What Have You Given Up On?

I'm a big soccer fan. I'm a big soccer fan. I'm hoping that the World Cup this I'm hoping that the World Cup this I'm hoping that the World Cup this summer got some of you interested as summer got some of you interested as summer got some of you interested as well. There are many Saturdays where my well. There are many Saturdays where my well. There are many Saturdays where my wife, Ashton, will find me awake at 6:00 wife, Ashton, will find me awake at 6:00 wife, Ashton, will find me awake at 6:00 a.m. to watch my favorite team, a.m. to watch my favorite team, a.m. to watch my favorite team, Manchester City. Manchester City. Manchester City. Thankfully, Thankfully, Thankfully, we got some haters over here. It's okay. we got some haters over here. It's okay. we got some haters over here. It's okay. Thankfully, not all their games are that Thankfully, not all their games are that Thankfully, not all their games are that early, but they play a lot and their early, but they play a lot and their early, but they play a lot and their schedule can be confusing. And that's schedule can be confusing. And that's schedule can be confusing. And that's just one of the many complaints I hear just one of the many complaints I hear just one of the many complaints I hear when I share that I'm a soccer fan. when I share that I'm a soccer fan. when I share that I'm a soccer fan. Many people will say, "It's boring." Many people will say, "It's boring." Many people will say, "It's boring." Usually, my response is, "Yeah, that's Usually, my response is, "Yeah, that's Usually, my response is, "Yeah, that's your opinion. And I think it's kind of your opinion. And I think it's kind of your opinion. And I think it's kind of boring to watch a pitcher throw a ball boring to watch a pitcher throw a ball boring to watch a pitcher throw a ball over and over and over again." over and over and over again." over and over and over again." Or they'll say the score is too small. Or they'll say the score is too small. Or they'll say the score is too small. "How am I supposed to enjoy a sport "How am I supposed to enjoy a sport "How am I supposed to enjoy a sport where one to zero is a big deal? where one to zero is a big deal? where one to zero is a big deal? They just run back and forth the whole They just run back and forth the whole They just run back and forth the whole time. time. time. There's too much flopping." There's too much flopping." There's too much flopping." Yeah, there's not much flopping in Yeah, there's not much flopping in Yeah, there's not much flopping in basketball, either. "I don't get the offside rule." Yeah, I "I don't get the offside rule." Yeah, I give you that. It can be confusing, but give you that. It can be confusing, but give you that. It can be confusing, but YouTube's very helpful.

YouTube's very helpful. YouTube's very helpful. "It ends in a tie sometimes?" "It ends in a tie sometimes?" "It ends in a tie sometimes?" Yes. Sometimes it does, but so does the Yes. Sometimes it does, but so does the Yes. Sometimes it does, but so does the NFL sometimes. NFL sometimes. NFL sometimes. And the best one, And the best one, And the best one, "Nothing happens." "Nothing happens." "Nothing happens." Other than strategy, tension, skill, and Other than strategy, tension, skill, and Other than strategy, tension, skill, and a miracle goal in the 93rd minute. Yes, a miracle goal in the 93rd minute. Yes, a miracle goal in the 93rd minute. Yes, I'll concede nothing at all. I'll concede nothing at all. I'll concede nothing at all. If you couldn't tell by now, I really If you couldn't tell by now, I really If you couldn't tell by now, I really love soccer, and I'm trying to get as love soccer, and I'm trying to get as love soccer, and I'm trying to get as many people into it as possible. So, if many people into it as possible. So, if many people into it as possible. So, if you want to, come talk with me. you want to, come talk with me. you want to, come talk with me. But I want to share about a moment where But I want to share about a moment where But I want to share about a moment where I was a bad fan. I was a bad fan. I was a bad fan. In 2022, in the last game of the season, In 2022, in the last game of the season, In 2022, in the last game of the season, my favorite team, Manchester City, was my favorite team, Manchester City, was my favorite team, Manchester City, was leading the league by one point over leading the league by one point over leading the league by one point over second-place team, Liverpool. second-place team, Liverpool. second-place team, Liverpool. If we lost our game and Liverpool won If we lost our game and Liverpool won If we lost our game and Liverpool won theirs, we would lose the trophy. theirs, we would lose the trophy. theirs, we would lose the trophy. In the final game of the season, every In the final game of the season, every In the final game of the season, every game kicks off at the exact same time. game kicks off at the exact same time. game kicks off at the exact same time. I was keeping track of both games, but I was keeping track of both games, but I was keeping track of both games, but obviously I was more focused on the Man obviously I was more focused on the Man obviously I was more focused on the Man City game.

City game. City game. And it was not looking good. And it was not looking good. And it was not looking good. Going into halftime, we were down one to Going into halftime, we were down one to Going into halftime, we were down one to zero and Liverpool was tied. So, we were zero and Liverpool was tied. So, we were zero and Liverpool was tied. So, we were still fine. We were winning the league, still fine. We were winning the league, still fine. We were winning the league, but not long after the second half but not long after the second half but not long after the second half started, Man City went down two to zero. started, Man City went down two to zero. started, Man City went down two to zero. I watched for a few more moments, but I watched for a few more moments, but I watched for a few more moments, but shamefully shamefully shamefully I turned off the game. I turned off the game. I turned off the game. I completely gave up hope of my team I completely gave up hope of my team I completely gave up hope of my team pulling it out when Liverpool went up pulling it out when Liverpool went up pulling it out when Liverpool went up two to one in their game. two to one in their game. two to one in their game. 20 minutes went by 20 minutes went by 20 minutes went by and I checked the score just to see how and I checked the score just to see how and I checked the score just to see how bad it was. I was expecting 3-0, 4-0. I bad it was. I was expecting 3-0, 4-0. I bad it was. I was expecting 3-0, 4-0. I was I gave up all hope. was I gave up all hope. was I gave up all hope. But turns out I missed out on one of the But turns out I missed out on one of the But turns out I missed out on one of the most iconic comebacks in team history. most iconic comebacks in team history. most iconic comebacks in team history. They were now up three to two with only They were now up three to two with only They were now up three to two with only a few minutes left. The final whistle a few minutes left. The final whistle a few minutes left. The final whistle blew, they held on to their lead, and blew, they held on to their lead, and blew, they held on to their lead, and they won the league, but I missed out on they won the league, but I missed out on they won the league, but I missed out on this miraculous comeback this miraculous comeback this miraculous comeback because I gave up. because I gave up. because I gave up. I lost all hope in my favorite team. I lost all hope in my favorite team. I lost all hope in my favorite team. Now, that was just a game. I was able to Now, that was just a game. I was able to Now, that was just a game. I was able to go back, watch the highlights, kind of go back, watch the highlights, kind of go back, watch the highlights, kind of relive the moment, and I'm hoping I'm relive the moment, and I'm hoping I'm relive the moment, and I'm hoping I'm not the only sports fan in the room not the only sports fan in the room not the only sports fan in the room that's given up on their team before. I that's given up on their team before. I that's given up on their team before. I mean, the Razorbacks, they've given us mean, the Razorbacks, they've given us mean, the Razorbacks, they've given us plenty of reason for doubt, and I say plenty of reason for doubt, and I say plenty of reason for doubt, and I say us, us, us, don't worry.

