What Does God Have For You?

Aruro was raised in a Christian home. He Aruro was raised in a Christian home. He was raised in Central America, was raised in Central America, was raised in Central America, specifically in Costa Rica. And he had specifically in Costa Rica. And he had specifically in Costa Rica. And he had this dream of living a wonderful life this dream of living a wonderful life this dream of living a wonderful life with his own home and being prosperous. with his own home and being prosperous. with his own home and being prosperous. And he saw the American dream. And at 17 And he saw the American dream. And at 17 And he saw the American dream. And at 17 years of age, he decided that he would years of age, he decided that he would years of age, he decided that he would pursue that American dream. pursue that American dream. pursue that American dream. So he got on a bus and he left Costa So he got on a bus and he left Costa So he got on a bus and he left Costa Rica. He traveled up through Central Rica. He traveled up through Central Rica. He traveled up through Central America, got to Mexico, America, got to Mexico, America, got to Mexico, and then on the border of Mexico, he and then on the border of Mexico, he and then on the border of Mexico, he crossed the border illegally. Can you crossed the border illegally. Can you crossed the border illegally. Can you believe that somebody would do that? believe that somebody would do that? believe that somebody would do that? Cross the border illegally. He hadn't Cross the border illegally. He hadn't Cross the border illegally. He hadn't even breathed gringo air when the even breathed gringo air when the even breathed gringo air when the immigration authorities grabbed him. He immigration authorities grabbed him. He immigration authorities grabbed him. He wasn't 50 yards within the border. They wasn't 50 yards within the border. They wasn't 50 yards within the border. They grabbed him and they threw him into the grabbed him and they threw him into the grabbed him and they threw him into the youth detention center in Chula Vista, youth detention center in Chula Vista, youth detention center in Chula Vista, California. Now, as a 17-year-old youth California. Now, as a 17-year-old youth California. Now, as a 17-year-old youth being incarcerated in the United States being incarcerated in the United States being incarcerated in the United States for the very first time, he walks into for the very first time, he walks into for the very first time, he walks into his cell in pursuit of the American his cell in pursuit of the American his cell in pursuit of the American dream, mind you. But the first thing dream, mind you. But the first thing dream, mind you. But the first thing that he notices that his cell has that he notices that his cell has that he notices that his cell has carpeting, carpeting, carpeting, he's got air conditioning.

he's got air conditioning. he's got air conditioning. In the upper corner, there's a In the upper corner, there's a In the upper corner, there's a television television television with cable TV. He's got a window with a with cable TV. He's got a window with a with cable TV. He's got a window with a view of the San Diego International view of the San Diego International view of the San Diego International Airport. Airport. Airport. He not only has a doctor coming to check He not only has a doctor coming to check He not only has a doctor coming to check him out once a week, but the best of him out once a week, but the best of him out once a week, but the best of all, according to him, not only did they all, according to him, not only did they all, according to him, not only did they have church service in jail, but he have church service in jail, but he have church service in jail, but he could go back for seconds. could go back for seconds. could go back for seconds. So his uncle came came to pay the bail So his uncle came came to pay the bail So his uncle came came to pay the bail bond to get him out. And he said to his bond to get him out. And he said to his bond to get him out. And he said to his uncle, "No thanks. uncle, "No thanks. uncle, "No thanks. I'm staying." His uncle said, "What are I'm staying." His uncle said, "What are I'm staying." His uncle said, "What are you talking about?" He says, "No, are you talking about?" He says, "No, are you talking about?" He says, "No, are you kidding me? I'm living the American you kidding me? I'm living the American you kidding me? I'm living the American dream. I got wall-to-wall carpeting. I dream. I got wall-to-wall carpeting. I dream. I got wall-to-wall carpeting. I got air conditioning. got color TV. got air conditioning. got color TV. got air conditioning. got color TV. Uncle Sam's paying the bill. Uncle Sam's paying the bill. Uncle Sam's paying the bill. It took his uncle two days It took his uncle two days It took his uncle two days negotiating with him, pleading with him. negotiating with him, pleading with him. negotiating with him, pleading with him. You have to understand there's greater You have to understand there's greater You have to understand there's greater freedom outside a prison than inside a freedom outside a prison than inside a freedom outside a prison than inside a prison. Isn't that the interesting prison. Isn't that the interesting prison. Isn't that the interesting thing? Some people think that their thing? Some people think that their thing? Some people think that their actual prison cell, they are safer and actual prison cell, they are safer and actual prison cell, they are safer and have more inside of jail than outside of have more inside of jail than outside of have more inside of jail than outside of jail. And I'm not just talking about jail. And I'm not just talking about jail. And I'm not just talking about literally. I'm talking about people who literally. I'm talking about people who literally. I'm talking about people who are incarcerated to their own lifestyle.

are incarcerated to their own lifestyle. are incarcerated to their own lifestyle. Finally, he gets out of jail. He moves Finally, he gets out of jail. He moves Finally, he gets out of jail. He moves to New Jersey in search of the American to New Jersey in search of the American to New Jersey in search of the American dream and becomes a drug dealer. dream and becomes a drug dealer. dream and becomes a drug dealer. 18 months 18 months 18 months selling drugs. selling drugs. selling drugs. And the day before the authorities came And the day before the authorities came And the day before the authorities came to arrest him, he was on a plane back to to arrest him, he was on a plane back to to arrest him, he was on a plane back to Costa Rica where he would have a come to Costa Rica where he would have a come to Costa Rica where he would have a come to Jesus moment with his mother Jesus moment with his mother Jesus moment with his mother who was wondering how her boy who is who was wondering how her boy who is who was wondering how her boy who is raised in the church, who knew God, who raised in the church, who knew God, who raised in the church, who knew God, who can trust in God, how he could depart can trust in God, how he could depart can trust in God, how he could depart from his ways so much. from his ways so much. from his ways so much. And she spoke to him sternly and he And she spoke to him sternly and he And she spoke to him sternly and he decided that he would rededicate his decided that he would rededicate his decided that he would rededicate his life to Christ. And he did. It's like life to Christ. And he did. It's like life to Christ. And he did. It's like this time he was truly dedicated to what this time he was truly dedicated to what this time he was truly dedicated to what God would have for him. He went to Bible God would have for him. He went to Bible God would have for him. He went to Bible school. He came involved in the local school. He came involved in the local school. He came involved in the local church. And three years after the fact, church. And three years after the fact, church. And three years after the fact, he came to work for us full-time as our he came to work for us full-time as our he came to work for us full-time as our crusade coordinators. Traveled all crusade coordinators. Traveled all crusade coordinators. Traveled all throughout Central America giving his throughout Central America giving his throughout Central America giving his testimony. testimony. testimony. Now, many of us begin saying, "Yes, Now, many of us begin saying, "Yes, Now, many of us begin saying, "Yes, Lord, I will trust you." And to be Lord, I will trust you." And to be Lord, I will trust you." And to be frank, we're not the only ones who say frank, we're not the only ones who say frank, we're not the only ones who say that. The disciples many times say that.

that. The disciples many times say that. that. The disciples many times say that. And many times they deviated from that And many times they deviated from that And many times they deviated from that calling. So I'm going to read something calling. So I'm going to read something calling. So I'm going to read something for you as we put up on the screen a for you as we put up on the screen a for you as we put up on the screen a sort of a timeline of Peter's sort of a timeline of Peter's sort of a timeline of Peter's relationship with Jesus. And I'm going relationship with Jesus. And I'm going relationship with Jesus. And I'm going to read in Mark 1 16-18 to read in Mark 1 16-18 to read in Mark 1 16-18 which is identical to Matthew 4 18 and which is identical to Matthew 4 18 and which is identical to Matthew 4 18 and 19. These are virtually identical. It 19. These are virtually identical. It 19. These are virtually identical. It says, "As Jesus walked beside the Sea of says, "As Jesus walked beside the Sea of says, "As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for Andrew casting a net into the lake, for Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen." they were fishermen." they were fishermen." "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." will send you out to fish for people." will send you out to fish for people." And at once they left their nets and And at once they left their nets and And at once they left their nets and followed him. Now, is there anyone in followed him. Now, is there anyone in followed him. Now, is there anyone in this place, anyone watching online that this place, anyone watching online that this place, anyone watching online that would say, "No, Peter did not decide to would say, "No, Peter did not decide to would say, "No, Peter did not decide to follow Jesus." I mean, it's rather black follow Jesus." I mean, it's rather black follow Jesus." I mean, it's rather black and white. We understand that he left and white. We understand that he left and white. We understand that he left the nets and then indeed he became a the nets and then indeed he became a the nets and then indeed he became a follower of Christ. He was going to follower of Christ. He was going to follower of Christ. He was going to forsake all of the things and believe forsake all of the things and believe forsake all of the things and believe God. And then after this, we see that in God. And then after this, we see that in God. And then after this, we see that in Matthew chap 8 and Luke chapter 4, Matthew chap 8 and Luke chapter 4, Matthew chap 8 and Luke chapter 4, that's when Jesus heals Peter's that's when Jesus heals Peter's that's when Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. He witnesses the miracle.

