FIRST WEDNESDAY | Pastor Aaron Burke

I have a word that the Lord gave me, and I have a word that the Lord gave me, and it came out of a personal time with the it came out of a personal time with the it came out of a personal time with the Lord in November. Lord in November. Lord in November. And I was just dealing with a major And I was just dealing with a major And I was just dealing with a major scenario in our church that just was so scenario in our church that just was so scenario in our church that just was so tough. So tough. tough. So tough. tough. So tough. And in this moment of just struggle and And in this moment of just struggle and And in this moment of just struggle and and really I mean if I could say it it and really I mean if I could say it it and really I mean if I could say it it was a a moment of of deep suffering. was a a moment of of deep suffering. was a a moment of of deep suffering. Um the Lord led me to this passage that Um the Lord led me to this passage that Um the Lord led me to this passage that um radically transformed my life. um radically transformed my life. um radically transformed my life. And you will probably forget who I am, And you will probably forget who I am, And you will probably forget who I am, and that's okay. My goal is not for you and that's okay. My goal is not for you and that's okay. My goal is not for you to know me. to know me. to know me. But I never want you to forget the truth But I never want you to forget the truth But I never want you to forget the truth that God wants to reveal in this passage that God wants to reveal in this passage that God wants to reveal in this passage today. And I titled the message this, if today. And I titled the message this, if today. And I titled the message this, if you're writing notes, I I titled the you're writing notes, I I titled the you're writing notes, I I titled the message the other side of suffering. message the other side of suffering. message the other side of suffering. The other side of suffering. I I have The other side of suffering. I I have The other side of suffering. I I have this crazy belief this crazy belief this crazy belief that if you are in the midst of that if you are in the midst of that if you are in the midst of suffering right now, in a very tough suffering right now, in a very tough suffering right now, in a very tough season, maybe it's it's tough in your season, maybe it's it's tough in your season, maybe it's it's tough in your marriage, maybe it's tough in your marriage, maybe it's tough in your marriage, maybe it's tough in your finances, maybe it's just a struggle finances, maybe it's just a struggle finances, maybe it's just a struggle when it comes to your kids.

when it comes to your kids. when it comes to your kids. If you could recognize what's on the If you could recognize what's on the If you could recognize what's on the other side of the suffering, then you other side of the suffering, then you other side of the suffering, then you [snorts] would understand that even what [snorts] would understand that even what [snorts] would understand that even what you're going through right now is worth you're going through right now is worth you're going through right now is worth it. it. it. And no matter how difficult it is, no And no matter how difficult it is, no And no matter how difficult it is, no matter how painful it is, that we serve matter how painful it is, that we serve matter how painful it is, that we serve a God that has another side of a God that has another side of a God that has another side of suffering. That if he brings us to suffering. That if he brings us to suffering. That if he brings us to something, that it's not pointless, it's something, that it's not pointless, it's something, that it's not pointless, it's not random. Is there anybody that's not random. Is there anybody that's not random. Is there anybody that's grateful that we serve a sovereign God? grateful that we serve a sovereign God? grateful that we serve a sovereign God? An in-charge God? A God that's working An in-charge God? A God that's working An in-charge God? A God that's working all things together for the good. So we all things together for the good. So we all things together for the good. So we know that there's something on the other know that there's something on the other know that there's something on the other side of suffering. And and if we side of suffering. And and if we side of suffering. And and if we remember the other side of suffering, remember the other side of suffering, remember the other side of suffering, then then it'll help us get through what then then it'll help us get through what then then it'll help us get through what we're going through a little bit better we're going through a little bit better we're going through a little bit better than what we're going through it right than what we're going through it right than what we're going through it right now. Cuz let's be real, some of us, if now. Cuz let's be real, some of us, if now. Cuz let's be real, some of us, if suffering was a test, you wouldn't be suffering was a test, you wouldn't be suffering was a test, you wouldn't be fail you wouldn't be passing it right fail you wouldn't be passing it right fail you wouldn't be passing it right now cuz you ain't handled this season now cuz you ain't handled this season now cuz you ain't handled this season really well. really well. really well. You ain't handling the difficulty really You ain't handling the difficulty really You ain't handling the difficulty really well. You ain't hurt handling the well. You ain't hurt handling the well. You ain't hurt handling the finances really well and you're in the finances really well and you're in the finances really well and you're in the season where it's difficult within the season where it's difficult within the season where it's difficult within the suffering. I want to show you the other suffering. I want to show you the other suffering. I want to show you the other side of it. Why? Why does God bring us side of it. Why? Why does God bring us side of it. Why? Why does God bring us in these seasons where we're just a in these seasons where we're just a in these seasons where we're just a little bit difficult? Where where I little bit difficult? Where where I little bit difficult? Where where I don't know if God caused it in your don't know if God caused it in your don't know if God caused it in your life, but I do know that he can use it life, but I do know that he can use it life, but I do know that he can use it in your life.

in your life. in your life. And I do know that nothing's wasted with And I do know that nothing's wasted with And I do know that nothing's wasted with our God. And sometimes you just got to our God. And sometimes you just got to our God. And sometimes you just got to pause in the middle of it and figure out pause in the middle of it and figure out pause in the middle of it and figure out what is on the other side of this thing? what is on the other side of this thing? what is on the other side of this thing? And it'll give you the drive to keep And it'll give you the drive to keep And it'll give you the drive to keep going. Uh a couple years ago I did my going. Uh a couple years ago I did my going. Uh a couple years ago I did my first and last marathon. first and last marathon. first and last marathon. Anybody have this instance too? Like I I Anybody have this instance too? Like I I Anybody have this instance too? Like I I I did a marathon. I trained for it and I I did a marathon. I trained for it and I I did a marathon. I trained for it and I trained for it in Florida. Well, trained for it in Florida. Well, trained for it in Florida. Well, Florida's flat. I flew to Tennessee to Florida's flat. I flew to Tennessee to Florida's flat. I flew to Tennessee to do the marathon. Tennessee has hills. I do the marathon. Tennessee has hills. I do the marathon. Tennessee has hills. I didn't understand that this is going to didn't understand that this is going to didn't understand that this is going to be very difficult, very painful. Got to be very difficult, very painful. Got to be very difficult, very painful. Got to about 18 mi in and I finally asked about 18 mi in and I finally asked about 18 mi in and I finally asked myself a question that I should have myself a question that I should have myself a question that I should have asked myself 6 months before. asked myself 6 months before. asked myself 6 months before. Why am I doing this? Why am I doing this? Why am I doing this? Has anybody ever had that moment? You're Has anybody ever had that moment? You're Has anybody ever had that moment? You're like, why am I doing this? Why am I Why like, why am I doing this? Why am I Why like, why am I doing this? Why am I Why am I bringing myself through this pain? am I bringing myself through this pain? am I bringing myself through this pain? And I couldn't figure out a reason to And I couldn't figure out a reason to And I couldn't figure out a reason to keep going. So I thought I could just keep going. So I thought I could just keep going. So I thought I could just call an Uber and get me to the finish call an Uber and get me to the finish call an Uber and get me to the finish line right now. line right now. line right now. But I had to I had to come up with a But I had to I had to come up with a But I had to I had to come up with a reason to make sure like what is on the reason to make sure like what is on the reason to make sure like what is on the other side of this pain? And I thought other side of this pain? And I thought other side of this pain? And I thought there's an Instagram photo there's an Instagram photo there's an Instagram photo >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> that I'm going to take >> that I'm going to take >> that I'm going to take that's going to make it all worth it.

that's going to make it all worth it. that's going to make it all worth it. And that one photo pushed me through the And that one photo pushed me through the And that one photo pushed me through the finish line. finish line. finish line. I thought about what's on the other side I thought about what's on the other side I thought about what's on the other side of the suffering. Are with me today, of the suffering. Are with me today, of the suffering. Are with me today, church? Let's look at what Paul says church? Let's look at what Paul says church? Let's look at what Paul says about this. Paul is writing from a about this. Paul is writing from a about this. Paul is writing from a situation [snorts] where he's suffering situation [snorts] where he's suffering situation [snorts] where he's suffering to a church that is suffering. to a church that is suffering. to a church that is suffering. And he challenges them and I just I just And he challenges them and I just I just And he challenges them and I just I just want you to lean into this cuz some of want you to lean into this cuz some of want you to lean into this cuz some of you are in the most painful season of you are in the most painful season of you are in the most painful season of your life. your life. your life. And you were waiting for a word from And you were waiting for a word from And you were waiting for a word from God, and this is your word today. God, and this is your word today. God, and this is your word today. Others of you Others of you Others of you are in the greatest season of your life. are in the greatest season of your life. are in the greatest season of your life. Take notes. Because it happens to all of us. Because it happens to all of us. >> [snorts] >> And he says, "Therefore, >> And he says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through since we have been justified through since we have been justified through faith." How are we justified? faith." How are we justified? faith." How are we justified? Not through our good works, not because Not through our good works, not because Not through our good works, not because you gave a bunch of money, not because you gave a bunch of money, not because you gave a bunch of money, not because you had your act together. But aren't we you had your act together. But aren't we you had your act together. But aren't we grateful that we are justified, made grateful that we are justified, made grateful that we are justified, made right with God, not because of our work, right with God, not because of our work, right with God, not because of our work, but because of the finished work of but because of the finished work of but because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. While we were while Jesus on the cross. While we were while Jesus on the cross. While we were while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. You didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve You didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve You didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve it. You didn't work for it. I didn't it. You didn't work for it. I didn't it. You didn't work for it. I didn't work for it. Is there anybody that could work for it. Is there anybody that could work for it. Is there anybody that could just take about 15 seconds and give God just take about 15 seconds and give God just take about 15 seconds and give God some praise that we got justified some praise that we got justified some praise that we got justified because of what he did and not because because of what he did and not because because of what he did and not because of who we are. of who we are. of who we are. We're justified through faith. We're justified through faith. We're justified through faith. And we have peace with God through our And we have peace with God through our And we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith in into his grace gained access by faith in into his grace gained access by faith in into his grace in which we now stand. in which we now stand. in which we now stand. We can see clearly in this passage that We can see clearly in this passage that We can see clearly in this passage that Paul is writing to a Christian audience. Paul is writing to a Christian audience. Paul is writing to a Christian audience. These are people who have been These are people who have been These are people who have been justified. They have peace with God. justified. They have peace with God. justified. They have peace with God. They are standing in faith. There's this They are standing in faith. There's this They are standing in faith. There's this this philosophy out there, this teaching this philosophy out there, this teaching this philosophy out there, this teaching out there, that if you get saved, your out there, that if you get saved, your out there, that if you get saved, your problems are all gone and you no longer problems are all gone and you no longer problems are all gone and you no longer suffer. suffer. suffer. And and we can see clearly here that And and we can see clearly here that And and we can see clearly here that Paul's writing to a Christian audience Paul's writing to a Christian audience Paul's writing to a Christian audience that are standing in faith, and yet now that are standing in faith, and yet now that are standing in faith, and yet now he'll talk about what we all deal with, he'll talk about what we all deal with, he'll talk about what we all deal with, which is suffering. Which by the way, if which is suffering. Which by the way, if which is suffering. Which by the way, if somebody got you in the room today somebody got you in the room today somebody got you in the room today saying, "If you just come in the room, saying, "If you just come in the room, saying, "If you just come in the room, you'll never have another problem again you'll never have another problem again you'll never have another problem again in your life, you were deceived.