But what about when you give up on But what about when you give up on things in life? things in life? things in life? You burn dinner, You burn dinner, You burn dinner, so now you've resorted to take-out and so now you've resorted to take-out and so now you've resorted to take-out and microwave meals. microwave meals. microwave meals. Or you downloaded Duolingo. You wanted Or you downloaded Duolingo. You wanted Or you downloaded Duolingo. You wanted to learn a new language, but you missed to learn a new language, but you missed to learn a new language, but you missed a week, and so you decided you're just a week, and so you decided you're just a week, and so you decided you're just going to stick with English. going to stick with English. going to stick with English. You didn't make the team last season, so You didn't make the team last season, so You didn't make the team last season, so now you don't even try out. now you don't even try out. now you don't even try out. You worked out for a few weeks, didn't You worked out for a few weeks, didn't You worked out for a few weeks, didn't see any progress, so you gave up. see any progress, so you gave up. see any progress, so you gave up. You didn't get the part in the school You didn't get the part in the school You didn't get the part in the school play, play, play, so you stopped auditioning altogether. so you stopped auditioning altogether. so you stopped auditioning altogether. You studied hard, but you failed that You studied hard, but you failed that You studied hard, but you failed that test, and so now you've convinced test, and so now you've convinced test, and so now you've convinced yourself you'll never be good at that yourself you'll never be good at that yourself you'll never be good at that subject. subject. subject. You didn't get the job you wanted, You didn't get the job you wanted, You didn't get the job you wanted, so you stopped applying for something so you stopped applying for something so you stopped applying for something better. better. better. You've been praying that God would touch You've been praying that God would touch You've been praying that God would touch your parents' heart your parents' heart your parents' heart and bring them to Jesus. and bring them to Jesus. and bring them to Jesus. Because it hasn't happened, you think it Because it hasn't happened, you think it Because it hasn't happened, you think it never will. never will. never will. You've been praying for healing for so You've been praying for healing for so You've been praying for healing for so long with no response, long with no response, long with no response, so now you've quit asking.

so now you've quit asking. so now you've quit asking. You've given up on your miracle. You've given up on your miracle. You've given up on your miracle. The same is true for the person in our The same is true for the person in our The same is true for the person in our story today. With every passing year, story today. With every passing year, story today. With every passing year, hope was slowly fading away. hope was slowly fading away. hope was slowly fading away. But through his interaction with Peter But through his interaction with Peter But through his interaction with Peter and John, and John, and John, you'll learn what to do when you feel you'll learn what to do when you feel you'll learn what to do when you feel like your hardship will never end. like your hardship will never end. like your hardship will never end. We find the story in Acts 3. One day, We find the story in Acts 3. One day, We find the story in Acts 3. One day, Peter and John were going up to the Peter and John were going up to the Peter and John were going up to the temple at a time of prayer, at 3:00 in temple at a time of prayer, at 3:00 in temple at a time of prayer, at 3:00 in the afternoon. Now, this was just an the afternoon. Now, this was just an the afternoon. Now, this was just an ordinary day for Peter and John. They ordinary day for Peter and John. They ordinary day for Peter and John. They were going up to the temple for prayer, were going up to the temple for prayer, were going up to the temple for prayer, but this ordinary moment would soon be but this ordinary moment would soon be but this ordinary moment would soon be turned to the extraordinary. turned to the extraordinary. turned to the extraordinary. Now, a man who was lame from birth was Now, a man who was lame from birth was Now, a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to Beautiful, where he was put every day to Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going to the temple beg from those going to the temple beg from those going to the temple court. court. court. Now, this man, we're going to give him Now, this man, we're going to give him Now, this man, we're going to give him the name Sam. the name Sam. the name Sam. He was used to doing this. He was used to doing this. He was used to doing this. Every day he went to the temple to beg. Every day he went to the temple to beg. Every day he went to the temple to beg. Now, this was prime real estate. He was Now, this was prime real estate. He was Now, this was prime real estate. He was at the high foot traffic location where at the high foot traffic location where at the high foot traffic location where people were supposed to be generous.

people were supposed to be generous. people were supposed to be generous. It'd be like setting up camp at the It'd be like setting up camp at the It'd be like setting up camp at the corner of Barrow and West Commercial on corner of Barrow and West Commercial on corner of Barrow and West Commercial on a Sunday morning. This was a great place a Sunday morning. This was a great place a Sunday morning. This was a great place to beg. to beg. to beg. But even though it was great, But even though it was great, But even though it was great, it didn't mean it was easy. it didn't mean it was easy. it didn't mean it was easy. Being a beggar was humiliating. Being a beggar was humiliating. Being a beggar was humiliating. Beggars had to learn to endure being Beggars had to learn to endure being Beggars had to learn to endure being refused and looked down on. refused and looked down on. refused and looked down on. It was a self-esteem killer. It was a self-esteem killer. It was a self-esteem killer. He would constantly be refused by the He would constantly be refused by the He would constantly be refused by the same people day after day, no doubt same people day after day, no doubt same people day after day, no doubt recognizing their faces as they walked recognizing their faces as they walked recognizing their faces as they walked by and ignored him. by and ignored him. by and ignored him. And to make it even more challenging, And to make it even more challenging, And to make it even more challenging, Sam is crippled since birth. Sam is crippled since birth. Sam is crippled since birth. Many looked at him and thought the Many looked at him and thought the Many looked at him and thought the reason for his disability was because of reason for his disability was because of reason for his disability was because of his sins or sins in his family. his sins or sins in his family. his sins or sins in his family. Why would anyone want to give to support Why would anyone want to give to support Why would anyone want to give to support someone so affected by sin? But in spite of all this, But in spite of all this, he was constantly there, day after day he was constantly there, day after day he was constantly there, day after day being ignored by people who should be being ignored by people who should be being ignored by people who should be helping. helping. helping. What started as a condition What started as a condition What started as a condition had now become a routine.

had now become a routine. had now become a routine. But Sam wasn't alone. But Sam wasn't alone. But Sam wasn't alone. He couldn't get to the gate by himself. He couldn't get to the gate by himself. He couldn't get to the gate by himself. He had to rely on others. Remember in He had to rely on others. Remember in He had to rely on others. Remember in verse two, it says he was being carried verse two, it says he was being carried verse two, it says he was being carried to the temple gate. to the temple gate. to the temple gate. But who was doing this? But who was doing this? But who was doing this? Why were they doing this? Why were they doing this? Why were they doing this? It could have been his family. It could have been his family. It could have been his family. They loved him. They wanted to help him They loved him. They wanted to help him They loved him. They wanted to help him survive. They felt an obligation to help survive. They felt an obligation to help survive. They felt an obligation to help because of all the hardship that he's because of all the hardship that he's because of all the hardship that he's been through in his life. been through in his life. been through in his life. It become a whole family routine. They It become a whole family routine. They It become a whole family routine. They had a chart. They took turns. It was his had a chart. They took turns. It was his had a chart. They took turns. It was his brother's turn this week. It was an brother's turn this week. It was an brother's turn this week. It was an entire family effort. entire family effort. entire family effort. Or maybe it was a group of friends. Or maybe it was a group of friends. Or maybe it was a group of friends. Over the years, Sam had developed Over the years, Sam had developed Over the years, Sam had developed relationships that moved their hearts. relationships that moved their hearts. relationships that moved their hearts. They heard about a group of friends that They heard about a group of friends that They heard about a group of friends that brought a crippled man to Jesus and now brought a crippled man to Jesus and now brought a crippled man to Jesus and now they wanted to do their part. they wanted to do their part. they wanted to do their part. They didn't have money to give, but they They didn't have money to give, but they They didn't have money to give, but they had their strength and time. had their strength and time. had their strength and time. Or his first goal of the day Or his first goal of the day Or his first goal of the day was to find someone that he could was to find someone that he could was to find someone that he could convince to help. He had his speech convince to help. He had his speech convince to help. He had his speech ready. It was perfected. He even agreed ready. It was perfected. He even agreed ready. It was perfected. He even agreed to give part of his earnings in return to give part of his earnings in return to give part of his earnings in return for transportation to and from the for transportation to and from the for transportation to and from the temple.