mother-in-law. He witnesses the miracle. mother-in-law. He witnesses the miracle. He's a disciple. He now witnesses. Now, He's a disciple. He now witnesses. Now, He's a disciple. He now witnesses. Now, how many of you know that Luke chapter 4 how many of you know that Luke chapter 4 how many of you know that Luke chapter 4 comes before Luke chapter 5? Did they comes before Luke chapter 5? Did they comes before Luke chapter 5? Did they teach you that in school that four comes teach you that in school that four comes teach you that in school that four comes before five? Is that correct? That's how before five? Is that correct? That's how before five? Is that correct? That's how they taught me math as well. Okay, they taught me math as well. Okay, they taught me math as well. Okay, great. So, in Luke chapter 4, he's great. So, in Luke chapter 4, he's great. So, in Luke chapter 4, he's witnessed to as well as Matthew chapter, witnessed to as well as Matthew chapter, witnessed to as well as Matthew chapter, he's witnessed to his mother-in-law he's witnessed to his mother-in-law he's witnessed to his mother-in-law being healed. being healed. being healed. And then in Luke chapter 5, this is when And then in Luke chapter 5, this is when And then in Luke chapter 5, this is when the story begins. the story begins. the story begins. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. This large crowd gathers around him. He This large crowd gathers around him. He This large crowd gathers around him. He begins to teach. begins to teach. begins to teach. And much like the situation here in this And much like the situation here in this And much like the situation here in this venue, when a speaker is speaking to venue, when a speaker is speaking to venue, when a speaker is speaking to many people, they must distance many people, they must distance many people, they must distance themselves from the crowd so that themselves from the crowd so that themselves from the crowd so that everyone can have a view of what's going everyone can have a view of what's going everyone can have a view of what's going on. The larger the crowd, the further on. The larger the crowd, the further on. The larger the crowd, the further the distance the speaker or the or the the distance the speaker or the or the the distance the speaker or the or the or the presenter has to be. So, he's or the presenter has to be. So, he's or the presenter has to be. So, he's looking for a resource and he notices looking for a resource and he notices looking for a resource and he notices there a boat and he turns to the owner there a boat and he turns to the owner there a boat and he turns to the owner of the boat who is now cleaning his of the boat who is now cleaning his of the boat who is now cleaning his nets. And as that owner turns around, it nets. And as that owner turns around, it nets. And as that owner turns around, it is Peter, is Peter, is Peter, the same guy who said he was going to the same guy who said he was going to the same guy who said he was going to leave his boat and leave the nets. And leave his boat and leave the nets. And leave his boat and leave the nets. And he says to Peter, "I'm going to use your he says to Peter, "I'm going to use your he says to Peter, "I'm going to use your boat." He gets in the boat and he begins boat." He gets in the boat and he begins boat." He gets in the boat and he begins to speak to the crowd.

to speak to the crowd. to speak to the crowd. Now, you and I understand that there's Now, you and I understand that there's Now, you and I understand that there's something wrong with this story. Now, something wrong with this story. Now, something wrong with this story. Now, this is not my idea. This came from Joel this is not my idea. This came from Joel this is not my idea. This came from Joel Green, who happens to be the dean of Green, who happens to be the dean of Green, who happens to be the dean of theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, wrote the commentary on the book of wrote the commentary on the book of wrote the commentary on the book of Luke. This is really his insight Luke. This is really his insight Luke. This is really his insight that something is happening here that we that something is happening here that we that something is happening here that we had perhaps missed had perhaps missed had perhaps missed that Peter has gone back to fishing that Peter has gone back to fishing that Peter has gone back to fishing after saying I will leave the fishing. after saying I will leave the fishing. after saying I will leave the fishing. Jesus doesn't say anything to him. He Jesus doesn't say anything to him. He Jesus doesn't say anything to him. He speaks for hours to the crowd. People speaks for hours to the crowd. People speaks for hours to the crowd. People are healed. People are blessed. Then he are healed. People are blessed. Then he are healed. People are blessed. Then he turns to Peter and he says, "Let's go turns to Peter and he says, "Let's go turns to Peter and he says, "Let's go fishing." fishing." fishing." Now Peter has to admit Now Peter has to admit Now Peter has to admit now he's he's been caught with his hand now he's he's been caught with his hand now he's he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He's got to admit, in the cookie jar. He's got to admit, in the cookie jar. He's got to admit, "Well, Lord, "Well, Lord, "Well, Lord, we were out all night fishing and they we were out all night fishing and they we were out all night fishing and they ain't biting, ain't biting, ain't biting, but because it's you, but because it's you, but because it's you, we'll go fishing." we'll go fishing." we'll go fishing." So they push out and they throw out the So they push out and they throw out the So they push out and they throw out the nets nets nets and the catch of fish is so overwhelming and the catch of fish is so overwhelming and the catch of fish is so overwhelming that the boat begins to sink.

that the boat begins to sink. that the boat begins to sink. They called to their colleagues who were They called to their colleagues who were They called to their colleagues who were in another boat. They call them over. in another boat. They call them over. in another boat. They call them over. They throw out their nets. And that boat They throw out their nets. And that boat They throw out their nets. And that boat begins to sink. And that is when Peter begins to sink. And that is when Peter begins to sink. And that is when Peter makes this historic statement that we've makes this historic statement that we've makes this historic statement that we've read thousands of times, but not read thousands of times, but not read thousands of times, but not necessarily catching it. necessarily catching it. necessarily catching it. He says, "Go away from me, Lord, for I He says, "Go away from me, Lord, for I He says, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Why in the world would am a sinful man." Why in the world would am a sinful man." Why in the world would Peter say, "I'm a sinful man." Is it Peter say, "I'm a sinful man." Is it Peter say, "I'm a sinful man." Is it because he's never seen a miracle because he's never seen a miracle because he's never seen a miracle before? No. He witnessed his before? No. He witnessed his before? No. He witnessed his mother-in-law being healed in his very mother-in-law being healed in his very mother-in-law being healed in his very home. Was it because he didn't know who home. Was it because he didn't know who home. Was it because he didn't know who Jesus? No. He knew who Jesus was. Jesus? No. He knew who Jesus was. Jesus? No. He knew who Jesus was. Maybe, Maybe, Maybe, just maybe, he said, "Lord, I will trust just maybe, he said, "Lord, I will trust just maybe, he said, "Lord, I will trust you with my finances. I will follow you. you with my finances. I will follow you. you with my finances. I will follow you. I will leave all these things. I will I will leave all these things. I will I will leave all these things. I will trust you as my only source." But when trust you as my only source." But when trust you as my only source." But when things got difficult, he went back to things got difficult, he went back to things got difficult, he went back to default mo, default mode. And he went default mo, default mode. And he went default mo, default mode. And he went back to the one thing that he felt that back to the one thing that he felt that back to the one thing that he felt that he can trust in his own ability. he can trust in his own ability. he can trust in his own ability. You cannot allow apparent financial You cannot allow apparent financial You cannot allow apparent financial options to determine your calling. And options to determine your calling. And options to determine your calling. And many of us think that we can resolve our many of us think that we can resolve our many of us think that we can resolve our own problems when God doesn't come own problems when God doesn't come own problems when God doesn't come through. Well, then I'm just going to through. Well, then I'm just going to through. Well, then I'm just going to fix it. When in fact, we can't do that.

fix it. When in fact, we can't do that. fix it. When in fact, we can't do that. Peter tried to do that. And anytime you Peter tried to do that. And anytime you Peter tried to do that. And anytime you can do the study, I've looked at it. I'm can do the study, I've looked at it. I'm can do the study, I've looked at it. I'm not sure you're going to find an not sure you're going to find an not sure you're going to find an exception. He is the worst fisherman on exception. He is the worst fisherman on exception. He is the worst fisherman on the planet. He is never catching the planet. He is never catching the planet. He is never catching anything. Unless Jesus is actually in anything. Unless Jesus is actually in anything. Unless Jesus is actually in the boat with him. You look it up. He's the boat with him. You look it up. He's the boat with him. You look it up. He's never caught anything by himself. never caught anything by himself. never caught anything by himself. And yet he still has this default mode. And yet he still has this default mode. And yet he still has this default mode. Much like this apparatus, when this Much like this apparatus, when this Much like this apparatus, when this thing breaks down, what do we do? Well, thing breaks down, what do we do? Well, thing breaks down, what do we do? Well, we take it to the store and we say, we take it to the store and we say, we take it to the store and we say, "Would you please fix it?" And they try "Would you please fix it?" And they try "Would you please fix it?" And they try to fix it and they can't fix the to fix it and they can't fix the to fix it and they can't fix the software bug. So, they push it back to software bug. So, they push it back to software bug. So, they push it back to default, the default settings. default, the default settings. default, the default settings. And when things go wrong with us, that's And when things go wrong with us, that's And when things go wrong with us, that's exactly what we do. We go back to exactly what we do. We go back to exactly what we do. We go back to default mode. default mode. default mode. And that's what Peter did. When things And that's what Peter did. When things And that's what Peter did. When things got tough, he went back to default mode. got tough, he went back to default mode. got tough, he went back to default mode. He goes back to fishing. He goes back to fishing. He goes back to fishing. Many times we try to solve our own Many times we try to solve our own Many times we try to solve our own problems when God is inviting us to problems when God is inviting us to problems when God is inviting us to trust him for the solution that only he trust him for the solution that only he trust him for the solution that only he can provide.

