Your Mountain Can Move | Dr. Bruce Frank | Matthew 17:14-20

Uh, take your Bibles, if you would, your Uh, take your Bibles, if you would, your Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Bible app, and go ahead and be finding Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. Matthew chapter 17. It is uh, great to be back in Texas. It is uh, great to be back in Texas. It is uh, great to be back in Texas. Um, get some good Tex-Mex. Uh, we Um, get some good Tex-Mex. Uh, we Um, get some good Tex-Mex. Uh, we somehow missed that whole thing up in somehow missed that whole thing up in somehow missed that whole thing up in Asheville, and it was great to get Asheville, and it was great to get Asheville, and it was great to get Tex-Mex. It was great to get real Tex-Mex. It was great to get real Tex-Mex. It was great to get real barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just pig up barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just pig up barbecue. Uh, somehow it's just pig up in in Asheville, and it was good to get in in Asheville, and it was good to get in in Asheville, and it was good to get cow yesterday. So, uh, great great great cow yesterday. So, uh, great great great cow yesterday. So, uh, great great great to be back. Um, but again, I I let me to be back. Um, but again, I I let me to be back. Um, but again, I I let me start off by saying a couple things. start off by saying a couple things. start off by saying a couple things. First of all, uh, I think the world of First of all, uh, I think the world of First of all, uh, I think the world of your pastor. I mean, Pastor Michael, your pastor. I mean, Pastor Michael, your pastor. I mean, Pastor Michael, I've known him for a number of years, I've known him for a number of years, I've known him for a number of years, and church you if hope you know this, and church you if hope you know this, and church you if hope you know this, but you have a good one. You have a good but you have a good one. You have a good but you have a good one. You have a good excellent pastor, excellent pastor, excellent pastor, and he's great leader, and he's great leader, and he's great leader, great leader, great preacher, great great leader, great preacher, great great leader, great preacher, great pastor. He is respected around the pastor. He is respected around the pastor. He is respected around the country. Uh, good on you for uh, his country. Uh, good on you for uh, his country. Uh, good on you for uh, his sabbatical. I promise you, uh, based on sabbatical. I promise you, uh, based on sabbatical. I promise you, uh, based on experience, that you will be the winner experience, that you will be the winner experience, that you will be the winner in that. Uh, he will come back with uh, in that. Uh, he will come back with uh, in that. Uh, he will come back with uh, just a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh just a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh just a fresh touch of the Lord and fresh vision. And so, pray for this time away, vision. And so, pray for this time away, vision. And so, pray for this time away, uh, and pray uh, as he comes back you uh, and pray uh, as he comes back you uh, and pray uh, as he comes back you guys are ready cuz again, uh, when you guys are ready cuz again, uh, when you guys are ready cuz again, uh, when you when you get some time away to just get when you get some time away to just get when you get some time away to just get away from the tyranny of the urgent, uh, away from the tyranny of the urgent, uh, away from the tyranny of the urgent, uh, then oftentimes God speaks you. I know then oftentimes God speaks you. I know then oftentimes God speaks you. I know he has that he has done that for me he has that he has done that for me he has that he has done that for me three times in the years I've had it it three times in the years I've had it it three times in the years I've had it it built more church, but again, he is uh, built more church, but again, he is uh, built more church, but again, he is uh, uh, he is a blessing to this community.

uh, he is a blessing to this community. uh, he is a blessing to this community. He's a blessing uh, to your church, and He's a blessing uh, to your church, and He's a blessing uh, to your church, and so pray for him, support him, encourage so pray for him, support him, encourage so pray for him, support him, encourage him cuz again, uh, I've been doing this him cuz again, uh, I've been doing this him cuz again, uh, I've been doing this a long time, and you have a a good man, a long time, and you have a a good man, a long time, and you have a a good man, a man full of integrity, a lot of a man full of integrity, a lot of a man full of integrity, a lot of giftedness there, and so again, Michael giftedness there, and so again, Michael giftedness there, and so again, Michael is a blessing I know to my family, and I is a blessing I know to my family, and I is a blessing I know to my family, and I know he is to your family. And then the know he is to your family. And then the know he is to your family. And then the second one, um, second one, um, second one, um, is you got a great associate pastor as is you got a great associate pastor as is you got a great associate pastor as well. I got I tried to go ahead well. I got I tried to go ahead well. I got I tried to go ahead uh, uh, uh, I've known him for as long as he's been I've known him for as long as he's been I've known him for as long as he's been alive. All right? And what you see is alive. All right? And what you see is alive. All right? And what you see is what you get. I don't know anybody I what you get. I don't know anybody I what you get. I don't know anybody I respect more uh, than he and Margie. Uh, respect more uh, than he and Margie. Uh, respect more uh, than he and Margie. Uh, uh the way that they pour into their uh the way that they pour into their uh the way that they pour into their marriage, the way they love the church, marriage, the way they love the church, marriage, the way they love the church, the way they love the Lord, um the way the way they love the Lord, um the way the way they love the Lord, um the way they the way they just live their lives they the way they just live their lives they the way they just live their lives of integrity. And so, take care of them, of integrity. And so, take care of them, of integrity. And so, take care of them, all right? Or or I'm going to be back all right? Or or I'm going to be back all right? Or or I'm going to be back and preach a super super long sermon uh and preach a super super long sermon uh and preach a super super long sermon uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh that you'll be bored with. So, uh Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Matthew 17 is where we're going to be. Let me start off with this way. I mean, Let me start off with this way. I mean, Let me start off with this way. I mean, as much as I miss Texas, one of the as much as I miss Texas, one of the as much as I miss Texas, one of the things that uh I love about Western things that uh I love about Western things that uh I love about Western North Carolina, I know some of you all North Carolina, I know some of you all North Carolina, I know some of you all may have been up there, Western North may have been up there, Western North may have been up there, Western North Carolina is uh where the Blue Ridge Carolina is uh where the Blue Ridge Carolina is uh where the Blue Ridge Mountains are and you've got all these Mountains are and you've got all these Mountains are and you've got all these national parks and all of that stuff.

national parks and all of that stuff. national parks and all of that stuff. And one of the things that we have there And one of the things that we have there And one of the things that we have there that we don't really have in Texas, I that we don't really have in Texas, I that we don't really have in Texas, I mean, we had a little bit of it kind of mean, we had a little bit of it kind of mean, we had a little bit of it kind of out in West Texas, but we had mount- we out in West Texas, but we had mount- we out in West Texas, but we had mount- we have mountains. All right? Mountains have mountains. All right? Mountains have mountains. All right? Mountains there there there uh are all over the place. Um and you've uh are all over the place. Um and you've uh are all over the place. Um and you've got You can go 20 minutes and you can got You can go 20 minutes and you can got You can go 20 minutes and you can find a mountain, you can find find a mountain, you can find find a mountain, you can find waterfalls. The highest mountain there waterfalls. The highest mountain there waterfalls. The highest mountain there is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount is one called Mount Mitchell. Mount Mitchell is like almost it's the Mitchell is like almost it's the Mitchell is like almost it's the largest, tallest mountain in the Eastern largest, tallest mountain in the Eastern largest, tallest mountain in the Eastern United States. And so, it's beautiful to United States. And so, it's beautiful to United States. And so, it's beautiful to look at. It's always bigger than what look at. It's always bigger than what look at. It's always bigger than what you think if you ever try to hike them. you think if you ever try to hike them. you think if you ever try to hike them. But when you look in the Bible, But when you look in the Bible, But when you look in the Bible, mountains are often used as metaphors. mountains are often used as metaphors. mountains are often used as metaphors. They're often used as pictures They're often used as pictures They're often used as pictures of something that is intimidating, that of something that is intimidating, that of something that is intimidating, that is immovable. is immovable. is immovable. It's been there a long long It's been there a long long It's been there a long long long time. long time. long time. It's used for something that you don't It's used for something that you don't It's used for something that you don't think can change. think can change. think can change. Something that you've gotten used to Something that you've gotten used to Something that you've gotten used to being there being there being there and it is permanent, it is imposing, it and it is permanent, it is imposing, it and it is permanent, it is imposing, it is a stronghold. is a stronghold. is a stronghold. And when the Bible uses that, it often And when the Bible uses that, it often And when the Bible uses that, it often is used with that environment, the fact is used with that environment, the fact is used with that environment, the fact that it's a stronghold. Something in that it's a stronghold. Something in that it's a stronghold. Something in your life that is not God's best, you your life that is not God's best, you your life that is not God's best, you know it's not God's best, you wish it know it's not God's best, you wish it know it's not God's best, you wish it was not there, but it is there and after was not there, but it is there and after was not there, but it is there and after a while, it ends up feeling like a while, it ends up feeling like a while, it ends up feeling like something that cannot be changed. And something that cannot be changed. And something that cannot be changed. And so, on this Independence Day so, on this Independence Day so, on this Independence Day weekend, what I'm going to weekend, what I'm going to weekend, what I'm going to what I'm going to look at is a passage what I'm going to look at is a passage what I'm going to look at is a passage that's become very that's become very that's become very familiar and very valuable in my own familiar and very valuable in my own familiar and very valuable in my own personal life. And what we're going to personal life. And what we're going to personal life. And what we're going to talk about and what I want you to think talk about and what I want you to think talk about and what I want you to think about is your greatest area of about is your greatest area of about is your greatest area of desperation.

desperation. desperation. Your greatest area of need Your greatest area of need Your greatest area of need right now. right now. right now. Now, I know that it's going to run the Now, I know that it's going to run the Now, I know that it's going to run the gamut gamut gamut all over the place from the prodigal all over the place from the prodigal all over the place from the prodigal child that hasn't returned to the child that hasn't returned to the child that hasn't returned to the marriage that is not what it used to be marriage that is not what it used to be marriage that is not what it used to be to the habit that to the habit that to the habit that you cannot seem to get any victory over you cannot seem to get any victory over you cannot seem to get any victory over to the call that you got recently from to the call that you got recently from to the call that you got recently from the doctor that you did not expect. All the doctor that you did not expect. All the doctor that you did not expect. All those different kinds of things. What is those different kinds of things. What is those different kinds of things. What is the greatest source of heaviness the greatest source of heaviness the greatest source of heaviness in your life this weekend? in your life this weekend? in your life this weekend? And what is that source And what is that source And what is that source of desperation? Like, I wish God would of desperation? Like, I wish God would of desperation? Like, I wish God would do this. How long is it going to be like do this. How long is it going to be like do this. How long is it going to be like this? this? this? Proverbs says a Proverbs says a Proverbs says a hope deferred makes the heart sick. hope deferred makes the heart sick. hope deferred makes the heart sick. What I'm praying and what I prayed this What I'm praying and what I prayed this What I'm praying and what I prayed this week for you and for me week for you and for me week for you and for me is that we would go from is that we would go from is that we would go from coping back to hoping. God wants you to coping back to hoping. God wants you to coping back to hoping. God wants you to go back to hoping today. I'm sure of go back to hoping today. I'm sure of go back to hoping today. I'm sure of that. that. that. What I'm praying is that God would do What I'm praying is that God would do What I'm praying is that God would do for you and God would do for us what God for you and God would do for us what God for you and God would do for us what God does for the man in the scriptures in does for the man in the scriptures in does for the man in the scriptures in Matthew 17 Matthew 17 Matthew 17 today today today about the fact that that mountain, that about the fact that that mountain, that about the fact that that mountain, that thing that has been there for a long thing that has been there for a long thing that has been there for a long time that you don't think can change, time that you don't think can change, time that you don't think can change, that today that today that today would be changed.