temple. temple. Regardless of how he was getting there, Regardless of how he was getting there, Regardless of how he was getting there, Sam wasn't doing it alone. Sam wasn't doing it alone. Sam wasn't doing it alone. He needed others help to get to the He needed others help to get to the He needed others help to get to the temple, and he accepted it. temple, and he accepted it. temple, and he accepted it. He wasn't too proud to receive help. He He wasn't too proud to receive help. He He wasn't too proud to receive help. He wasn't embarrassed to rely on others in wasn't embarrassed to rely on others in wasn't embarrassed to rely on others in his area of need, and you shouldn't his area of need, and you shouldn't his area of need, and you shouldn't either. You're in a challenging situation, but You're in a challenging situation, but you're not allowing others to help carry you're not allowing others to help carry you're not allowing others to help carry the load. the load. the load. Or even worse, Or even worse, Or even worse, they don't even know you're in need. they don't even know you're in need. they don't even know you're in need. You hid the diagnosis. You hid the diagnosis. You hid the diagnosis. You don't want people to look at you You don't want people to look at you You don't want people to look at you differently. differently. differently. You don't want them to know that you're You don't want them to know that you're You don't want them to know that you're struggling. struggling. struggling. You're racking up credit card debt so You're racking up credit card debt so You're racking up credit card debt so your family doesn't realize that you your family doesn't realize that you your family doesn't realize that you can't keep up with their desires. can't keep up with their desires. can't keep up with their desires. You avoid Forever Free or even talking You avoid Forever Free or even talking You avoid Forever Free or even talking about the addiction that you're facing about the addiction that you're facing about the addiction that you're facing because you're afraid of being judged. You put on a smile every Sunday, You put on a smile every Sunday, but inside you're battling depression but inside you're battling depression but inside you're battling depression and don't want anyone to know.

and don't want anyone to know. and don't want anyone to know. You're struggling to take care of a sick You're struggling to take care of a sick You're struggling to take care of a sick family member. You're supposed to be the family member. You're supposed to be the family member. You're supposed to be the rock. After all, they're the one that's rock. After all, they're the one that's rock. After all, they're the one that's hurting. hurting. hurting. The point of sharing is not so that The point of sharing is not so that The point of sharing is not so that others will solve your problem. Chances others will solve your problem. Chances others will solve your problem. Chances are, they're not going to be able to do are, they're not going to be able to do are, they're not going to be able to do that. that. that. But you share so that you have a support But you share so that you have a support But you share so that you have a support system to encourage and be there for system to encourage and be there for system to encourage and be there for you. They may not be able to fix you. They may not be able to fix you. They may not be able to fix everything, but they could cook dinner everything, but they could cook dinner everything, but they could cook dinner for you and your family so that you can for you and your family so that you can for you and your family so that you can rest. They could give you a ride to rest. They could give you a ride to rest. They could give you a ride to church to save money on gas. church to save money on gas. church to save money on gas. They could pray with you for They could pray with you for They could pray with you for breakthrough or even small victories. breakthrough or even small victories. breakthrough or even small victories. They could sit with you and just listen They could sit with you and just listen They could sit with you and just listen because sometimes you need to share because sometimes you need to share because sometimes you need to share knowing the person is on the other side knowing the person is on the other side knowing the person is on the other side is just there to support you. is just there to support you. is just there to support you. They could send you encouraging texts They could send you encouraging texts They could send you encouraging texts and scriptures. One of the best people and scriptures. One of the best people and scriptures. One of the best people at this is Rick Tatum. at this is Rick Tatum. at this is Rick Tatum. He texts me at least once a month asking He texts me at least once a month asking He texts me at least once a month asking how he can be praying for me and my how he can be praying for me and my how he can be praying for me and my family. family. family. And he doesn't just respond with a And he doesn't just respond with a And he doesn't just respond with a thumbs up or a will do. No, he actually thumbs up or a will do. No, he actually thumbs up or a will do. No, he actually records a voice message of him praying records a voice message of him praying records a voice message of him praying and shares it with me every time.

and shares it with me every time. and shares it with me every time. I am grateful for people like Rick who I am grateful for people like Rick who I am grateful for people like Rick who are there to support me when I need are there to support me when I need are there to support me when I need help. help. help. You are not a burden. You are not a burden. You are not a burden. As a body of believers, we're going to As a body of believers, we're going to As a body of believers, we're going to rally around our loved ones and support rally around our loved ones and support rally around our loved ones and support them through challenges and them through challenges and them through challenges and difficulties, but you have a part to difficulties, but you have a part to difficulties, but you have a part to play in that. play in that. play in that. When you're facing difficulty, you need When you're facing difficulty, you need When you're facing difficulty, you need to share your hurt with others. to share your hurt with others. to share your hurt with others. Don't keep it to yourself. Don't keep it to yourself. Don't keep it to yourself. If you haven't noticed, we can't read If you haven't noticed, we can't read If you haven't noticed, we can't read your mind. your mind. your mind. They're never going to know that you They're never going to know that you They're never going to know that you need help without you first asking. And when he saw Peter and John about to And when he saw Peter and John about to enter, enter, enter, he asked them for money. he asked them for money. he asked them for money. And I guess that fits the bill. He's a And I guess that fits the bill. He's a And I guess that fits the bill. He's a beggar. beggar. beggar. But come on, Sam. This is Peter and But come on, Sam. This is Peter and But come on, Sam. This is Peter and John. They spent years learning from John. They spent years learning from John. They spent years learning from Jesus. Just a few verses earlier, we Jesus. Just a few verses earlier, we Jesus. Just a few verses earlier, we learned that everyone was filled with learned that everyone was filled with learned that everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs awe at the many wonders and signs awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. performed by the apostles. performed by the apostles. Word had to be getting around, not just Word had to be getting around, not just Word had to be getting around, not just through town, but at the same place that through town, but at the same place that through town, but at the same place that Sam set up shop every day.

