful and it intersects with our text today because intersects with our text today because intersects with our text today because one could easily argue that the healing one could easily argue that the healing one could easily argue that the healing of this man at the pool of Bethesda is a of this man at the pool of Bethesda is a of this man at the pool of Bethesda is a small letter retelling of the vast small letter retelling of the vast small letter retelling of the vast divine story of the God who creates and divine story of the God who creates and divine story of the God who creates and sustains and restores and judges evil sustains and restores and judges evil sustains and restores and judges evil and raises the dead and makes all things and raises the dead and makes all things and raises the dead and makes all things new. And because that is the case, I new. And because that is the case, I new. And because that is the case, I believe we can look at this text and believe we can look at this text and believe we can look at this text and conclude that the healing at the pool of conclude that the healing at the pool of conclude that the healing at the pool of Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but Bethesda is not an isolated miracle, but it actually points ahead to the it actually points ahead to the it actually points ahead to the resurrection. So with that in mind, we resurrection. So with that in mind, we resurrection. So with that in mind, we come to our text today where John come to our text today where John come to our text today where John chapter 5 tells us that Jesus has chapter 5 tells us that Jesus has chapter 5 tells us that Jesus has traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem during one of the Jewish feasts. Now during one of the Jewish feasts. Now during one of the Jewish feasts. Now stop just for a moment. Let's not rush stop just for a moment. Let's not rush stop just for a moment. Let's not rush in our reading of the text because that in our reading of the text because that in our reading of the text because that detail is very important. It helps to

detail is very important. It helps to detail is very important. It helps to set the stage for what we're about to set the stage for what we're about to set the stage for what we're about to see because before we get to the healing see because before we get to the healing see because before we get to the healing at the pool, we need to first consider at the pool, we need to first consider at the pool, we need to first consider the fact that it is around one of the the fact that it is around one of the the fact that it is around one of the time of the feast. So, Jerusalem is a time of the feast. So, Jerusalem is a time of the feast. So, Jerusalem is a buzz. As a matter of fact, it's one buzz. As a matter of fact, it's one buzz. As a matter of fact, it's one Jewish Christian uh one Jewishborn Jewish Christian uh one Jewishborn Jewish Christian uh one Jewishborn Christian scholar who would say that Christian scholar who would say that Christian scholar who would say that Jerusalem at the time of the feast lay Jerusalem at the time of the feast lay Jerusalem at the time of the feast lay in festive attire. He says that all in festive attire. He says that all in festive attire. He says that all around pilgrims were hastening to ward around pilgrims were hastening to ward around pilgrims were hastening to ward it from the gorgeous temple buildings it from the gorgeous temple buildings it from the gorgeous temple buildings dazzling in snow white marble and gold dazzling in snow white marble and gold dazzling in snow white marble and gold on which the slanting rays of the sun on which the slanting rays of the sun on which the slanting rays of the sun were reflected rose the smoke of the were reflected rose the smoke of the were reflected rose the smoke of the altar of burnt offering. These courts altar of burnt offering. These courts altar of burnt offering. These courts were now crowded with eager worshippers. were now crowded with eager worshippers. were now crowded with eager worshippers. Streets filled with strangers and flat Streets filled with strangers and flat Streets filled with strangers and flat roofs covered with eager gazers. I love roofs covered with eager gazers. I love roofs covered with eager gazers. I love how he poetically captures the essence how he poetically captures the essence how he poetically captures the essence of what it must have felt like in of what it must have felt like in of what it must have felt like in Jerusalem at the time of John chapter 5. Jerusalem at the time of John chapter 5. Jerusalem at the time of John chapter 5. He not only describes the scene, but he He not only describes the scene, but he He not only describes the scene, but he also helps us to understand that there's also helps us to understand that there's also helps us to understand that there's a tension in this text. There's a a tension in this text. There's a a tension in this text. There's a tension in this text because in the same tension in this text because in the same tension in this text because in the same story, you have two types of people. You story, you have two types of people. You story, you have two types of people. You have the pilgrims who have come from far have the pilgrims who have come from far have the pilgrims who have come from far and near to present themselves before and near to present themselves before and near to present themselves before God. We also find those who are the text God. We also find those who are the text God. We also find those who are the text calls them invalids. Invalids are those calls them invalids. Invalids are those calls them invalids. Invalids are those who are disabled, sick and and and and who are disabled, sick and and and and who are disabled, sick and and and and ill and they are unable to present ill and they are unable to present ill and they are unable to present themselves before the presence of God in

themselves before the presence of God in themselves before the presence of God in the temple. But instead they are waiting the temple. But instead they are waiting the temple. But instead they are waiting here by this pool in hopes to receive here by this pool in hopes to receive here by this pool in hopes to receive their healing. John tells us that these their healing. John tells us that these their healing. John tells us that these sick and disabled people were gathered sick and disabled people were gathered sick and disabled people were gathered by this pool because at the time the by this pool because at the time the by this pool because at the time the common belief or dare I say superstition common belief or dare I say superstition common belief or dare I say superstition was that this water would bring healing was that this water would bring healing was that this water would bring healing to the first person who entered it after to the first person who entered it after to the first person who entered it after an angel came from heaven and troubled an angel came from heaven and troubled an angel came from heaven and troubled or the text says stirred the waters. or the text says stirred the waters. or the text says stirred the waters. This was the common belief and that is This was the common belief and that is This was the common belief and that is why this man who is unnamed to us but why this man who is unnamed to us but why this man who is unnamed to us but the text tells us that he's been sick the text tells us that he's been sick the text tells us that he's been sick for 38 years. He's traveling here, for 38 years. He's traveling here, for 38 years. He's traveling here, coming here. We don't know if he lived coming here. We don't know if he lived coming here. We don't know if he lived here or if he visited. We don't know. here or if he visited. We don't know. here or if he visited. We don't know. But what we do know is that he was But what we do know is that he was But what we do know is that he was hoping desperately to be the first one hoping desperately to be the first one hoping desperately to be the first one to step into the water when the pool was to step into the water when the pool was to step into the water when the pool was troubled. But every year he failed to be troubled. But every year he failed to be troubled. But every year he failed to be first. So here he is after almost four first. So here he is after almost four first. So here he is after almost four decades still waiting for miracle decades still waiting for miracle decades still waiting for miracle amongst countless other sick and amongst countless other sick and amongst countless other sick and disabled people who are laying strewn disabled people who are laying strewn disabled people who are laying strewn across all this large area laying on across all this large area laying on across all this large area laying on mats. They're scattered around asking mats. They're scattered around asking mats. They're scattered around asking for arms from those who would come by.