can provide. can provide. The nets, The nets, The nets, they couldn't sustain. they couldn't sustain. they couldn't sustain. They couldn't sustain the great things They couldn't sustain the great things They couldn't sustain the great things that God wanted to do. They couldn't that God wanted to do. They couldn't that God wanted to do. They couldn't sustain Peter's future. sustain Peter's future. sustain Peter's future. But God is looking for obedience. Only But God is looking for obedience. Only But God is looking for obedience. Only obedience could sustain that. Only God's obedience could sustain that. Only God's obedience could sustain that. Only God's only our obedience in God could help us only our obedience in God could help us only our obedience in God could help us get from point A to point B. get from point A to point B. get from point A to point B. Secondly, don't don't underestimate the Secondly, don't don't underestimate the Secondly, don't don't underestimate the great things that God will do through great things that God will do through great things that God will do through you. you. you. God has a plan and a calling for God has a plan and a calling for God has a plan and a calling for everyone on this planet. everyone on this planet. everyone on this planet. And my personal conviction is that it And my personal conviction is that it And my personal conviction is that it doesn't matter if you are a believer or doesn't matter if you are a believer or doesn't matter if you are a believer or you're an agnostic. Everyone has a you're an agnostic. Everyone has a you're an agnostic. Everyone has a calling to make a valuable contribution calling to make a valuable contribution calling to make a valuable contribution to enrich the lives of other people to enrich the lives of other people to enrich the lives of other people around them. Period. God calls people to around them. Period. God calls people to around them. Period. God calls people to be lawyers. He calls people to be be lawyers. He calls people to be be lawyers. He calls people to be doctors. And some people he calls to be doctors. And some people he calls to be doctors. And some people he calls to be scientists who work in a lab who will scientists who work in a lab who will scientists who work in a lab who will bring up a possible cure for some sort bring up a possible cure for some sort bring up a possible cure for some sort of cancer or some sort of disease that of cancer or some sort of disease that of cancer or some sort of disease that may not have any impact at that moment may not have any impact at that moment may not have any impact at that moment but will impact future generations and but will impact future generations and but will impact future generations and God is ordaining that moment to change God is ordaining that moment to change God is ordaining that moment to change the timeline in millions of people down the timeline in millions of people down the timeline in millions of people down the road. That's the way God operates the road. That's the way God operates the road. That's the way God operates and our job is to trust God with and our job is to trust God with and our job is to trust God with everything that we have. So don't everything that we have. So don't everything that we have. So don't underestimate the God, the great things underestimate the God, the great things underestimate the God, the great things that God will do through you. Peter saw that God will do through you. Peter saw that God will do through you. Peter saw himself as a failed fisherman.

himself as a failed fisherman. himself as a failed fisherman. Jesus saw him as a fisher of people. Jesus saw him as a fisher of people. Jesus saw him as a fisher of people. Peter saw empty nets. Peter saw empty nets. Peter saw empty nets. God saw nations. God saw nations. God saw nations. God did not change Peter's golden God did not change Peter's golden God did not change Peter's golden thread, his purpose for life, his reason thread, his purpose for life, his reason thread, his purpose for life, his reason for being, his golden thread. He just for being, his golden thread. He just for being, his golden thread. He just expanded the possibility of what he expanded the possibility of what he expanded the possibility of what he could do. He was still a fisherman, but could do. He was still a fisherman, but could do. He was still a fisherman, but instead of fish, it was going to be instead of fish, it was going to be instead of fish, it was going to be people. What has God called you to do? people. What has God called you to do? people. What has God called you to do? He has called you to do great things, He has called you to do great things, He has called you to do great things, but he is not asking you to limit to but he is not asking you to limit to but he is not asking you to limit to only financial options. There's a reason only financial options. There's a reason only financial options. There's a reason why there's a CEO and a CFO. why there's a CEO and a CFO. why there's a CEO and a CFO. There's a reason why there's a CMO and a There's a reason why there's a CMO and a There's a reason why there's a CMO and a CFO and a CEO. There's a reason why we CFO and a CEO. There's a reason why we CFO and a CEO. There's a reason why we have all these voices of influence in a have all these voices of influence in a have all these voices of influence in a company. Because if everything was run company. Because if everything was run company. Because if everything was run by a CFO, ladies and gentlemen, that by a CFO, ladies and gentlemen, that by a CFO, ladies and gentlemen, that company would not go very far. With all company would not go very far. With all company would not go very far. With all due respect to those CFOs that are in due respect to those CFOs that are in due respect to those CFOs that are in the audience, we have to understand that God does not we have to understand that God does not want us to despise small beginnings. So want us to despise small beginnings. So want us to despise small beginnings. So don't despise the small beginnings of don't despise the small beginnings of don't despise the small beginnings of your life, which may mean your your life, which may mean your your life, which may mean your background, your home, your car, your background, your home, your car, your background, your home, your car, your bank account, career, education, or even bank account, career, education, or even bank account, career, education, or even your present opportunity.

your present opportunity. your present opportunity. What looks small in your hands What looks small in your hands What looks small in your hands become something incredible and great become something incredible and great become something incredible and great when surrendered to God's hands. when surrendered to God's hands. when surrendered to God's hands. I was about to speak in a conference in I was about to speak in a conference in I was about to speak in a conference in Washington a few years back and my wife Washington a few years back and my wife Washington a few years back and my wife Cindy is here with me. She's not only a Cindy is here with me. She's not only a Cindy is here with me. She's not only a doctor, much prettier than I am, but doctor, much prettier than I am, but doctor, much prettier than I am, but also much smarter than I am. And I'm also much smarter than I am. And I'm also much smarter than I am. And I'm about to walk on the stage and we're in about to walk on the stage and we're in about to walk on the stage and we're in the green room. It's a conference of the green room. It's a conference of the green room. It's a conference of about 5,000. I've spoken to this group about 5,000. I've spoken to this group about 5,000. I've spoken to this group probably 10 times. They've heard all my probably 10 times. They've heard all my probably 10 times. They've heard all my stories, like all of my stories. And for stories, like all of my stories. And for stories, like all of my stories. And for me, conveying and com and and me, conveying and com and and me, conveying and com and and communicating via story is very communicating via story is very communicating via story is very important. And I'm pacing back and forth important. And I'm pacing back and forth important. And I'm pacing back and forth like this in the green room. I'm just like this in the green room. I'm just like this in the green room. I'm just sort of pacing back and forth. And she sort of pacing back and forth. And she sort of pacing back and forth. And she notices something off. I never get notices something off. I never get notices something off. I never get nervous before I speak, but I feel the nervous before I speak, but I feel the nervous before I speak, but I feel the overwhelming burden and the charge to overwhelming burden and the charge to overwhelming burden and the charge to bring something valuable for you to bring something valuable for you to bring something valuable for you to listen to because you are giving me your listen to because you are giving me your listen to because you are giving me your attention for 35 minutes. It better be attention for 35 minutes. It better be attention for 35 minutes. It better be worth your time. That's why I feel worth your time. That's why I feel worth your time. That's why I feel that's the conviction that I have. But I that's the conviction that I have. But I that's the conviction that I have. But I know that there's a hole in my message know that there's a hole in my message know that there's a hole in my message that's about seven minutes that I cannot that's about seven minutes that I cannot that's about seven minutes that I cannot fill and I need a story for that hole fill and I need a story for that hole fill and I need a story for that hole and I'm about two minutes away from and I'm about two minutes away from and I'm about two minutes away from being introduced. She says, "What's being introduced. She says, "What's being introduced. She says, "What's wrong?" I said, "I need a story." story.