Sam set up shop every day. Sam set up shop every day. He must have heard about the miracles He must have heard about the miracles He must have heard about the miracles being performed by the apostles. People being performed by the apostles. People being performed by the apostles. People just like him gaining a second chance at just like him gaining a second chance at just like him gaining a second chance at life. life. life. Why would he just ask for money? And Peter looked straight at him, And Peter looked straight at him, as did John. as did John. as did John. So, what do you do when you're at a So, what do you do when you're at a So, what do you do when you're at a stoplight and you see someone with a stoplight and you see someone with a stoplight and you see someone with a sign that says, "Will work for food"? sign that says, "Will work for food"? sign that says, "Will work for food"? You pull out your phone. You pull out your phone. You pull out your phone. You look the other way or you look You look the other way or you look You look the other way or you look straight ahead. You do everything straight ahead. You do everything straight ahead. You do everything possible to ignore them because you possible to ignore them because you possible to ignore them because you understand if you look at them, they're understand if you look at them, they're understand if you look at them, they're coming your way. That's how it goes with coming your way. That's how it goes with coming your way. That's how it goes with beggars. beggars. beggars. And when Peter and John looked at Sam, And when Peter and John looked at Sam, And when Peter and John looked at Sam, they made a value statement. they made a value statement. they made a value statement. But they didn't stop there. But they didn't stop there. But they didn't stop there. Then Peter said, "Look at us." Then Peter said, "Look at us." Then Peter said, "Look at us." Look Look Look at us. at us. at us. Peter wasn't just asking for eye Peter wasn't just asking for eye Peter wasn't just asking for eye contact. He was interrupting a lifetime contact. He was interrupting a lifetime contact. He was interrupting a lifetime of being overlooked.

of being overlooked. of being overlooked. After a lifetime of neglect, After a lifetime of neglect, After a lifetime of neglect, humiliation, being disregarded, Sam must humiliation, being disregarded, Sam must humiliation, being disregarded, Sam must have felt so unworthy. have felt so unworthy. have felt so unworthy. His self-esteem was nonexistent. His His self-esteem was nonexistent. His His self-esteem was nonexistent. His whole life he'd been tossed aside and whole life he'd been tossed aside and whole life he'd been tossed aside and treated as less than. treated as less than. treated as less than. No wonder he wouldn't ask for money. He No wonder he wouldn't ask for money. He No wonder he wouldn't ask for money. He couldn't even look at the people he was couldn't even look at the people he was couldn't even look at the people he was asking for money from. asking for money from. asking for money from. And maybe Sam realized what everyone And maybe Sam realized what everyone And maybe Sam realized what everyone else was saying. He felt it. He deserved else was saying. He felt it. He deserved else was saying. He felt it. He deserved to be crippled. to be crippled. to be crippled. Whatever the reason for him being this Whatever the reason for him being this Whatever the reason for him being this way, it meant he was supposed to stay way, it meant he was supposed to stay way, it meant he was supposed to stay this way. this way. this way. Though those apostles, they may be Though those apostles, they may be Though those apostles, they may be performing miracles for those people, performing miracles for those people, performing miracles for those people, but that's because they're special. It but that's because they're special. It but that's because they're special. It could never be me. When your circumstance breaks you down, When your circumstance breaks you down, you feel like Sam. you feel like Sam. you feel like Sam. Unworthy. Unworthy. Unworthy. You feel like there's no way God would You feel like there's no way God would You feel like there's no way God would help you. help you. help you. There's no way God will work that huge There's no way God will work that huge There's no way God will work that huge miracle in your life.

miracle in your life. miracle in your life. Since he hasn't done it yet, it must Since he hasn't done it yet, it must Since he hasn't done it yet, it must mean he never will. mean he never will. mean he never will. Maybe you deserve this. Maybe you deserve this. Maybe you deserve this. Your circumstance, it hasn't only Your circumstance, it hasn't only Your circumstance, it hasn't only affected the physical aspects of your affected the physical aspects of your affected the physical aspects of your life, life, life, but it's destroyed your self-esteem. but it's destroyed your self-esteem. but it's destroyed your self-esteem. When you believe you're disqualified, When you believe you're disqualified, When you believe you're disqualified, you stop asking for what God is ready to you stop asking for what God is ready to you stop asking for what God is ready to give. give. give. There's no way God would restore my There's no way God would restore my There's no way God would restore my marriage. marriage. marriage. It's not high enough on his priority It's not high enough on his priority It's not high enough on his priority list. list. list. I've been dealing with this pain for so I've been dealing with this pain for so I've been dealing with this pain for so long, why would he do something about it long, why would he do something about it long, why would he do something about it now? now? now? I'm wasting my time. I'm wasting my I'm wasting my time. I'm wasting my I'm wasting my time. I'm wasting my breath. This is something that I'm just breath. This is something that I'm just breath. This is something that I'm just going to have to live with. going to have to live with. going to have to live with. God has bigger problems to deal with. God has bigger problems to deal with. God has bigger problems to deal with. Haven't you seen the news? Haven't you seen the news? Haven't you seen the news? I must be paying for a mistake. I must be paying for a mistake. I must be paying for a mistake. This is what I get. This is my This is what I get. This is my This is what I get. This is my punishment. punishment. punishment. I don't want to get my hopes up again. I don't want to get my hopes up again. I don't want to get my hopes up again. Just to be disappointed. Just to be disappointed. Just to be disappointed. Would God really help someone like me?

He can. He can. And he will. And he will. And he will. You see this as something that You see this as something that You see this as something that unqualifies you for a miracle, but unqualifies you for a miracle, but unqualifies you for a miracle, but there's no such thing. God is attracted there's no such thing. God is attracted there's no such thing. God is attracted to desperate circumstances. What you see to desperate circumstances. What you see to desperate circumstances. What you see as a disqualifier is the exact thing as a disqualifier is the exact thing as a disqualifier is the exact thing that qualifies you for God to move. He that qualifies you for God to move. He that qualifies you for God to move. He is looking to do the extraordinary in is looking to do the extraordinary in is looking to do the extraordinary in your life. your life. your life. And the people who understand this are And the people who understand this are And the people who understand this are people who face difficulty with people who face difficulty with people who face difficulty with confidence and positivity. confidence and positivity. confidence and positivity. I think of people like Bob and Liz I think of people like Bob and Liz I think of people like Bob and Liz Bevis, Derek and Trenette Brooks, and Bevis, Derek and Trenette Brooks, and Bevis, Derek and Trenette Brooks, and Gary and Suzanne Glisson. Gary and Suzanne Glisson. Gary and Suzanne Glisson. When they face a challenging season, When they face a challenging season, When they face a challenging season, they face it with hope and courage. they face it with hope and courage. they face it with hope and courage. From the outside looking in, you may From the outside looking in, you may From the outside looking in, you may think they're delusional or unrealistic think they're delusional or unrealistic think they're delusional or unrealistic or in denial, but they see that no trial or in denial, but they see that no trial or in denial, but they see that no trial or trouble is greater than the God they or trouble is greater than the God they or trouble is greater than the God they serve. Nothing makes them unworthy of serve. Nothing makes them unworthy of serve. Nothing makes them unworthy of being a candidate for God's miraculous being a candidate for God's miraculous being a candidate for God's miraculous power. power. power. Now, maybe there was another reason that Now, maybe there was another reason that Now, maybe there was another reason that Peter said look at us. Peter said look at us. Peter said look at us. Sam had his attention set on something Sam had his attention set on something Sam had his attention set on something else.