in your life, you were deceived. in your life, you were deceived. That that's just not THE CASE. THE That that's just not THE CASE. THE That that's just not THE CASE. THE THE Christian life is filled with THE Christian life is filled with THE Christian life is filled with moments of pain and moments of moments of pain and moments of moments of pain and moments of suffering, but there's purpose to it. We suffering, but there's purpose to it. We suffering, but there's purpose to it. We can see it in here. He says, "Now we can see it in here. He says, "Now we can see it in here. He says, "Now we boast in the hope of the glory of God. boast in the hope of the glory of God. boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our Not only so, but we also glory in our Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings." sufferings." sufferings." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Glory in our sufferings. So, what do you >> Glory in our sufferings. So, what do you >> Glory in our sufferings. So, what do you glory in? You You glory in your team glory in? You You glory in your team glory in? You You glory in your team that wins. You glory when your kids make that wins. You glory when your kids make that wins. You glory when your kids make the honor roll and you put the sticker the honor roll and you put the sticker the honor roll and you put the sticker on the back of your car. You're You on the back of your car. You're You on the back of your car. You're You glory in those things. You You got glory in those things. You You got glory in those things. You You got engaged and you put the photo online. engaged and you put the photo online. engaged and you put the photo online. You're glorying in the win that you're You're glorying in the win that you're You're glorying in the win that you're experiencing. That's the same word Paul experiencing. That's the same word Paul experiencing. That's the same word Paul uses. uses. uses. When you're suffering, when you're in a When you're suffering, when you're in a When you're suffering, when you're in a difficult season, you can glory You difficult season, you can glory You difficult season, you can glory You don't have to be ashamed of it. You're don't have to be ashamed of it. You're don't have to be ashamed of it. You're not a second-class citizen in the not a second-class citizen in the not a second-class citizen in the kingdom of God because you're going kingdom of God because you're going kingdom of God because you're going through a tough season. through a tough season. through a tough season. You don't have to hide from your small You don't have to hide from your small You don't have to hide from your small group. You don't stop serving in the group. You don't stop serving in the group. You don't stop serving in the church because of that. No, we glory in church because of that. No, we glory in church because of that. No, we glory in it because we understand there's purpose it because we understand there's purpose it because we understand there's purpose to it.

to it. to it. He says, "We glory in our sufferings He says, "We glory in our sufferings He says, "We glory in our sufferings because we know that our suffering because we know that our suffering because we know that our suffering produces produces produces If If I were you and I highlighted in my If If I were you and I highlighted in my If If I were you and I highlighted in my Bible, I I would underline that phrase Bible, I I would underline that phrase Bible, I I would underline that phrase or highlight that phrase. Suffering or highlight that phrase. Suffering or highlight that phrase. Suffering produces. Suffering produces. That means produces. Suffering produces. That means produces. Suffering produces. That means that what I'm going through right now that what I'm going through right now that what I'm going through right now will produce something and God's behind will produce something and God's behind will produce something and God's behind it in some way. it in some way. it in some way. And then he tells us what it produces. And then he tells us what it produces. And then he tells us what it produces. Perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance character. And character Perseverance character. And character Perseverance character. And character hope. And hope does not put us to shame hope. And hope does not put us to shame hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into because God's love has been poured into because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who our hearts through the Holy Spirit who our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. has been given to us. has been given to us. We we we see in this scenario that that We we we see in this scenario that that We we we see in this scenario that that Paul is writing to this church that is Paul is writing to this church that is Paul is writing to this church that is suffering and he says he says don't suffering and he says he says don't suffering and he says he says don't don't hide from your suffering. Don't be don't hide from your suffering. Don't be don't hide from your suffering. Don't be ashamed of your suffering. Understand ashamed of your suffering. Understand ashamed of your suffering. Understand in the kingdom of God our suffering in the kingdom of God our suffering in the kingdom of God our suffering produces something. So why does God produces something. So why does God produces something. So why does God allow us to go through suffering?

allow us to go through suffering? allow us to go through suffering? Because suffering is a tool that God Because suffering is a tool that God Because suffering is a tool that God frequently uses in our lives to build us frequently uses in our lives to build us frequently uses in our lives to build us into the people who he's called us to into the people who he's called us to into the people who he's called us to be. be. be. Suffering is a tool, a path of Suffering is a tool, a path of Suffering is a tool, a path of sanctification. It is through suffering sanctification. It is through suffering sanctification. It is through suffering that God creates us and moves in us in that God creates us and moves in us in that God creates us and moves in us in ways to rid ourselves of self, to make ways to rid ourselves of self, to make ways to rid ourselves of self, to make us more and more like Jesus. And us more and more like Jesus. And us more and more like Jesus. And suffering's not comfortable, but we suffering's not comfortable, but we suffering's not comfortable, but we didn't get into the church to be didn't get into the church to be didn't get into the church to be comfortable. comfortable. comfortable. And if you only go where you're And if you only go where you're And if you only go where you're comfortable, you'll never actually comfortable, you'll never actually comfortable, you'll never actually change and be conformed. change and be conformed. change and be conformed. And how many times have you heard people And how many times have you heard people And how many times have you heard people say, "I love that church, but they say, "I love that church, but they say, "I love that church, but they started stepping on my toes and they started stepping on my toes and they started stepping on my toes and they started speaking into my life and they started speaking into my life and they started speaking into my life and they got too involved in my relationship. I got too involved in my relationship. I got too involved in my relationship. I got uncomfortable, so I pulled myself got uncomfortable, so I pulled myself got uncomfortable, so I pulled myself out." They they missed out on the point out." They they missed out on the point out." They they missed out on the point that they weren't in the church to get that they weren't in the church to get that they weren't in the church to get comfortable. You you're you're not here comfortable. You you're you're not here comfortable. You you're you're not here to be comfortable, you're here to be to be comfortable, you're here to be to be comfortable, you're here to be conformed into the image of Christ. conformed into the image of Christ. conformed into the image of Christ. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And the only way that happens is >> And the only way that happens is >> And the only way that happens is sometimes you got to get a little sometimes you got to get a little sometimes you got to get a little uncomfortable.

uncomfortable. uncomfortable. Sometimes you got to get a little pain, Sometimes you got to get a little pain, Sometimes you got to get a little pain, a little bit of a season to go, "God, do a little bit of a season to go, "God, do a little bit of a season to go, "God, do whatever it takes to make me more like whatever it takes to make me more like whatever it takes to make me more like Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." Like like I love I love our Like like I love I love our Like like I love I love our spirit-filled cultures, but but I think spirit-filled cultures, but but I think spirit-filled cultures, but but I think we we've missed it sometimes to think we we've missed it sometimes to think we we've missed it sometimes to think that we can come down an aisle, get a that we can come down an aisle, get a that we can come down an aisle, get a little prayer, and all of a sudden have little prayer, and all of a sudden have little prayer, and all of a sudden have a moment that in that one moment we a moment that in that one moment we a moment that in that one moment we leave and we think, "Okay, I'm more like leave and we think, "Okay, I'm more like leave and we think, "Okay, I'm more like Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." Christianity, the church culture of Christianity, the church culture of Christianity, the church culture of today, today, today, is the only life-change is the only life-change is the only life-change organization organization organization that we somehow believe that one time that we somehow believe that one time that we somehow believe that one time fixes everything. fixes everything. fixes everything. Like imagine this. Imagine this in the Like imagine this. Imagine this in the Like imagine this. Imagine this in the in the in in the gym. in the in in the gym. in the in in the gym. Okay? You go to the gym Okay? You go to the gym Okay? You go to the gym and you sign up for their plan and you and you sign up for their plan and you and you sign up for their plan and you work out one time work out one time work out one time and then you go look in the mirror and and then you go look in the mirror and and then you go look in the mirror and you go, you go, you go, "I don't have abs. "I don't have abs. "I don't have abs. I want my money back."