wrong?" I said, "I need a story." story. wrong?" I said, "I need a story." story. She said, "What do what do you mean? She said, "What do what do you mean? She said, "What do what do you mean? What kind of story?" I said, "I need a I What kind of story?" I said, "I need a I What kind of story?" I said, "I need a I need a story of healing and need a story of healing and need a story of healing and forgiveness." And she goes, "Oh, oh, oh, forgiveness." And she goes, "Oh, oh, oh, forgiveness." And she goes, "Oh, oh, oh, why don't you tell my favorite story why don't you tell my favorite story why don't you tell my favorite story that my dad tells?" I said, "Well, I that my dad tells?" I said, "Well, I that my dad tells?" I said, "Well, I don't know what your favorite story is don't know what your favorite story is don't know what your favorite story is that your dad tells." She said, "Well, that your dad tells." She said, "Well, that your dad tells." She said, "Well, we were missionaries in Paraguay because we were missionaries in Paraguay because we were missionaries in Paraguay because she's a missionary kid. And every night she's a missionary kid. And every night she's a missionary kid. And every night we were in this campaign." Now, when you we were in this campaign." Now, when you we were in this campaign." Now, when you do a church plant in Latin America, it's do a church plant in Latin America, it's do a church plant in Latin America, it's not one time a week. It's seven nights a not one time a week. It's seven nights a not one time a week. It's seven nights a week. It is Monday through seven uh week. It is Monday through seven uh week. It is Monday through seven uh Monday through Sunday, seven days a week Monday through Sunday, seven days a week Monday through Sunday, seven days a week for six months. In Paraguay, it was hot, for six months. In Paraguay, it was hot, for six months. In Paraguay, it was hot, super hot during this season, she said. super hot during this season, she said. super hot during this season, she said. And every night we were having this And every night we were having this And every night we were having this campaign and this guy came and he was in campaign and this guy came and he was in campaign and this guy came and he was in a wheelchair every night. Now I have a wheelchair every night. Now I have a wheelchair every night. Now I have like 30 seconds or so before I'm being like 30 seconds or so before I'm being like 30 seconds or so before I'm being introduced and so I'm listening to this introduced and so I'm listening to this introduced and so I'm listening to this story intently. story intently. story intently. She said, 'This guy came in a She said, 'This guy came in a She said, 'This guy came in a wheelchair, but after six weeks, he wheelchair, but after six weeks, he wheelchair, but after six weeks, he never got healed, never changed. The never got healed, never changed. The never got healed, never changed. The needle never moved in his life. needle never moved in his life. needle never moved in his life. She said, 'Finally, my dad, being very She said, 'Finally, my dad, being very She said, 'Finally, my dad, being very optimistic, he comes off the platform, optimistic, he comes off the platform, optimistic, he comes off the platform, and he always asks people in the and he always asks people in the and he always asks people in the campaign, "So, what are you going to eat campaign, "So, what are you going to eat campaign, "So, what are you going to eat after the service tonight? Where are you after the service tonight? Where are you after the service tonight? Where are you going tomorrow?" And he turns to this going tomorrow?" And he turns to this going tomorrow?" And he turns to this guy in the wheelchair and he says, "What guy in the wheelchair and he says, "What guy in the wheelchair and he says, "What are you going TO DO WHEN THE LORD heals are you going TO DO WHEN THE LORD heals are you going TO DO WHEN THE LORD heals you?" And he puts the microphone in the you?" And he puts the microphone in the you?" And he puts the microphone in the guy's mouth.

guy's mouth. guy's mouth. And the guy says, "I'M GOING TO GO HOME. And the guy says, "I'M GOING TO GO HOME. And the guy says, "I'M GOING TO GO HOME. I'M GOING TO GET MY GUN AND I'M GOING TO I'M GOING TO GET MY GUN AND I'M GOING TO I'M GOING TO GET MY GUN AND I'M GOING TO SHOOT THE GUY WHO PUT ME IN THIS SHOOT THE GUY WHO PUT ME IN THIS SHOOT THE GUY WHO PUT ME IN THIS WHEELCHAIR." And I said, "Wow, And I said, "Wow, that's an incredible story." I said, that's an incredible story." I said, that's an incredible story." I said, "How does it end?" And she says, "Oh, I "How does it end?" And she says, "Oh, I "How does it end?" And she says, "Oh, I don't know. You're going to have to call don't know. You're going to have to call don't know. You're going to have to call my dad." I'm like, "What? Are you my dad." I'm like, "What? Are you my dad." I'm like, "What? Are you kidding me?" She says, "Yeah, I can't kidding me?" She says, "Yeah, I can't kidding me?" She says, "Yeah, I can't remember. You're going to have to call remember. You're going to have to call remember. You're going to have to call my dad." But he's awake. I said, "Honey, my dad." But he's awake. I said, "Honey, my dad." But he's awake. I said, "Honey, it is 6:00 on the West Coast. We're on it is 6:00 on the West Coast. We're on it is 6:00 on the West Coast. We're on the East Coast." She's up. just call the East Coast." She's up. just call the East Coast." She's up. just call him. Now, I called my father-in-law, but him. Now, I called my father-in-law, but him. Now, I called my father-in-law, but the problem is is even though I'm a few the problem is is even though I'm a few the problem is is even though I'm a few seconds away from being introduced, he seconds away from being introduced, he seconds away from being introduced, he is no longer a gringo. He's been a is no longer a gringo. He's been a is no longer a gringo. He's been a missionary in Latin America, he is now missionary in Latin America, he is now missionary in Latin America, he is now Latino. And you don't just going to call Latino. And you don't just going to call Latino. And you don't just going to call a Latino and go straight to the point. a Latino and go straight to the point. a Latino and go straight to the point. No, you got to go around the ban and ask No, you got to go around the ban and ask No, you got to go around the ban and ask them all the preliminary questions like, them all the preliminary questions like, them all the preliminary questions like, "How are their kids doing? How's the "How are their kids doing? How's the "How are their kids doing? How's the wife? How the grandkid?" You got to wife? How the grandkid?" You got to wife? How the grandkid?" You got to cover all the bases before you actually cover all the bases before you actually cover all the bases before you actually go to the point. So I finally said his name is his name So I finally said his name is his name is Ricard Richard. I said Richard I said is Ricard Richard. I said Richard I said is Ricard Richard. I said Richard I said what happened to the guy who got healed what happened to the guy who got healed what happened to the guy who got healed in the campaign paraguay? He goes what in the campaign paraguay? He goes what in the campaign paraguay? He goes what guy? There were lots of people healed guy? There were lots of people healed guy? There were lots of people healed that campaign in Paraguay. I said the that campaign in Paraguay. I said the that campaign in Paraguay. I said the guy was in A WHEELCHAIR. HE GOES OH guy was in A WHEELCHAIR. HE GOES OH guy was in A WHEELCHAIR. HE GOES OH THERE WAS LOTS OF PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS.

THERE WAS LOTS OF PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS. THERE WAS LOTS OF PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS. I said the guy WHO WAS GOING TO SHOOT I said the guy WHO WAS GOING TO SHOOT I said the guy WHO WAS GOING TO SHOOT THE GUY WHO PUT HIM IN THE WHEELCHAIR. THE GUY WHO PUT HIM IN THE WHEELCHAIR. THE GUY WHO PUT HIM IN THE WHEELCHAIR. GO. Oh yeah. He says that's a great GO. Oh yeah. He says that's a great GO. Oh yeah. He says that's a great story. IT ALL STARTED. I SAID NO NO NO. story. IT ALL STARTED. I SAID NO NO NO. story. IT ALL STARTED. I SAID NO NO NO. Don't start from the beginning. Don't start from the beginning. Don't start from the beginning. Just tell me what happened when he said Just tell me what happened when he said Just tell me what happened when he said he was going to shoot the guy. He goes, he was going to shoot the guy. He goes, he was going to shoot the guy. He goes, "Oh, when he told me he was going to "Oh, when he told me he was going to "Oh, when he told me he was going to shoot the guy, I said,"Well, that's shoot the guy, I said,"Well, that's shoot the guy, I said,"Well, that's exactly why the Lord hasn't healed you. exactly why the Lord hasn't healed you. exactly why the Lord hasn't healed you. As a matter of fact, YOU'RE GOING TO As a matter of fact, YOU'RE GOING TO As a matter of fact, YOU'RE GOING TO STAY in that wheelchair until you decide STAY in that wheelchair until you decide STAY in that wheelchair until you decide to forgive that person who put you in to forgive that person who put you in to forgive that person who put you in that wheelchair." What a valuable lesson that wheelchair." What a valuable lesson that wheelchair." What a valuable lesson for all of us here today. What an for all of us here today. What an for all of us here today. What an incredible lesson for all of us. Many of incredible lesson for all of us. Many of incredible lesson for all of us. Many of us do not move forward because we have us do not move forward because we have us do not move forward because we have bitterness and anger. And some people bitterness and anger. And some people bitterness and anger. And some people have bitterness and anger against a have bitterness and anger against a have bitterness and anger against a brother or SISTER OVER A MATCHBOX CAR brother or SISTER OVER A MATCHBOX CAR brother or SISTER OVER A MATCHBOX CAR THAT STARTED 30 YEARS AGO BUT HAVE NEVER THAT STARTED 30 YEARS AGO BUT HAVE NEVER THAT STARTED 30 YEARS AGO BUT HAVE NEVER been able to get over it. Some people been able to get over it. Some people been able to get over it. Some people carry grudges for eternity. As a matter carry grudges for eternity. As a matter carry grudges for eternity. As a matter of fact, you and I have been dealing of fact, you and I have been dealing of fact, you and I have been dealing with the same sibling rivalry that took with the same sibling rivalry that took with the same sibling rivalry that took place between Ishmael and E and and and place between Ishmael and E and and and place between Ishmael and E and and and Isaac. And we've been dealing it ever Isaac. And we've been dealing it ever Isaac. And we've been dealing it ever since.