for arms from those who would come by. for arms from those who would come by. And they're seeking for healing at this And they're seeking for healing at this And they're seeking for healing at this pool which in case you didn't know and I pool which in case you didn't know and I pool which in case you didn't know and I thought this was interesting. This pool thought this was interesting. This pool thought this was interesting. This pool was not a small pool by any regard. As a was not a small pool by any regard. As a was not a small pool by any regard. As a matter of fact, historians would suggest matter of fact, historians would suggest matter of fact, historians would suggest that it was not just one pool, but it that it was not just one pool, but it that it was not just one pool, but it was it it was one large pool divided was it it was one large pool divided was it it was one large pool divided into two pools, a north side and a south into two pools, a north side and a south into two pools, a north side and a south side. Two large pools that were side. Two large pools that were side. Two large pools that were equivalent to the size of a football equivalent to the size of a football equivalent to the size of a football field. As a matter of fact, we've got a field. As a matter of fact, we've got a field. As a matter of fact, we've got a a picture, a rendering of the a picture, a rendering of the a picture, a rendering of the possibility of what it might have looked possibility of what it might have looked possibility of what it might have looked like, a section of what it might have like, a section of what it might have like, a section of what it might have looked like. looked like. looked like. This helps us to see the sheer size of This helps us to see the sheer size of This helps us to see the sheer size of this place. And while we cannot account this place. And while we cannot account this place. And while we cannot account for how many hundreds if not thousands for how many hundreds if not thousands for how many hundreds if not thousands of people were there at one time, we do of people were there at one time, we do of people were there at one time, we do know about one man who was there. Bible know about one man who was there. Bible know about one man who was there. Bible says this man, this man who has been says this man, this man who has been says this man, this man who has been sick for 38 years was approached by sick for 38 years was approached by sick for 38 years was approached by Jesus of Nazareth who asks him a Jesus of Nazareth who asks him a Jesus of Nazareth who asks him a question. He says, "Do you want to be question. He says, "Do you want to be question. He says, "Do you want to be healed?" healed?" healed?" Now, in full transparency, every time I Now, in full transparency, every time I Now, in full transparency, every time I read this, this question always in some read this, this question always in some read this, this question always in some sense seems odd to me because verse six sense seems odd to me because verse six sense seems odd to me because verse six tells us that Jesus saw the man lying tells us that Jesus saw the man lying tells us that Jesus saw the man lying there. He discerned that he had been there. He discerned that he had been there. He discerned that he had been sick for a long time. So clearly Jesus sick for a long time. So clearly Jesus sick for a long time. So clearly Jesus knows what's going on with the man knows what's going on with the man knows what's going on with the man before he says anything. So if Jesus, if before he says anything. So if Jesus, if before he says anything. So if Jesus, if you know the man's issue, why would you you know the man's issue, why would you you know the man's issue, why would you ask this question in the first place?

ask this question in the first place? ask this question in the first place? It's obvious he wants to be healed. His It's obvious he wants to be healed. His It's obvious he wants to be healed. His his answer to Jesus's question lets him his answer to Jesus's question lets him his answer to Jesus's question lets him know that he wants to be healed. He know that he wants to be healed. He know that he wants to be healed. He says, "Sir, every time I'm trying to get says, "Sir, every time I'm trying to get says, "Sir, every time I'm trying to get to the pool, someone steps in front of to the pool, someone steps in front of to the pool, someone steps in front of me. I have no one to help me." So, the me. I have no one to help me." So, the me. I have no one to help me." So, the question is, is the issue if if it's not question is, is the issue if if it's not question is, is the issue if if it's not a lack of effort, what's the issue here? a lack of effort, what's the issue here? a lack of effort, what's the issue here? It's not that he didn't try. It's not It's not that he didn't try. It's not It's not that he didn't try. It's not that he didn't want to. It's not a lack that he didn't want to. It's not a lack that he didn't want to. It's not a lack of effort, is it then a lack of faith, of effort, is it then a lack of faith, of effort, is it then a lack of faith, or is it something deeper? That's a or is it something deeper? That's a or is it something deeper? That's a tension I want us to sit in as we tension I want us to sit in as we tension I want us to sit in as we process through this text. But before we process through this text. But before we process through this text. But before we get there, there's one question I want get there, there's one question I want get there, there's one question I want us to consider. Two questions today. But us to consider. Two questions today. But us to consider. Two questions today. But the first one is this. What does this the first one is this. What does this the first one is this. What does this narrative reveal to the reader? What narrative reveal to the reader? What narrative reveal to the reader? What what is this narrative? There's so much what is this narrative? There's so much what is this narrative? There's so much to see in this text. So so many sites to see in this text. So so many sites to see in this text. So so many sites and sounds and elements and and points and sounds and elements and and points and sounds and elements and and points in this text. But what is this revealed in this text. But what is this revealed in this text. But what is this revealed to the reader? There's two things that I to the reader? There's two things that I to the reader? There's two things that I want to show you that I saw in the text want to show you that I saw in the text want to show you that I saw in the text that blessed me this week. First thing that blessed me this week. First thing that blessed me this week. First thing is this. We'll leave it up on the screen is this. We'll leave it up on the screen is this. We'll leave it up on the screen so you can write it down if you're so you can write it down if you're so you can write it down if you're taking notes. That this text displays taking notes. That this text displays taking notes. That this text displays the divine initiative of the savior.

the divine initiative of the savior. the divine initiative of the savior. This text displays the divine initiative This text displays the divine initiative This text displays the divine initiative of the savior. What does it mean Justin? of the savior. What does it mean Justin? of the savior. What does it mean Justin? That simply means that Jesus in the text That simply means that Jesus in the text That simply means that Jesus in the text makes the first move. How do you know makes the first move. How do you know makes the first move. How do you know that? You know that. We know that that? You know that. We know that that? You know that. We know that because in verse six, the Bible says because in verse six, the Bible says because in verse six, the Bible says that Jesus saw the man. He knew his that Jesus saw the man. He knew his that Jesus saw the man. He knew his condition. He approached him and asked condition. He approached him and asked condition. He approached him and asked him the question, "Do you want to be him the question, "Do you want to be him the question, "Do you want to be healed?" What I love about this story is healed?" What I love about this story is healed?" What I love about this story is if you study the Gospel of John, if you if you study the Gospel of John, if you if you study the Gospel of John, if you study John's gospel, you'll see that study John's gospel, you'll see that study John's gospel, you'll see that this is not the only miracle in John's this is not the only miracle in John's this is not the only miracle in John's gospel, but it is one of the few, if not gospel, but it is one of the few, if not gospel, but it is one of the few, if not the only one where we see the roles the only one where we see the roles the only one where we see the roles reversed in that majority of the reversed in that majority of the reversed in that majority of the miracles in the Gospel of John, those miracles in the Gospel of John, those miracles in the Gospel of John, those who are in need came to Jesus. But in who are in need came to Jesus. But in who are in need came to Jesus. But in this miracle, Jesus goes up to the this miracle, Jesus goes up to the this miracle, Jesus goes up to the person in need. He initiates. When I person in need. He initiates. When I person in need. He initiates. When I think about Jesus initiating in the text think about Jesus initiating in the text think about Jesus initiating in the text with this man, I cannot help but think with this man, I cannot help but think with this man, I cannot help but think about how he is in many ways about how he is in many ways about how he is in many ways foreshadowing what he's going to do.