would be changed. would be changed. So, I've just got a couple of points So, I've just got a couple of points So, I've just got a couple of points with you today, but I will say this when with you today, but I will say this when with you today, but I will say this when it comes to the mountain in your life, it comes to the mountain in your life, it comes to the mountain in your life, it's going to start to be moved it's going to start to be moved it's going to start to be moved with your desperation. with your desperation. with your desperation. Are you still desperate for God to work Are you still desperate for God to work Are you still desperate for God to work in that area? in that area? in that area? Here's the way the event I don't like to Here's the way the event I don't like to Here's the way the event I don't like to call them stories because it sounds like call them stories because it sounds like call them stories because it sounds like once upon a time. This is not a story as once upon a time. This is not a story as once upon a time. This is not a story as much as is it is an event much as is it is an event much as is it is an event in the scriptures. It's actually in the scriptures. It's actually in the scriptures. It's actually repeated in Luke's as well as in Mark's repeated in Luke's as well as in Mark's repeated in Luke's as well as in Mark's gospel and I'll tell you about that here gospel and I'll tell you about that here gospel and I'll tell you about that here in a few minutes, but Matthew 17 it says in a few minutes, but Matthew 17 it says in a few minutes, but Matthew 17 it says this. this. this. And when they came to the crowd And when they came to the crowd And when they came to the crowd a man came up to him and kneeling before a man came up to him and kneeling before a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy him said, "Lord, have mercy him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son. on my son. on my son. For he has seizures and he suffers For he has seizures and he suffers For he has seizures and he suffers terribly. terribly. terribly. For often he falls into the fire and For often he falls into the fire and For often he falls into the fire and often into the water often into the water often into the water and I brought him to your disciples and and I brought him to your disciples and and I brought him to your disciples and they could not they could not they could not heal him." heal him." heal him." Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus Loved ones, here's the context. Jesus has taken his inner circle up to a place has taken his inner circle up to a place has taken his inner circle up to a place called the Mount of Transfiguration.

called the Mount of Transfiguration. called the Mount of Transfiguration. And there they saw the glorified Christ. And there they saw the glorified Christ. And there they saw the glorified Christ. The part of the humanity had been taken away part of the humanity had been taken away and they got to see the deity of Christ and they got to see the deity of Christ and they got to see the deity of Christ right there. right there. right there. They saw Elijah, they saw Moses, They saw Elijah, they saw Moses, They saw Elijah, they saw Moses, representative of the law and the representative of the law and the representative of the law and the prophets, the old covenant, and then it prophets, the old covenant, and then it prophets, the old covenant, and then it was just Jesus. was just Jesus. was just Jesus. And so they go up on the mountain top And so they go up on the mountain top And so they go up on the mountain top and then they're going to come down into and then they're going to come down into and then they're going to come down into the valley. the valley. the valley. And that's the way the Christian life And that's the way the Christian life And that's the way the Christian life works. Whether you know it or not, even works. Whether you know it or not, even works. Whether you know it or not, even right now, if it's a blue sky day for right now, if it's a blue sky day for right now, if it's a blue sky day for you, you, you, everything's going awesome. Health is everything's going awesome. Health is everything's going awesome. Health is good, family's good, kids are good. good, family's good, kids are good. good, family's good, kids are good. There's going to be a time when you have There's going to be a time when you have There's going to be a time when you have to come off the mountain and you're to come off the mountain and you're to come off the mountain and you're going to go into the valley. going to go into the valley. going to go into the valley. Some of you are already in that valley Some of you are already in that valley Some of you are already in that valley and I don't have to ask you to listen up and I don't have to ask you to listen up and I don't have to ask you to listen up or to sit up. or to sit up. or to sit up. You're already there. You're like, "I You're already there. You're like, "I You're already there. You're like, "I already know the greatest point of already know the greatest point of already know the greatest point of desperation in my life." desperation in my life." desperation in my life." And so, And so, And so, when they come down there, it says a man when they come down there, it says a man when they come down there, it says a man came up to him came up to him came up to him kneeling and he said some things.

kneeling and he said some things. kneeling and he said some things. Now, Mark's gospel in this same account Now, Mark's gospel in this same account Now, Mark's gospel in this same account says there was a crowd and the crowd says there was a crowd and the crowd says there was a crowd and the crowd consists of the religious leaders and consists of the religious leaders and consists of the religious leaders and Jesus's disciples and they were at each Jesus's disciples and they were at each Jesus's disciples and they were at each other. They were arguing. other. They were arguing. other. They were arguing. Luke's gospel said that the man cries Luke's gospel said that the man cries Luke's gospel said that the man cries out and he says that I beg you to please out and he says that I beg you to please out and he says that I beg you to please heal my son. heal my son. heal my son. So, if you're new to Bible study, one of So, if you're new to Bible study, one of So, if you're new to Bible study, one of the things that when you see parallel the things that when you see parallel the things that when you see parallel accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and accounts, this is in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Those are called the Synoptic Luke. Those are called the Synoptic Luke. Those are called the Synoptic Gospels. Gospels. Gospels. And when you see the same account in And when you see the same account in And when you see the same account in several different Gospel accounts, several different Gospel accounts, several different Gospel accounts, what you need to understand is it's kind what you need to understand is it's kind what you need to understand is it's kind of like um of like um of like um it's kind of like if you were watching a it's kind of like if you were watching a it's kind of like if you were watching a Cowboy game Cowboy game Cowboy game and you didn't get to catch the game, and you didn't get to catch the game, and you didn't get to catch the game, but you're going to watch the but you're going to watch the but you're going to watch the highlights. highlights. highlights. And so on those highlight packages, And so on those highlight packages, And so on those highlight packages, you'll see that there's probably a you'll see that there's probably a you'll see that there's probably a different highlight package on ESPN and different highlight package on ESPN and different highlight package on ESPN and on Fox Sports and then on the local on Fox Sports and then on the local on Fox Sports and then on the local Tyler station. So it's the same game, Tyler station. So it's the same game, Tyler station. So it's the same game, but they will choose to emphasize but they will choose to emphasize but they will choose to emphasize different parts of the same game.

different parts of the same game. different parts of the same game. And that's what Matthew, Mark, and Luke And that's what Matthew, Mark, and Luke And that's what Matthew, Mark, and Luke do. It's the same event, but they choose do. It's the same event, but they choose do. It's the same event, but they choose to emphasize and give different points to emphasize and give different points to emphasize and give different points of the same event. And so of the same event. And so of the same event. And so Matthew's account simply says it's a Matthew's account simply says it's a Matthew's account simply says it's a man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, man. A man came up to Jesus. Now, you need to understand that's all it you need to understand that's all it you need to understand that's all it says. We don't know know the man's name, says. We don't know know the man's name, says. We don't know know the man's name, but what we do know is this man was a but what we do know is this man was a but what we do know is this man was a real man. He had an address, he had a real man. He had an address, he had a real man. He had an address, he had a family. family. family. He had a job. He had a job. He had a job. He had hopes. He had dreams. And he He had hopes. He had dreams. And he He had hopes. He had dreams. And he finds himself in a place of utter finds himself in a place of utter finds himself in a place of utter desperation. desperation. desperation. And his point of utter desperation is And his point of utter desperation is And his point of utter desperation is the fact that his son the fact that his son the fact that his son is sick. is sick. is sick. Now, if you're a parent or a Now, if you're a parent or a Now, if you're a parent or a grandparent, you know the truth of the grandparent, you know the truth of the grandparent, you know the truth of the fact there is no pain like kid pain. fact there is no pain like kid pain. fact there is no pain like kid pain. If you're a parent and your kid is sick, If you're a parent and your kid is sick, If you're a parent and your kid is sick, your son or daughter is going through your son or daughter is going through your son or daughter is going through it, there is no pain like kid pain. it, there is no pain like kid pain. it, there is no pain like kid pain. One of the other Gospel accounts says One of the other Gospel accounts says One of the other Gospel accounts says this was his only child. this was his only child. this was his only child. And then Mark's Gospel account of this And then Mark's Gospel account of this And then Mark's Gospel account of this says that he has had this since says that he has had this since says that he has had this since childhood.

childhood. childhood. Now, he chooses the word childhood and I Now, he chooses the word childhood and I Now, he chooses the word childhood and I want you to think about this. He doesn't want you to think about this. He doesn't want you to think about this. He doesn't say infancy, he says childhood. And what say infancy, he says childhood. And what say infancy, he says childhood. And what that means is that means is that means is there were a few good years. there were a few good years. there were a few good years. That means they had their little baby That means they had their little baby That means they had their little baby boy. boy. boy. They've been dreaming about, praying They've been dreaming about, praying They've been dreaming about, praying about, asking their connect group to about, asking their connect group to about, asking their connect group to pray about, and for some period of time pray about, and for some period of time pray about, and for some period of time it was good. it was good. it was good. They go to the hospital. They go to the hospital. They go to the hospital. The birth goes awesome. The birth goes awesome. The birth goes awesome. They take pictures, they put them on They take pictures, they put them on They take pictures, they put them on Instagram. Instagram. Instagram. All their connect group comes over and All their connect group comes over and All their connect group comes over and make sure they have all that they need. make sure they have all that they need. make sure they have all that they need. Everything is great for maybe two or Everything is great for maybe two or Everything is great for maybe two or three years. three years. three years. But one day But one day But one day something changes. The wife calls the husband at work and The wife calls the husband at work and it's like, "Baby, something is wrong. it's like, "Baby, something is wrong. it's like, "Baby, something is wrong. Something's wrong with our little boy." Something's wrong with our little boy." Something's wrong with our little boy." Maybe it was a Maybe it was a Maybe it was a onset of a seizure, maybe she just had onset of a seizure, maybe she just had onset of a seizure, maybe she just had that maternal instinct that saw that maternal instinct that saw that maternal instinct that saw something wrong. Dad rushes home. something wrong. Dad rushes home. something wrong. Dad rushes home. And this entered into a trial of And this entered into a trial of And this entered into a trial of desperation that they had not even seen desperation that they had not even seen desperation that they had not even seen coming.

coming. coming. And so when they looked at it, the first And so when they looked at it, the first And so when they looked at it, the first few years went awesome, but then after few years went awesome, but then after few years went awesome, but then after that everything just goes to hell in a that everything just goes to hell in a that everything just goes to hell in a handbasket. handbasket. handbasket. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these seizures. He starts to have these issues. He He starts to have these issues. He He starts to have these issues. He throws himself into it says he throws throws himself into it says he throws throws himself into it says he throws himself into the fire, throws himself in himself into the fire, throws himself in himself into the fire, throws himself in the water, which doesn't sound like a the water, which doesn't sound like a the water, which doesn't sound like a big deal to you and I, but in that day big deal to you and I, but in that day big deal to you and I, but in that day and time when they cooked outside and time when they cooked outside and time when they cooked outside there's fire everywhere. there's fire everywhere. there's fire everywhere. It's right by the Sea of Galilee, It's right by the Sea of Galilee, It's right by the Sea of Galilee, there's water everywhere. there's water everywhere. there's water everywhere. And so this boy is destroying himself. And so this boy is destroying himself. And so this boy is destroying himself. And you know that the dad did all he And you know that the dad did all he And you know that the dad did all he could. I mean, wouldn't you? could. I mean, wouldn't you? could. I mean, wouldn't you? Hey grandma, wouldn't you? If your Hey grandma, wouldn't you? If your Hey grandma, wouldn't you? If your grandson was sick, wouldn't you do grandson was sick, wouldn't you do grandson was sick, wouldn't you do everything you could? everything you could? everything you could? I promise you this dad did everything he I promise you this dad did everything he I promise you this dad did everything he could. could. could. I'm sure again he asked his small group I'm sure again he asked his small group I'm sure again he asked his small group to pray. to pray. to pray. When his son would have all these scars When his son would have all these scars When his son would have all these scars and these wounds, he would definitely and these wounds, he would definitely and these wounds, he would definitely hold him. hold him. hold him. He probably liquidated everything he He probably liquidated everything he He probably liquidated everything he could do. He liquidated his car, could do. He liquidated his car, could do. He liquidated his car, liquidated his house so he could get the liquidated his house so he could get the liquidated his house so he could get the best doctors best doctors best doctors to take care of his little boy and to take care of his little boy and to take care of his little boy and nothing worked. nothing worked. nothing worked. And years go by And years go by And years go by and he's starting to ask the question, and he's starting to ask the question, and he's starting to ask the question, "How long is this going to last?