He said, 'A five days, he came to me and He said, 'A five days, he came to me and he says, I've really decided to forgive he says, I've really decided to forgive he says, I've really decided to forgive the person who put me in this the person who put me in this the person who put me in this wheelchair. Pray with me that I can wheelchair. Pray with me that I can wheelchair. Pray with me that I can continue to walk a line of forgiveness. continue to walk a line of forgiveness. continue to walk a line of forgiveness. And he said in three days later, he got And he said in three days later, he got And he said in three days later, he got up out of that wheelchair. He was up out of that wheelchair. He was up out of that wheelchair. He was completely healed and he began to walk completely healed and he began to walk completely healed and he began to walk perfectly well. We cannot dismiss the elementary things We cannot dismiss the elementary things that help keep us and help us to that help keep us and help us to that help keep us and help us to establish a foundational walk that establish a foundational walk that establish a foundational walk that allows us to do what God calls us to do. allows us to do what God calls us to do. allows us to do what God calls us to do. And thirdly, the Lord guides where he And thirdly, the Lord guides where he And thirdly, the Lord guides where he provides provides provides and he provides where he guides. and he provides where he guides. and he provides where he guides. And I think that Peter And I think that Peter And I think that Peter did not understand that concept did not understand that concept did not understand that concept that he was calling Peter to a certain that he was calling Peter to a certain that he was calling Peter to a certain direction and that he would be provided direction and that he would be provided direction and that he would be provided for because he was being guided in that. for because he was being guided in that. for because he was being guided in that. And friend, I've come to tell you today And friend, I've come to tell you today And friend, I've come to tell you today that wherever God calls you to go, he that wherever God calls you to go, he that wherever God calls you to go, he will also provide for you to go in that will also provide for you to go in that will also provide for you to go in that direction. He will equip you. He will direction. He will equip you. He will direction. He will equip you. He will guide and he provides and he provides guide and he provides and he provides guide and he provides and he provides where he guides.

where he guides. where he guides. The Lord will give you gifts and The Lord will give you gifts and The Lord will give you gifts and resources in the areas where he expects resources in the areas where he expects resources in the areas where he expects you to labor. you to labor. you to labor. These are expressions of your golden These are expressions of your golden These are expressions of your golden thread. You are not what you do. You do thread. You are not what you do. You do thread. You are not what you do. You do what you do because of who you are. Your what you do because of who you are. Your what you do because of who you are. Your golden thread is an expression. Your golden thread is an expression. Your golden thread is an expression. Your career is an expression what you do. career is an expression what you do. career is an expression what you do. Even in ministry is an expression of Even in ministry is an expression of Even in ministry is an expression of that calling that is in your life. Much that calling that is in your life. Much that calling that is in your life. Much like Peter, like Peter, like Peter, you were created to do great things. you were created to do great things. you were created to do great things. Peter falls down in shame at that Peter falls down in shame at that Peter falls down in shame at that moment. Move away from me. And yet Jesus moment. Move away from me. And yet Jesus moment. Move away from me. And yet Jesus does not condemn him, nor does Jesus does not condemn him, nor does Jesus does not condemn him, nor does Jesus condemn you. condemn you. condemn you. Jesus did not say, "Why didn't you Jesus did not say, "Why didn't you Jesus did not say, "Why didn't you believe, oh man of little faith?" He believe, oh man of little faith?" He believe, oh man of little faith?" He said, "I understand that it is difficult said, "I understand that it is difficult said, "I understand that it is difficult for you to trust me with your finances." for you to trust me with your finances." for you to trust me with your finances." And I think of all the things for And I think of all the things for And I think of all the things for Americans especially, Americans especially, Americans especially, the green back is a very important God the green back is a very important God the green back is a very important God in our life. in our life. in our life. very difficult to trust God with our very difficult to trust God with our very difficult to trust God with our finances. finances. finances. Very challenging.

Very challenging. Very challenging. Yet your nets may be familiar, Yet your nets may be familiar, Yet your nets may be familiar, but your nets, friends, are too small but your nets, friends, are too small but your nets, friends, are too small for what God has placed on your life. for what God has placed on your life. for what God has placed on your life. They may be familiar. Default mode might They may be familiar. Default mode might They may be familiar. Default mode might be familiar, but it is way too limiting be familiar, but it is way too limiting be familiar, but it is way too limiting for the great things that God has called for the great things that God has called for the great things that God has called you to do. you to do. you to do. My wife and I were My wife and I were My wife and I were at an intersection in Costa Rica. This at an intersection in Costa Rica. This at an intersection in Costa Rica. This was in was in was in 2003. We had a staff of 12 full-time 2003. We had a staff of 12 full-time 2003. We had a staff of 12 full-time staff. staff. staff. Our annual budget was about a half a Our annual budget was about a half a Our annual budget was about a half a million dollars. million dollars. million dollars. And she says to me, "During the middle And she says to me, "During the middle And she says to me, "During the middle of a recession in the United States in of a recession in the United States in of a recession in the United States in 2003, 2003, 2003, sweetheart, we need a miracle." And I sweetheart, we need a miracle." And I sweetheart, we need a miracle." And I said, "What do you mean by a miracle?" said, "What do you mean by a miracle?" said, "What do you mean by a miracle?" She said, "Well, She said, "Well, She said, "Well, as you know, our budget is a half a as you know, our budget is a half a as you know, our budget is a half a million dollars. We are $50,000 short. million dollars. We are $50,000 short. million dollars. We are $50,000 short. Churches donors have not been able to Churches donors have not been able to Churches donors have not been able to give, and we are going to have to carry give, and we are going to have to carry give, and we are going to have to carry a $50,000 debt personally, which means a $50,000 debt personally, which means a $50,000 debt personally, which means that we're going to have to let go of that we're going to have to let go of that we're going to have to let go of our staff. We're going to have to cancel our staff. We're going to have to cancel our staff. We're going to have to cancel the next crusade in three weeks, and the next crusade in three weeks, and the next crusade in three weeks, and we're going to have to move back to the we're going to have to move back to the we're going to have to move back to the United States to itinerary, if we can United States to itinerary, if we can United States to itinerary, if we can pull that off." I said, "Are you kidding pull that off." I said, "Are you kidding pull that off." I said, "Are you kidding me?" She said, "No, I have never been so me?" She said, "No, I have never been so me?" She said, "No, I have never been so overwhelmed financially in my entire overwhelmed financially in my entire overwhelmed financially in my entire life that in that moment sitting in that life that in that moment sitting in that life that in that moment sitting in that intersection and as the light was red, I intersection and as the light was red, I intersection and as the light was red, I thought to myself, if you turn green, thought to myself, if you turn green, thought to myself, if you turn green, I'm not sure I have the strength to I'm not sure I have the strength to I'm not sure I have the strength to drive through you."