foreshadowing what he's going to do. foreshadowing what he's going to do. Because not only did he come into the Because not only did he come into the Because not only did he come into the world at the divine initiative of the world at the divine initiative of the world at the divine initiative of the father, but he also would one day go to father, but he also would one day go to father, but he also would one day go to the cross to initiate and complete the the cross to initiate and complete the the cross to initiate and complete the transfer of our sin onto him and his transfer of our sin onto him and his transfer of our sin onto him and his righteousness onto us. He initiated and righteousness onto us. He initiated and righteousness onto us. He initiated and completed this work. The cross is a completed this work. The cross is a completed this work. The cross is a finished work. And it is not because we finished work. And it is not because we finished work. And it is not because we asked him to do it. Not because we asked him to do it. Not because we asked him to do it. Not because we deserved it. No, it is because he deserved it. No, it is because he deserved it. No, it is because he initiated. Father sent his son. He initiated. Father sent his son. He initiated. Father sent his son. He initiated. John 6:38 Jesus says, "I have initiated. John 6:38 Jesus says, "I have initiated. John 6:38 Jesus says, "I have come down from heaven not to do my own come down from heaven not to do my own come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." will but the will of him who sent me." will but the will of him who sent me." Jesus initiates. He initiates with Jesus initiates. He initiates with Jesus initiates. He initiates with humanity. And in the text, he initiates humanity. And in the text, he initiates humanity. And in the text, he initiates with this man. And not only does he with this man. And not only does he with this man. And not only does he initiate, but he also extends an initiate, but he also extends an initiate, but he also extends an invitation. He extends an invitation invitation. He extends an invitation invitation. He extends an invitation through the form of a question. He asks through the form of a question. He asks through the form of a question. He asks this man, "Do you want to be healed?"

this man, "Do you want to be healed?" this man, "Do you want to be healed?" In other words, he's inviting him, In other words, he's inviting him, In other words, he's inviting him, "Come, come find healing in me. Don't "Come, come find healing in me. Don't "Come, come find healing in me. Don't spend the rest of your life waiting by spend the rest of your life waiting by spend the rest of your life waiting by this pool trying to get in. Come find this pool trying to get in. Come find this pool trying to get in. Come find healing in me." healing in me." healing in me." Church, Jesus saw this man. Church, Jesus saw this man. Church, Jesus saw this man. He spoke to him. He healed him. It's a He spoke to him. He healed him. It's a He spoke to him. He healed him. It's a beautiful story. beautiful story. beautiful story. But can I tell you in the midst of all But can I tell you in the midst of all But can I tell you in the midst of all that we see, I cannot help but wonder that we see, I cannot help but wonder that we see, I cannot help but wonder why this man and no one else? I don't why this man and no one else? I don't why this man and no one else? I don't know if you've ever thought about that know if you've ever thought about that know if you've ever thought about that as you read this text or maybe as you're as you read this text or maybe as you're as you read this text or maybe as you're listening to me preach, maybe that listening to me preach, maybe that listening to me preach, maybe that thought crossed your mind. Why this man thought crossed your mind. Why this man thought crossed your mind. Why this man and no one else? The the text says that and no one else? The the text says that and no one else? The the text says that this man was healed, but please know he this man was healed, but please know he this man was healed, but please know he was not the only sick person there. The was not the only sick person there. The was not the only sick person there. The Bible says there were multitudes of Bible says there were multitudes of Bible says there were multitudes of blind and lame and paralyzed. So many blind and lame and paralyzed. So many blind and lame and paralyzed. So many people. So, so did Jesus ignore everyone people. So, so did Jesus ignore everyone people. So, so did Jesus ignore everyone else? As a matter of fact, I told the else? As a matter of fact, I told the else? As a matter of fact, I told the first service this and I wanted to share first service this and I wanted to share first service this and I wanted to share with this with you. I just thought about with this with you. I just thought about with this with you. I just thought about this this week as I was reading the this this week as I was reading the this this week as I was reading the text. Can you imagine being the person text. Can you imagine being the person text. Can you imagine being the person next to him in this moment? Like like, next to him in this moment? Like like, next to him in this moment? Like like, "Hey, excuse me. Excuse Jesus. Where "Hey, excuse me. Excuse Jesus. Where "Hey, excuse me. Excuse Jesus. Where where you going?" Like, I know you where you going?" Like, I know you where you going?" Like, I know you healed him. What What about me? Can can healed him. What What about me? Can can healed him. What What about me? Can can you stop and and help me before you you stop and and help me before you you stop and and help me before you before you leave? I I know I know we before you leave? I I know I know we before you leave? I I know I know we don't see anyone asking that question in don't see anyone asking that question in don't see anyone asking that question in the text, but let's be honest. Maybe the text, but let's be honest. Maybe the text, but let's be honest. Maybe you're listening to me now and the you're listening to me now and the you're listening to me now and the reality of your story is you've asked reality of your story is you've asked reality of your story is you've asked that question once before. Jesus,

that question once before. Jesus, that question once before. Jesus, what about me? what about me? what about me? What about the needs that I have? What What about the needs that I have? What What about the needs that I have? What about my marriage that that is about my marriage that that is about my marriage that that is struggling? What about my family? What struggling? What about my family? What struggling? What about my family? What about my children? What about my life? I about my children? What about my life? I about my children? What about my life? I have put these prayers before you and have put these prayers before you and have put these prayers before you and I'm wrestling with this tension. What I'm wrestling with this tension. What I'm wrestling with this tension. What about me? Jesus heals one and not about me? Jesus heals one and not about me? Jesus heals one and not another in this text. And instead of me another in this text. And instead of me another in this text. And instead of me trying to explain to you why I think or trying to explain to you why I think or trying to explain to you why I think or believe Jesus healed one and not believe Jesus healed one and not believe Jesus healed one and not another, here's what I would rather do another, here's what I would rather do another, here's what I would rather do instead. I want to remind us that as instead. I want to remind us that as instead. I want to remind us that as followers of Christ, we rest in the followers of Christ, we rest in the followers of Christ, we rest in the truth that we have a savior who is able truth that we have a savior who is able truth that we have a savior who is able to heal us from physical suffering. You to heal us from physical suffering. You to heal us from physical suffering. You you may not even realize you're sitting you may not even realize you're sitting you may not even realize you're sitting next to possibly someone who has a next to possibly someone who has a next to possibly someone who has a testimony that they've been healed from testimony that they've been healed from testimony that they've been healed from physical suffering. that we serve a God physical suffering. that we serve a God physical suffering. that we serve a God who is able to heal on this side of who is able to heal on this side of who is able to heal on this side of heaven, not just in eternity, but on heaven, not just in eternity, but on heaven, not just in eternity, but on this side of heaven to heal from this side of heaven to heal from this side of heaven to heal from physical sickness and disease. He is physical sickness and disease. He is physical sickness and disease. He is able. But not only that, scripture also able. But not only that, scripture also able. But not only that, scripture also tells us that he is able because he tells us that he is able because he tells us that he is able because he rescued us not only from physical rescued us not only from physical rescued us not only from physical suffering, but he rescued us from suffering, but he rescued us from suffering, but he rescued us from eternal suffering through his finished eternal suffering through his finished eternal suffering through his finished work on the cross. And not only that, work on the cross. And not only that, work on the cross. And not only that, not only do we have a savior who can not only do we have a savior who can not only do we have a savior who can save us and heal us and and and and save us and heal us and and and and save us and heal us and and and and bring healing to our bodies from bring healing to our bodies from bring healing to our bodies from physical suffering and rescued us from physical suffering and rescued us from physical suffering and rescued us from eternal suffering, but we also have a eternal suffering, but we also have a eternal suffering, but we also have a savior who joins us in our suffering to