"How long is this going to last? "How long is this going to last? Will this ever be different? Will our Will this ever be different? Will our Will this ever be different? Will our family ever be the way it used to be? family ever be the way it used to be? family ever be the way it used to be? Will it ever be okay again? Will it ever be okay again? Will it ever be okay again? And one of the things we need to And one of the things we need to And one of the things we need to recognize is the hardest part of any recognize is the hardest part of any recognize is the hardest part of any trial trial trial is not the depth of the trial or even is not the depth of the trial or even is not the depth of the trial or even the darkness of the trial. Cuz if you the darkness of the trial. Cuz if you the darkness of the trial. Cuz if you know that trial is only going to last a know that trial is only going to last a know that trial is only going to last a few days, few days, few days, you can suck it up and pull yourself up you can suck it up and pull yourself up you can suck it up and pull yourself up and say, "You know what? I'm just going and say, "You know what? I'm just going and say, "You know what? I'm just going to make it to Wednesday." to make it to Wednesday." to make it to Wednesday." But the hardest part of any trial is not But the hardest part of any trial is not But the hardest part of any trial is not the depth of the trial, it is the the depth of the trial, it is the the depth of the trial, it is the duration of the trial. duration of the trial. duration of the trial. It's you're like, "I don't know when It's you're like, "I don't know when It's you're like, "I don't know when this is going to end." this is going to end." this is going to end." When is this ever going to stop? When is this ever going to stop? When is this ever going to stop? And like I mentioned earlier, Proverbs And like I mentioned earlier, Proverbs And like I mentioned earlier, Proverbs says, "Hope Hope deferred makes the says, "Hope Hope deferred makes the says, "Hope Hope deferred makes the heart sick." I think I would rather have heart sick." I think I would rather have heart sick." I think I would rather have a sick body than a sick heart. And when it comes to hope, it's Let's be And when it comes to hope, it's Let's be honest. I know church isn't a place to honest. I know church isn't a place to honest. I know church isn't a place to be honest, but let's be honest. be honest, but let's be honest. be honest, but let's be honest. It's a hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle to hope, isn't it? It's a hassle to hope. It's a hassle to hope. It's a hassle to hope. It's a hassle to hope because you're It's a hassle to hope because you're It's a hassle to hope because you're like, "I don't think I don't think God's like, "I don't think I don't think God's like, "I don't think I don't think God's going to change this." going to change this." going to change this." And it runs the gamut. Again, some of And it runs the gamut. Again, some of And it runs the gamut. Again, some of you You've been praying for your you You've been praying for your you You've been praying for your dad to come to Christ for 20 years, and dad to come to Christ for 20 years, and dad to come to Christ for 20 years, and you don't see any movement at all.

you don't see any movement at all. you don't see any movement at all. You've invited him to come to church and You've invited him to come to church and You've invited him to come to church and hear Pastor Michael. He won't even show hear Pastor Michael. He won't even show hear Pastor Michael. He won't even show up. He don't even watch it online. up. He don't even watch it online. up. He don't even watch it online. And you're praying and you're like, And you're praying and you're like, And you're praying and you're like, "God, I just don't see any movement at "God, I just don't see any movement at "God, I just don't see any movement at all." all." all." Again, you go Again, you go Again, you go for a routine check, and I'm quite sure for a routine check, and I'm quite sure for a routine check, and I'm quite sure there's at least one of you here. there's at least one of you here. there's at least one of you here. Sometime in the last few months you went Sometime in the last few months you went Sometime in the last few months you went to what you considered a routine check to what you considered a routine check to what you considered a routine check at the doctor, at the doctor, at the doctor, and the doctor says calls you back and and the doctor says calls you back and and the doctor says calls you back and says, "You got cancer." says, "You got cancer." says, "You got cancer." That'll shock you. I promise you. I've That'll shock you. I promise you. I've That'll shock you. I promise you. I've had that phone call happen to me. had that phone call happen to me. had that phone call happen to me. And all of a sudden you're like, "Wait a And all of a sudden you're like, "Wait a And all of a sudden you're like, "Wait a minute, that doesn't happen to me. That minute, that doesn't happen to me. That minute, that doesn't happen to me. That happens to somebody else. Somebody else happens to somebody else. Somebody else happens to somebody else. Somebody else gets that phone call. Somebody else gets gets that phone call. Somebody else gets gets that phone call. Somebody else gets that visit. Somebody else gets prayed that visit. Somebody else gets prayed that visit. Somebody else gets prayed for." for." for." Or you got a prodigal. Or you got a prodigal. Or you got a prodigal. And there's a prodigal, and again, I And there's a prodigal, and again, I And there's a prodigal, and again, I know you've got some of you got some know you've got some of you got some know you've got some of you got some prodigals. prodigals. prodigals. And I know one of the first things that And I know one of the first things that And I know one of the first things that happens happens happens when your son or daughter starts to kind when your son or daughter starts to kind when your son or daughter starts to kind of drift away is you start to hear the of drift away is you start to hear the of drift away is you start to hear the whispers about what you did wrong. whispers about what you did wrong. whispers about what you did wrong. But you know in your heart of hearts, But you know in your heart of hearts, But you know in your heart of hearts, not that you were perfect, but you know not that you were perfect, but you know not that you were perfect, but you know that you did the best you could with that you did the best you could with that you did the best you could with what you had.

what you had. what you had. You did. I mean, you took them to 100 You did. I mean, you took them to 100 You did. I mean, you took them to 100 vacation Bible schools. vacation Bible schools. vacation Bible schools. They went to middle school camp. They went to middle school camp. They went to middle school camp. You might even baptize them. You might even baptize them. You might even baptize them. You might have led them to Christ. They You might have led them to Christ. They You might have led them to Christ. They made some profession of faith at 11, but made some profession of faith at 11, but made some profession of faith at 11, but now they want nothing to do with you and now they want nothing to do with you and now they want nothing to do with you and your Jesus. your Jesus. your Jesus. And you're like, "What is going to break And you're like, "What is going to break And you're like, "What is going to break that chain? What is going on in my that chain? What is going on in my that chain? What is going on in my prodigal's life?" Some of you it's prodigal's life?" Some of you it's prodigal's life?" Some of you it's marital. marital. marital. For a few years it was awesome, For a few years it was awesome, For a few years it was awesome, but now you're just hanging on to make but now you're just hanging on to make but now you're just hanging on to make sure the kids get out of high school, sure the kids get out of high school, sure the kids get out of high school, and then after that you'll kind of and then after that you'll kind of and then after that you'll kind of figure out what to do. figure out what to do. figure out what to do. And you want to believe it can go And you want to believe it can go And you want to believe it can go better. You do. You want to believe that better. You do. You want to believe that better. You do. You want to believe that God's going to change your husband. You God's going to change your husband. You God's going to change your husband. You want to believe that. want to believe that. want to believe that. You hear the stories. You probably watch You hear the stories. You probably watch You hear the stories. You probably watch some videos at church. You sing the some videos at church. You sing the some videos at church. You sing the songs. You want to believe, but the songs. You want to believe, but the songs. You want to believe, but the whispers get louder and louder and whispers get louder and louder and whispers get louder and louder and louder that it's not ever going to be louder that it's not ever going to be louder that it's not ever going to be the same. Why? Cuz it's a hassle to the same. Why? Cuz it's a hassle to the same. Why? Cuz it's a hassle to hope. hope. hope. It's not only a hassle to hope, it It's not only a hassle to hope, it It's not only a hassle to hope, it hurts. It actually hurts to hope. hurts. It actually hurts to hope. hurts. It actually hurts to hope. Cuz what hope says is, "I don't have Cuz what hope says is, "I don't have Cuz what hope says is, "I don't have something that I need." something that I need." something that I need." I don't have something that I need.

I don't have something that I need. I don't have something that I need. And so what happens is time goes by, And so what happens is time goes by, And so what happens is time goes by, your heart gets hard, the tears dry up, your heart gets hard, the tears dry up, your heart gets hard, the tears dry up, and then all of a sudden you go from and then all of a sudden you go from and then all of a sudden you go from hoping to coping. hoping to coping. hoping to coping. You're like, "Well, you know what? I You're like, "Well, you know what? I You're like, "Well, you know what? I would rather just not hope than get hurt would rather just not hope than get hurt would rather just not hope than get hurt again." again." again." And you almost get this faithless And you almost get this faithless And you almost get this faithless attitude. You're like the the old attitude. You're like the the old attitude. You're like the the old proverb that talked about the proverb that talked about the proverb that talked about the little elephant when he's real real little elephant when he's real real little elephant when he's real real small and they put a little chain around small and they put a little chain around small and they put a little chain around his his his leg and they stake him in the ground, leg and they stake him in the ground, leg and they stake him in the ground, and at that stage he's not strong enough and at that stage he's not strong enough and at that stage he's not strong enough or big enough or tough enough to pull or big enough or tough enough to pull or big enough or tough enough to pull that thing out. And so he gets used to that thing out. And so he gets used to that thing out. And so he gets used to being defeated. He gets used to losing. being defeated. He gets used to losing. being defeated. He gets used to losing. He loses all hope that things can be He loses all hope that things can be He loses all hope that things can be different. But then even after he's big different. But then even after he's big different. But then even after he's big and after he's a big old elephant, he and after he's a big old elephant, he and after he's a big old elephant, he can pull that whole thing out without can pull that whole thing out without can pull that whole thing out without any problem at all. He just stays any problem at all. He just stays any problem at all. He just stays chained up and in bondage cuz he's chained up and in bondage cuz he's chained up and in bondage cuz he's learned, "You know what? It hurts to learned, "You know what? It hurts to learned, "You know what? It hurts to hope. I just don't want to I just don't hope. I just don't want to I just don't hope. I just don't want to I just don't want to do anything." want to do anything." want to do anything." God wants you to come back to hoping God wants you to come back to hoping God wants you to come back to hoping today, church. today, church. today, church. He does. Now, when I say hope, I'm He does. Now, when I say hope, I'm He does. Now, when I say hope, I'm talking about biblical hope. I'm not talking about biblical hope. I'm not talking about biblical hope. I'm not talk When the Bible talks about hope, talk When the Bible talks about hope, talk When the Bible talks about hope, it's not talking about I hope so. It's it's not talking about I hope so. It's it's not talking about I hope so. It's not like, "Man, I hope the Longhorns are not like, "Man, I hope the Longhorns are not like, "Man, I hope the Longhorns are decent this year."