I want my money back." I want my money back." And they go, "You have been eating And they go, "You have been eating And they go, "You have been eating Del Taco for 25 years. for 25 years. And one day, one moment, And one day, one moment, And one day, one moment, and and you No, no, no. Let me tell you and and you No, no, no. Let me tell you and and you No, no, no. Let me tell you how you get abs. You have to work for how you get abs. You have to work for how you get abs. You have to work for it. it. it. You have to go through some pain, some You have to go through some pain, some You have to go through some pain, some suffering. And this is what we don't suffering. And this is what we don't suffering. And this is what we don't understand. I think there's people that understand. I think there's people that understand. I think there's people that go, "Well, I I tried it one time and I go, "Well, I I tried it one time and I go, "Well, I I tried it one time and I didn't get changed." Let me just tell didn't get changed." Let me just tell didn't get changed." Let me just tell you, we need some grit and perseverance you, we need some grit and perseverance you, we need some grit and perseverance in the kingdom of God to go, "I'm in the kingdom of God to go, "I'm in the kingdom of God to go, "I'm willing to get through some pain, some willing to get through some pain, some willing to get through some pain, some suffering to be who God's called me to suffering to be who God's called me to suffering to be who God's called me to be." be." be." So, your marriage is a wreck. You went So, your marriage is a wreck. You went So, your marriage is a wreck. You went to You went TO COUNSELING ONE TIME? to You went TO COUNSELING ONE TIME? to You went TO COUNSELING ONE TIME? GO BACK. GET GET SOME GRIT in this, some GO BACK. GET GET SOME GRIT in this, some GO BACK. GET GET SOME GRIT in this, some drive in this thing. Why? Why? Well, drive in this thing. Why? Why? Well, drive in this thing. Why? Why? Well, it's painful. It's hard. That's what it's painful. It's hard. That's what it's painful. It's hard. That's what produces in us the image of Christ. produces in us the image of Christ. produces in us the image of Christ. That's what produces in us to be more That's what produces in us to be more That's what produces in us to be more and more like Jesus. So, so we and more like Jesus. So, so we and more like Jesus. So, so we understand that we will suffer, but understand that we will suffer, but understand that we will suffer, but here's the question. It's not if you'll here's the question. It's not if you'll here's the question. It's not if you'll suffer, it's what will you allow God to suffer, it's what will you allow God to suffer, it's what will you allow God to produce through it.

produce through it. produce through it. And what I'm worried about is some of us And what I'm worried about is some of us And what I'm worried about is some of us are asking God to deliver us are asking God to deliver us are asking God to deliver us from the very thing that God is trying from the very thing that God is trying from the very thing that God is trying to use to develop our lives. to use to develop our lives. to use to develop our lives. And you're going, "GOD, GET ME OUT OF And you're going, "GOD, GET ME OUT OF And you're going, "GOD, GET ME OUT OF THIS TOUGH SITUATION." AND GOD'S SAYING, THIS TOUGH SITUATION." AND GOD'S SAYING, THIS TOUGH SITUATION." AND GOD'S SAYING, "I'm trying to use the situation to "I'm trying to use the situation to "I'm trying to use the situation to produce something in you. And if you'll produce something in you. And if you'll produce something in you. And if you'll embrace the fact that the suffering embrace the fact that the suffering embrace the fact that the suffering produces, then maybe you'll be produced produces, then maybe you'll be produced produces, then maybe you'll be produced into it a little quicker than what you into it a little quicker than what you into it a little quicker than what you would have been, and you'll actually get would have been, and you'll actually get would have been, and you'll actually get out of the situation." out of the situation." out of the situation." But some of you are the the the But some of you are the the the But some of you are the the the caterpillar in the cocoon, and you're caterpillar in the cocoon, and you're caterpillar in the cocoon, and you're wanting to get out of it, but if you get wanting to get out of it, but if you get wanting to get out of it, but if you get out of it prematurely, you'll die. out of it prematurely, you'll die. out of it prematurely, you'll die. And you'll miss out on the development And you'll miss out on the development And you'll miss out on the development that God wants to do in your life. that God wants to do in your life. that God wants to do in your life. So, you've got to understand how to So, you've got to understand how to So, you've got to understand how to embrace this season and this difficulty. embrace this season and this difficulty. embrace this season and this difficulty. Carl Jung says it this way, "The Carl Jung says it this way, "The Carl Jung says it this way, "The difference between a good life and a bad difference between a good life and a bad difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the life is how well you walk through the life is how well you walk through the fire." fire." fire." And I think this is a word for the body And I think this is a word for the body And I think this is a word for the body of Christ today.

of Christ today. of Christ today. That many of us are you're walking That many of us are you're walking That many of us are you're walking through the fire. You're walking through through the fire. You're walking through through the fire. You're walking through the pain. How do you do it? You let the the pain. How do you do it? You let the the pain. How do you do it? You let the Lord produce something in you. Lord produce something in you. Lord produce something in you. And if you can't escape pain in this And if you can't escape pain in this And if you can't escape pain in this world, which you can't, then you might world, which you can't, then you might world, which you can't, then you might as well let it produce something in your as well let it produce something in your as well let it produce something in your life. life. life. So, let me give you the three things. So, let me give you the three things. So, let me give you the three things. Paul already told us what they are, but Paul already told us what they are, but Paul already told us what they are, but let me help you with them. let me help you with them. let me help you with them. What can you expect God to produce What can you expect God to produce What can you expect God to produce through you in moments of suffering? through you in moments of suffering? through you in moments of suffering? What is on the other side? Here's your What is on the other side? Here's your What is on the other side? Here's your first one, you can write it down. first one, you can write it down. first one, you can write it down. It's perseverance. It's perseverance. It's perseverance. He says it in our passage. It's a He says it in our passage. It's a He says it in our passage. It's a promise that if you will endure the promise that if you will endure the promise that if you will endure the suffering, the other side of it is that suffering, the other side of it is that suffering, the other side of it is that you'll learn to persevere. you'll learn to persevere. you'll learn to persevere. What does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? Perseverance. It means It means Perseverance. It means It means Perseverance. It means It means endurance, endurance, endurance, strength. It actually means to remain strength. It actually means to remain strength. It actually means to remain under pressure. under pressure. under pressure. Like, I'm keeping going even though I Like, I'm keeping going even though I Like, I'm keeping going even though I don't want to keep going.

don't want to keep going. don't want to keep going. I don't know what it if it's like this I don't know what it if it's like this I don't know what it if it's like this with your kids and I I have one of them with your kids and I I have one of them with your kids and I I have one of them here so here so here so she can testify to this. Um she can testify to this. Um she can testify to this. Um my kids I have to train them in grit. my kids I have to train them in grit. my kids I have to train them in grit. Do you know what I'm talking about? It's Do you know what I'm talking about? It's Do you know what I'm talking about? It's not natural. I'm like go find your not natural. I'm like go find your not natural. I'm like go find your shoes. They go they're not here. they're not here. And then a few seconds later they're And then a few seconds later they're And then a few seconds later they're doing something else and I go I told you doing something else and I go I told you doing something else and I go I told you to find your shoes. to find your shoes. to find your shoes. Well, I I looked I couldn't find them. Well, I I looked I couldn't find them. Well, I I looked I couldn't find them. Well, you looked right around you. Well, you looked right around you. Well, you looked right around you. Like let's let's figure out this Like let's let's figure out this Like let's let's figure out this problem. You know, I said I wanted to problem. You know, I said I wanted to problem. You know, I said I wanted to take the trash out. I know but the take the trash out. I know but the take the trash out. I know but the gate's closed. You have the same kids, all right, You have the same kids, all right, right? right? right? Well, then open the gate. I know but Well, then open the gate. I know but Well, then open the gate. I know but it's heavy. Well, then get somebody to it's heavy. Well, then get somebody to it's heavy. Well, then get somebody to help you. Do you know what I'm talking help you. Do you know what I'm talking help you. Do you know what I'm talking about? Like you have to train them to about? Like you have to train them to about? Like you have to train them to like hey, we don't quit this thing. like hey, we don't quit this thing. like hey, we don't quit this thing. We keep pushing through. I know we want We keep pushing through. I know we want We keep pushing through. I know we want to throw in the towel but we don't throw to throw in the towel but we don't throw to throw in the towel but we don't throw in the towel because we've got some some in the towel because we've got some some in the towel because we've got some some perseverance in this thing. If if I perseverance in this thing. If if I perseverance in this thing. If if I could challenge the body of Christ with could challenge the body of Christ with could challenge the body of Christ with one thing right now in a very difficult one thing right now in a very difficult one thing right now in a very difficult and a very tough world is we need to get and a very tough world is we need to get and a very tough world is we need to get our grit back.