savior who joins us in our suffering to savior who joins us in our suffering to remind us that we're not alone. remind us that we're not alone. remind us that we're not alone. He heals from physical suffering. He He heals from physical suffering. He He heals from physical suffering. He rescued us from eternal suffering. And rescued us from eternal suffering. And rescued us from eternal suffering. And he joins us in our suffering and walks he joins us in our suffering and walks he joins us in our suffering and walks with us to let us know we are not alone. with us to let us know we are not alone. with us to let us know we are not alone. And that is why if you are here today or And that is why if you are here today or And that is why if you are here today or watching me online and you are in need watching me online and you are in need watching me online and you are in need of a miracle, desperately praying either of a miracle, desperately praying either of a miracle, desperately praying either for yourself or someone you love, I need for yourself or someone you love, I need for yourself or someone you love, I need you to know that God is able. you to know that God is able. you to know that God is able. He's able. And whether that healing He's able. And whether that healing He's able. And whether that healing materializes on this side of heaven or materializes on this side of heaven or materializes on this side of heaven or in eternity, I need you to remember that in eternity, I need you to remember that in eternity, I need you to remember that you have hope that is anchored in a you have hope that is anchored in a you have hope that is anchored in a savior who has not only suffered for you savior who has not only suffered for you savior who has not only suffered for you but will suffer with you. He initiated. but will suffer with you. He initiated. but will suffer with you. He initiated. Not only does the text tell us he Not only does the text tell us he Not only does the text tell us he initiated, but the text also shows us, initiated, but the text also shows us, initiated, but the text also shows us, it highlights, I love this, the it highlights, I love this, the it highlights, I love this, the obedience of the man in response to the obedience of the man in response to the obedience of the man in response to the authority of Jesus. The text highlights authority of Jesus. The text highlights authority of Jesus. The text highlights the obedience of the man in response to the obedience of the man in response to the obedience of the man in response to the authority of Jesus. Jesus initiates, the authority of Jesus. Jesus initiates, the authority of Jesus. Jesus initiates, comes up to the man. He extends an comes up to the man. He extends an comes up to the man. He extends an invitation to receive healing. He does invitation to receive healing. He does invitation to receive healing. He does so through the form of a question. And so through the form of a question. And so through the form of a question. And again, this is not a trick question.

again, this is not a trick question. again, this is not a trick question. He's not trying to make him slip up or He's not trying to make him slip up or He's not trying to make him slip up or see what he wants to say. No, I believe see what he wants to say. No, I believe see what he wants to say. No, I believe he's challenging him not only to he's challenging him not only to he's challenging him not only to consider, do you want to be healed? I consider, do you want to be healed? I consider, do you want to be healed? I want to take it a step further. I want to take it a step further. I want to take it a step further. I believe Jesus is challenging him to ask believe Jesus is challenging him to ask believe Jesus is challenging him to ask himself, "Am I ready to be healed?" himself, "Am I ready to be healed?" himself, "Am I ready to be healed?" Because here's the thing. If I'm ready Because here's the thing. If I'm ready Because here's the thing. If I'm ready to be healed, Jesus says, "If you're to be healed, Jesus says, "If you're to be healed, Jesus says, "If you're ready to be healed, here's what you've ready to be healed, here's what you've ready to be healed, here's what you've got to do. You've got to turn away from got to do. You've got to turn away from got to do. You've got to turn away from decades of dependence on self, on other decades of dependence on self, on other decades of dependence on self, on other people, on other things for healing." people, on other things for healing." people, on other things for healing." Because here's what I need you to know. Because here's what I need you to know. Because here's what I need you to know. This water is not going to heal you. This water is not going to heal you. This water is not going to heal you. This water is not going to heal you. But This water is not going to heal you. But This water is not going to heal you. But the good news of the story is that the the good news of the story is that the the good news of the story is that the living water is standing before you. And living water is standing before you. And living water is standing before you. And instead of you looking to this water, instead of you looking to this water, instead of you looking to this water, you need to look to the living water. you need to look to the living water. you need to look to the living water. Because the healing that you need can Because the healing that you need can Because the healing that you need can only come from Jesus. He has the power only come from Jesus. He has the power only come from Jesus. He has the power to heal not only the disease of the to heal not only the disease of the to heal not only the disease of the body, but the disease of the heart, body, but the disease of the heart, body, but the disease of the heart, which is sin. And the good news of the which is sin. And the good news of the which is sin. And the good news of the gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me.

gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. Say that again, Justin. good news of the Say that again, Justin. good news of the Say that again, Justin. good news of the gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. gospel is that Jesus can heal all of me. But in order for that to happen, I must But in order for that to happen, I must But in order for that to happen, I must look to him, trust in him, and obey his look to him, trust in him, and obey his look to him, trust in him, and obey his command. command. command. What is his command? His command in What is his command? His command in What is his command? His command in verse eight, Jesus says to the man, "Get verse eight, Jesus says to the man, "Get verse eight, Jesus says to the man, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." I love up, take up your bed, and walk." I love up, take up your bed, and walk." I love this command, right? Because not only this command, right? Because not only this command, right? Because not only does it create an opportunity for this does it create an opportunity for this does it create an opportunity for this man to exercise obedience, but it also man to exercise obedience, but it also man to exercise obedience, but it also displays the Savior's authority displays the Savior's authority displays the Savior's authority because he told him to do the very thing because he told him to do the very thing because he told him to do the very thing he could not do. he could not do. he could not do. Jesus Jesus, the man cannot walk and yet Jesus Jesus, the man cannot walk and yet Jesus Jesus, the man cannot walk and yet you tell him to get up and walk. you tell him to get up and walk. you tell him to get up and walk. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But remember Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But remember Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But remember this is not the first time Jesus asks this is not the first time Jesus asks this is not the first time Jesus asks someone to do something that seemed someone to do something that seemed someone to do something that seemed impossible. John chapter nine there is a impossible. John chapter nine there is a impossible. John chapter nine there is a man who is born blind and Jesus comes to man who is born blind and Jesus comes to man who is born blind and Jesus comes to him and and and he spits in the dirt and him and and and he spits in the dirt and him and and and he spits in the dirt and makes mud and puts mud on this blind makes mud and puts mud on this blind makes mud and puts mud on this blind man's eyes and says go and wash in the man's eyes and says go and wash in the man's eyes and says go and wash in the pool. He's blind. He's got mud on his pool. He's blind. He's got mud on his pool. He's blind. He's got mud on his eyes and you tell him to go wash in the eyes and you tell him to go wash in the eyes and you tell him to go wash in the pool. He can't see. How's he going how's pool. He can't see. How's he going how's pool. He can't see. How's he going how's he going to get there? It doesn't make he going to get there? It doesn't make he going to get there? It doesn't make sense to the natural mind. But isn't sense to the natural mind. But isn't sense to the natural mind. But isn't that the point?