decent this year." decent this year." Which I would never ever hope for. But, Which I would never ever hope for. But, Which I would never ever hope for. But, I'm going to I would just say, "You know I'm going to I would just say, "You know I'm going to I would just say, "You know what? When they're like, YOU KNOW WHAT? what? When they're like, YOU KNOW WHAT? what? When they're like, YOU KNOW WHAT? I HOPE THEY'RE I'm hoping we got a good I HOPE THEY'RE I'm hoping we got a good I HOPE THEY'RE I'm hoping we got a good team." team." team." Biblical hope is the confident Biblical hope is the confident Biblical hope is the confident expectation expectation expectation that God is at work in my situation for that God is at work in my situation for that God is at work in my situation for the glory of God and for the good of my the glory of God and for the good of my the glory of God and for the good of my soul. soul. soul. It's the confident expectation that God It's the confident expectation that God It's the confident expectation that God still, in spite of all the circumstances still, in spite of all the circumstances still, in spite of all the circumstances that say otherwise, that God still has that say otherwise, that God still has that say otherwise, that God still has the whole world, including my family, the whole world, including my family, the whole world, including my family, including my prodigal, including my including my prodigal, including my including my prodigal, including my marriage, in his hands. marriage, in his hands. marriage, in his hands. It's what David expresses in Psalm 27:28 It's what David expresses in Psalm 27:28 It's what David expresses in Psalm 27:28 when he said, "I would have despaired when he said, "I would have despaired when he said, "I would have despaired if I did not believe if I did not believe if I did not believe that I would see the goodness of God in that I would see the goodness of God in that I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living." the land of the living." the land of the living." Not just up in heaven. Not just up in heaven. Not just up in heaven. But, I would have despaired. I would But, I would have despaired. I would But, I would have despaired. I would have lost it if I did not believe that I have lost it if I did not believe that I have lost it if I did not believe that I would see with my own eyes the goodness would see with my own eyes the goodness would see with my own eyes the goodness of God in the land of the living. of God in the land of the living. of God in the land of the living. If I did not believe that I would see my If I did not believe that I would see my If I did not believe that I would see my marriage restored. If I did not believe marriage restored. If I did not believe marriage restored. If I did not believe that I would see my prodigal drive in that I would see my prodigal drive in that I would see my prodigal drive in the driveway, the driveway, the driveway, then I would have despaired.

then I would have despaired. then I would have despaired. And so, the father hears that Jesus is And so, the father hears that Jesus is And so, the father hears that Jesus is coming to town. coming to town. coming to town. And in the space this is in the And in the space this is in the And in the space this is in the scriptures, there's already been a bunch scriptures, there's already been a bunch scriptures, there's already been a bunch of miracles that have taken place. 5,000 people have been fed. 5,000 people have been fed. Rumors about a Rumors about a Rumors about a little girl that got raised from the little girl that got raised from the little girl that got raised from the dead. dead. dead. Rumors the disciples were talking about Rumors the disciples were talking about Rumors the disciples were talking about that he made the wind lie down. that he made the wind lie down. that he made the wind lie down. And somewhere in the soul of this dad, And somewhere in the soul of this dad, And somewhere in the soul of this dad, he's like, "Maybe this miracle worker he's like, "Maybe this miracle worker he's like, "Maybe this miracle worker can make a difference in my life. can make a difference in my life. can make a difference in my life. Initially, he comes to the disciples. Initially, he comes to the disciples. Initially, he comes to the disciples. And the disciples can't do anything, And the disciples can't do anything, And the disciples can't do anything, which is odd cuz they had done some which is odd cuz they had done some which is odd cuz they had done some earlier chapters. earlier chapters. earlier chapters. But they couldn't do anything. But they couldn't do anything. But they couldn't do anything. Matthew says, "Lord." He says, "Lord, Matthew says, "Lord." He says, "Lord, Matthew says, "Lord." He says, "Lord, have mercy on my son." have mercy on my son." have mercy on my son." Luke says, "I beg you to Luke says, "I beg you to Luke says, "I beg you to look at my son." look at my son." look at my son." Mark says, and I love this, "If you can Mark says, and I love this, "If you can Mark says, and I love this, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us." do anything, have compassion on us." do anything, have compassion on us." That's when Jesus, you don't know That's when Jesus, you don't know That's when Jesus, you don't know really, it's hard to read tone into the really, it's hard to read tone into the really, it's hard to read tone into the scriptures.

scriptures. scriptures. But when the dad looks at Jesus and But when the dad looks at Jesus and But when the dad looks at Jesus and says, "If you can do anything, have says, "If you can do anything, have says, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us." That's when Jesus, compassion on us." That's when Jesus, compassion on us." That's when Jesus, and again, you don't know the tone, he's and again, you don't know the tone, he's and again, you don't know the tone, he's like, "If I can? like, "If I can? like, "If I can? If I can? If I can do anything? If I can? If I can do anything? If I can? If I can do anything? Like, really? That's what you're asking? Like, really? That's what you're asking? Like, really? That's what you're asking? If I can do anything?" If I can do anything?" If I can do anything?" And then Jesus says, "All things are And then Jesus says, "All things are And then Jesus says, "All things are possible for one who believes." possible for one who believes." possible for one who believes." And that this is where the father cries And that this is where the father cries And that this is where the father cries out with I would call it the most honest out with I would call it the most honest out with I would call it the most honest prayer in the Bible. prayer in the Bible. prayer in the Bible. He says, "I do believe, but help my He says, "I do believe, but help my He says, "I do believe, but help my unbelief." unbelief." unbelief." That's where some of us are. That's where some of us are. That's where some of us are. You know, Jesus, I do believe. I believe You know, Jesus, I do believe. I believe You know, Jesus, I do believe. I believe I know you came up out of the grave. I know you came up out of the grave. I know you came up out of the grave. I know you paid my sin debt on the I know you paid my sin debt on the I know you paid my sin debt on the cross. I know you did, but I am having a cross. I know you did, but I am having a cross. I know you did, but I am having a hard time believing that you can hard time believing that you can hard time believing that you can resurrect my marriage. resurrect my marriage. resurrect my marriage. I'm having I'm having a hard time that I'm having I'm having a hard time that I'm having I'm having a hard time that you actually you actually you actually have the ability to heal my cancer. have the ability to heal my cancer. have the ability to heal my cancer. And so, And so, And so, question I got to ask is I mean I mean question I got to ask is I mean I mean question I got to ask is I mean I mean you you you Let's be honest. Have you ever been Let's be honest. Have you ever been Let's be honest. Have you ever been there? there? there? You ever been there when you're like, "I You ever been there when you're like, "I You ever been there when you're like, "I do believe, but help my unbelief."

do believe, but help my unbelief." do believe, but help my unbelief." I mean, come on, God, you you can do it. I mean, come on, God, you you can do it. I mean, come on, God, you you can do it. Come on, you can do it. I've seen you do Come on, you can do it. I've seen you do Come on, you can do it. I've seen you do it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, it. Pastor Michael, Pastor Hixon, they've talked about you doing it. they've talked about you doing it. they've talked about you doing it. We've heard the stories. We hear the We've heard the stories. We hear the We've heard the stories. We hear the stories about middle school camp. stories about middle school camp. stories about middle school camp. And what's amazing is And what's amazing is And what's amazing is when he says, "I do believe, help my when he says, "I do believe, help my when he says, "I do believe, help my unbelief, the way Jesus responds to him unbelief, the way Jesus responds to him unbelief, the way Jesus responds to him and the way Jesus responds to you and I. and the way Jesus responds to you and I. and the way Jesus responds to you and I. I mean if I mean if I mean if you'd think if he's like, if you can do you'd think if he's like, if you can do you'd think if he's like, if you can do anything anything anything Jesus would be like, what? Jesus would be like, what? Jesus would be like, what? Flick you off into eternity, but he Flick you off into eternity, but he Flick you off into eternity, but he doesn't do that. doesn't do that. doesn't do that. He doesn't. He meets him right where he He doesn't. He meets him right where he He doesn't. He meets him right where he is. is. is. Now men, Now men, Now men, this is hard for us. That's why I think this is hard for us. That's why I think this is hard for us. That's why I think one of the reasons is that this story is one of the reasons is that this story is one of the reasons is that this story is in here because of the dad. in here because of the dad. in here because of the dad. And maybe ladies you're probably the And maybe ladies you're probably the And maybe ladies you're probably the same way, but I know as men that we are, same way, but I know as men that we are, same way, but I know as men that we are, you're a doer. you're a doer. you're a doer. Men hate desperation. Men hate desperation. Men hate desperation. You hate to be dependent. You hate to be dependent. You hate to be dependent. Man, part of that's a very good part of Man, part of that's a very good part of Man, part of that's a very good part of the image of God in you. the image of God in you. the image of God in you. You and I are to be providers and You and I are to be providers and You and I are to be providers and protectors and priests and all of those protectors and priests and all of those protectors and priests and all of those things.

things. things. And you hate to be dependent. And you hate to be dependent. And you hate to be dependent. I want to remind us that God loves it I want to remind us that God loves it I want to remind us that God loves it when we're dependent. when we're dependent. when we're dependent. We hate it, We hate it, We hate it, but God loves it. but God loves it. but God loves it. One of my buddies that preached at your One of my buddies that preached at your One of my buddies that preached at your men's conference, Joby Martin, one of men's conference, Joby Martin, one of men's conference, Joby Martin, one of the phrases that has stuck with me that the phrases that has stuck with me that the phrases that has stuck with me that he always says he always says he always says that the three most dangerous words that that the three most dangerous words that that the three most dangerous words that somebody can say is I got this. somebody can say is I got this. somebody can say is I got this. And so And so And so conversely, conversely, conversely, some of the best things you can tell God some of the best things you can tell God some of the best things you can tell God is I ain't got this. is I ain't got this. is I ain't got this. I ain't got this. I ain't got this. I ain't got this. And there will be a point, I promise And there will be a point, I promise And there will be a point, I promise you, if some of you are there now, but you, if some of you are there now, but you, if some of you are there now, but there will be a point when you have done there will be a point when you have done there will be a point when you have done all that you can do and then you got to admit I ain't got and then you got to admit I ain't got this. this. this. God, I need you to do for me what I God, I need you to do for me what I God, I need you to do for me what I cannot do. cannot do. cannot do. But it's going to start with your But it's going to start with your But it's going to start with your desperation. desperation. desperation. And then And then And then it is going to work through your it is going to work through your it is going to work through your biblical faith. biblical faith. biblical faith. Now before you say, all right, enough of Now before you say, all right, enough of Now before you say, all right, enough of this faith stuff, let me explain what it this faith stuff, let me explain what it this faith stuff, let me explain what it is. But look at look at the event, verse is. But look at look at the event, verse is. But look at look at the event, verse 17. He works through your faith.