drive through you." drive through you." I thought, "How is it possible that God I thought, "How is it possible that God I thought, "How is it possible that God has called us and over 50 grand? We're has called us and over 50 grand? We're has called us and over 50 grand? We're going to have to let go of our staff. going to have to let go of our staff. going to have to let go of our staff. We're going to have to cancel the next We're going to have to cancel the next We're going to have to cancel the next crusade and move back to the United crusade and move back to the United crusade and move back to the United States." States." States." I began to write donors. I wrote I began to write donors. I wrote I began to write donors. I wrote churches and no one responded. churches and no one responded. churches and no one responded. I said, "Sweetheart, what do we need in I said, "Sweetheart, what do we need in I said, "Sweetheart, what do we need in order to keep the doors open for another order to keep the doors open for another order to keep the doors open for another 30 days? I need to buy myself some 30 days? I need to buy myself some 30 days? I need to buy myself some time." She said, "We can float it for time." She said, "We can float it for time." She said, "We can float it for another 30 days if we can come up with another 30 days if we can come up with another 30 days if we can come up with $5,000. We need someone to come up with $5,000. We need someone to come up with $5,000. We need someone to come up with $5,000." I said, "Okay, we'll start with $5,000." I said, "Okay, we'll start with $5,000." I said, "Okay, we'll start with that. We're not going to despise small that. We're not going to despise small that. We're not going to despise small beginnings. No, no, no. We're going to beginnings. No, no, no. We're going to beginnings. No, no, no. We're going to shoot for five grand." And I prayed and shoot for five grand." And I prayed and shoot for five grand." And I prayed and I fasted and no one responded. Finally, I fasted and no one responded. Finally, I fasted and no one responded. Finally, three days before the end of the month, three days before the end of the month, three days before the end of the month, I get a phone call from another I get a phone call from another I get a phone call from another missionary. missionary. missionary. His name is Mike. He's a missionary to His name is Mike. He's a missionary to His name is Mike. He's a missionary to to Chile. And he's one of these really to Chile. And he's one of these really to Chile. And he's one of these really eccentric type, like super eccentric. eccentric type, like super eccentric. eccentric type, like super eccentric. His personality fills up a stadium, His personality fills up a stadium, His personality fills up a stadium, right? Super super extroverted. right? Super super extroverted. right? Super super extroverted. He calls me and he This is how he's this He calls me and he This is how he's this He calls me and he This is how he's this is how the conversation starts, right? I is how the conversation starts, right? I is how the conversation starts, right? I I am down in the dumps. I'm thinking I'm I am down in the dumps. I'm thinking I'm I am down in the dumps. I'm thinking I'm just about to die. And he starts the just about to die. And he starts the just about to die. And he starts the conversation like this. JASON, don't you love people like that? Jason, don't you love people like that? Jason, he said, I JUST GOT BACK FROM CHILE. I he said, I JUST GOT BACK FROM CHILE. I he said, I JUST GOT BACK FROM CHILE. I JUST LANDED HERE IN MIAMI.

JUST LANDED HERE IN MIAMI. JUST LANDED HERE IN MIAMI. GOD IS SO GOOD. GOD IS SO GOOD. GOD IS SO GOOD. He said, I HAD $50,000 He said, I HAD $50,000 He said, I HAD $50,000 IN CASH. I took to Chile AND I I PUT IT IN CASH. I took to Chile AND I I PUT IT IN CASH. I took to Chile AND I I PUT IT INTO THE BIBLE SCHOOL. WE STARTED NEW INTO THE BIBLE SCHOOL. WE STARTED NEW INTO THE BIBLE SCHOOL. WE STARTED NEW CHURCHES. HE SAYS, "ISN'T ISN'T GOD CHURCHES. HE SAYS, "ISN'T ISN'T GOD CHURCHES. HE SAYS, "ISN'T ISN'T GOD GREAT? ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL? I said, GREAT? ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL? I said, GREAT? ISN'T THAT WONDERFUL? I said, "Yeah, it's just fantastic. "Yeah, it's just fantastic. "Yeah, it's just fantastic. I'm thrilled for you." I'm thrilled for you." I'm thrilled for you." He said, "But as soon as the airplane He said, "But as soon as the airplane He said, "But as soon as the airplane wheels touch this runway here in Miami, wheels touch this runway here in Miami, wheels touch this runway here in Miami, the Holy Spirit told me to call you cuz the Holy Spirit told me to call you cuz the Holy Spirit told me to call you cuz I need TO SEND YOU $5,000. HOW DO YOU I need TO SEND YOU $5,000. HOW DO YOU I need TO SEND YOU $5,000. HOW DO YOU WANT ME TO SEND IT?" I SAID, "You can WANT ME TO SEND IT?" I SAID, "You can WANT ME TO SEND IT?" I SAID, "You can send it FedEx." And he did. And he did. He sent it FedEx. He sent it FedEx. He sent it FedEx. We have a phrase in Spanish, rompola We have a phrase in Spanish, rompola We have a phrase in Spanish, rompola piñata, piñata, piñata, which means it busted open the piñata. which means it busted open the piñata. which means it busted open the piñata. If you ever seen a piñata party, that's If you ever seen a piñata party, that's If you ever seen a piñata party, that's exactly what happened. And that offering exactly what happened. And that offering exactly what happened. And that offering helped to initiate other seed money and helped to initiate other seed money and helped to initiate other seed money and other offerings started to come in. And other offerings started to come in. And other offerings started to come in. And within a period of three weeks, that within a period of three weeks, that within a period of three weeks, that $50,000 debt began to dissipate. We did $50,000 debt began to dissipate. We did $50,000 debt began to dissipate. We did not have to let go of our staff. We did not have to let go of our staff. We did not have to let go of our staff. We did not have to cancel the next crusade, nor not have to cancel the next crusade, nor not have to cancel the next crusade, nor did we have to move back to United did we have to move back to United did we have to move back to United States. And the next crusade was on.

States. And the next crusade was on. States. And the next crusade was on. Miraculously, we didn't have to cancel Miraculously, we didn't have to cancel Miraculously, we didn't have to cancel it. The first night of that campaign, we it. The first night of that campaign, we it. The first night of that campaign, we had 6,000 people in a 5,000 seat had 6,000 people in a 5,000 seat had 6,000 people in a 5,000 seat capacity tent. You can only do that in capacity tent. You can only do that in capacity tent. You can only do that in Latin America. Okay. So, there we have Latin America. Okay. So, there we have Latin America. Okay. So, there we have 6,000 people crammed into a 5,000 seat 6,000 people crammed into a 5,000 seat 6,000 people crammed into a 5,000 seat capacity tent. Some guy comes, he's capacity tent. Some guy comes, he's capacity tent. Some guy comes, he's sitting 30 rows back. He looks like he sitting 30 rows back. He looks like he sitting 30 rows back. He looks like he had been run over by a truck. And that's had been run over by a truck. And that's had been run over by a truck. And that's giving him a compliment. He hadn't giving him a compliment. He hadn't giving him a compliment. He hadn't bathed in I don't know how many weeks. bathed in I don't know how many weeks. bathed in I don't know how many weeks. He hadn't brushed his hair. He hadn't he He hadn't brushed his hair. He hadn't he He hadn't brushed his hair. He hadn't he he looked horrible. he looked horrible. he looked horrible. I give the altar call. He comes down to I give the altar call. He comes down to I give the altar call. He comes down to the front and within about two minutes the front and within about two minutes the front and within about two minutes of that altar call, he begins to of that altar call, he begins to of that altar call, he begins to manifest a demonic presence. He starts manifest a demonic presence. He starts manifest a demonic presence. He starts to spin. He's gritting his teeth. He's to spin. He's gritting his teeth. He's to spin. He's gritting his teeth. He's screaming out loud. And the ushers who screaming out loud. And the ushers who screaming out loud. And the ushers who really, really, really well trained, really, really, really well trained, really, really, really well trained, they grab this guy and they take him off they grab this guy and they take him off they grab this guy and they take him off to what we call our intensive care unit to what we call our intensive care unit to what we call our intensive care unit or our deliverance tent, which is next or our deliverance tent, which is next or our deliverance tent, which is next door. That's where we deal with all the door. That's where we deal with all the door. That's where we deal with all the people who have got serious spiritual people who have got serious spiritual people who have got serious spiritual issues. We're going to treat them in issues. We're going to treat them in issues. We're going to treat them in another tent. And off he goes to the another tent. And off he goes to the another tent. And off he goes to the next tent. Right? The next night he next tent. Right? The next night he next tent. Right? The next night he comes. He says 30 rows back. I give the comes. He says 30 rows back. I give the comes. He says 30 rows back. I give the invitation. He comes down to the four invitation. He comes down to the four invitation. He comes down to the four again. And within two minutes he again. And within two minutes he again. And within two minutes he manifests again. He starts screaming and manifests again. He starts screaming and manifests again. He starts screaming and spinning around. The ushers grab him.