that the point? that the point? Because if I really believe God is able, Because if I really believe God is able, Because if I really believe God is able, that I'm going to have to be willing to that I'm going to have to be willing to that I'm going to have to be willing to walk in obedience even when it doesn't walk in obedience even when it doesn't walk in obedience even when it doesn't make sense. I have to trust God with the make sense. I have to trust God with the make sense. I have to trust God with the outcome, which is what this man did. And outcome, which is what this man did. And outcome, which is what this man did. And the Bible says he was healed. And we the Bible says he was healed. And we the Bible says he was healed. And we praise God for that. But make no praise God for that. But make no praise God for that. But make no mistake, church, he was not healed mistake, church, he was not healed mistake, church, he was not healed because of the result of his effort. because of the result of his effort. because of the result of his effort. This is not a miracle that says, "Well, This is not a miracle that says, "Well, This is not a miracle that says, "Well, he he worked hard. He did everything he he he worked hard. He did everything he he he worked hard. He did everything he was supposed to do. He made a good was supposed to do. He made a good was supposed to do. He made a good effort and so Jesus healed him." No. effort and so Jesus healed him." No. effort and so Jesus healed him." No. Because if this was simply a matter of Because if this was simply a matter of Because if this was simply a matter of willpower willpower willpower or good planning, he probably would have or good planning, he probably would have or good planning, he probably would have already made it to the pool by now. I I already made it to the pool by now. I I already made it to the pool by now. I I I don't know if you thought about this. I don't know if you thought about this. I don't know if you thought about this. I did. If it was me, I wouldn't have I did. If it was me, I wouldn't have I did. If it was me, I wouldn't have waited 38 years. After about year three, waited 38 years. After about year three, waited 38 years. After about year three, after I figured it out, I'm I'm scooting after I figured it out, I'm I'm scooting after I figured it out, I'm I'm scooting my mat as close as I can get to the edge my mat as close as I can get to the edge my mat as close as I can get to the edge of this water. And if I just got to roll of this water. And if I just got to roll of this water. And if I just got to roll over, I don't know. I'mma figure it out, over, I don't know. I'mma figure it out, over, I don't know. I'mma figure it out, right? But at the end of the day, it's right? But at the end of the day, it's right? But at the end of the day, it's not a matter of good effort or good not a matter of good effort or good not a matter of good effort or good planning or better willpower. No, this planning or better willpower. No, this planning or better willpower. No, this miracle is a work of God's grace.

miracle is a work of God's grace. miracle is a work of God's grace. That's why the story reminds us that That's why the story reminds us that That's why the story reminds us that anytime we experience a miraculous in anytime we experience a miraculous in anytime we experience a miraculous in our lives, we should be humbled because our lives, we should be humbled because our lives, we should be humbled because it's a work of God's grace. It's not a it's a work of God's grace. It's not a it's a work of God's grace. It's not a result of our efforts. It's a work of result of our efforts. It's a work of result of our efforts. It's a work of God's grace. And I would also say not God's grace. And I would also say not God's grace. And I would also say not only is it not a work of a result of our only is it not a work of a result of our only is it not a work of a result of our efforts, I would also say it is not a efforts, I would also say it is not a efforts, I would also say it is not a result of our lack of effort. Why do you result of our lack of effort. Why do you result of our lack of effort. Why do you say that Justin? Because some may have say that Justin? Because some may have say that Justin? Because some may have had moments in your journey where the had moments in your journey where the had moments in your journey where the enemy has tried to convince you that God enemy has tried to convince you that God enemy has tried to convince you that God has not answered your prayer because you has not answered your prayer because you has not answered your prayer because you haven't done enough. haven't done enough. haven't done enough. But at the end of the day, it's not But at the end of the day, it's not But at the end of the day, it's not about your effort or lack thereof or about your effort or lack thereof or about your effort or lack thereof or what you think you need to do more of. what you think you need to do more of. what you think you need to do more of. The miracle is a work of God's grace The miracle is a work of God's grace The miracle is a work of God's grace through Christ. It's a reminder to through Christ. It's a reminder to through Christ. It's a reminder to everyone who is under the sound of my everyone who is under the sound of my everyone who is under the sound of my voice in the room and watching online voice in the room and watching online voice in the room and watching online that if you are waiting for a miracle, that if you are waiting for a miracle, that if you are waiting for a miracle, if you are trusting and believing God to if you are trusting and believing God to if you are trusting and believing God to do something, know that he is able.

do something, know that he is able. do something, know that he is able. But Justin, I'm not, if I'm honest, I'm But Justin, I'm not, if I'm honest, I'm But Justin, I'm not, if I'm honest, I'm not waiting for a miracle. things in my not waiting for a miracle. things in my not waiting for a miracle. things in my life are are going well right now. life are are going well right now. life are are going well right now. Praise God for that. But can I challenge Praise God for that. But can I challenge Praise God for that. But can I challenge you that you may not be waiting for a you that you may not be waiting for a you that you may not be waiting for a miracle, but what you do need to do, miracle, but what you do need to do, miracle, but what you do need to do, what we all need to do is to celebrate what we all need to do is to celebrate what we all need to do is to celebrate the miracles we see in our lives. As a the miracles we see in our lives. As a the miracles we see in our lives. As a matter of fact, there's one miracle that matter of fact, there's one miracle that matter of fact, there's one miracle that we need to celebrate every day we wake we need to celebrate every day we wake we need to celebrate every day we wake up. Because when we look in the mirror, up. Because when we look in the mirror, up. Because when we look in the mirror, we are looking at a miracle. We're we are looking at a miracle. We're we are looking at a miracle. We're looking at a miracle. Someone who has looking at a miracle. Someone who has looking at a miracle. Someone who has been saved from eternal punishment, set been saved from eternal punishment, set been saved from eternal punishment, set free from the penalty of sin and raised free from the penalty of sin and raised free from the penalty of sin and raised to new life in Christ. We are a walking to new life in Christ. We are a walking to new life in Christ. We are a walking miracle because what Jesus has done in miracle because what Jesus has done in miracle because what Jesus has done in us is amazing. us is amazing. us is amazing. As beautiful as that is to hear, As beautiful as that is to hear, As beautiful as that is to hear, I believe that there's still someone I believe that there's still someone I believe that there's still someone listening to me today listening to me today listening to me today that in your heart, if you're honest, that in your heart, if you're honest, that in your heart, if you're honest, you feel this tension you feel this tension you feel this tension because again, you you do not discount because again, you you do not discount because again, you you do not discount the fact that God is able. You believe the fact that God is able. You believe the fact that God is able. You believe God is able. You know that God has God is able. You know that God has God is able. You know that God has worked in your life and all of that is worked in your life and all of that is worked in your life and all of that is great. And yet, even as you've been great. And yet, even as you've been great. And yet, even as you've been listening to the spirit speak through listening to the spirit speak through listening to the spirit speak through this word, there is still a quiet this word, there is still a quiet this word, there is still a quiet question in your heart. And the question question in your heart. And the question question in your heart. And the question is this. How do I believe that God is is this. How do I believe that God is is this. How do I believe that God is still able?