17. He works through your faith. 17. He works through your faith. And Jesus answered, oh And Jesus answered, oh And Jesus answered, oh faithless and twisted generation. faithless and twisted generation. faithless and twisted generation. You're going to see faith all through You're going to see faith all through You're going to see faith all through these four verses. these four verses. these four verses. And Jesus answered, "O faithless and And Jesus answered, "O faithless and And Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be twisted generation, how long am I to be twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? with you? with you? How long am I to bear with you? How long am I to bear with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." Now, make note of Bring him here to me." Now, make note of Bring him here to me." Now, make note of that. that. that. He tells the dad to take a step of He tells the dad to take a step of He tells the dad to take a step of faith. faith. faith. Question. Question. Question. Did Jesus actually need to be in Did Jesus actually need to be in Did Jesus actually need to be in proximity to somebody to heal them? Church. Church. All right. No, he did Of course he All right. No, he did Of course he All right. No, he did Of course he didn't. didn't. didn't. Several times in the scriptures he does Several times in the scriptures he does Several times in the scriptures he does it like a long-distance healing. it like a long-distance healing. it like a long-distance healing. But make a little note, we'll come back But make a little note, we'll come back But make a little note, we'll come back to it. He makes the dad, he tells the to it. He makes the dad, he tells the to it. He makes the dad, he tells the dad, "I want you to take a step of dad, "I want you to take a step of dad, "I want you to take a step of faith." And Jesus rebuked the demon, And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him. and it came out of him. and it came out of him. And the boy And the boy And the boy was healed instantly. was healed instantly. was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus Then the disciples came to Jesus Then the disciples came to Jesus privately privately privately and said, "Why could we not cast it and said, "Why could we not cast it and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

out?" out?" And he said to them, "Because of your And he said to them, "Because of your And he said to them, "Because of your little faith. little faith. little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have For truly I say to you, if you have For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, faith like a grain of mustard seed, faith like a grain of mustard seed, really small seed, really small seed, really small seed, you will say to this mountain, this you will say to this mountain, this you will say to this mountain, this immovable object that you don't think immovable object that you don't think immovable object that you don't think can change, 'Move from here to there,' can change, 'Move from here to there,' can change, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. And nothing will be and it will move. And nothing will be and it will move. And nothing will be impossible impossible impossible for you." for you." for you." Let me address the kind of the obvious Let me address the kind of the obvious Let me address the kind of the obvious question that question that question that some of you might have. some of you might have. some of you might have. And the obvious question is like, "Come And the obvious question is like, "Come And the obvious question is like, "Come on, Bruce, you telling me on, Bruce, you telling me on, Bruce, you telling me you telling me you believe in demons? you telling me you believe in demons? you telling me you believe in demons? I mean, in 2026 I mean, in 2026 I mean, in 2026 with AI and all the technological with AI and all the technological with AI and all the technological advancements, are you telling me you advancements, are you telling me you advancements, are you telling me you believe in a believe in a believe in a guy with a guy with a guy with a pitchfork and a red suit and a tail?" Uh pitchfork and a red suit and a tail?" Uh pitchfork and a red suit and a tail?" Uh By the way, I By the way, I By the way, I don't believe in that caricature. don't believe in that caricature. don't believe in that caricature. That's That caricature is not in the That's That caricature is not in the That's That caricature is not in the Bible. Bible. Bible. But do I believe in the devil in But do I believe in the devil in But do I believe in the devil in spiritual warfare? I would simply say spiritual warfare? I would simply say spiritual warfare? I would simply say this, this, this, you better make room somewhere in your you better make room somewhere in your you better make room somewhere in your theology if you are a Christian. You theology if you are a Christian. You theology if you are a Christian. You better make some room for spiritual better make some room for spiritual better make some room for spiritual warfare warfare warfare in your theology.

in your theology. in your theology. I would just put it this way. I mean, I would just put it this way. I mean, I would just put it this way. I mean, let's get it down in the let's get it down in the let's get it down in the where we live. where we live. where we live. If you struggle with an addiction, If you struggle with an addiction, If you struggle with an addiction, whether it be uh pills or booze or porn whether it be uh pills or booze or porn whether it be uh pills or booze or porn or whatever, or whatever, or whatever, do you think all that's going on there do you think all that's going on there do you think all that's going on there is just a is just a is just a chemical deal in your body? You think chemical deal in your body? You think chemical deal in your body? You think that's all that's going on? that's all that's going on? that's all that's going on? You think that prodigal that won't pick You think that prodigal that won't pick You think that prodigal that won't pick up your call? up your call? up your call? You think all that's going on is the You think all that's going on is the You think all that's going on is the fact that he's made some unwise choices fact that he's made some unwise choices fact that he's made some unwise choices or has a bad peer group? or has a bad peer group? or has a bad peer group? You think the issue going on in your You think the issue going on in your You think the issue going on in your marriage is just communication problems marriage is just communication problems marriage is just communication problems and if you could just get a few tips and and if you could just get a few tips and and if you could just get a few tips and tricks tricks tricks about communication and everything would about communication and everything would about communication and everything would be good again? be good again? be good again? Do you think Do you think Do you think every time God begins to work in your every time God begins to work in your every time God begins to work in your life life life and have something awesome for you, and have something awesome for you, and have something awesome for you, the whispers of shame and condemnation the whispers of shame and condemnation the whispers of shame and condemnation just get louder and louder and louder just get louder and louder and louder just get louder and louder and louder and louder and you just back off from and louder and you just back off from and louder and you just back off from whatever God is calling you to do? You whatever God is calling you to do? You whatever God is calling you to do? You think think think You think I'm foolish for believing in You think I'm foolish for believing in You think I'm foolish for believing in that? I think you're foolish if you that? I think you're foolish if you that? I think you're foolish if you don't believe don't believe don't believe in spiritual warfare.

in spiritual warfare. in spiritual warfare. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy." to kill, steal, and destroy." to kill, steal, and destroy." I had seven years of theological I had seven years of theological I had seven years of theological education and missed all seven years the education and missed all seven years the education and missed all seven years the word only. word only. word only. There's only one agenda he's got for There's only one agenda he's got for There's only one agenda he's got for your life. your life. your life. And that is to steal, kill, and destroy And that is to steal, kill, and destroy And that is to steal, kill, and destroy everything that is good and precious in everything that is good and precious in everything that is good and precious in your life. your life. your life. They can't take away your salvation if They can't take away your salvation if They can't take away your salvation if you're a Christian, you're a Christian, you're a Christian, but he certainly can steal your but he certainly can steal your but he certainly can steal your testimony. testimony. testimony. He certainly can kill your He certainly can kill your He certainly can kill your effectiveness. He can certainly destroy effectiveness. He can certainly destroy effectiveness. He can certainly destroy your ministry. your ministry. your ministry. But in this text, what you see is But in this text, what you see is But in this text, what you see is faith faith faith is huge in this passage. is huge in this passage. is huge in this passage. He says, "Faithless, little faith, He says, "Faithless, little faith, He says, "Faithless, little faith, mustard seed faith." mustard seed faith." mustard seed faith." But understand this, faith is huge in But understand this, faith is huge in But understand this, faith is huge in the whole Bible. the whole Bible. the whole Bible. The foundational truth of the Bible The foundational truth of the Bible The foundational truth of the Bible is the glory of God. is the glory of God. is the glory of God. Hope you know that. Hope you know that. Hope you know that. The foundational truth of the Bible is The foundational truth of the Bible is The foundational truth of the Bible is the glory of God. It's about him, it's the glory of God. It's about him, it's the glory of God. It's about him, it's not about you.

not about you. not about you. The Bible is about God. It's The Bible is about God. It's The Bible is about God. It's it's not about you. it's not about you. it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. It's for you, but it's not about you. The foundational truth in all 66 books The foundational truth in all 66 books The foundational truth in all 66 books is the glory of God. is the glory of God. is the glory of God. The central theme that brings God the The central theme that brings God the The central theme that brings God the most glory is the redemptive plan of God most glory is the redemptive plan of God most glory is the redemptive plan of God through the person and work of Jesus through the person and work of Jesus through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. The whole Bible talks about the person The whole Bible talks about the person The whole Bible talks about the person and work of Jesus, not just the New and work of Jesus, not just the New and work of Jesus, not just the New Testament. Testament. Testament. Starting in Genesis 3 Starting in Genesis 3 Starting in Genesis 3 verse 15, which is the called verse 15, which is the called verse 15, which is the called proto-evangelism, the first good news. proto-evangelism, the first good news. proto-evangelism, the first good news. He says, "I will send a rescuer. I will He says, "I will send a rescuer. I will He says, "I will send a rescuer. I will send somebody that will stomp the head send somebody that will stomp the head send somebody that will stomp the head of the serpent." of the serpent." of the serpent." And in the rest of the Bible, Old And in the rest of the Bible, Old And in the rest of the Bible, Old Testament, are shadows of this coming Testament, are shadows of this coming Testament, are shadows of this coming deliverer, and the New Testament is deliverer, and the New Testament is deliverer, and the New Testament is about the deliverer has come. The Passover lamb The Passover lamb Jesus is the Passover lamb. You go Jesus is the Passover lamb. You go Jesus is the Passover lamb. You go through the whole Old Testament, go to through the whole Old Testament, go to through the whole Old Testament, go to Psalm 22. Psalm 22. Psalm 22. Psalm 22. Sometimes people say, "Why Psalm 22. Sometimes people say, "Why Psalm 22. Sometimes people say, "Why doesn't the New Testament describe the doesn't the New Testament describe the doesn't the New Testament describe the crucifixion?" Because it was already crucifixion?" Because it was already crucifixion?" Because it was already described described described in Psalm 22.

in Psalm 22. in Psalm 22. Psalm 22 starts off, "My God, my God, Psalm 22 starts off, "My God, my God, Psalm 22 starts off, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" why have you forsaken me?" why have you forsaken me?" So, thousands of years before Jesus says So, thousands of years before Jesus says So, thousands of years before Jesus says it on a cross, David says it in Psalm it on a cross, David says it in Psalm it on a cross, David says it in Psalm 22. 22. 22. Then you go to places like Isaiah 53, Then you go to places like Isaiah 53, Then you go to places like Isaiah 53, then you go to the last book of the Old then you go to the last book of the Old then you go to the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, when he says the son Testament, Malachi, when he says the son Testament, Malachi, when he says the son of righteousness will come with healing of righteousness will come with healing of righteousness will come with healing in his wings, and then open up the pages in his wings, and then open up the pages in his wings, and then open up the pages of the New Testament, John the Baptist of the New Testament, John the Baptist of the New Testament, John the Baptist comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of comes out and says, "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the God who takes away the sin of the God who takes away the sin of the world." world." world." So, it's about the glory of God. God So, it's about the glory of God. God So, it's about the glory of God. God gets glory through gets glory through gets glory through the redemptive purpose and plan in the redemptive purpose and plan in the redemptive purpose and plan in Jesus. But, you got to understand this. Jesus. But, you got to understand this. Jesus. But, you got to understand this. The urgent message is that the benefits The urgent message is that the benefits The urgent message is that the benefits to you and I come through to you and I come through to you and I come through biblical faith. biblical faith. biblical faith. Biblical faith. Biblical faith. Biblical faith. I'm going to give you a quick rundown I'm going to give you a quick rundown I'm going to give you a quick rundown just to here in Matthew. Matthew 8, just to here in Matthew. Matthew 8, just to here in Matthew. Matthew 8, it says, "Why are you afraid, oh you of it says, "Why are you afraid, oh you of it says, "Why are you afraid, oh you of little faith?" And then he rebuked the little faith?" And then he rebuked the little faith?" And then he rebuked the winds. Matthew 9, winds. Matthew 9, winds. Matthew 9, "Take heart, daughter. Your faith has "Take heart, daughter. Your faith has "Take heart, daughter. Your faith has made you well." made you well." made you well." Matthew 13, and he did This is the one Matthew 13, and he did This is the one Matthew 13, and he did This is the one that's haunting. Listen to me, dads.