else. else. He was asking for help over here, but he He was asking for help over here, but he He was asking for help over here, but he was looking this way. He had his attention focused on He had his attention focused on something different, and sadly, something different, and sadly, something different, and sadly, that's how you react. that's how you react. that's how you react. When you're going through a challenging, When you're going through a challenging, When you're going through a challenging, difficult season, looking to God is the difficult season, looking to God is the difficult season, looking to God is the last thing you do. last thing you do. last thing you do. You start with social media. You start with social media. You start with social media. What are others saying who face what I'm What are others saying who face what I'm What are others saying who face what I'm facing? You may ask your friends or the facing? You may ask your friends or the facing? You may ask your friends or the all-knowing chat GPT. You look to alcohol or prescription You look to alcohol or prescription drugs to numb your body and mind. drugs to numb your body and mind. drugs to numb your body and mind. You'll look for quick fixes, hoping that You'll look for quick fixes, hoping that You'll look for quick fixes, hoping that one of them works out and becomes a one of them works out and becomes a one of them works out and becomes a permanent one. permanent one. permanent one. Stop looking to other things and other Stop looking to other things and other Stop looking to other things and other people to fix your problems. people to fix your problems. people to fix your problems. You will never find real life change You will never find real life change You will never find real life change through them. And whether you're focused on something And whether you're focused on something else or you feel completely unqualified else or you feel completely unqualified else or you feel completely unqualified for God to work in your life, God gives for God to work in your life, God gives for God to work in your life, God gives you the same response.

you the same response. you the same response. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. God wants your attention. When you face God wants your attention. When you face God wants your attention. When you face difficulty, look to God first. difficulty, look to God first. difficulty, look to God first. And here's the great thing. When you And here's the great thing. When you And here's the great thing. When you look at him, you're going to find that look at him, you're going to find that look at him, you're going to find that he's already looking back at you. he's already looking back at you. he's already looking back at you. He's not distracted. No, you have his He's not distracted. No, you have his He's not distracted. No, you have his full attention. full attention. full attention. Think about how it feels when someone Think about how it feels when someone Think about how it feels when someone looks you in the eye. looks you in the eye. looks you in the eye. You feel seen and heard and valued. You feel seen and heard and valued. You feel seen and heard and valued. That's what happens when you turn to That's what happens when you turn to That's what happens when you turn to God. God. God. He's aware of your situation and says, He's aware of your situation and says, He's aware of your situation and says, "I see you. I hear you. "I see you. I hear you. "I see you. I hear you. You're not invisible to me." You're not invisible to me." You're not invisible to me." When someone's fully present, you don't When someone's fully present, you don't When someone's fully present, you don't have to repeat yourself or wonder if have to repeat yourself or wonder if have to repeat yourself or wonder if they're listening, you know you matter. they're listening, you know you matter. they're listening, you know you matter. When you lock eyes with God, you're When you lock eyes with God, you're When you lock eyes with God, you're reminded he's here. reminded he's here. reminded he's here. I matter. I matter. I matter. I'm not being ignored. I'm not being ignored. I'm not being ignored. God hears your cries for help. God hears your cries for help. God hears your cries for help. He sees those sleepless nights, the long He sees those sleepless nights, the long He sees those sleepless nights, the long hours, the hospital stays, hours, the hospital stays, hours, the hospital stays, the desperate attempts to find an the desperate attempts to find an the desperate attempts to find an answer.

answer. answer. You can have confidence because you're You can have confidence because you're You can have confidence because you're seen. seen. seen. And he doesn't just glance at you and And he doesn't just glance at you and And he doesn't just glance at you and move on. move on. move on. No, his eyes never leave you. No, his eyes never leave you. No, his eyes never leave you. He's steady. He's present. He's near. He's steady. He's present. He's near. He's steady. He's present. He's near. And when you pray or worship or cry out, And when you pray or worship or cry out, And when you pray or worship or cry out, God isn't multitasking. God isn't multitasking. God isn't multitasking. He's the father who kneels down, looks He's the father who kneels down, looks He's the father who kneels down, looks you in the eye, and says, "I'm [music] you in the eye, and says, "I'm [music] you in the eye, and says, "I'm [music] right here. right here. right here. You are not alone." deep [music] deep [music] waters, I know I know that you will be that you will be that you will be with me. with me. with me. >> [singing and music] in the fire, in the fire, >> [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Through the valley of >> Through the valley of >> Through the valley of the shadow, >> [music] >> [music] >> I will not fear.

>> I will not fear. >> I will not fear. I am not [singing] I am not [singing] I am not [singing] alone. alone. alone. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I am >> I am >> I am not alone. You will go [music and singing] before You will go [music and singing] before me. me. me. You will never You will never You will never leave me. leave me. leave me. I am [music and singing] I am [music and singing] I am [music and singing] not alone. I am I am >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> not alone. You will go before [singing] You will go before [singing] me. me. me. You will You will You will never leave me. In the In the midst of deep >> [music] >> [music] >> I see your light [singing] is breaking >> I see your light [singing] is breaking >> I see your light [singing] is breaking through. The darker [music and singing] night The darker [music and singing] night will not will not will not overtake me. overtake me. overtake me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm pressing into you.

Lord, you [music and singing] fight my Lord, you [music and singing] fight my every battle. And I And I will not will not will not >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> fear. I am not alone. I am not alone. I >> fear. I am not alone. I am not alone. I >> fear. I am not alone. I am not alone. I am not alone. am not alone. am not alone. I am not [music] not [music] alone. You will go before me. You will go before me. You will never [music and singing] You will never [music and singing] You will never [music and singing] leave me. leave me. leave me. I am not alone. [singing] You will go before [music and singing] You will go before [music and singing] me. me. me. You will never You will never You will never leave me. >> [music] >> [music] >> You amaze [singing] >> You amaze [singing] >> You amaze [singing] me, me, me, redeem me. redeem me. redeem me. You call me as your own. You call me as your own. You call me as your own. You amaze me, You amaze me, You amaze me, redeem me. redeem me. redeem me. You call [music and singing] me as your You call [music and singing] me as your You call [music and singing] me as your own. own. own. You amaze me, You amaze me, You amaze me, redeem me. redeem me. redeem me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You call [singing] me as your own.

>> You call [singing] me as your own. >> You call [singing] me as your own. You amaze [music] me, You amaze [music] me, You amaze [music] me, redeem me. redeem me. redeem me. You call me as [singing] your own. You call me as [singing] your own. You call me as [singing] your own. You amaze [music] me, You amaze [music] me, You amaze [music] me, redeem me. redeem me. redeem me. You call me as [music] your own. >> You're my strength. >> You're my strength. You're [music] my You're [music] my You're [music] my defender. defender. defender. >> [singing] >> You're my refuge [music] in >> You're my refuge [music] in the storm. Through these trials [music and singing] Through these trials [music and singing] you've always you've always you've always been faithful.

been faithful. been faithful. You bring healing to my You bring healing to my You bring healing to my soul and soul and soul and I am not I am not I am not alone. I am [music and singing] not I am [music and singing] not alone. You will You will go before me. go before me. go before me. You will [music and singing] You will [music and singing] You will [music and singing] never leave me. I am I am not alone. I am not I am not >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> alone. You will go You will go >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> before me. >> before me. >> before me. You will [music] never leave me. I am not [singing] alone. I am not [singing] alone. I am not alone. You will You will >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> go before >> go before >> go before me. me. me. You will You will You will never leave me. never leave me. never leave me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> And I am not alone. You will You will go before go before go before me.