our grit back. our grit back. We need to get some grit to go, you know We need to get some grit to go, you know We need to get some grit to go, you know what? I don't feel it but I'm keep what? I don't feel it but I'm keep what? I don't feel it but I'm keep going. going. going. Well, I didn't feel like doing my Well, I didn't feel like doing my Well, I didn't feel like doing my devotions. You know what? But I'm going devotions. You know what? But I'm going devotions. You know what? But I'm going to do it because I know it feeds my to do it because I know it feeds my to do it because I know it feeds my soul. soul. soul. I'm not living by what I feel, I'm I'm not living by what I feel, I'm I'm not living by what I feel, I'm living by the decision that I made in living by the decision that I made in living by the decision that I made in faith that if I tell God I'm going to do faith that if I tell God I'm going to do faith that if I tell God I'm going to do something, I'm sticking to my word even something, I'm sticking to my word even something, I'm sticking to my word even if I don't feel it anymore. if I don't feel it anymore. if I don't feel it anymore. I just GOT GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE in me. I just GOT GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE in me. I just GOT GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE in me. And you know how you get perseverance is And you know how you get perseverance is And you know how you get perseverance is that when you're going through hard that when you're going through hard that when you're going through hard stuff, you keep going. stuff, you keep going. stuff, you keep going. You don't throw in the towel. You don't You don't throw in the towel. You don't You don't throw in the towel. You don't quit on it. You it's the struggle that quit on it. You it's the struggle that quit on it. You it's the struggle that actually makes you stronger in this actually makes you stronger in this actually makes you stronger in this thing, and if you'll learn to embrace thing, and if you'll learn to embrace thing, and if you'll learn to embrace the struggle and embrace the challenge, the struggle and embrace the challenge, the struggle and embrace the challenge, what you're going to do is you're going what you're going to do is you're going what you're going to do is you're going to be able to complete something to be able to complete something to be able to complete something difficult. difficult. difficult. So that So that So that one day one day one day you can complete even you can complete even you can complete even harder things.

harder things. harder things. We don't go through hard things so that We don't go through hard things so that We don't go through hard things so that we can experience easy things later. we can experience easy things later. we can experience easy things later. You go through difficult things so that You go through difficult things so that You go through difficult things so that now you're built up in your faith that now you're built up in your faith that now you're built up in your faith that the next challenge that comes you go if the next challenge that comes you go if the next challenge that comes you go if God brought me through that, he'll bring God brought me through that, he'll bring God brought me through that, he'll bring me through this. If I if I survived me through this. If I if I survived me through this. If I if I survived cancer, I can survive this. If I went cancer, I can survive this. If I went cancer, I can survive this. If I went through that situation, if that child through that situation, if that child through that situation, if that child walked away from the faith, but somebody walked away from the faith, but somebody walked away from the faith, but somebody ELSE CAME BACK, I'M TRUSTING GOD BECAUSE ELSE CAME BACK, I'M TRUSTING GOD BECAUSE ELSE CAME BACK, I'M TRUSTING GOD BECAUSE I'VE GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE, because I'm I'VE GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE, because I'm I'VE GOT SOME PERSEVERANCE, because I'm not a weak, wishy-washy, not a weak, wishy-washy, not a weak, wishy-washy, up and down Christian that's living up and down Christian that's living up and down Christian that's living based on my feelings. I've made a based on my feelings. I've made a based on my feelings. I've made a decision and I'm sticking to it, decision and I'm sticking to it, decision and I'm sticking to it, somebody. somebody. somebody. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That's why James, the brother of Jesus, >> That's why James, the brother of Jesus, >> That's why James, the brother of Jesus, says consider it pure joy, says consider it pure joy, says consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you my brothers and sisters, whenever you my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. I don't know face trials of many kinds. I don't know face trials of many kinds. I don't know about you, I'm not this guy. about you, I'm not this guy. about you, I'm not this guy. I'm not the guy when a bill comes in the I'm not the guy when a bill comes in the I'm not the guy when a bill comes in the mail that I wasn't EXPECTING I'M GOING, mail that I wasn't EXPECTING I'M GOING, mail that I wasn't EXPECTING I'M GOING, "PRAISE GOD."

"PRAISE GOD." "PRAISE GOD." Pure joy. Pure joy. Pure joy. PURE JOY, ANOTHER TRIAL OF MANY KINDS. PURE JOY, ANOTHER TRIAL OF MANY KINDS. PURE JOY, ANOTHER TRIAL OF MANY KINDS. How does James consider it pure joy? How does James consider it pure joy? How does James consider it pure joy? He considers it pure joy. Look what why? He considers it pure joy. Look what why? He considers it pure joy. Look what why? Because you know. No, I don't know, Because you know. No, I don't know, Because you know. No, I don't know, James. What What am I supposed to know? James. What What am I supposed to know? James. What What am I supposed to know? He says, "You should know that your He says, "You should know that your He says, "You should know that your testing of your faith, look what it testing of your faith, look what it testing of your faith, look what it does, produces." does, produces." does, produces." It produces perseverance. It makes you It produces perseverance. It makes you It produces perseverance. It makes you stronger. It makes you It makes you stronger. It makes you It makes you stronger. It makes you It makes you You're able to get through some stuff You're able to get through some stuff You're able to get through some stuff harder than what you got through before. harder than what you got through before. harder than what you got through before. And he goes this Look at this phrase in And he goes this Look at this phrase in And he goes this Look at this phrase in verse 4. So, let the perseverance verse 4. So, let the perseverance verse 4. So, let the perseverance finish its work finish its work finish its work so that you may be Say the word aloud. so that you may be Say the word aloud. so that you may be Say the word aloud. Mature. Mature. Mature. Mature. I I I want to just help you Mature. I I I want to just help you Mature. I I I want to just help you today. You're never going to get to today. You're never going to get to today. You're never going to get to maturity if you don't get some maturity if you don't get some maturity if you don't get some perseverance. perseverance. perseverance. And you don't get perseverance in easy And you don't get perseverance in easy And you don't get perseverance in easy seasons. You get perseverance in tough seasons. You get perseverance in tough seasons. You get perseverance in tough seasons. When your friends have walked seasons. When your friends have walked seasons. When your friends have walked out, when your marriage is struggling, out, when your marriage is struggling, out, when your marriage is struggling, when when it's not easy in your body, when when it's not easy in your body, when when it's not easy in your body, when there is pain around you, and you when there is pain around you, and you when there is pain around you, and you go, "You know what? Despite things are go, "You know what? Despite things are go, "You know what? Despite things are not going well, I'm sticking to what God not going well, I'm sticking to what God not going well, I'm sticking to what God has said. I'm sticking to my decisions.

has said. I'm sticking to my decisions. has said. I'm sticking to my decisions. I'm sticking to tithing." You know why? I'm sticking to tithing." You know why? I'm sticking to tithing." You know why? Because I'm going to trust God, and Because I'm going to trust God, and Because I'm going to trust God, and that's going to bring some perseverance that's going to bring some perseverance that's going to bring some perseverance in my life. in my life. in my life. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I hate it that you're going through a >> I hate it that you're going through a >> I hate it that you're going through a tough season right now, BUT THERE'S tough season right now, BUT THERE'S tough season right now, BUT THERE'S ANOTHER SIDE OF THE suffering ANOTHER SIDE OF THE suffering ANOTHER SIDE OF THE suffering that you're going to be stronger than that you're going to be stronger than that you're going to be stronger than you ever were before. Why? Because you you ever were before. Why? Because you you ever were before. Why? Because you didn't quit on it. didn't quit on it. didn't quit on it. And I don't know about you. Some of you, And I don't know about you. Some of you, And I don't know about you. Some of you, you wanted to throw in the towel. You you wanted to throw in the towel. You you wanted to throw in the towel. You wanted to You wanted to throw in the wanted to You wanted to throw in the wanted to You wanted to throw in the towel on that marriage. You wanted to towel on that marriage. You wanted to towel on that marriage. You wanted to throw in the towel on going to church. throw in the towel on going to church. throw in the towel on going to church. You wanted to throw in the towel on on You wanted to throw in the towel on on You wanted to throw in the towel on on tithing when it got tough, but you tithing when it got tough, but you tithing when it got tough, but you didn't, and you're stronger than ever didn't, and you're stronger than ever didn't, and you're stronger than ever before. I'm telling you, you can get before. I'm telling you, you can get before. I'm telling you, you can get through whatever you're getting through through whatever you're getting through through whatever you're getting through right now because the spirit of God is right now because the spirit of God is right now because the spirit of God is with you, and you're getting stronger. with you, and you're getting stronger. with you, and you're getting stronger. Can we give them some praise today, Can we give them some praise today, Can we give them some praise today, church? Amen. church? Amen. church? Amen. >> [applause] >> Here's what I realized about your life. >> Here's what I realized about your life. If you don't allow the suffering to If you don't allow the suffering to If you don't allow the suffering to break you, it will build you.