that's haunting. Listen to me, dads. that's haunting. Listen to me, dads. Don't let this be said of you. Church, Don't let this be said of you. Church, Don't let this be said of you. Church, don't let this be said of Green Acres. don't let this be said of Green Acres. don't let this be said of Green Acres. And he did not do many mighty works And he did not do many mighty works And he did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief or there because of their unbelief or there because of their unbelief or lack of faith. lack of faith. lack of faith. He's like, "They didn't have faith." He's like, "They didn't have faith." He's like, "They didn't have faith." And so, he did not do many And so, he did not do many And so, he did not do many mighty works there. mighty works there. mighty works there. Now, definition of biblical faith is Now, definition of biblical faith is Now, definition of biblical faith is again confidence in the person and the again confidence in the person and the again confidence in the person and the promises of Christ. promises of Christ. promises of Christ. It's an internal conviction that leads It's an internal conviction that leads It's an internal conviction that leads to an external action. to an external action. to an external action. It believes what God has said It believes what God has said It believes what God has said and then acts on it regardless of how and then acts on it regardless of how and then acts on it regardless of how they feel. they feel. they feel. I mean, listen. Everything in your I mean, listen. Everything in your I mean, listen. Everything in your Christian life is going to come through Christian life is going to come through Christian life is going to come through the vehicle of faith. the vehicle of faith. the vehicle of faith. When you came to Christ to begin with, When you came to Christ to begin with, When you came to Christ to begin with, how did that happen? It happened through how did that happen? It happened through how did that happen? It happened through biblical faith. biblical faith. biblical faith. It's like, "Jesus, I need you to do for It's like, "Jesus, I need you to do for It's like, "Jesus, I need you to do for me what I cannot do. me what I cannot do. me what I cannot do. You lived the life that I was supposed You lived the life that I was supposed You lived the life that I was supposed to live, then you died the death that I to live, then you died the death that I to live, then you died the death that I deserved to die, and now I'm turning deserved to die, and now I'm turning deserved to die, and now I'm turning from my way of trying to make life work, from my way of trying to make life work, from my way of trying to make life work, and I believe it somehow, some way, what and I believe it somehow, some way, what and I believe it somehow, some way, what you did on the cross counted for me." you did on the cross counted for me." you did on the cross counted for me." That's how you begin the Christian life.

That's how you begin the Christian life. That's how you begin the Christian life. But, it's also how you live. It says, But, it's also how you live. It says, But, it's also how you live. It says, "The righteous will live by By what?" "The righteous will live by By what?" "The righteous will live by By what?" They will live by faith. They will live by faith. They will live by faith. And so, everything There's nothing that And so, everything There's nothing that And so, everything There's nothing that is not about faith. is not about faith. is not about faith. The way John would put it, John says, The way John would put it, John says, The way John would put it, John says, "The victory that has overcome the "The victory that has overcome the "The victory that has overcome the world, that is our faith." world, that is our faith." world, that is our faith." And we could spend the whole time on And we could spend the whole time on And we could spend the whole time on that, but this is the way you overcome that, but this is the way you overcome that, but this is the way you overcome shame. shame. shame. You've got a bunch of shame from stuff You've got a bunch of shame from stuff You've got a bunch of shame from stuff that other people don't even know about. that other people don't even know about. that other people don't even know about. If you don't understand how to take If you don't understand how to take If you don't understand how to take something like believe like Romans 8:1, something like believe like Romans 8:1, something like believe like Romans 8:1, there is now no condemnation for those there is now no condemnation for those there is now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus, you will die that are in Christ Jesus, you will die that are in Christ Jesus, you will die in your shame. in your shame. in your shame. When you are tempted, When you are tempted, When you are tempted, you got to be able to pull a promise you got to be able to pull a promise you got to be able to pull a promise from God, something like 1 Corinthians from God, something like 1 Corinthians from God, something like 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says there's now no 10:13 that says there's now no 10:13 that says there's now no temptation for those there's no temptation for those there's no temptation for those there's no temptation that has overtaken you, but temptation that has overtaken you, but temptation that has overtaken you, but that which is common to man, and God is that which is common to man, and God is that which is common to man, and God is faithful, faithful, faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted and he will not allow you to be tempted and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the beyond what you are able, but with the beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a means of temptation will provide a means of temptation will provide a means of escape. So, all you're doing is taking escape. So, all you're doing is taking escape. So, all you're doing is taking the promises and like, God, I choose to the promises and like, God, I choose to the promises and like, God, I choose to believe what you say. believe what you say. believe what you say. Let me make a little note here because especially with churches with your very especially with churches with your very rich biblical pedigree and history, is oftentimes we have let the, quote, is oftentimes we have let the, quote, faith teachers on television faith teachers on television faith teachers on television and all of their extreme unbiblical and all of their extreme unbiblical and all of their extreme unbiblical prosperity teaching rob us prosperity teaching rob us prosperity teaching rob us of biblical of biblical of biblical mountain-moving faith.

mountain-moving faith. mountain-moving faith. We're so scared of abusing faith, we We're so scared of abusing faith, we We're so scared of abusing faith, we don't even exercise faith. don't even exercise faith. don't even exercise faith. And by the way, the main problem with And by the way, the main problem with And by the way, the main problem with the whole prosperity gospel is the whole prosperity gospel is the whole prosperity gospel is the prosperity gospel makes you the prosperity gospel makes you the prosperity gospel makes you preeminent, not God. preeminent, not God. preeminent, not God. It's about you It's about you It's about you and your glory, it's not about God and and your glory, it's not about God and and your glory, it's not about God and his glory. his glory. his glory. The prosperity gospel essentially says, The prosperity gospel essentially says, The prosperity gospel essentially says, I have found a way, I found a trick, I I have found a way, I found a trick, I I have found a way, I found a trick, I found a formula to put God into my debt. found a formula to put God into my debt. found a formula to put God into my debt. So, God is now obligated to give me So, God is now obligated to give me So, God is now obligated to give me Cadillacs and candy and all that stuff, Cadillacs and candy and all that stuff, Cadillacs and candy and all that stuff, and that is not simply in and that is not simply in and that is not simply in it's not in the Bible. it's not in the Bible. it's not in the Bible. So, biblical faith, what I'm talking So, biblical faith, what I'm talking So, biblical faith, what I'm talking about, what I'm asking you to take a about, what I'm asking you to take a about, what I'm asking you to take a step of faith today on, is not faith in step of faith today on, is not faith in step of faith today on, is not faith in faith. It's not how much faith you faith. It's not how much faith you faith. It's not how much faith you conjure up. conjure up. conjure up. It's not even It's not even It's not even It's not the size of your faith. It is It's not the size of your faith. It is It's not the size of your faith. It is the object of your faith. the object of your faith. the object of your faith. I'll give you an example real quick. I'll give you an example real quick. I'll give you an example real quick. Like in these verses, you got three Like in these verses, you got three Like in these verses, you got three types of faith. The first one is it says types of faith. The first one is it says types of faith. The first one is it says the crowd in Matthew's gospel, the crowd in Matthew's gospel, the crowd in Matthew's gospel, but the other gospel says the scribes, but the other gospel says the scribes, but the other gospel says the scribes, the religious leaders. Here's what's the religious leaders. Here's what's the religious leaders. Here's what's amazing about their faith. Their faith amazing about their faith. Their faith amazing about their faith. Their faith is what I'm going to call a dead faith.

is what I'm going to call a dead faith. is what I'm going to call a dead faith. A dead faith. A dead faith. A dead faith. Dead faith means Dead faith means Dead faith means they had 322 they had 322 they had 322 prophecies about the coming rescuer that prophecies about the coming rescuer that prophecies about the coming rescuer that they had memorized and yet he shows up they had memorized and yet he shows up they had memorized and yet he shows up on the scene. He's like He They can on the scene. He's like He They can on the scene. He's like He They can smell his breath and yet they don't smell his breath and yet they don't smell his breath and yet they don't recognize him. recognize him. recognize him. That's dead faith. That's just religion That's dead faith. That's just religion That's dead faith. That's just religion without a relationship. without a relationship. without a relationship. Second kind, this is pretty convicting Second kind, this is pretty convicting Second kind, this is pretty convicting and that is and that is and that is what the disciples had and I would just what the disciples had and I would just what the disciples had and I would just call those call those call those it's deficient faith. it's deficient faith. it's deficient faith. If you're in ministry, if you teach a If you're in ministry, if you teach a If you're in ministry, if you teach a small group, small group, small group, what you've got to recognize is often what you've got to recognize is often what you've got to recognize is often times if you're not careful, you can times if you're not careful, you can times if you're not careful, you can know the principles, but you have no know the principles, but you have no know the principles, but you have no power at all. power at all. power at all. What happens is you get pretty good at What happens is you get pretty good at What happens is you get pretty good at what you do and you forget that every what you do and you forget that every what you do and you forget that every effectiveness, every bit of anointing, effectiveness, every bit of anointing, effectiveness, every bit of anointing, every bit of that has to come from you every bit of that has to come from you every bit of that has to come from you being linked up to Jesus, not just being linked up to Jesus, not just being linked up to Jesus, not just running the play. running the play. running the play. Cuz all of the sudden, they come up to Cuz all of the sudden, they come up to Cuz all of the sudden, they come up to these disciples like we tried, boss, but these disciples like we tried, boss, but these disciples like we tried, boss, but we didn't we didn't know what we didn't we didn't we didn't know what we didn't we didn't we didn't know what we didn't know what to do. We just didn't know know what to do. We just didn't know know what to do. We just didn't know what to do.