me. me. You will You will You will never leave never leave never leave me. me. me. >> [music] >> You are not alone. >> You are not alone. No matter how lonely it feels, God is No matter how lonely it feels, God is No matter how lonely it feels, God is with you. with you. with you. He sees you. He sees you. He sees you. Peter said, "Look at us." Peter said, "Look at us." Peter said, "Look at us." And in one moment, And in one moment, And in one moment, everything that had defined Sam's life everything that had defined Sam's life everything that had defined Sam's life was about to change. was about to change. was about to change. So, the man gave him his attention, So, the man gave him his attention, So, the man gave him his attention, expecting to get something from them. expecting to get something from them. expecting to get something from them. You say, "Of course he was expecting You say, "Of course he was expecting You say, "Of course he was expecting something." No one would give him the something." No one would give him the something." No one would give him the time of day, and now someone was giving time of day, and now someone was giving time of day, and now someone was giving them him his complete and total them him his complete and total them him his complete and total attention. attention. attention. He probably thought this was about to be He probably thought this was about to be He probably thought this was about to be the biggest payday yet. He was excited. the biggest payday yet. He was excited. the biggest payday yet. He was excited. He was about to get up and jump for He was about to get up and jump for He was about to get up and jump for himself. himself. himself. But, remember this is Peter and John. But, remember this is Peter and John. But, remember this is Peter and John. The apostles have been performing The apostles have been performing The apostles have been performing miracles all around town. Lives were miracles all around town. Lives were miracles all around town. Lives were being changed, and he was asking being changed, and he was asking being changed, and he was asking for money.

You want to yell at Sam, "This is your You want to yell at Sam, "This is your chance! chance! chance! These guys are servants of Jesus. The These guys are servants of Jesus. The These guys are servants of Jesus. The spirit has been working through them in spirit has been working through them in spirit has been working through them in powerful ways. Why in the world are you powerful ways. Why in the world are you powerful ways. Why in the world are you just asking for money?" Sam's miracle scope was too small. Sam's miracle scope was too small. He'd been dealing with this his entire He'd been dealing with this his entire He'd been dealing with this his entire life. He'd adapted to it. This was who life. He'd adapted to it. This was who life. He'd adapted to it. This was who he was. And when you've been facing something And when you've been facing something for so long, for so long, for so long, you lose hope of it ever changing. you lose hope of it ever changing. you lose hope of it ever changing. You say, "Well, I've just come to terms You say, "Well, I've just come to terms You say, "Well, I've just come to terms with it. with it. with it. This is how life is going to be." This is how life is going to be." This is how life is going to be." Your miracle scope is too small. Your miracle scope is too small. Your miracle scope is too small. You can't imagine a world where God You can't imagine a world where God You can't imagine a world where God would do that big of a miracle for you. would do that big of a miracle for you. would do that big of a miracle for you. So, you settle for small requests. So, you settle for small requests. So, you settle for small requests. You pray, You pray, You pray, "Oh, help me to make it through today."

"Oh, help me to make it through today." "Oh, help me to make it through today." Instead of God, "Heal my anxiety Instead of God, "Heal my anxiety Instead of God, "Heal my anxiety forever. Give me peace that lasts." forever. Give me peace that lasts." forever. Give me peace that lasts." Or help me get along with my spouse this Or help me get along with my spouse this Or help me get along with my spouse this week. week. week. Instead of God, "Restore our marriage Instead of God, "Restore our marriage Instead of God, "Restore our marriage completely." Help me to pay this month's bills. Help me to pay this month's bills. Instead of God, "Provide in miraculous, Instead of God, "Provide in miraculous, Instead of God, "Provide in miraculous, crazy ways. Break this cycle of debt and crazy ways. Break this cycle of debt and crazy ways. Break this cycle of debt and provide freedom." Lord, I pray that I don't get more bad Lord, I pray that I don't get more bad news in this doctor's appointment. news in this doctor's appointment. news in this doctor's appointment. Instead of God, "Surprise the nurses, Instead of God, "Surprise the nurses, Instead of God, "Surprise the nurses, surprise the doctors, surprise everyone surprise the doctors, surprise everyone surprise the doctors, surprise everyone that's been praying with me. Provide an that's been praying with me. Provide an that's been praying with me. Provide an over-the-top, only God kind of miracle." Or help me with my addiction. Or help me with my addiction. Instead of God, "Set me free from this. Instead of God, "Set me free from this. Instead of God, "Set me free from this. Help me to be forever free, completely Help me to be forever free, completely Help me to be forever free, completely free." Help me to not feel so lonely. Help me to not feel so lonely. Instead of God, "Bring deep, godly Instead of God, "Bring deep, godly Instead of God, "Bring deep, godly relationships that will change my life relationships that will change my life relationships that will change my life forever."

forever." forever." Now, don't get me wrong. You should be Now, don't get me wrong. You should be Now, don't get me wrong. You should be praying for those things, those small praying for those things, those small praying for those things, those small moments, those daily prayers. You should moments, those daily prayers. You should moments, those daily prayers. You should seek God's help and guidance and seek God's help and guidance and seek God's help and guidance and support, but don't let the longevity of support, but don't let the longevity of support, but don't let the longevity of your suffering make you forget about the your suffering make you forget about the your suffering make you forget about the powerful God you serve. powerful God you serve. powerful God you serve. God parted the Red Sea when the God parted the Red Sea when the God parted the Red Sea when the Israelites' situation seemed hopeless. Israelites' situation seemed hopeless. Israelites' situation seemed hopeless. Jesus fed 5,000 people with just a few Jesus fed 5,000 people with just a few Jesus fed 5,000 people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. He raised fish and loaves of bread. He raised fish and loaves of bread. He raised Lazarus from the dead. He healed blind Lazarus from the dead. He healed blind Lazarus from the dead. He healed blind men. He made the crippled walk. Jesus men. He made the crippled walk. Jesus men. He made the crippled walk. Jesus defeated death and the grave, and he defeated death and the grave, and he defeated death and the grave, and he didn't stop when the Bible was done didn't stop when the Bible was done didn't stop when the Bible was done being written. being written. being written. He's still doing miracles today. All He's still doing miracles today. All He's still doing miracles today. All around you are people with amazing around you are people with amazing around you are people with amazing stories of his power and his help. Don't stories of his power and his help. Don't stories of his power and his help. Don't limit your miracle scope. limit your miracle scope. limit your miracle scope. The same God who did all of that, he The same God who did all of that, he The same God who did all of that, he sees you. sees you. sees you. He sees your situation and he has the He sees your situation and he has the He sees your situation and he has the power to turn it around. power to turn it around. power to turn it around. When you face difficulty, you need to When you face difficulty, you need to When you face difficulty, you need to ask for God-sized miracles. ask for God-sized miracles. ask for God-sized miracles. And don't quit asking.