break you, it will build you. break you, it will build you. If you don't let this current season in If you don't let this current season in If you don't let this current season in your life break you, your life break you, your life break you, if you don't let it to where you throw if you don't let it to where you throw if you don't let it to where you throw in the towel, it will build you to be in the towel, it will build you to be in the towel, it will build you to be stronger than you've ever been before. stronger than you've ever been before. stronger than you've ever been before. There is another side of the suffering There is another side of the suffering There is another side of the suffering where people are going to look at your where people are going to look at your where people are going to look at your life and go, "How are you so strong?" life and go, "How are you so strong?" life and go, "How are you so strong?" And you're going to go, "You have no And you're going to go, "You have no And you're going to go, "You have no clue what I've been through." clue what I've been through." clue what I've been through." You have no clue the fight that I had to You have no clue the fight that I had to You have no clue the fight that I had to go through and I didn't throw in the go through and I didn't throw in the go through and I didn't throw in the towel. I got stronger through it. Y'all towel. I got stronger through it. Y'all towel. I got stronger through it. Y'all still with me today, church? still with me today, church? still with me today, church? Here's your second one. Here's your second one. Here's your second one. He says He says, "You're going to get He says He says, "You're going to get He says He says, "You're going to get some perseverance, some grit." some perseverance, some grit." some perseverance, some grit." He goes, "And then you're also going to He goes, "And then you're also going to He goes, "And then you're also going to get some character." get some character." get some character." Your suffering is now going to produce Your suffering is now going to produce Your suffering is now going to produce character in your life. The other side character in your life. The other side character in your life. The other side of your suffering is character. What is of your suffering is character. What is of your suffering is character. What is character? Character is is the ability character? Character is is the ability character? Character is is the ability to say, "You know what? I I've been to say, "You know what? I I've been to say, "You know what? I I've been through some stuff. I'm refined." It's through some stuff. I'm refined." It's through some stuff. I'm refined." It's the same word when it comes to a the same word when it comes to a the same word when it comes to a precious precious gem or a diamond precious precious gem or a diamond precious precious gem or a diamond that's been that's been refined and that's been that's been refined and that's been that's been refined and purified like gold has. It's got purified like gold has. It's got purified like gold has. It's got character to it. Why? Because it's been character to it. Why? Because it's been character to it. Why? Because it's been through that some stuff and it's been through that some stuff and it's been through that some stuff and it's been purified through the process.

purified through the process. purified through the process. Um Um Um my wife uh my wife uh my wife uh little bit a while back she went on a little bit a while back she went on a little bit a while back she went on a home tour through like the old homes in home tour through like the old homes in home tour through like the old homes in our community. our community. our community. I don't know if y'all have this around I don't know if y'all have this around I don't know if y'all have this around here. Like so here. Like so here. Like so Florida where we're where we live at Florida where we're where we live at Florida where we're where we live at it's just growing like crazy. So, they it's just growing like crazy. So, they it's just growing like crazy. So, they put up all these homes. But, you know put up all these homes. But, you know put up all these homes. But, you know like when they put up a subdivision all like when they put up a subdivision all like when they put up a subdivision all the homes look the same. You know what the homes look the same. You know what the homes look the same. You know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about? I'm talking about? It's like they're exactly cookie cutter It's like they're exactly cookie cutter It's like they're exactly cookie cutter the exact same home and it's just the exact same home and it's just the exact same home and it's just because it's affordable and it's because it's affordable and it's because it's affordable and it's awesome. But, she went on this home tour awesome. But, she went on this home tour awesome. But, she went on this home tour with all these homes that we could never with all these homes that we could never with all these homes that we could never afford. afford. afford. You know it's like in the area of town You know it's like in the area of town You know it's like in the area of town that the homes are like a hundred and that the homes are like a hundred and that the homes are like a hundred and something years old and you go through something years old and you go through something years old and you go through them and they're all incredibly unique. them and they're all incredibly unique. them and they're all incredibly unique. So, she comes back from this which by So, she comes back from this which by So, she comes back from this which by the way is very dangerous the way is very dangerous the way is very dangerous cuz it's a very expensive experience for cuz it's a very expensive experience for cuz it's a very expensive experience for her to go to cuz now she's going to come her to go to cuz now she's going to come her to go to cuz now she's going to come back with a lot of ideas that are out of back with a lot of ideas that are out of back with a lot of ideas that are out of our price range. our price range. our price range. And she comes back and she says, "Aaron, And she comes back and she says, "Aaron, And she comes back and she says, "Aaron, there's just something about these there's just something about these there's just something about these homes. They all have homes. They all have homes. They all have character." character." character." Character. You know what that is? It's Character. You know what that is? It's Character. You know what that is? It's they've been through some stuff. THEY they've been through some stuff. THEY they've been through some stuff. THEY THEY THEY WERE DESIGNED in a certain THEY THEY WERE DESIGNED in a certain THEY THEY WERE DESIGNED in a certain way. They were crafted in a certain way.

way. They were crafted in a certain way. way. They were crafted in a certain way. They they've gone through it and they've They they've gone through it and they've They they've gone through it and they've got character. They're not just like got character. They're not just like got character. They're not just like cookie cutter. It's not new. It's not cookie cutter. It's not new. It's not cookie cutter. It's not new. It's not It's not It's not easy. It's It's It's not It's not easy. It's It's It's not It's not easy. It's It's something with character. I'M TELLING something with character. I'M TELLING something with character. I'M TELLING YOU HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED at somebody and YOU HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED at somebody and YOU HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED at somebody and you go, "They've been through some you go, "They've been through some you go, "They've been through some stuff. stuff. stuff. They've got some character. And they're They've got some character. And they're They've got some character. And they're not as polished as everybody else. They not as polished as everybody else. They not as polished as everybody else. They they've got They've got character. You they've got They've got character. You they've got They've got character. You know, you you look at somebody and it's know, you you look at somebody and it's know, you you look at somebody and it's funny. You go to the beach and you see funny. You go to the beach and you see funny. You go to the beach and you see some of these people they're like all some of these people they're like all some of these people they're like all old and wrinkled. You know what I'm old and wrinkled. You know what I'm old and wrinkled. You know what I'm talking about? Just just leathery skin. talking about? Just just leathery skin. talking about? Just just leathery skin. You're like, "They've got some You're like, "They've got some You're like, "They've got some character. character. character. They've they've been through some They've they've been through some They've they've been through some stuff." stuff." stuff." Here's what Paul is saying in this Here's what Paul is saying in this Here's what Paul is saying in this passage. He's saying, "Listen, if you'll passage. He's saying, "Listen, if you'll passage. He's saying, "Listen, if you'll allow the Lord to produce something in allow the Lord to produce something in allow the Lord to produce something in you, you, you, you're going to get refined and get some you're going to get refined and get some you're going to get refined and get some character in your life. character in your life. character in your life. You see, in the kingdom of God, You see, in the kingdom of God, You see, in the kingdom of God, we celebrate starting. we celebrate starting. we celebrate starting. But God actually celebrates sustaining. But God actually celebrates sustaining. But God actually celebrates sustaining. And what we've got is we've got a lot of And what we've got is we've got a lot of And what we've got is we've got a lot of people that celebrate Like Like and I'm people that celebrate Like Like and I'm people that celebrate Like Like and I'm all about it. When somebody gets all about it. When somebody gets all about it. When somebody gets baptized and they come out of that baptized and they come out of that baptized and they come out of that water, we should go wild and crazy water, we should go wild and crazy water, we should go wild and crazy excited.

excited. excited. But I think we miss it when somebody But I think we miss it when somebody But I think we miss it when somebody celebrates 40 years of following the celebrates 40 years of following the celebrates 40 years of following the Lord. Lord. Lord. 50 years of following the Lord. You get 50 years of following the Lord. You get 50 years of following the Lord. You get a new couple that's got engaged. a new couple that's got engaged. a new couple that's got engaged. EVERYBODY'S LIKE, "AH, THEY'RE SO EVERYBODY'S LIKE, "AH, THEY'RE SO EVERYBODY'S LIKE, "AH, THEY'RE SO PERFECT." PERFECT." PERFECT." THEY AIN'T BEEN through anything yet. You find someone that's been married 50 You find someone that's been married 50 years, you better look at them and go, years, you better look at them and go, years, you better look at them and go, "You've got character. "You've got character. "You've got character. You've been THROUGH SOME STUFF. YOU'VE You've been THROUGH SOME STUFF. YOU'VE You've been THROUGH SOME STUFF. YOU'VE HAD TO SURVIVE SOME STUFF. YOU YOU'VE HAD TO SURVIVE SOME STUFF. YOU YOU'VE HAD TO SURVIVE SOME STUFF. YOU YOU'VE HAD TO WORK through some stuff. You see HAD TO WORK through some stuff. You see HAD TO WORK through some stuff. You see what God is trying to work out in your what God is trying to work out in your what God is trying to work out in your life is not cookie-cutter, all clean, life is not cookie-cutter, all clean, life is not cookie-cutter, all clean, all night. No, God's trying to define all night. No, God's trying to define all night. No, God's trying to define something, work something out in you something, work something out in you something, work something out in you where you get actually some character so where you get actually some character so where you get actually some character so that you're actually looking more and that you're actually looking more and that you're actually looking more and more like Jesus in your life. And that's more like Jesus in your life. And that's more like Jesus in your life. And that's going to take a process called pain. going to take a process called pain. going to take a process called pain. So, you let God reveal this stuff in So, you let God reveal this stuff in So, you let God reveal this stuff in your life that needs to come to the your life that needs to come to the your life that needs to come to the surface and many times it doesn't come surface and many times it doesn't come surface and many times it doesn't come to the surface unless you go through to the surface unless you go through to the surface unless you go through some pain.