spinning around. The ushers grab him. spinning around. The ushers grab him. They take him off to the other tent. They take him off to the other tent. They take him off to the other tent. Just like that. Night number three. Just like that. Night number three. Just like that. Night number three. He's sitting 30 rows back. I give the He's sitting 30 rows back. I give the He's sitting 30 rows back. I give the altter call. He comes down to the boom. altter call. He comes down to the boom. altter call. He comes down to the boom. He manifests again. And off to the He manifests again. And off to the He manifests again. And off to the deliverance tent. There he goes. Night deliverance tent. There he goes. Night deliverance tent. There he goes. Night number four. He sits 30 rows back. I number four. He sits 30 rows back. I number four. He sits 30 rows back. I give the invitation. They haul him off give the invitation. They haul him off give the invitation. They haul him off to the end to the deliverance center to the end to the deliverance center to the end to the deliverance center because he manifested again. Finally, I because he manifested again. Finally, I because he manifested again. Finally, I walk up to my team and I said, "Listen, walk up to my team and I said, "Listen, walk up to my team and I said, "Listen, if he comes back tomorrow night, if he comes back tomorrow night, if he comes back tomorrow night, don't send him 30 rows back. No, just don't send him 30 rows back. No, just don't send him 30 rows back. No, just take him directly to the deliverance take him directly to the deliverance take him directly to the deliverance tent. That's where he's going to wind tent. That's where he's going to wind tent. That's where he's going to wind up." Fifth night, Fifth night, he's sitting 30 rows back. They didn't he's sitting 30 rows back. They didn't he's sitting 30 rows back. They didn't listen to me. listen to me. listen to me. I give the altar call. He comes down to I give the altar call. He comes down to I give the altar call. He comes down to the front. He said, "This time I notice the front. He said, "This time I notice the front. He said, "This time I notice that he is dressed in really really well that he is dressed in really really well that he is dressed in really really well u pressed uh slacks. He's got a leather u pressed uh slacks. He's got a leather u pressed uh slacks. He's got a leather jacket on. He's bathed. He's got his jacket on. He's bathed. He's got his jacket on. He's bathed. He's got his hair brushed. He's shaved. He looks hair brushed. He's shaved. He looks hair brushed. He's shaved. He looks different." And then at the end of the different." And then at the end of the different." And then at the end of the altar call, he is in his right mind.

altar call, he is in his right mind. altar call, he is in his right mind. He raises his hand. He says, "You're He raises his hand. He says, "You're He raises his hand. He says, "You're taking testimonies." He says, "I I like taking testimonies." He says, "I I like taking testimonies." He says, "I I like to I like to talk. Can I can I come up to I like to talk. Can I can I come up to I like to talk. Can I can I come up and give my testimony? Now, when and give my testimony? Now, when and give my testimony? Now, when somebody four out of five nights four out of five nights winds up in the other tent, you could winds up in the other tent, you could winds up in the other tent, you could understand how reluctant I would be to understand how reluctant I would be to understand how reluctant I would be to have them come up. But I had received a have them come up. But I had received a have them come up. But I had received a $50,000 miracle over the last three $50,000 miracle over the last three $50,000 miracle over the last three weeks, and I was in a really good mood. weeks, and I was in a really good mood. weeks, and I was in a really good mood. And it was the last night of the And it was the last night of the And it was the last night of the campaign. And so I said to my crusade campaign. And so I said to my crusade campaign. And so I said to my crusade coordinator who is Aruro, I said, "Put coordinator who is Aruro, I said, "Put coordinator who is Aruro, I said, "Put them at the end of the testimony line." them at the end of the testimony line." them at the end of the testimony line." So one after another, they start coming So one after another, they start coming So one after another, they start coming up and they're giving their testimony, up and they're giving their testimony, up and they're giving their testimony, the great things that God had done in the great things that God had done in the great things that God had done in their life. And people of the same their life. And people of the same their life. And people of the same community are hearing these testimonies community are hearing these testimonies community are hearing these testimonies and it solidifies the great things that and it solidifies the great things that and it solidifies the great things that God has done in their life. And now this God has done in their life. And now this God has done in their life. And now this man comes up. man comes up. man comes up. I hand him the microphone and I stand I hand him the microphone and I stand I hand him the microphone and I stand right next to him just in case some right next to him just in case some right next to him just in case some something comes off the rails. something comes off the rails. something comes off the rails. And he starts his testimony like this.

And he starts his testimony like this. And he starts his testimony like this. 18 months ago, I was the number one 18 months ago, I was the number one 18 months ago, I was the number one sales representative of insurance in sales representative of insurance in sales representative of insurance in this country. this country. this country. He said, "I had a fight with my boss and He said, "I had a fight with my boss and He said, "I had a fight with my boss and he fired me he fired me he fired me and my wife left me the same week." He and my wife left me the same week." He and my wife left me the same week." He said, "I lost I lost my job and I lost said, "I lost I lost my job and I lost said, "I lost I lost my job and I lost my woman and now he's she is living with my woman and now he's she is living with my woman and now he's she is living with another man." He said, "Within the another man." He said, "Within the another man." He said, "Within the period of two weeks, I had nothing left period of two weeks, I had nothing left period of two weeks, I had nothing left to live for." to live for." to live for." He said, 'These voices of suicide began He said, 'These voices of suicide began He said, 'These voices of suicide began to just bombard my thinking.' He says, to just bombard my thinking.' He says, to just bombard my thinking.' He says, 'I had I had I had nowhere to turn.' He 'I had I had I had nowhere to turn.' He 'I had I had I had nowhere to turn.' He says, 'I I started to entertain suicide says, 'I I started to entertain suicide says, 'I I started to entertain suicide and I combined sleeping pills with with and I combined sleeping pills with with and I combined sleeping pills with with with with alcohol. He says, I came close with with alcohol. He says, I came close with with alcohol. He says, I came close twice. twice. twice. He said, you know, but I was headed to He said, you know, but I was headed to He said, you know, but I was headed to this bridge Tuesday night and he named this bridge Tuesday night and he named this bridge Tuesday night and he named the bridge next to the Sapria Stadium, the bridge next to the Sapria Stadium, the bridge next to the Sapria Stadium, which has got a 500 foot drop. He says, which has got a 500 foot drop. He says, which has got a 500 foot drop. He says, everyone who's ever thrown themselves everyone who's ever thrown themselves everyone who's ever thrown themselves off of that bridge is dead. off of that bridge is dead. off of that bridge is dead. There's a river and every one of those There's a river and every one of those There's a river and every one of those lies winds up at the bottom of that lies winds up at the bottom of that lies winds up at the bottom of that riverbed. riverbed. riverbed. He said, "I was headed there Tuesday He said, "I was headed there Tuesday He said, "I was headed there Tuesday night, but as I was driving down the night, but as I was driving down the night, but as I was driving down the road, I looked off and I saw this sign road, I looked off and I saw this sign road, I looked off and I saw this sign and he pointed to our sign. I spit on and he pointed to our sign. I spit on and he pointed to our sign. I spit on and there is hope in Jesus."

and there is hope in Jesus." and there is hope in Jesus." He said, "When I saw that sign, there is He said, "When I saw that sign, there is He said, "When I saw that sign, there is hope in Jesus." I pulled over to the hope in Jesus." I pulled over to the hope in Jesus." I pulled over to the side of the road. He said, side of the road. He said, side of the road. He said, and he said, "God, I don't even know if and he said, "God, I don't even know if and he said, "God, I don't even know if you exist, but if you do, please help me you exist, but if you do, please help me you exist, but if you do, please help me tonight." He says, "I came in and I sat tonight." He says, "I came in and I sat tonight." He says, "I came in and I sat back 30 rows." He says, "You gave the back 30 rows." He says, "You gave the back 30 rows." He says, "You gave the altar call. I came down to the front altar call. I came down to the front altar call. I came down to the front and the next thing I know, I wake up and and the next thing I know, I wake up and and the next thing I know, I wake up and I'm in another tent." I'm in another tent." I'm in another tent." And I kept happening to me Tuesday, And I kept happening to me Tuesday, And I kept happening to me Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night, I Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night, I Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night, I come down to the front, I wake up in come down to the front, I wake up in come down to the front, I wake up in another tent. another tent. another tent. But he said, "Friday night, last night, But he said, "Friday night, last night, But he said, "Friday night, last night, I figured out why." I figured out why." I figured out why." And the counselor helped me to pray and And the counselor helped me to pray and And the counselor helped me to pray and to forgive my ex-wife and my boss. And to forgive my ex-wife and my boss. And to forgive my ex-wife and my boss. And when I uttered the words, "I forgive when I uttered the words, "I forgive when I uttered the words, "I forgive you," those diabolical voices of suicide you," those diabolical voices of suicide you," those diabolical voices of suicide began to disappear. began to disappear. began to disappear. And he said, "I don't know who I have to And he said, "I don't know who I have to And he said, "I don't know who I have to thank for putting up that sign that thank for putting up that sign that thank for putting up that sign that says, "There is hope in Jesus, but says, "There is hope in Jesus, but says, "There is hope in Jesus, but whoever you are, thank you so much." And whoever you are, thank you so much." And whoever you are, thank you so much." And he turned the hand and he gave me the he turned the hand and he gave me the he turned the hand and he gave me the microphone.