still able? still able? How do I believe that God is still How do I believe that God is still How do I believe that God is still able? able? able? Justin, I've been I've been waiting. Justin, I've been I've been waiting. Justin, I've been I've been waiting. I've been praying. Doing all that I was I've been praying. Doing all that I was I've been praying. Doing all that I was taught to do. all the things that I know taught to do. all the things that I know taught to do. all the things that I know that I needed to do. And the reality of that I needed to do. And the reality of that I needed to do. And the reality of my story is not only have things not my story is not only have things not my story is not only have things not gotten better, as a matter of fact, gotten better, as a matter of fact, gotten better, as a matter of fact, they've gotten worse. they've gotten worse. they've gotten worse. And I love this man's story. Yes. And I And I love this man's story. Yes. And I And I love this man's story. Yes. And I celebrate his story, but Justin, I don't celebrate his story, but Justin, I don't celebrate his story, but Justin, I don't feel like the man in this story. I feel feel like the man in this story. I feel feel like the man in this story. I feel like the person next to him. I'm like the person next to him. I'm like the person next to him. I'm celebrating somebody else's miracle. But celebrating somebody else's miracle. But celebrating somebody else's miracle. But I'm asking, Lord, what about me? I'm I'm asking, Lord, what about me? I'm I'm asking, Lord, what about me? I'm still waiting on mine. I'm still praying still waiting on mine. I'm still praying still waiting on mine. I'm still praying and hoping and struggling to believe. and hoping and struggling to believe. and hoping and struggling to believe. So, what do I do? So, what do I do? So, what do I do? What do I do? How do I still believe What do I do? How do I still believe What do I do? How do I still believe when what I prayed for is not matching when what I prayed for is not matching when what I prayed for is not matching what I see in front of me? what I see in front of me? what I see in front of me? That's a question I had to wrestle with That's a question I had to wrestle with That's a question I had to wrestle with even in my own life. Some of you know uh even in my own life. Some of you know uh even in my own life. Some of you know uh my journey a few years ago. Um my journey a few years ago. Um my journey a few years ago. Um it's on a Tuesday. I was talking to my it's on a Tuesday. I was talking to my it's on a Tuesday. I was talking to my mother and uh she was mother and uh she was mother and uh she was not talking right in my opinion and um not talking right in my opinion and um not talking right in my opinion and um her husband called me uh at the time and her husband called me uh at the time and her husband called me uh at the time and said, "Hey, mom's not doing well, so she said, "Hey, mom's not doing well, so she said, "Hey, mom's not doing well, so she we think she had a ministroke, so we're we think she had a ministroke, so we're we think she had a ministroke, so we're going to take her to the hospital in going to take her to the hospital in going to take her to the hospital in Orlando. It's okay." Called me uh that Orlando. It's okay." Called me uh that Orlando. It's okay." Called me uh that night said, "Well, she's doing good.

night said, "Well, she's doing good. night said, "Well, she's doing good. They did a little procedure and she's They did a little procedure and she's They did a little procedure and she's under anesthesia. She had anesthesia and under anesthesia. She had anesthesia and under anesthesia. She had anesthesia and she'll wake up, you know, when she's she'll wake up, you know, when she's she'll wake up, you know, when she's ready, but she's doing good. She's ready, but she's doing good. She's ready, but she's doing good. She's stable." Great. Next day I get a call. stable." Great. Next day I get a call. stable." Great. Next day I get a call. How's she doing? Well, she hadn't woken How's she doing? Well, she hadn't woken How's she doing? Well, she hadn't woken up yet, but but we think the medicine's up yet, but but we think the medicine's up yet, but but we think the medicine's wearing off. Okay, great. Next day, wearing off. Okay, great. Next day, wearing off. Okay, great. Next day, hadn't woken up yet. Now, she's in hadn't woken up yet. Now, she's in hadn't woken up yet. Now, she's in Florida and it's during COVID, so I Florida and it's during COVID, so I Florida and it's during COVID, so I can't go be in the hospital. And and I I can't go be in the hospital. And and I I can't go be in the hospital. And and I I remember like it was yesterday. We were remember like it was yesterday. We were remember like it was yesterday. We were my my wife and I and my son, we were my my wife and I and my son, we were my my wife and I and my son, we were walking around the parking lot here at walking around the parking lot here at walking around the parking lot here at the West Campus and and and and one of the West Campus and and and and one of the West Campus and and and and one of my uncles said, "Hey, I I know you've my uncles said, "Hey, I I know you've my uncles said, "Hey, I I know you've been getting information uh from from been getting information uh from from been getting information uh from from from husband and and and getting from husband and and and getting from husband and and and getting information, but I I think you need to information, but I I think you need to information, but I I think you need to call and just confirm yourself cuz this call and just confirm yourself cuz this call and just confirm yourself cuz this doesn't sound right. Person under doesn't sound right. Person under doesn't sound right. Person under anesthesia that long, doesn't wake up. anesthesia that long, doesn't wake up. anesthesia that long, doesn't wake up. What What What's the issue?" So, I What What What's the issue?" So, I What What What's the issue?" So, I called and I was on the phone with the called and I was on the phone with the called and I was on the phone with the nurse or waiting for the nurse rather on nurse or waiting for the nurse rather on nurse or waiting for the nurse rather on hold for about 30 minutes. And I'll hold for about 30 minutes. And I'll hold for about 30 minutes. And I'll never forget it, church. I I got on the never forget it, church. I I got on the never forget it, church. I I got on the phone with her and I said, "Hey, my name phone with her and I said, "Hey, my name phone with her and I said, "Hey, my name is Justin. My mother's name is Taria." is Justin. My mother's name is Taria." is Justin. My mother's name is Taria." And she she had a procedure and and and And she she had a procedure and and and And she she had a procedure and and and her husband told me she still hadn't her husband told me she still hadn't her husband told me she still hadn't woken up yet. And I was just trying to woken up yet. And I was just trying to woken up yet. And I was just trying to get clarity. And she said, "Oh, you're get clarity. And she said, "Oh, you're get clarity. And she said, "Oh, you're the son." I said, "Yes." And she said, the son." I said, "Yes." And she said, the son." I said, "Yes." And she said, "Well, what I've been trying to tell her "Well, what I've been trying to tell her "Well, what I've been trying to tell her husband is that she's not under husband is that she's not under husband is that she's not under anesthesia. She's in a coma."