some pain. some pain. Like Like have you ever driven with Like Like have you ever driven with Like Like have you ever driven with somebody in a car somebody in a car somebody in a car and someone pulls in front of them in and someone pulls in front of them in and someone pulls in front of them in traffic or slams on their brakes and traffic or slams on their brakes and traffic or slams on their brakes and then they go to slam on the brakes and then they go to slam on the brakes and then they go to slam on the brakes and they spit out a cuss word? they spit out a cuss word? they spit out a cuss word? And then they look at you and they go, And then they look at you and they go, And then they look at you and they go, "I'm so sorry. I don't know where that "I'm so sorry. I don't know where that "I'm so sorry. I don't know where that came from." Some of y'all are sitting next to them Some of y'all are sitting next to them right now. You know what I'm talking right now. You know what I'm talking right now. You know what I'm talking about? It's like this bottle, okay? It's like this bottle, okay? So, it's like, "Hey, I want something to So, it's like, "Hey, I want something to So, it's like, "Hey, I want something to drink." I was like, "Oh Oh, man, I am drink." I was like, "Oh Oh, man, I am drink." I was like, "Oh Oh, man, I am This is why by the way This is why you This is why by the way This is why you This is why by the way This is why you should really really pray through the should really really pray through the should really really pray through the dating process dating process dating process because they look so great. because they look so great. because they look so great. You know what I mean? Anybody can put on You know what I mean? Anybody can put on You know what I mean? Anybody can put on a facade. You don't know if they have a facade. You don't know if they have a facade. You don't know if they have character yet. character yet. character yet. And you won't know if they have And you won't know if they have And you won't know if they have character until they're shaken up a character until they're shaken up a character until they're shaken up a little bit. So, then the cuss word comes out of them So, then the cuss word comes out of them and they go, "I don't know where that and they go, "I don't know where that and they go, "I don't know where that came from." I know exactly where it came came from." I know exactly where it came came from." I know exactly where it came from. from. from. It was in there the entire time. You It was in there the entire time. You It was in there the entire time. You just needed a situation that would pull just needed a situation that would pull just needed a situation that would pull it out. it out. it out. Does that make sense? That's why I tell Does that make sense? That's why I tell Does that make sense? That's why I tell all our couples, I'm like, "Hey, you all our couples, I'm like, "Hey, you all our couples, I'm like, "Hey, you better go on a missions trip with your better go on a missions trip with your better go on a missions trip with your church together."

church together." church together." Like with a big group cuz you need to Like with a big group cuz you need to Like with a big group cuz you need to see her like without makeup, see her like without makeup, see her like without makeup, with little sleep. You need to see him with little sleep. You need to see him with little sleep. You need to see him like, you know, out of his element. Like like, you know, out of his element. Like like, you know, out of his element. Like is he actually a godly person? Like does is he actually a godly person? Like does is he actually a godly person? Like does he have some character? Has he actually he have some character? Has he actually he have some character? Has he actually been through some stuff? Because I'll been through some stuff? Because I'll been through some stuff? Because I'll tell you this, you need to have gone tell you this, you need to have gone tell you this, you need to have gone through some stuff so that you can through some stuff so that you can through some stuff so that you can realize, "Wait, there's actually some realize, "Wait, there's actually some realize, "Wait, there's actually some junk inside of there that until the Lord junk inside of there that until the Lord junk inside of there that until the Lord shakes me up a little bit, he reveals it shakes me up a little bit, he reveals it shakes me up a little bit, he reveals it so that he can now purify me to become so that he can now purify me to become so that he can now purify me to become more and more like Christ. Y'all with me more and more like Christ. Y'all with me more and more like Christ. Y'all with me today, church? today, church? today, church? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Cuz hear me out. Because pressure >> Cuz hear me out. Because pressure >> Cuz hear me out. Because pressure exposes what comfort hides. exposes what comfort hides. exposes what comfort hides. And many of you are avoiding the pain. And many of you are avoiding the pain. And many of you are avoiding the pain. You're avoiding the the suffering. You're avoiding the the suffering. You're avoiding the the suffering. You're avoiding the the the pressure You're avoiding the the the pressure You're avoiding the the the pressure situation. But God's trying to bring you situation. But God's trying to bring you situation. But God's trying to bring you into some stuff that might even be a into some stuff that might even be a into some stuff that might even be a little tougher. little tougher. little tougher. It might even be a little BIT OF A It might even be a little BIT OF A It might even be a little BIT OF A STRUGGLE. And you're going to see some STRUGGLE. And you're going to see some STRUGGLE. And you're going to see some impatience come up in you. Why? Cuz impatience come up in you. Why? Cuz impatience come up in you. Why? Cuz God's trying to refine you. He's trying God's trying to refine you. He's trying God's trying to refine you. He's trying to build character in you. He's trying to build character in you. He's trying to build character in you. He's trying to make you more and more like Christ.

to make you more and more like Christ. to make you more and more like Christ. And and and I think I GOT IT ALL And and and I think I GOT IT ALL And and and I think I GOT IT ALL TOGETHER until I go through pain. TOGETHER until I go through pain. TOGETHER until I go through pain. I think I trust God until one of my kids I think I trust God until one of my kids I think I trust God until one of my kids are sick. are sick. are sick. And then in those moments I go, do I And then in those moments I go, do I And then in those moments I go, do I really trust him? Do I really got it all really trust him? Do I really got it all really trust him? Do I really got it all together? Listen. Listen. This is why together? Listen. Listen. This is why together? Listen. Listen. This is why suffering still exists other than the suffering still exists other than the suffering still exists other than the fact that there's sin and brokenness is fact that there's sin and brokenness is fact that there's sin and brokenness is why why? Cuz it actually is the thing why why? Cuz it actually is the thing why why? Cuz it actually is the thing that God uses to sanctify us as that God uses to sanctify us as that God uses to sanctify us as believers. Cuz hear me out. Cuz God is believers. Cuz hear me out. Cuz God is believers. Cuz hear me out. Cuz God is more interested in changing your soul more interested in changing your soul more interested in changing your soul than he is changing your situation. than he is changing your situation. than he is changing your situation. >> [applause] >> And I I And listen. Listen. Listen. I >> And I I And listen. Listen. Listen. I believe he can change the situation. I believe he can change the situation. I believe he can change the situation. I believe he can turn it around. I believe believe he can turn it around. I believe believe he can turn it around. I believe he can bring a check in the mail. Praise he can bring a check in the mail. Praise he can bring a check in the mail. Praise God for that. God for that. God for that. But in the meantime, But in the meantime, But in the meantime, let him do a deep work inside of you to let him do a deep work inside of you to let him do a deep work inside of you to build some character. Don't Don't Don't build some character. Don't Don't Don't build some character. Don't Don't Don't just experience the pain. Let the pain just experience the pain. Let the pain just experience the pain. Let the pain produce. Let it produce some produce. Let it produce some produce. Let it produce some perseverance. Let it produce some perseverance. Let it produce some perseverance. Let it produce some character. And then thirdly, let it character. And then thirdly, let it character. And then thirdly, let it produce some hope.

produce some hope. produce some hope. Let it produce some hope. That That's Let it produce some hope. That That's Let it produce some hope. That That's what Paul says in our passage. He says what Paul says in our passage. He says what Paul says in our passage. He says he says it'll be it'll produce hope. So he says it'll be it'll produce hope. So he says it'll be it'll produce hope. So So look at look at this this So look at look at this this So look at look at this this progression. progression. progression. When you go through suffering, can you When you go through suffering, can you When you go through suffering, can you put that that last one back up there? put that that last one back up there? put that that last one back up there? You're so great. You're so great. You're so great. When you go through suffering, the first When you go through suffering, the first When you go through suffering, the first thing is you don't quit. You don't don't thing is you don't quit. You don't don't thing is you don't quit. You don't don't don't bow out of it. You go, "I'm going don't bow out of it. You go, "I'm going don't bow out of it. You go, "I'm going to persevere through this thing. I'm to persevere through this thing. I'm to persevere through this thing. I'm going to let God do a miracle through going to let God do a miracle through going to let God do a miracle through this thing." this thing." this thing." You're going to learn the grit, learn You're going to learn the grit, learn You're going to learn the grit, learn the drive to keep going. the drive to keep going. the drive to keep going. Then through it, he's going to work some Then through it, he's going to work some Then through it, he's going to work some character in your life character in your life character in your life so that you can actually say, "You know so that you can actually say, "You know so that you can actually say, "You know what? I've been through some stuff and what? I've been through some stuff and what? I've been through some stuff and I've become more and more like Christ." I've become more and more like Christ." I've become more and more like Christ." And then out of it, now he's going to And then out of it, now he's going to And then out of it, now he's going to bring hope through your life to other bring hope through your life to other bring hope through your life to other people who are going through suffering. people who are going through suffering. people who are going through suffering. Just hear me out. Just hear me out. Just hear me out. Because your situation's not wasted with Because your situation's not wasted with Because your situation's not wasted with God. God. God. He's not having you go He's not allowing He's not having you go He's not allowing He's not having you go He's not allowing you to go through this you to go through this you to go through this so that you just have some moment so that you just have some moment so that you just have some moment where you just go, "It was a tough where you just go, "It was a tough where you just go, "It was a tough season, but I got through it." He's season, but I got through it." He's season, but I got through it." He's having you go through it having you go through it having you go through it because it's part of the greater story because it's part of the greater story because it's part of the greater story of how God wants to use your life of how God wants to use your life of how God wants to use your life to bring hope to bring hope to bring hope to a bunch of people who are going to a bunch of people who are going to a bunch of people who are going through pain that don't know him yet.