And don't quit asking. And don't quit asking. Don't stop because you feel like you're Don't stop because you feel like you're Don't stop because you feel like you're pestering God. Oh, God doesn't want to pestering God. Oh, God doesn't want to pestering God. Oh, God doesn't want to hear it again today. I just asked him hear it again today. I just asked him hear it again today. I just asked him yesterday. No, again and again and yesterday. No, again and again and yesterday. No, again and again and again. God doesn't dismiss you or quit again. God doesn't dismiss you or quit again. God doesn't dismiss you or quit listening because you keep bringing it listening because you keep bringing it listening because you keep bringing it up. up. up. Don't give up hope. You serve a Don't give up hope. You serve a Don't give up hope. You serve a miracle-working God. And then we get to the best part of the And then we get to the best part of the story. story. story. Peter said, "Silver or gold, I do not Peter said, "Silver or gold, I do not Peter said, "Silver or gold, I do not have. But what I do have, I give you. In have. But what I do have, I give you. In have. But what I do have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." walk." walk." And then taking him by the right hand, And then taking him by the right hand, And then taking him by the right hand, he helped him up and instantly the man's he helped him up and instantly the man's he helped him up and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. And can feet and ankles became strong. And can feet and ankles became strong. And can you imagine that moment? I mean, I guess you imagine that moment? I mean, I guess you imagine that moment? I mean, I guess we're going to have to. The Bible is we're going to have to. The Bible is we're going to have to. The Bible is pretty I mean, pretty basic on what it pretty I mean, pretty basic on what it pretty I mean, pretty basic on what it tells us there. But Sam had long ago tells us there. But Sam had long ago tells us there. But Sam had long ago given up hope of walking. given up hope of walking. given up hope of walking. Healing wasn't even on his radar. Sam Healing wasn't even on his radar. Sam Healing wasn't even on his radar. Sam didn't ask to be healed. He was getting didn't ask to be healed. He was getting didn't ask to be healed. He was getting by. He was making money every day. Sure, by. He was making money every day. Sure, by. He was making money every day. Sure, it was tough, it was tough, it was tough, but he was surviving.

but he was surviving. but he was surviving. And God saw past his request for a And God saw past his request for a And God saw past his request for a temporary solution and brought him a temporary solution and brought him a temporary solution and brought him a lasting one. lasting one. lasting one. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. And then he went with them into the And then he went with them into the And then he went with them into the temple courts walking and jumping and temple courts walking and jumping and temple courts walking and jumping and praising God. praising God. praising God. See, before Sam wasn't allowed in the See, before Sam wasn't allowed in the See, before Sam wasn't allowed in the temple courts. He was a beggar. But now temple courts. He was a beggar. But now temple courts. He was a beggar. But now his life was completely changed. And he his life was completely changed. And he his life was completely changed. And he wasn't just walking. You know, I feel wasn't just walking. You know, I feel wasn't just walking. You know, I feel like Remember, he never walked before. like Remember, he never walked before. like Remember, he never walked before. He was testing out his legs, doing a He was testing out his legs, doing a He was testing out his legs, doing a little jiggle here and there, maybe little jiggle here and there, maybe little jiggle here and there, maybe doing some some calf raises, some some doing some some calf raises, some some doing some some calf raises, some some jumping jacks. I don't know why this jumping jacks. I don't know why this jumping jacks. I don't know why this turned into a workout, but he was turned into a workout, but he was turned into a workout, but he was testing everything out. He was getting testing everything out. He was getting testing everything out. He was getting used to his legs. used to his legs. used to his legs. He was walking and dancing and jumping. He was walking and dancing and jumping. He was walking and dancing and jumping. He was weeping and shouting. It was an He was weeping and shouting. It was an He was weeping and shouting. It was an out-of-control celebration. He could out-of-control celebration. He could out-of-control celebration. He could walk and he wanted everyone to know it. walk and he wanted everyone to know it. walk and he wanted everyone to know it. When you receive your miracle, When you receive your miracle, When you receive your miracle, don't keep it to yourself. don't keep it to yourself. don't keep it to yourself. Make a scene. Share with the people you Make a scene. Share with the people you Make a scene. Share with the people you work with. Share it with your family and work with. Share it with your family and work with. Share it with your family and your friends. Share it church. Share your friends. Share it church. Share your friends. Share it church. Share some good news on social media. Share it some good news on social media. Share it some good news on social media. Share it with anyone and everyone who will with anyone and everyone who will with anyone and everyone who will listen. Dance, weep, jump, shout, sing, listen. Dance, weep, jump, shout, sing, listen. Dance, weep, jump, shout, sing, celebrate.

celebrate. celebrate. Don't keep it to yourself. Share what Don't keep it to yourself. Share what Don't keep it to yourself. Share what God has done in your life. God has done in your life. God has done in your life. I get it. It may not be your I get it. It may not be your I get it. It may not be your personality. You may not want all that personality. You may not want all that personality. You may not want all that attention, but guess what? If the attention, but guess what? If the attention, but guess what? If the attention's not going to be on you, it's attention's not going to be on you, it's attention's not going to be on you, it's going to be on God. God performed going to be on God. God performed going to be on God. God performed miracle in your life, and everyone needs miracle in your life, and everyone needs miracle in your life, and everyone needs to know about it. to know about it. to know about it. When all the people saw him walking and When all the people saw him walking and When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the praising God, they recognized him as the praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the same man who used to sit begging at the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful. temple gate called Beautiful. temple gate called Beautiful. And they were filled with wonder And they were filled with wonder And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to and amazement at what had happened to and amazement at what had happened to him. him. him. Because Sam shared, those same people Because Sam shared, those same people Because Sam shared, those same people that had seen him begging for years that had seen him begging for years that had seen him begging for years saw the power of God on full display. You may look at your situation and think You may look at your situation and think nothing good nothing good nothing good can come from this. can come from this. can come from this. But God can turn it around. But God can turn it around. But God can turn it around. People are watching. People are watching. People are watching. They see you at your worst. They see you They see you at your worst. They see you They see you at your worst. They see you in all that hurt and that frustration, in all that hurt and that frustration, in all that hurt and that frustration, but now they get to see you in the but now they get to see you in the but now they get to see you in the transformation.

transformation. transformation. Your miracle doesn't just affect you. It Your miracle doesn't just affect you. It Your miracle doesn't just affect you. It affects all the people around you. It affects all the people around you. It affects all the people around you. It gives them hope and confidence that God gives them hope and confidence that God gives them hope and confidence that God will pull them out of their will pull them out of their will pull them out of their circumstance, too. And while the man held on to Peter and And while the man held on to Peter and John, and I love the way the message John, and I love the way the message John, and I love the way the message version puts this, the man threw his version puts this, the man threw his version puts this, the man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. Sam, he was just jumping for joy. He was Sam, he was just jumping for joy. He was Sam, he was just jumping for joy. He was going crazy, letting everyone know about going crazy, letting everyone know about going crazy, letting everyone know about his miracle, but then he returned to his miracle, but then he returned to his miracle, but then he returned to Peter and John. Peter and John. Peter and John. And he threw his arms around them. When you receive your miracle, When you receive your miracle, give God [music] the glory. give God [music] the glory. give God [music] the glory. Don't get so caught up in your freedom Don't get so caught up in your freedom Don't get so caught up in your freedom that you forget who brought it to you. that you forget who brought it to you. that you forget who brought it to you. Hold on to Jesus. Hold on to that Hold on to Jesus. Hold on to that Hold on to Jesus. Hold on to that moment. Document it. Write down what you moment. Document it. Write down what you moment. Document it. Write down what you were thinking, [music] how you felt, so were thinking, [music] how you felt, so were thinking, [music] how you felt, so that you can go back to that powerful that you can go back to that powerful that you can go back to that powerful moment. moment. moment. Don't ever forget [music] Don't ever forget [music] Don't ever forget [music] what God has brought you through.