microphone. microphone. And I had nothing to say And I had nothing to say And I had nothing to say because I realized that I almost because I realized that I almost because I realized that I almost canceled a crusade because of money. canceled a crusade because of money. canceled a crusade because of money. That I almost blew my golden thread That I almost blew my golden thread That I almost blew my golden thread because of money. because of money. because of money. Now, I'm not saying money is not Now, I'm not saying money is not Now, I'm not saying money is not important. I believe it's relatively important. I believe it's relatively important. I believe it's relatively close to oxygen. That's how important I close to oxygen. That's how important I close to oxygen. That's how important I think money is. I understand the think money is. I understand the think money is. I understand the importance. importance. importance. But we can never ever allow God's But we can never ever allow God's But we can never ever allow God's calling on our life to be determined calling on our life to be determined calling on our life to be determined about the financial options that we about the financial options that we about the financial options that we think are possible think are possible think are possible because God is the God of miracles. I thank the Lord for all that he's done I thank the Lord for all that he's done and over the years is true. and over the years is true. and over the years is true. God has allowed us to do wonderful God has allowed us to do wonderful God has allowed us to do wonderful things in prisons. We've been able to things in prisons. We've been able to things in prisons. We've been able to distribute distribute distribute more than 600,000 copies of books and more than 600,000 copies of books and more than 600,000 copies of books and literature, even Bibles in Cuba and literature, even Bibles in Cuba and literature, even Bibles in Cuba and Cuban prisons. We've been able to do Cuban prisons. We've been able to do Cuban prisons. We've been able to do some wonderful things, but it's never some wonderful things, but it's never some wonderful things, but it's never began been because we had too much began been because we had too much began been because we had too much money. We've never had enough. No one money. We've never had enough. No one money. We've never had enough. No one has ever had enough.

has ever had enough. has ever had enough. Even the richest billionaire on the Even the richest billionaire on the Even the richest billionaire on the planet or trillionaire planet or trillionaire planet or trillionaire doesn't have enough. We have an doesn't have enough. We have an doesn't have enough. We have an insatiable appetite for more. And insatiable appetite for more. And insatiable appetite for more. And ministry's vision will never ever be ministry's vision will never ever be ministry's vision will never ever be less than its capacity in terms of less than its capacity in terms of less than its capacity in terms of resources. It will always its vision resources. It will always its vision resources. It will always its vision will always be greater than its will always be greater than its will always be greater than its resources. And that is where faith steps resources. And that is where faith steps resources. And that is where faith steps in. in. in. Your nets may be familiar, Your nets may be familiar, Your nets may be familiar, but they are too small for what God has but they are too small for what God has but they are too small for what God has placed on your life. As I bring this placed on your life. As I bring this placed on your life. As I bring this message to a close, friend, message to a close, friend, message to a close, friend, I want you to step into all that God has I want you to step into all that God has I want you to step into all that God has for you. You may have sidestepped what for you. You may have sidestepped what for you. You may have sidestepped what God is calling you to do. God is calling you to do. God is calling you to do. It may be because of trust, but I want It may be because of trust, but I want It may be because of trust, but I want to encourage you to believe in the God to encourage you to believe in the God to encourage you to believe in the God who believes in you. who believes in you. who believes in you. The Lord believes in you to do great The Lord believes in you to do great The Lord believes in you to do great things. And he has entrusted you to do things. And he has entrusted you to do things. And he has entrusted you to do those things. And if he's entrusted you those things. And if he's entrusted you those things. And if he's entrusted you to do those things, he will equip you to do those things, he will equip you to do those things, he will equip you and he will resource you because he and he will resource you because he and he will resource you because he knows that you will do it. I'm going to knows that you will do it. I'm going to knows that you will do it. I'm going to pray for you. And as I do, I'm going to pray for you. And as I do, I'm going to pray for you. And as I do, I'm going to simply give you an invitation before simply give you an invitation before simply give you an invitation before Pastor Rod comes. I'm going to give you Pastor Rod comes. I'm going to give you Pastor Rod comes. I'm going to give you an invitation to say yes, Lord today to an invitation to say yes, Lord today to an invitation to say yes, Lord today to what God is calling you to do in his what God is calling you to do in his what God is calling you to do in his kingdom. Father, I thank you for your kingdom. Father, I thank you for your kingdom. Father, I thank you for your wonderful presence. And I ask wonderful presence. And I ask wonderful presence. And I ask that you would do the impossible in our that you would do the impossible in our that you would do the impossible in our midst.

midst. midst. That you would speak directly to the That you would speak directly to the That you would speak directly to the heart of the issue. heart of the issue. heart of the issue. The things that cause us to go back to The things that cause us to go back to The things that cause us to go back to default mode. default mode. default mode. the things that cause us the things that cause us the things that cause us to be distracted to be distracted to be distracted by the worries or the cares or the by the worries or the cares or the by the worries or the cares or the things that may derail what you've things that may derail what you've things that may derail what you've called us to do. I ask Lord today called us to do. I ask Lord today called us to do. I ask Lord today that you would speak to every person in that you would speak to every person in that you would speak to every person in this place about the direction, the this place about the direction, the this place about the direction, the calling, and the gifts that you've given calling, and the gifts that you've given calling, and the gifts that you've given them them them and to not turn from those, but to walk and to not turn from those, but to walk and to not turn from those, but to walk towards those things. for you have towards those things. for you have towards those things. for you have placed a golden thread in every one of placed a golden thread in every one of placed a golden thread in every one of us. And I pray Lord that you would help us. And I pray Lord that you would help us. And I pray Lord that you would help us to see that. Friend, as I continue to us to see that. Friend, as I continue to us to see that. Friend, as I continue to pray, I just simply want to ask you this pray, I just simply want to ask you this pray, I just simply want to ask you this question. question. question. If you feel disoriented, If you feel disoriented, If you feel disoriented, you're needing to grab hold of what you're needing to grab hold of what you're needing to grab hold of what God's plan is for your life. I'm not God's plan is for your life. I'm not God's plan is for your life. I'm not talking about salvation. I'm talking talking about salvation. I'm talking talking about salvation. I'm talking about your purpose, your reason, about your purpose, your reason, about your purpose, your reason, your reason for existence.

your reason for existence. your reason for existence. And you say, "I want God to speak to me. And you say, "I want God to speak to me. And you say, "I want God to speak to me. I want him to confirm. I want him to confirm. I want him to confirm. And I want to walk in everything in his And I want to walk in everything in his And I want to walk in everything in his direction for my life. direction for my life. direction for my life. I want to fulfill that." If that's you, I want to fulfill that." If that's you, I want to fulfill that." If that's you, I just want you to slip up your hand. I I just want you to slip up your hand. I I just want you to slip up your hand. I want to pray for you. Clarity. I want want to pray for you. Clarity. I want want to pray for you. Clarity. I want you to slip up your hand. I want you to you to slip up your hand. I want you to you to slip up your hand. I want you to keep that hand in the air real high. Do keep that hand in the air real high. Do keep that hand in the air real high. Do not lower that hand. not lower that hand. not lower that hand. I want you to stand with me with your I want you to stand with me with your I want you to stand with me with your hand in the air. Do not lower your hand. hand in the air. Do not lower your hand. hand in the air. Do not lower your hand. Just stand right where you are. I know Just stand right where you are. I know Just stand right where you are. I know that's many of us here. Lord, we see young and old alike. Lord, we see young and old alike. And I pray in Jesus name And I pray in Jesus name And I pray in Jesus name that whatever it is that whatever it is that whatever it is that is distracted, that is distracted, that is distracted, that is blocked that is blocked that is blocked or has detained. or has detained. or has detained. I ask in Jesus name that you would I ask in Jesus name that you would I ask in Jesus name that you would remove those barriers, remove those barriers, remove those barriers, those mental barriers, those spiritual those mental barriers, those spiritual those mental barriers, those spiritual barriers. And I pray for a barriers. And I pray for a barriers. And I pray for a psychological, a financial, a mental, an psychological, a financial, a mental, an psychological, a financial, a mental, an emotional breakthrough in the powerful emotional breakthrough in the powerful emotional breakthrough in the powerful name of Jesus of Nazareth.

name of Jesus of Nazareth. name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I pray, oh God, that the during the And I pray, oh God, that the during the And I pray, oh God, that the during the course of this week that you would speak course of this week that you would speak course of this week that you would speak and give confirmation after and give confirmation after and give confirmation after confirmation. confirmation. confirmation. And I thank you, Lord, And I thank you, Lord, And I thank you, Lord, because I know that that's exactly what because I know that that's exactly what because I know that that's exactly what you're going to do. I bless these people you're going to do. I bless these people you're going to do. I bless these people and I thank you for their lives. And I and I thank you for their lives. And I and I thank you for their lives. And I thank you in Jesus mighty name. Amen.