anesthesia. She's in a coma." anesthesia. She's in a coma." Church, I I stood in the parking lot of Church, I I stood in the parking lot of Church, I I stood in the parking lot of this campus for what felt like eternity. this campus for what felt like eternity. this campus for what felt like eternity. Cuz that was not what I expected. Cuz that was not what I expected. Cuz that was not what I expected. So I immediately went in to do what I So I immediately went in to do what I So I immediately went in to do what I know to do. And so I prayed and my wife know to do. And so I prayed and my wife know to do. And so I prayed and my wife and I, we fasted. I called friends and and I, we fasted. I called friends and and I, we fasted. I called friends and loved ones. We were praying. We were loved ones. We were praying. We were loved ones. We were praying. We were believing, trusting God. I had him. I believing, trusting God. I had him. I believing, trusting God. I had him. I said, "Hey, go up to the hospital, put said, "Hey, go up to the hospital, put said, "Hey, go up to the hospital, put the phone near her ear. It was Mother's the phone near her ear. It was Mother's the phone near her ear. It was Mother's Day. Put the phone near her ear and Day. Put the phone near her ear and Day. Put the phone near her ear and let's pray and let's sing songs." And let's pray and let's sing songs." And let's pray and let's sing songs." And oh, her foot moved. Oh, her hand moved. oh, her foot moved. Oh, her hand moved. oh, her foot moved. Oh, her hand moved. Praise God. There's there's progress. Praise God. There's there's progress. Praise God. There's there's progress. But what I was seeing and what I was But what I was seeing and what I was But what I was seeing and what I was believing for weren't matching up. I believing for weren't matching up. I believing for weren't matching up. I kept believing. I kept praying. I kept kept believing. I kept praying. I kept kept believing. I kept praying. I kept doing what I knew to do, what I was doing what I knew to do, what I was doing what I knew to do, what I was taught to do, what I believed to do. And taught to do, what I believed to do. And taught to do, what I believed to do. And then Friday morning, May 15th, then Friday morning, May 15th, then Friday morning, May 15th, I called 3:30 in the morning from doctor I called 3:30 in the morning from doctor I called 3:30 in the morning from doctor in Florida and said, "Hey, um, we had an in Florida and said, "Hey, um, we had an in Florida and said, "Hey, um, we had an issue. Your mother's blood pressure issue. Your mother's blood pressure issue. Your mother's blood pressure dropped and and and we're we're a little dropped and and and we're we're a little dropped and and and we're we're a little nervous. We got to do emergency nervous. We got to do emergency nervous. We got to do emergency surgery." I said, "Okay, all right. Um, surgery." I said, "Okay, all right. Um, surgery." I said, "Okay, all right. Um, I I made up in my mind, my wife was I I made up in my mind, my wife was I I made up in my mind, my wife was there and I said, "Hey, maybe I need to there and I said, "Hey, maybe I need to there and I said, "Hey, maybe I need to drive to Orlando." It was it was during drive to Orlando." It was it was during drive to Orlando." It was it was during the beginning of COVID. I didn't want to the beginning of COVID. I didn't want to the beginning of COVID. I didn't want to get on a plane. I said, "Maybe I need to get on a plane. I said, "Maybe I need to get on a plane. I said, "Maybe I need to drive to Orlando." And before I could drive to Orlando." And before I could drive to Orlando." And before I could get in the car, 12:00, get in the car, 12:00, get in the car, 12:00, doctor calls back and says, "Hey, just doctor calls back and says, "Hey, just doctor calls back and says, "Hey, just want to give you an update. Um, we're want to give you an update. Um, we're want to give you an update. Um, we're not seeing signs of brain activity."

not seeing signs of brain activity." not seeing signs of brain activity." What What do you mean no signs of brain What What do you mean no signs of brain What What do you mean no signs of brain activity? What What does that mean? I activity? What What does that mean? I activity? What What does that mean? I said, "Well, in the state of Florida, if said, "Well, in the state of Florida, if said, "Well, in the state of Florida, if there's no brain activity, it means that there's no brain activity, it means that there's no brain activity, it means that she's deceased." That's not what I expected. I just That's not what I expected. I just talked to her last Tuesday. We we just talked to her last Tuesday. We we just talked to her last Tuesday. We we just we just celebrated Mother's Day. I we just celebrated Mother's Day. I we just celebrated Mother's Day. I called her on the phone. What? What? called her on the phone. What? What? called her on the phone. What? What? Hold wait a minute. Hold wait a minute. Hold wait a minute. I sat there on the couch after having to I sat there on the couch after having to I sat there on the couch after having to call my grandmother and tell my call my grandmother and tell my call my grandmother and tell my grandmother that her oldest child died. grandmother that her oldest child died. grandmother that her oldest child died. And I sat there and I said, "God, I did And I sat there and I said, "God, I did And I sat there and I said, "God, I did everything that I was supposed to do. everything that I was supposed to do. everything that I was supposed to do. This is not what I expected This is not what I expected This is not what I expected six years ago. And even to this day, I six years ago. And even to this day, I six years ago. And even to this day, I still wrestle in my heart. still wrestle in my heart. still wrestle in my heart. But what I continue to learn and what I But what I continue to learn and what I But what I continue to learn and what I have grown and am growing every day to have grown and am growing every day to have grown and am growing every day to acknowledge is that in these hard acknowledge is that in these hard acknowledge is that in these hard moments I have a choice. moments I have a choice. moments I have a choice. Here's the first choice that I can make. Here's the first choice that I can make. Here's the first choice that I can make. I must choose I must choose I must choose to trust in the sovereignty of God.

to trust in the sovereignty of God. to trust in the sovereignty of God. I must choose. It is a choice. My flesh I must choose. It is a choice. My flesh I must choose. It is a choice. My flesh wants to do its own thing. My flesh wants to do its own thing. My flesh wants to do its own thing. My flesh wants to do what it wants. My flesh wants to do what it wants. My flesh wants to do what it wants. My flesh wants to believe what it wants. And yet wants to believe what it wants. And yet wants to believe what it wants. And yet I must choose in my heart and in my I must choose in my heart and in my I must choose in my heart and in my spirit to trust the sovereignty of God. spirit to trust the sovereignty of God. spirit to trust the sovereignty of God. To believe that he sees what I do not. To believe that he sees what I do not. To believe that he sees what I do not. That he knows what I do not. And I wrote That he knows what I do not. And I wrote That he knows what I do not. And I wrote this down in my notes that a change and this down in my notes that a change and this down in my notes that a change and somebody needs to hear this. I believe somebody needs to hear this. I believe somebody needs to hear this. I believe today that a change in my plan is not a today that a change in my plan is not a today that a change in my plan is not a change in his. change in his. change in his. Justin, what I'm seeing right now was Justin, what I'm seeing right now was Justin, what I'm seeing right now was not what I planned for. This is not how not what I planned for. This is not how not what I planned for. This is not how I wanted my life to go. I've got my list I wanted my life to go. I've got my list I wanted my life to go. I've got my list of goals. I've got my chart planned out. of goals. I've got my chart planned out. of goals. I've got my chart planned out. This is not what I thought, but a change This is not what I thought, but a change This is not what I thought, but a change in my plan is not a change in his. He's in my plan is not a change in his. He's in my plan is not a change in his. He's not surprised. He's not a caught off not surprised. He's not a caught off not surprised. He's not a caught off guard. He is sovereign. guard. He is sovereign. guard. He is sovereign. And maybe you're here and you're dealing And maybe you're here and you're dealing And maybe you're here and you're dealing with an unexpected change in life. But I with an unexpected change in life. But I with an unexpected change in life. But I need you to know and I need you to need you to know and I need you to need you to know and I need you to believe and choose to believe that God believe and choose to believe that God believe and choose to believe that God is still able. He's sovereign. is still able. He's sovereign. is still able. He's sovereign. That's first choice. And even in the That's first choice. And even in the That's first choice. And even in the midst of the hard thing, the second midst of the hard thing, the second midst of the hard thing, the second choice I have to make is that I have to choice I have to make is that I have to choice I have to make is that I have to choose to trust that he sees. He knows choose to trust that he sees. He knows choose to trust that he sees. He knows and he is with me. I have to choose to and he is with me. I have to choose to and he is with me. I have to choose to trust that he sees that he knows trust that he sees that he knows trust that he sees that he knows and he is with me.