what you will do what you will do here in the [music] room here in the [music] room here in the [music] room >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> and where this will lead. I'll look back [music] on this moment I'll look back [music] on this moment and see your hand [singing] on it and and see your hand [singing] on it and and see your hand [singing] on it and know you were here. >> [music] >> [music] >> And I'll [singing] testify of the >> And I'll [singing] testify of the >> And I'll [singing] testify of the battles you won. How you [music] were my portion How you [music] were my portion when there wasn't when there wasn't when there wasn't enough. >> [music] >> [music] >> And I'll sing [singing] the song of the >> And I'll sing [singing] the song of the >> And I'll sing [singing] the song of the seas that we seas that we seas that we crossed. crossed. crossed. >> [music and singing] >> The waters [music] you parted, >> The waters [music] you parted, the waves that I the waves that I the waves that I walked.

>> [music] >> [music] >> my God did not fail. >> [music] >> [music] >> That's the story I'll >> That's the story I'll >> That's the story I'll tell. >> I [singing] know it is >> I [singing] know it is well. well. well. >> [music] >> That's the story I'll >> That's the story I'll tell. when options [music] when options [music] are are are few. When I can't see what you're doing, When I can't see what you're doing, I know that [music] you're proving I know that [music] you're proving I know that [music] you're proving you're the God who comes you're the God who comes you're the God who comes through. through. through. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, but I know I'll look back on this moment I'll look back on this moment and see and see and see your hand on it your hand on it your hand on it and know you and know you and know you were were were >> [music] >> And I'll testify >> And I'll testify the battles the battles the battles you've won.

How [music] you How [music] you were my portion were my portion were my portion when there wasn't when there wasn't when there wasn't >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> enough. And I'll sing [music] a song of the seas And I'll sing [music] a song of the seas that we that we that we crossed. >> [music] >> [music] >> The waters you parted, the waves that I walked. the waves that I walked. >> [music] woah, my God did not woah, my God did not fail. fail. fail. >> [music] that's the story that's the story >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'll tell. Oh, woah, Oh, woah, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I know it is well. >> I know it is well. >> I know it is well. >> [singing] that's the story that's the story I'll tell.

>> [music] >> [music] >> And all >> And all >> And all that's [singing] left that's [singing] left that's [singing] left is highest praises. to the rock [music] to the rock [music] of ages. >> [music] >> [music] >> All that's left >> All that's left >> All that's left is highest praises. to the to the rock of rock of rock of ages. All that's left is highest praises. All that's left is highest praises. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So, sing hallelujah >> So, sing hallelujah >> So, sing hallelujah >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> to the rock of >> to the rock of >> to the rock of ages. Sing it.

Sing it. >> [music] >> My God [singing] did not >> My God [singing] did not fail. fail. fail. >> [music] [music and singing] [music and singing] >> That's the story I'll >> That's the story I'll >> That's the story I'll tell. I know it is I know it is well. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I'll tell. >> It's incredible to hear how Sam's life >> It's incredible to hear how Sam's life changed changed changed because God saw him and healed him. because God saw him and healed him. because God saw him and healed him. But, something else happened because of But, something else happened because of But, something else happened because of his miracle.

his miracle. his miracle. While Sam held on to Peter and John, all While Sam held on to Peter and John, all While Sam held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came the people were astonished and came the people were astonished and came running to them. And the rest of the running to them. And the rest of the running to them. And the rest of the chapter describes Peter and John sharing chapter describes Peter and John sharing chapter describes Peter and John sharing the [music] gospel with people who were the [music] gospel with people who were the [music] gospel with people who were astonished about what had just happened. astonished about what had just happened. astonished about what had just happened. But, many who heard the message But, many who heard the message But, many who heard the message believed. So, the number of [music] men believed. So, the number of [music] men believed. So, the number of [music] men who believed grew to about 5,000. Sam had lost all hope in his miracle. Sam had lost all hope in his miracle. He didn't just He didn't ask healing, He didn't just He didn't ask healing, He didn't just He didn't ask healing, but because of it Jesus' name was but because of it Jesus' name was but because of it Jesus' name was glorified [music] glorified [music] glorified [music] and the gospel was presented. and the gospel was presented. and the gospel was presented. Your miracle Your miracle Your miracle is not just about you. is not just about you. is not just about you. It's about all the lives It's about all the lives It's about all the lives >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> that'll be changed around you. I don't understand I don't understand why God hasn't [music] worked a miracle why God hasn't [music] worked a miracle why God hasn't [music] worked a miracle in your life yet.

You've been facing it for so long. You've been facing it for so long. You've lost hope of God ever pulling you You've lost hope of God ever pulling you You've lost hope of God ever pulling you through it. Keep asking. Keep asking. God sees you. God sees you. God sees you. He hasn't moved on. He hasn't moved on. He hasn't moved on. He hasn't thrown in the towel, so you He hasn't thrown in the towel, so you He hasn't thrown in the towel, so you shouldn't either. shouldn't either. shouldn't either. I get it. You are frustrated. [music] I get it. You are frustrated. [music] I get it. You are frustrated. [music] You are tired. You are worn out. You are You are tired. You are worn out. You are You are tired. You are worn out. You are ready for this to be over. Some days you ready for this to be over. Some days you ready for this to be over. Some days you just pretend it doesn't exist because just pretend it doesn't exist because just pretend it doesn't exist because you just don't want to [music] think you just don't want to [music] think you just don't want to [music] think about it. But don't let the length of your But don't let the length of your struggle [music] struggle [music] struggle [music] convince you that God can't move in your convince you that God can't move in your convince you that God can't move in your life. life. life. You serve You serve You serve >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a miracle-working God >> a miracle-working God >> a miracle-working God and he can perform a miracle in your and he can perform a miracle in your and he can perform a miracle in your life. For every person in this [music] room For every person in this [music] room and everyone watching online, and everyone watching online, and everyone watching online, provide only-God kind of miracles in provide only-God kind of miracles in provide only-God kind of miracles in their life.

their life. their life. People that have lost hope, People that have lost hope, People that have lost hope, lost all confidence [music] lost all confidence [music] lost all confidence [music] in you. in you. in you. Lord, they they maybe once believed that Lord, they they maybe once believed that Lord, they they maybe once believed that their miracle could happen, but it's their miracle could happen, but it's their miracle could happen, but it's been so long. And how they just don't see a world And how they just don't see a world where it does. Lord, give them the courage to ask Lord, give them the courage to ask [music] again. [music] again. [music] again. Give them the strength to reach out to Give them the strength to reach out to Give them the strength to reach out to you again and as they do, Lord, I pray you again and as they do, Lord, I pray you again and as they do, Lord, I pray that you provide an over-the-top, that you provide an over-the-top, that you provide an over-the-top, only-God kind of miracle [music] in only-God kind of miracle [music] in only-God kind of miracle [music] in their life. their life. their life. We're believing for that today.