And so here's a couple of thing The one And so here's a couple of thing The one that the dad had is desperate faith, that the dad had is desperate faith, that the dad had is desperate faith, mountain-moving faith. It's mountain-moving faith. It's mountain-moving faith. It's it's not the size, it's the object of it's not the size, it's the object of it's not the size, it's the object of your your your of your faith. So, let me give you two of your faith. So, let me give you two of your faith. So, let me give you two things about this. things about this. things about this. I'm going to ask you to do two things. I'm going to ask you to do two things. I'm going to ask you to do two things. Number one Number one Number one is ask the question, have you done what is ask the question, have you done what is ask the question, have you done what he's told you to do in this area of he's told you to do in this area of he's told you to do in this area of desperation? desperation? desperation? Have you already done what he's told you Have you already done what he's told you Have you already done what he's told you to do? Jesus asked the dad, bring him to me. Jesus asked the dad, bring him to me. That's a physical act. That's a physical act. That's a physical act. Again, we already Again, we already Again, we already You guys are great with your Bibles. You guys are great with your Bibles. You guys are great with your Bibles. You're like, "No, he can he can do it You're like, "No, he can he can do it You're like, "No, he can he can do it from a distance." But he asked the dad, from a distance." But he asked the dad, from a distance." But he asked the dad, "Bring him to Bring him to me." "Bring him to Bring him to me." "Bring him to Bring him to me." And so don't overlook human initiative And so don't overlook human initiative And so don't overlook human initiative when it comes to gaining God's miracle when it comes to gaining God's miracle when it comes to gaining God's miracle in your life. in your life. in your life. I mean, you see this in a bunch of the I mean, you see this in a bunch of the I mean, you see this in a bunch of the miracles Jesus did. miracles Jesus did. miracles Jesus did. That oftentimes there's like a step of That oftentimes there's like a step of That oftentimes there's like a step of obedience and right on the other side of obedience and right on the other side of obedience and right on the other side of the step of obedience is this amazing the step of obedience is this amazing the step of obedience is this amazing thing that God has. thing that God has. thing that God has. I mean, you see it throughout the I mean, you see it throughout the I mean, you see it throughout the scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 scriptures. You see like he feeds 5,000 from from from five loaves and two fish. Again, five loaves and two fish. Again, five loaves and two fish. Again, question.

question. question. Did Jesus need the fish and the bread to Did Jesus need the fish and the bread to Did Jesus need the fish and the bread to feed the 5,000? Did he need it? feed the 5,000? Did he need it? feed the 5,000? Did he need it? No, no, he didn't. He did not need it. No, no, he didn't. He did not need it. No, no, he didn't. He did not need it. He could have like popped up a He could have like popped up a He could have like popped up a Chick-fil-A that would have been open on Chick-fil-A that would have been open on Chick-fil-A that would have been open on Sunday if he wanted to and fed them that Sunday if he wanted to and fed them that Sunday if he wanted to and fed them that way, but he chose not to. He could have. way, but he chose not to. He could have. way, but he chose not to. He could have. You look at a bunch of other stories You look at a bunch of other stories You look at a bunch of other stories when he like he healed When he heals the when he like he healed When he heals the when he like he healed When he heals the lepers and he's like, "Go and show lepers and he's like, "Go and show lepers and he's like, "Go and show yourself to the priest." Go do yourself to the priest." Go do yourself to the priest." Go do something. I'm asking you to do something. I'm asking you to do something. I'm asking you to do something. And it says [clears throat] something. And it says [clears throat] something. And it says [clears throat] this, "And as they went, they were this, "And as they went, they were this, "And as they went, they were healed." Here's one. First miracle Jesus healed." Here's one. First miracle Jesus healed." Here's one. First miracle Jesus ever does in John chapter two at the ever does in John chapter two at the ever does in John chapter two at the wedding when he changes the water into wedding when he changes the water into wedding when he changes the water into wine. wine. wine. Remember what he does? Mary comes up to Remember what he does? Mary comes up to Remember what he does? Mary comes up to him and is like, "Hey, him and is like, "Hey, him and is like, "Hey, out of wine. Out of wine. Do something." out of wine. Out of wine. Do something." out of wine. Out of wine. Do something." And initially he doesn't really doesn't And initially he doesn't really doesn't And initially he doesn't really doesn't sound like he responds well. He's like, sound like he responds well. He's like, sound like he responds well. He's like, "Woman, what does this have to do with "Woman, what does this have to do with "Woman, what does this have to do with me?" me?" me?" But apparently it did have a lot to do But apparently it did have a lot to do But apparently it did have a lot to do with him because what he does with him because what he does with him because what he does she ends up telling the servants, "Hey, she ends up telling the servants, "Hey, she ends up telling the servants, "Hey, by the way, this is the best advice by the way, this is the best advice by the way, this is the best advice anybody can ever give you." anybody can ever give you." anybody can ever give you." They're like, "What do you want us to They're like, "What do you want us to They're like, "What do you want us to do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever do?" And she says to them, "Do whatever he says."

he says." he says." Just do Just do Just do Do whatever he says. Great advice. Do whatever he says. Great advice. Do whatever he says. Great advice. And then he asked them to do certain And then he asked them to do certain And then he asked them to do certain things that don't seem super common things that don't seem super common things that don't seem super common sense. sense. sense. Go out there. Get these jars. Fill them Go out there. Get these jars. Fill them Go out there. Get these jars. Fill them with water. Get a ladle. Take them to with water. Get a ladle. Take them to with water. Get a ladle. Take them to the MC. the MC. the MC. But they did it. But they did it. But they did it. And then something amazing happened. And then something amazing happened. And then something amazing happened. The question is, have you done all you The question is, have you done all you The question is, have you done all you can do can do can do in this desperate area? Have you been to in this desperate area? Have you been to in this desperate area? Have you been to the marriage counselor? the marriage counselor? the marriage counselor? You've been to the marriage counselor. You've been to the marriage counselor. You've been to the marriage counselor. Have you Have you Have you gotten your teenager into the student gotten your teenager into the student gotten your teenager into the student ministries? You're like, I'm lonely. I'm ministries? You're like, I'm lonely. I'm ministries? You're like, I'm lonely. I'm lonely. Have you gotten into it? Have lonely. Have you gotten into it? Have lonely. Have you gotten into it? Have you gotten into a small group? you gotten into a small group? you gotten into a small group? Like, I just moved to Tyler. I don't Like, I just moved to Tyler. I don't Like, I just moved to Tyler. I don't know anybody and what's Man, get plugged know anybody and what's Man, get plugged know anybody and what's Man, get plugged in. This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET in. This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET in. This is like the BEST PLACE. I MET MY WIFE AT CHURCH. Um Um But the part that is key for what we're But the part that is key for what we're But the part that is key for what we're going to do here in response going to do here in response going to do here in response is is is we want to do what the man did and hear we want to do what the man did and hear we want to do what the man did and hear what the dad did and we want to cry out what the dad did and we want to cry out what the dad did and we want to cry out to God for help. to God for help. to God for help. That's what he did.

That's what he did. That's what he did. He's like, I do believe, help my He's like, I do believe, help my He's like, I do believe, help my unbelief. He's like, I believe in you unbelief. He's like, I believe in you unbelief. He's like, I believe in you and accept this one area I'm struggling and accept this one area I'm struggling and accept this one area I'm struggling with. And so what he does is he collects with. And so what he does is he collects with. And so what he does is he collects he connects biblical faith with crying he connects biblical faith with crying he connects biblical faith with crying out to God in prayer. out to God in prayer. out to God in prayer. Like, I don't even know how to pray. Like, I don't even know how to pray. Like, I don't even know how to pray. Um let me give you two examples. I'm Um let me give you two examples. I'm Um let me give you two examples. I'm going to close. Um going to close. Um going to close. Um One biblical example, you go back One biblical example, you go back One biblical example, you go back uh you got the three little Hebrew boys, uh you got the three little Hebrew boys, uh you got the three little Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You know, he's like, bow or you're going You know, he's like, bow or you're going You know, he's like, bow or you're going to burn. to burn. to burn. They're like, we're going to burn, but They're like, we're going to burn, but They're like, we're going to burn, but if you remember their prayer, their if you remember their prayer, their if you remember their prayer, their prayer essentially was like, God I know prayer essentially was like, God I know prayer essentially was like, God I know you can. you can. you can. I know you can deliver us from this. I I know you can deliver us from this. I I know you can deliver us from this. I know you can and I believe you will. know you can and I believe you will. know you can and I believe you will. But even if you don't, I'm not going to But even if you don't, I'm not going to But even if you don't, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear. We're just bow down to the idol of fear. We're just bow down to the idol of fear. We're just not going to do it. not going to do it. not going to do it. And so that's where some of us are. It's And so that's where some of us are. It's And so that's where some of us are. It's like, God, I know you can and I believe like, God, I know you can and I believe like, God, I know you can and I believe you will. you will. you will. And even if you don't right now, I'm not And even if you don't right now, I'm not And even if you don't right now, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear. going to bow down to the idol of fear. going to bow down to the idol of fear. But here's what I ask you to do is I But here's what I ask you to do is I But here's what I ask you to do is I want you to take that mountain moving want you to take that mountain moving want you to take that mountain moving faith faith faith and get on your knees here in a few and get on your knees here in a few and get on your knees here in a few minutes and cry out to God. minutes and cry out to God. minutes and cry out to God. Let me show you how this works and it Let me show you how this works and it Let me show you how this works and it can can can I'll close with this story.

I'll close with this story. I'll close with this story. So, uh Hixson and I's mom So, uh Hixson and I's mom So, uh Hixson and I's mom uh we grew up in a great home uh we grew up in a great home uh we grew up in a great home moral home, not a Christian home. moral home, not a Christian home. moral home, not a Christian home. And then dad died when we he and I were And then dad died when we he and I were And then dad died when we he and I were both young teenagers. both young teenagers. both young teenagers. And then uh mom remarried and so forth And then uh mom remarried and so forth And then uh mom remarried and so forth and so on. And so with four and so on. And so with four and so on. And so with four new Christian boys in the home, you can new Christian boys in the home, you can new Christian boys in the home, you can imagine we had a lot of zeal with very imagine we had a lot of zeal with very imagine we had a lot of zeal with very little knowledge. little knowledge. little knowledge. And so we would share the gospel with And so we would share the gospel with And so we would share the gospel with her, share the gospel with her. We her, share the gospel with her. We her, share the gospel with her. We prayed for her, prayed for prayed for her, prayed for prayed for her, prayed for I would say I'm sure he was more I would say I'm sure he was more I would say I'm sure he was more faithful than I was, but I would say I faithful than I was, but I would say I faithful than I was, but I would say I probably prayed for her for 20 years to probably prayed for her for 20 years to probably prayed for her for 20 years to be saved. Shared the gospel with her, be saved. Shared the gospel with her, be saved. Shared the gospel with her, prayed for. But after about 20 years you prayed for. But after about 20 years you prayed for. But after about 20 years you think I guess she's just not going to do think I guess she's just not going to do think I guess she's just not going to do it. And it went from praying for her it. And it went from praying for her it. And it went from praying for her every single day with passion and every single day with passion and every single day with passion and desperation to kind of praying most of desperation to kind of praying most of desperation to kind of praying most of the time with not as much desperation. the time with not as much desperation. the time with not as much desperation. And then in Asheville, one of the things And then in Asheville, one of the things And then in Asheville, one of the things the privileges I got to do and if you're the privileges I got to do and if you're the privileges I got to do and if you're a preacher this is sort of like your a preacher this is sort of like your a preacher this is sort of like your bucket list is I got invited shortly bucket list is I got invited shortly bucket list is I got invited shortly after becoming the pastor there to go up after becoming the pastor there to go up after becoming the pastor there to go up to uh the holy of holies, better known to uh the holy of holies, better known to uh the holy of holies, better known as Billy Graham's home, you know, up on as Billy Graham's home, you know, up on as Billy Graham's home, you know, up on the mountain and talk with Mr. Graham.