and he is with me. and he is with me. Justin, all that sounds good and that Justin, all that sounds good and that Justin, all that sounds good and that sounds great, but does this take away sounds great, but does this take away sounds great, but does this take away the pain? I got to be honest, it may the pain? I got to be honest, it may the pain? I got to be honest, it may not. not. not. For the rest of my days, I will always For the rest of my days, I will always For the rest of my days, I will always wrestle with this void of the absence of wrestle with this void of the absence of wrestle with this void of the absence of my mother. But here's what I am my mother. But here's what I am my mother. But here's what I am learning. It may not take away the pain, learning. It may not take away the pain, learning. It may not take away the pain, but it will change your perspective. It but it will change your perspective. It but it will change your perspective. It will change your perspective. That your will change your perspective. That your will change your perspective. That your resolve will be that even in the midst resolve will be that even in the midst resolve will be that even in the midst of this, I still believe God is able. I of this, I still believe God is able. I of this, I still believe God is able. I still believe he's able. still believe he's able. still believe he's able. And even when our expectations, And even when our expectations, And even when our expectations, because you do know that a lot of times, because you do know that a lot of times, because you do know that a lot of times, yes, scripture says if we pray, we pray yes, scripture says if we pray, we pray yes, scripture says if we pray, we pray God's word. But let's be honest, there God's word. But let's be honest, there God's word. But let's be honest, there are times when we pray, we're praying are times when we pray, we're praying are times when we pray, we're praying God's word, but we also layer underneath God's word, but we also layer underneath God's word, but we also layer underneath that our expectation. that our expectation. that our expectation. We all do it. We all do it. We all do it. But what happens when our expectations But what happens when our expectations But what happens when our expectations go unanswered? We can be disappointed. go unanswered? We can be disappointed. go unanswered? We can be disappointed. We've been disappointed. Some of you, We've been disappointed. Some of you, We've been disappointed. Some of you, maybe that's where you are right now. maybe that's where you are right now. maybe that's where you are right now. You're not mad at God, but you're You're not mad at God, but you're You're not mad at God, but you're disappointed disappointed disappointed because you've been praying and it because you've been praying and it because you've been praying and it doesn't seem like it's happening. And doesn't seem like it's happening. And doesn't seem like it's happening. And instead of giving up, the writer wants instead of giving up, the writer wants instead of giving up, the writer wants us to know that we need to choose to us to know that we need to choose to us to know that we need to choose to remember God's heart.

remember God's heart. remember God's heart. And that gives us strength to trust. And that gives us strength to trust. And that gives us strength to trust. I don't know what you need. I don't know I don't know what you need. I don't know I don't know what you need. I don't know what you're going through, but I pray what you're going through, but I pray what you're going through, but I pray that your resolve today is that God is that your resolve today is that God is that your resolve today is that God is still able. Yes, I pray and believe that still able. Yes, I pray and believe that still able. Yes, I pray and believe that God will do in your life what you are God will do in your life what you are God will do in your life what you are praying for. And even when you leave praying for. And even when you leave praying for. And even when you leave today, you still may be waiting, but today, you still may be waiting, but today, you still may be waiting, but know that God is working. know that God is working. know that God is working. Know that God is working. Know that God is working. Know that God is working. He is working He is working He is working and he is able. and he is able. and he is able. So here's how I want to end today. So here's how I want to end today. So here's how I want to end today. I was praying about how to close this I was praying about how to close this I was praying about how to close this message message message and I believe you never know the needs and I believe you never know the needs and I believe you never know the needs of those who are sitting next to you. of those who are sitting next to you. of those who are sitting next to you. Maybe you do, maybe you don't. But I Maybe you do, maybe you don't. But I Maybe you do, maybe you don't. But I want to challenge us to practice the one want to challenge us to practice the one want to challenge us to practice the one anothers and I want to give us anothers and I want to give us anothers and I want to give us opportunity to ask the person next to us opportunity to ask the person next to us opportunity to ask the person next to us or someone around us, how can I pray for or someone around us, how can I pray for or someone around us, how can I pray for you today? Maybe you're sitting next to you today? Maybe you're sitting next to you today? Maybe you're sitting next to your spouse and this is a great your spouse and this is a great your spouse and this is a great opportunity for you to love them like opportunity for you to love them like opportunity for you to love them like Jesus loves them and ask them how can I Jesus loves them and ask them how can I Jesus loves them and ask them how can I pray for you today? Maybe you're sitting pray for you today? Maybe you're sitting pray for you today? Maybe you're sitting next to your children or your next to your children or your next to your children or your grandchildren or a D-group member or a grandchildren or a D-group member or a grandchildren or a D-group member or a neighbor or a friend and maybe you don't neighbor or a friend and maybe you don't neighbor or a friend and maybe you don't know them at all. Or maybe you're know them at all. Or maybe you're know them at all. Or maybe you're sitting next to someone who doesn't know sitting next to someone who doesn't know sitting next to someone who doesn't know Jesus. It's still a great opportunity to Jesus. It's still a great opportunity to Jesus. It's still a great opportunity to say, "Hey, how can I pray for you say, "Hey, how can I pray for you say, "Hey, how can I pray for you today?" Justin, that's a really good um today?" Justin, that's a really good um today?" Justin, that's a really good um really really good question. I'm an really really good question. I'm an really really good question. I'm an introvert. Here's the thing. I really introvert. Here's the thing. I really introvert. Here's the thing. I really don't like talking to people I don't don't like talking to people I don't don't like talking to people I don't know. Guess what? I'm an introvert, too.

know. Guess what? I'm an introvert, too. know. Guess what? I'm an introvert, too. Well, how you getting up on stage Well, how you getting up on stage Well, how you getting up on stage talking to people, that's the Holy talking to people, that's the Holy talking to people, that's the Holy Spirit. That's not me. Spirit. That's not me. Spirit. That's not me. But here's the thing. I believe that if But here's the thing. I believe that if But here's the thing. I believe that if we say we are a church family, if we say we say we are a church family, if we say we say we are a church family, if we say we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, which we are, and we should be willing which we are, and we should be willing which we are, and we should be willing to stretch ourselves and ask those to stretch ourselves and ask those to stretch ourselves and ask those around us, "How can I pray for you? around us, "How can I pray for you? around us, "How can I pray for you? And so that's how I want us to end And so that's how I want us to end And so that's how I want us to end today. Before we sing, before we respond today. Before we sing, before we respond today. Before we sing, before we respond in worship, let's go ahead. Let's do in worship, let's go ahead. Let's do in worship, let's go ahead. Let's do this now. Either the person next to you this now. Either the person next to you this now. Either the person next to you or someone around you, ask them, "How or someone around you, ask them, "How or someone around you, ask them, "How can I pray for you today?" And then can I pray for you today?" And then can I pray for you today?" And then after you take time to pray, allow them after you take time to pray, allow them after you take time to pray, allow them to do the same for you. And if you're to do the same for you. And if you're to do the same for you. And if you're watching online and you need prayer, watching online and you need prayer, watching online and you need prayer, email us carefellowshipar.com. email us carefellowshipar.com. email us carefellowshipar.com. We would love to pray with you. So let's We would love to pray with you. So let's We would love to pray with you. So let's go ahead. Let's everyone, let's do that go ahead. Let's everyone, let's do that go ahead. Let's everyone, let's do that now. Let's ask each other, how can I now. Let's ask each other, how can I now. Let's ask each other, how can I pray for you today? Let's respond. Let's pray for you today? Let's respond. Let's pray for you today? Let's respond. Let's pray for one another and then we'll pray for one another and then we'll pray for one another and then we'll worship in just a moment. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. [music] We are blessed to reach of God. [music] We are blessed to reach of God. [music] We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.

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