through pain that don't know him yet. through pain that don't know him yet. And I'm telling you there And I'm telling you there And I'm telling you there anybody can help somebody anybody can help somebody anybody can help somebody who has lost their job. who has lost their job. who has lost their job. Anybody can. Anybody can. Anybody can. But if you've lost your job, But if you've lost your job, But if you've lost your job, you were especially equipped you were especially equipped you were especially equipped to bring hope to somebody. to bring hope to somebody. to bring hope to somebody. To say, "You know what? To say, "You know what? To say, "You know what? I've been through that suffering. I've been through that suffering. I've been through that suffering. I've persevered through it by the grace I've persevered through it by the grace I've persevered through it by the grace of God. I got some character through it. of God. I got some character through it. of God. I got some character through it. And let me give you some hope. My God And let me give you some hope. My God And let me give you some hope. My God did not leave me in that situation. He did not leave me in that situation. He did not leave me in that situation. He helped me through it. He produced helped me through it. He produced helped me through it. He produced something in me. And if he did it for something in me. And if he did it for something in me. And if he did it for me, he can do it for you." me, he can do it for you." me, he can do it for you." >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Our pain, our suffering produces hope so >> Our pain, our suffering produces hope so >> Our pain, our suffering produces hope so that a lost and dying world who also that a lost and dying world who also that a lost and dying world who also experiences suffering can now come to experiences suffering can now come to experiences suffering can now come to Jesus through your story and realize Jesus through your story and realize Jesus through your story and realize your story is not in vain. Your story is your story is not in vain. Your story is your story is not in vain. Your story is not wasted. That that abortion you went not wasted. That that abortion you went not wasted. That that abortion you went through, that that that THAT STRUGGLE through, that that that THAT STRUGGLE through, that that that THAT STRUGGLE YOU WENT THROUGH, THAT DIVORCE, that YOU WENT THROUGH, THAT DIVORCE, that YOU WENT THROUGH, THAT DIVORCE, that that bankruptcy that you've tried to that bankruptcy that you've tried to that bankruptcy that you've tried to hide and sweep under a rug, God is hide and sweep under a rug, God is hide and sweep under a rug, God is speaking your life today and go, "DON'T speaking your life today and go, "DON'T speaking your life today and go, "DON'T HIDE YOUR HOPE any longer. What you have HIDE YOUR HOPE any longer. What you have HIDE YOUR HOPE any longer. What you have been through is for a purpose and for a been through is for a purpose and for a been through is for a purpose and for a destiny and it's to be used for the destiny and it's to be used for the destiny and it's to be used for the glory of God."

That's why That's why if you're not connected with the church, if you're not connected with the church, if you're not connected with the church, then you don't have your outlet to bring then you don't have your outlet to bring then you don't have your outlet to bring hope to other people who are desperately hope to other people who are desperately hope to other people who are desperately needed. That's why if you've never been needed. That's why if you've never been needed. That's why if you've never been to Step One, you need to come on Sunday. to Step One, you need to come on Sunday. to Step One, you need to come on Sunday. Why? Why? Because it is so vitally Why? Why? Because it is so vitally Why? Why? Because it is so vitally important that you are not just a important that you are not just a important that you are not just a spectator here at Fellowship Church, but spectator here at Fellowship Church, but spectator here at Fellowship Church, but you are a participator because you have you are a participator because you have you are a participator because you have been through some stuff. And I think And I think because you've been through so much because you've been through so much because you've been through so much pain, pain, pain, you've actually hidden in your seat you've actually hidden in your seat you've actually hidden in your seat thinking that pain disqualified you. You didn't go to Step One a month ago You didn't go to Step One a month ago because you go, "If they had knew what I because you go, "If they had knew what I because you go, "If they had knew what I had been through, they wouldn't want me." they wouldn't want me." And little did you know And little did you know And little did you know that it was the suffering that it was the suffering that it was the suffering that is producing that is producing that is producing a man or woman of God that can actually a man or woman of God that can actually a man or woman of God that can actually be a benefit to the kingdom of God.

be a benefit to the kingdom of God. be a benefit to the kingdom of God. That your pain is not [music] an an That your pain is not [music] an an That your pain is not [music] an an a side part of your story, it's actually a side part of your story, it's actually a side part of your story, it's actually the very foundational thing that God the very foundational thing that God the very foundational thing that God wants you to use through your life to wants you to use through your life to wants you to use through your life to produce hope for the world out there produce hope for the world out there produce hope for the world out there that desperately needs him. They need a that desperately needs him. They need a that desperately needs him. They need a man or woman of God that don't say I've man or woman of God that don't say I've man or woman of God that don't say I've got it all together, that can say I've got it all together, that can say I've got it all together, that can say I've been through some stuff and I've had to been through some stuff and I've had to been through some stuff and I've had to rely on the presence of God and he rely on the presence of God and he rely on the presence of God and he produced some perseverance and some produced some perseverance and some produced some perseverance and some character and let me give you some hope character and let me give you some hope character and let me give you some hope that the same God that brought me that the same God that brought me that the same God that brought me through it is THE SAME GOD THAT'LL BRING through it is THE SAME GOD THAT'LL BRING through it is THE SAME GOD THAT'LL BRING you through it. DON'T HIDE YOUR HOPE. you through it. DON'T HIDE YOUR HOPE. you through it. DON'T HIDE YOUR HOPE. YOUR PAIN HAS A PURPOSE AND THERE'S YOUR PAIN HAS A PURPOSE AND THERE'S YOUR PAIN HAS A PURPOSE AND THERE'S ANOTHER SIDE OF YOUR SUFFERING. KEEP ANOTHER SIDE OF YOUR SUFFERING. KEEP ANOTHER SIDE OF YOUR SUFFERING. KEEP GOING THROUGH IT. YOU WILL reap the GOING THROUGH IT. YOU WILL reap the GOING THROUGH IT. YOU WILL reap the benefits on the other side. Come on, benefits on the other side. Come on, benefits on the other side. Come on, church. Are y'all with me today? church. Are y'all with me today? church. Are y'all with me today? >> [applause and cheering] >> [applause and cheering] >> [applause and cheering] >> Go and stand to your feet. Suffering Suffering produces produces produces I think [music] I think [music] I think [music] as I was praying and preparing this as I was praying and preparing this as I was praying and preparing this message, even as a church back in Tampa, even as a church back in Tampa, some of my closest friends are in deep some of my closest friends are in deep some of my closest friends are in deep seasons of [music] suffering.

seasons of [music] suffering. seasons of [music] suffering. I was on the call yesterday with one of I was on the call yesterday with one of I was on the call yesterday with one of our pastors whose baby's been in the our pastors whose baby's been in the our pastors whose baby's been in the NICU 100 days today. As I'm preparing this message and As I'm preparing this message and talking to him, talking to him, talking to him, I'm thinking about people I'm thinking about people I'm thinking about people going, "Man, going, "Man, going, "Man, even the best of us even the best of us even the best of us go through the worst of life but none of it's in vain. but none of it's in vain. But when you're in it, it's hard to see But when you're in it, it's hard to see But when you're in it, it's hard to see [music] it. [music] it. [music] it. And maybe just maybe God sent someone And maybe just maybe God sent someone And maybe just maybe God sent someone from across the states, from across the states, from across the states, they crossed the nation they crossed the nation they crossed the nation to just speak in your life to say, to just speak in your life to say, to just speak in your life to say, "Don't throw in the towel. "Don't throw in the towel. "Don't throw in the towel. There's another side to this suffering. There's another side to this suffering. There's another side to this suffering. There's a story on the other side. There's a story on the other side. There's a story on the other side. And let us get our eyes And let us get our eyes And let us get our eyes on the ultimate one. Who Jesus, if anybody could have avoided Who Jesus, if anybody could have avoided pain and suffering, it would have been pain and suffering, it would have been pain and suffering, it would have been Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. BUT JESUS EVEN UNDERSTOOD, as he's in BUT JESUS EVEN UNDERSTOOD, as he's in BUT JESUS EVEN UNDERSTOOD, as he's in the garden and he says, "Listen, if the garden and he says, "Listen, if the garden and he says, "Listen, if there's any other way, LET THIS CUP there's any other way, LET THIS CUP there's any other way, LET THIS CUP PASS, BUT NOT MY WILL, YOURS BE DONE."

PASS, BUT NOT MY WILL, YOURS BE DONE." PASS, BUT NOT MY WILL, YOURS BE DONE." AND Jesus embraced the suffering. And AND Jesus embraced the suffering. And AND Jesus embraced the suffering. And the Bible says, "For the joy set before the Bible says, "For the joy set before the Bible says, "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, the him, he endured the cross, the him, he endured the cross, the suffering." Why? Scorning of shame and suffering." Why? Scorning of shame and suffering." Why? Scorning of shame and sitting down at the right hand of the sitting down at the right hand of the sitting down at the right hand of the Father. You know what he did? He endured Father. You know what he did? He endured Father. You know what he did? He endured the suffering cuz he saw you on the the suffering cuz he saw you on the the suffering cuz he saw you on the other side. You are were the other side other side. You are were the other side other side. You are were the other side OF HIS SUFFERING. ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR OF HIS SUFFERING. ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR OF HIS SUFFERING. ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR THAT? THAT? THAT? >> [applause and music] >> AND BECAUSE HE WENT through what he went >> AND BECAUSE HE WENT through what he went through, now we have the hope that every through, now we have the hope that every through, now we have the hope that every bit of suffering we go through, bit of suffering we go through, bit of suffering we go through, every cross that we bear, every cross that we bear, every cross that we bear, always has another side called a always has another side called a always has another side called a resurrection that is available on the resurrection that is available on the resurrection that is available on the other side of whatever we are going other side of whatever we are going other side of whatever we are going through. Do you receive the word from through. Do you receive the word from through. Do you receive the word from God today? Amen, church. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Just hold your hands out to receive.