the mountain and talk with Mr. Graham. the mountain and talk with Mr. Graham. This is way back and obviously he's This is way back and obviously he's This is way back and obviously he's passed now. passed now. passed now. But so long story short, I I get But so long story short, I I get But so long story short, I I get invited, we go up there, I take my two invited, we go up there, I take my two invited, we go up there, I take my two boys initially up there, then they got boys initially up there, then they got boys initially up there, then they got to leave at some point for drivers ed or to leave at some point for drivers ed or to leave at some point for drivers ed or something like that. something like that. something like that. So talking to Mr. Graham, we first got So talking to Mr. Graham, we first got So talking to Mr. Graham, we first got in there in there in there uh Ruth his wife had died just a a year uh Ruth his wife had died just a a year uh Ruth his wife had died just a a year earlier and I remember where he sat earlier and I remember where he sat earlier and I remember where he sat down, there was a picture of her right down, there was a picture of her right down, there was a picture of her right above the above the above the right above the uh the chair he sat in right above the uh the chair he sat in right above the uh the chair he sat in there. And I mean by the way, uh there. And I mean by the way, uh there. And I mean by the way, uh sometime when you meet your heroes they sometime when you meet your heroes they sometime when you meet your heroes they disappoint you. This is the opposite. disappoint you. This is the opposite. disappoint you. This is the opposite. He's every he was every bit as winsome He's every he was every bit as winsome He's every he was every bit as winsome and humble and gracious as you would and humble and gracious as you would and humble and gracious as you would imagine him to be. So he's all of that imagine him to be. So he's all of that imagine him to be. So he's all of that and he's asking me all this stuff about and he's asking me all this stuff about and he's asking me all this stuff about our ministry and Asheville and all this our ministry and Asheville and all this our ministry and Asheville and all this kind of stuff. kind of stuff. kind of stuff. Told him about Somewhere in there told Told him about Somewhere in there told Told him about Somewhere in there told him about mom and how we're praying for him about mom and how we're praying for him about mom and how we're praying for her. her. her. At the end At the end At the end uh the guy that took me, he says, uh the guy that took me, he says, uh the guy that took me, he says, "Pastor" cuz he was one of my church "Pastor" cuz he was one of my church "Pastor" cuz he was one of my church members, "would you pray for Mr. members, "would you pray for Mr. members, "would you pray for Mr. Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my Graham?" And I was like, "Oh my goodness, goodness, goodness, about to pray for Billy Graham. Don't about to pray for Billy Graham. Don't about to pray for Billy Graham. Don't mess it up." So I I prayed the best mess it up." So I I prayed the best mess it up." So I I prayed the best prayer I could. But true story uh before prayer I could. But true story uh before prayer I could. But true story uh before I get to the point, the true story is I get to the point, the true story is I get to the point, the true story is I'm praying for him with all I got. I I'm praying for him with all I got. I I'm praying for him with all I got. I mean I'm praying my best prayer.

mean I'm praying my best prayer. mean I'm praying my best prayer. And somewhere in there I start praying, And somewhere in there I start praying, And somewhere in there I start praying, "God, thank you for the resurrection. "God, thank you for the resurrection. "God, thank you for the resurrection. Thank you for the fact we get to see our Thank you for the fact we get to see our Thank you for the fact we get to see our loved ones in heaven." loved ones in heaven." loved ones in heaven." And I start to hear a noise. And I start to hear a noise. And I start to hear a noise. And And And I kind of cheat and I look up and Billy I kind of cheat and I look up and Billy I kind of cheat and I look up and Billy Graham is crying. Graham is crying. Graham is crying. And the first thought that hit me, I'm And the first thought that hit me, I'm And the first thought that hit me, I'm like, "You're going to hell." like, "You're going to hell." like, "You're going to hell." Because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But Because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But Because I'm making Billy Graham cry. But I got flustered. I got flustered and I got flustered. I got flustered and I got flustered. I got flustered and like, "Oh, thank you for the birds in like, "Oh, thank you for the birds in like, "Oh, thank you for the birds in the air and the the air and the the air and the dogs on the ground in Jesus' name, you dogs on the ground in Jesus' name, you dogs on the ground in Jesus' name, you know, amen." And closed it up. know, amen." And closed it up. know, amen." And closed it up. And then I thought it was over. And then And then I thought it was over. And then And then I thought it was over. And then And then um And then um And then um Mr. Graham said, "Sit. Sit. Sit down. Mr. Graham said, "Sit. Sit. Sit down. Mr. Graham said, "Sit. Sit. Sit down. Sit down. Sit down." Sit down. Sit down." Sit down. Sit down." He said, "Tell me about your mom again." He said, "Tell me about your mom again." He said, "Tell me about your mom again." I told him. I told him. I told him. And listen to me, Green Acres. And listen to me, Green Acres. And listen to me, Green Acres. He's 91 at the time. He's 91 at the time. He's 91 at the time. Frail. Frail. Frail. If you're 91, you're going to be frail. If you're 91, you're going to be frail. If you're 91, you're going to be frail. Voice was different. Wasn't the one I Voice was different. Wasn't the one I Voice was different. Wasn't the one I imagined on television. He says, "I want to pray for your mom." He says, "I want to pray for your mom." He prayed the most desperate He prayed the most desperate He prayed the most desperate theologically correct theologically correct theologically correct passionate prayer passionate prayer passionate prayer for a lost person that I've ever heard for a lost person that I've ever heard for a lost person that I've ever heard in my life. It's in my life. It's in my life. It's It's like his voice almost changed. It's It's like his voice almost changed. It's It's like his voice almost changed. It's like he was 50 years old again.

like he was 50 years old again. like he was 50 years old again. Like the general back in the saddle, Like the general back in the saddle, Like the general back in the saddle, prayed this prayer for my mom to come to prayed this prayer for my mom to come to prayed this prayer for my mom to come to Christ. Christ. Christ. And then after I mean when when he said And then after I mean when when he said And then after I mean when when he said amen, it was just like, "What What did I amen, it was just like, "What What did I amen, it was just like, "What What did I just What just happened right there?" just What just happened right there?" just What just happened right there?" So, I'm driving back. So, I'm driving back. So, I'm driving back. I'm calling the brothers like, "Man, she I'm calling the brothers like, "Man, she I'm calling the brothers like, "Man, she ain't got a chance, man. Billy Graham ain't got a chance, man. Billy Graham ain't got a chance, man. Billy Graham just prayed for her." 6 months later 6 months later 6 months later, my mom came to Christ. 6 months later, my mom came to Christ. 6 months later, my mom came to Christ. What I'm asking you to do is go back is go back to praying like that. to praying like that. to praying like that. Parents, grandparents Parents, grandparents Parents, grandparents Do you think God's going to ignore the Do you think God's going to ignore the Do you think God's going to ignore the passionate prayer of a grandparent passionate prayer of a grandparent passionate prayer of a grandparent praying for their prodigal granddaughter praying for their prodigal granddaughter praying for their prodigal granddaughter on their knees? on their knees? on their knees? Now, I'm not saying you can't pray where Now, I'm not saying you can't pray where Now, I'm not saying you can't pray where you are. you are. you are. You can. Your prayers you just a bunch You can. Your prayers you just a bunch You can. Your prayers you just a bunch of You can pray up there, that's fine. of You can pray up there, that's fine. of You can pray up there, that's fine. There's something though, there's There's something though, there's There's something though, there's something about matching when you're on something about matching when you're on something about matching when you're on your knees before God like this. your knees before God like this. your knees before God like this. Or got both knees down. Or got both knees down. Or got both knees down. Any act of the Any act of sufficiency is Any act of the Any act of sufficiency is Any act of the Any act of sufficiency is gone.

gone. gone. Any act that you got your stuff Any act that you got your stuff Any act that you got your stuff together, it's gone. together, it's gone. together, it's gone. I'm asking you to desperately cry out I'm asking you to desperately cry out I'm asking you to desperately cry out for whatever that mountain has been in for whatever that mountain has been in for whatever that mountain has been in your life. your life. your life. That lost person you love. That lost person you love. That lost person you love. That relationship that's broken, that That relationship that's broken, that That relationship that's broken, that marriage that's not what it used to be. marriage that's not what it used to be. marriage that's not what it used to be. All of those I'm asking you to do that All of those I'm asking you to do that All of those I'm asking you to do that and just say, "I'm going to get to the and just say, "I'm going to get to the and just say, "I'm going to get to the front of that church and I'm going to front of that church and I'm going to front of that church and I'm going to give this thing to God." give this thing to God." give this thing to God." And you can say, "I do believe, help my And you can say, "I do believe, help my And you can say, "I do believe, help my unbelief. Would you have mercy on my unbelief. Would you have mercy on my unbelief. Would you have mercy on my situation?" situation?" situation?" You're like, "What's going to happen?" You're like, "What's going to happen?" You're like, "What's going to happen?" All I can know is what the scripture All I can know is what the scripture All I can know is what the scripture says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the says. Psalm 50 says, "Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you day of trouble and I will deliver you day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will glorify me." and you will glorify me." and you will glorify me." Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon Peter says, "Cast all your anxiety upon me because I care for you." me because I care for you." me because I care for you." Jesus says, Jesus says, Jesus says, "Come to me, "Come to me, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I all who are weary and heavy laden and I all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls." will give you rest for your souls." will give you rest for your souls." So, I'm going to pray and I don't know So, I'm going to pray and I don't know So, I'm going to pray and I don't know if this is I don't think this is normal if this is I don't think this is normal if this is I don't think this is normal for you. for you. for you. But I would ask you, especially some of But I would ask you, especially some of But I would ask you, especially some of you prayer leaders, so I've heard your you prayer leaders, so I've heard your you prayer leaders, so I've heard your Wednesday night prayer meetings are like Wednesday night prayer meetings are like Wednesday night prayer meetings are like off the chain right now. Some of you off the chain right now. Some of you off the chain right now. Some of you might need a lead out. And I'm asking might need a lead out. And I'm asking might need a lead out. And I'm asking you just come down here and hit your you just come down here and hit your you just come down here and hit your knees and you cry out to God for knees and you cry out to God for knees and you cry out to God for whatever that is. If you right now in a whatever that is. If you right now in a whatever that is. If you right now in a blue sky time in your life, I promise blue sky time in your life, I promise blue sky time in your life, I promise you you've got some people you love that you you've got some people you love that you you've got some people you love that are not in that situation.

are not in that situation. are not in that situation. And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd And so, I'm going to pray. If you'd stand to your feet, I'm going to pray stand to your feet, I'm going to pray stand to your feet, I'm going to pray and then we're going to respond. Some and then we're going to respond. Some and then we're going to respond. Some will just be singing, "Lord, I need will just be singing, "Lord, I need will just be singing, "Lord, I need you." I'm also praying that many would you." I'm also praying that many would you." I'm also praying that many would say, "You know what, God, I got to pray. say, "You know what, God, I got to pray. say, "You know what, God, I got to pray. I'm going to pray like I've never prayed I'm going to pray like I've never prayed I'm going to pray like I've never prayed before. God, I want to go back for I before. God, I want to go back for I before. God, I want to go back for I want to go away from coping. I want to want to go away from coping. I want to want to go away from coping. I want to go back to hoping again." God, I want to go back to hoping again." God, I want to go back to hoping again." God, I want to pray the next few minutes for the glory pray the next few minutes for the glory pray the next few minutes for the glory of God and for the good of your people. of God and for the good of your people. of God and for the good of your people. You would look down from heaven and be You would look down from heaven and be You would look down from heaven and be pleased with your people at Green Acres. pleased with your people at Green Acres. pleased with your people at Green Acres. That you would hear the desperation of That you would hear the desperation of That you would hear the desperation of moms and grandmoms and dads and fathers moms and grandmoms and dads and fathers moms and grandmoms and dads and fathers and grandfathers and teenagers like, and grandfathers and teenagers like, and grandfathers and teenagers like, "God, I need you to work in this "God, I need you to work in this "God, I need you to work in this situation. This mountain is too big for situation. This mountain is too big for situation. This mountain is too big for me to do it." me to do it." me to do it." But I know you can and I believe you But I know you can and I believe you But I know you can and I believe you will and even if you don't, I'm not will and even if you don't, I'm not will and even if you don't, I'm not going to bow down to the idol of fear. going to bow down to the idol of fear. going to bow down to the idol of fear. And we pray this in Jesus' name. And we pray this in Jesus' name. And we pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.