Many of you are walking [music] through Many of you are walking [music] through a season that is so a season that is so a season that is so painful. I wanted you I wanted you to just get out some hope today. to just get out some hope today. to just get out some hope today. To say, "God, To say, "God, To say, "God, give me some perseverance. Give me some grit, God. Give me some grit, God. Lord, I pray over your church Lord, I pray over your church Lord, I pray over your church for those who are battling even this for those who are battling even this for those who are battling even this suffering, are fighting that addiction, suffering, are fighting that addiction, suffering, are fighting that addiction, and they feel like, man, it's just and they feel like, man, it's just and they feel like, man, it's just painful. painful. painful. That suffering of pushing through and That suffering of pushing through and That suffering of pushing through and just believing you for their purity, just believing you for their purity, just believing you for their purity, God. God. God. Lord, the suffering and believing God Lord, the suffering and believing God Lord, the suffering and believing God for a breakthrough in that child. for a breakthrough in that child. for a breakthrough in that child. Lord, as we as we come to you, God, we Lord, as we as we come to you, God, we Lord, as we as we come to you, God, we come with our hands extended and just come with our hands extended and just come with our hands extended and just say, "God, say, "God, say, "God, we release the timeline. we release the timeline. we release the timeline. We release our desires. We release our desires. We release our desires. Just like you did in the in the garden, Just like you did in the in the garden, Just like you did in the in the garden, we say, "God, not my will, but yours be we say, "God, not my will, but yours be we say, "God, not my will, but yours be done." And if you will done." And if you will done." And if you will for me to go through this suffering, for me to go through this suffering, for me to go through this suffering, let it produce something in us, God.

let it produce something in us, God. let it produce something in us, God. I pray that the church would be built up I pray that the church would be built up I pray that the church would be built up in perseverance and character. And God, in perseverance and character. And God, in perseverance and character. And God, let them not hide their hope for those let them not hide their hope for those let them not hide their hope for those through those who have felt ashamed of through those who have felt ashamed of through those who have felt ashamed of their suffering and ashamed of their their suffering and ashamed of their their suffering and ashamed of their story. God, I pray that they would lean story. God, I pray that they would lean story. God, I pray that they would lean in, especially in this next season at in, especially in this next season at in, especially in this next season at Fellowship Church, God, and you would Fellowship Church, God, and you would Fellowship Church, God, and you would use them for an incredible purpose. use them for an incredible purpose. use them for an incredible purpose. Lord, don't let them hide their pain, Lord, don't let them hide their pain, Lord, don't let them hide their pain, but let it use it as a great testimony but let it use it as a great testimony but let it use it as a great testimony for your glory and your honor in Jesus' for your glory and your honor in Jesus' for your glory and your honor in Jesus' name. Now, I speak over them right now, name. Now, I speak over them right now, name. Now, I speak over them right now, God, God, God, that your yoke is easy and your burden that your yoke is easy and your burden that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. is light. is light. Give them a grace Give them a grace Give them a grace even for the difficult times. even for the difficult times. even for the difficult times. A grace A grace A grace for even the trial. A grace, just like for even the trial. A grace, just like for even the trial. A grace, just like James said, to have joy in the midst of James said, to have joy in the midst of James said, to have joy in the midst of the suffering, not because of what's the suffering, not because of what's the suffering, not because of what's going on around us, but because of who going on around us, but because of who going on around us, but because of who is with us and who's making all things is with us and who's making all things is with us and who's making all things work together for the good. In Jesus' work together for the good. In Jesus' work together for the good. In Jesus' name we pray, and all God's people said, name we pray, and all God's people said, name we pray, and all God's people said, "Amen." Love you guys so much. Such an "Amen." Love you guys so much. Such an "Amen." Love you guys so much. Such an honor to be with you guys this evening.

honor to be with you guys this evening. honor to be with you guys this evening. >> Come on, can we thank Pastor Aaron one >> Come on, can we thank Pastor Aaron one >> Come on, can we thank Pastor Aaron one more time for bringing this word to FC? more time for bringing this word to FC? more time for bringing this word to FC? Wow, that's Wow, that's Wow, that's that was amazing. The other side of that was amazing. The other side of that was amazing. The other side of suffering, and suffering produces, suffering, and suffering produces, suffering, and suffering produces, church. That was a word for all of us, church. That was a word for all of us, church. That was a word for all of us, but we do want to give you an but we do want to give you an but we do want to give you an opportunity to give your life to the opportunity to give your life to the opportunity to give your life to the Lord this evening. So, if you're in the Lord this evening. So, if you're in the Lord this evening. So, if you're in the room and this word spoke to you, we want room and this word spoke to you, we want room and this word spoke to you, we want to open the time to allow you to give to open the time to allow you to give to open the time to allow you to give your hearts to Jesus. And if this your hearts to Jesus. And if this your hearts to Jesus. And if this message spoke to you, we're going to message spoke to you, we're going to message spoke to you, we're going to we're going to count to three and you we're going to count to three and you we're going to count to three and you can raise your hands and we're going to can raise your hands and we're going to can raise your hands and we're going to make sure that we acknowledge your make sure that we acknowledge your make sure that we acknowledge your decision today with Jesus. Amen church. decision today with Jesus. Amen church. decision today with Jesus. Amen church. This was a message for all of us and the This was a message for all of us and the This was a message for all of us and the Lord is calling us closer in this season Lord is calling us closer in this season Lord is calling us closer in this season in life. And so, if you've never given in life. And so, if you've never given in life. And so, if you've never given your life to the Lord or maybe you're your life to the Lord or maybe you're your life to the Lord or maybe you're rededicating your life to the Lord. rededicating your life to the Lord. rededicating your life to the Lord. Maybe you were once close to him and Maybe you were once close to him and Maybe you were once close to him and you've drifted because life has just you've drifted because life has just you've drifted because life has just become the priority. The Lord is calling become the priority. The Lord is calling become the priority. The Lord is calling you to make him the priority tonight.

you to make him the priority tonight. you to make him the priority tonight. So, if this is your heart, at the count So, if this is your heart, at the count So, if this is your heart, at the count of three, raise your hand up high and of three, raise your hand up high and of three, raise your hand up high and we're going to pray a prayer with you. we're going to pray a prayer with you. we're going to pray a prayer with you. Amen. 1 2 and 3. Come on church. Yes. Amen. 1 2 and 3. Come on church. Yes. Amen. 1 2 and 3. Come on church. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I see in Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I see in Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I see in the back. Yes. Praise God. Amen church. the back. Yes. Praise God. Amen church. the back. Yes. Praise God. Amen church. Amen. And we are grateful for the Lord. Amen. And we are grateful for the Lord. Amen. And we are grateful for the Lord. But we're going to pray this prayer But we're going to pray this prayer But we're going to pray this prayer together together together and just believing God for what only he and just believing God for what only he and just believing God for what only he can do. God, today I give you my heart. can do. God, today I give you my heart. can do. God, today I give you my heart. Thank you for loving me first. Thank you for loving me first. Thank you for loving me first. Today I make you my Lord and savior. Today I make you my Lord and savior. Today I make you my Lord and savior. I pray God that you would use every gift I pray God that you would use every gift I pray God that you would use every gift that I have that I have that I have for the glory of your name. for the glory of your name. for the glory of your name. Write my name in the book of life Write my name in the book of life Write my name in the book of life and [snorts] help me God and [snorts] help me God and [snorts] help me God live a life live a life live a life that's pleasing to you. that's pleasing to you. that's pleasing to you. In Jesus name we pray. In Jesus name we pray. In Jesus name we pray. Amen and amen. Come on church. Can we Amen and amen. Come on church. Can we Amen and amen. Come on church. Can we celebrate those that gave their life to celebrate those that gave their life to celebrate those that gave their life to Jesus today?

Jesus today? Jesus today? Amen and amen. But hey, we're going to Amen and amen. But hey, we're going to Amen and amen. But hey, we're going to prepare our hearts to worship the Lord prepare our hearts to worship the Lord prepare our hearts to worship the Lord with our giving. And if you are a guest, with our giving. And if you are a guest, with our giving. And if you are a guest, you don't have to worry about this you don't have to worry about this you don't have to worry about this tonight. But if you're a member or tonight. But if you're a member or tonight. But if you're a member or you belong to this house and you came you belong to this house and you came you belong to this house and you came ready to give. Our team is going to ready to give. Our team is going to ready to give. Our team is going to post some stuff on the screen here and post some stuff on the screen here and post some stuff on the screen here and this is the ways we have to give. this is the ways we have to give. this is the ways we have to give. You can also tap the circle behind your You can also tap the circle behind your You can also tap the circle behind your seat that will lead you to giving as seat that will lead you to giving as seat that will lead you to giving as well. But we're grateful for you. Let's well. But we're grateful for you. Let's well. But we're grateful for you. Let's pray for the offering. Lord, we thank pray for the offering. Lord, we thank pray for the offering. Lord, we thank you God for your provision even of great you God for your provision even of great you God for your provision even of great [music] times of need. We thank you God [music] times of need. We thank you God [music] times of need. We thank you God that we always we have always seen your that we always we have always seen your that we always we have always seen your hand in our lives, in our families, in hand in our lives, in our families, in hand in our lives, in our families, in our marriage, in our health God. And so our marriage, in our health God. And so our marriage, in our health God. And so thank you for this word God. We pray a thank you for this word God. We pray a thank you for this word God. We pray a blessing over the gift and the giver. We blessing over the gift and the giver. We blessing over the gift and the giver. We pray God that this gift would further pray God that this gift would further pray God that this gift would further your kingdom for the glory of your name. your kingdom for the glory of your name. your kingdom for the glory of your name. In Jesus strong name we pray. Amen and In Jesus strong name we pray. Amen and In Jesus strong name we pray. Amen and amen. Thank you for joining us for first amen. Thank you for joining us for first amen. Thank you for joining us for first Wednesday and we will see you this Wednesday and we will see you this Wednesday and we will see you this weekend.