An Invitation to Weakness | Sabrina Osborn

[applause] [applause] [cheering] Thank you. Thank you. Y'all can have a Thank you. Thank you. Y'all can have a seat. Good morning, Gateway. Hey, seat. Good morning, Gateway. Hey, seat. Good morning, Gateway. Hey, family. [laughter] I am so excited to be family. [laughter] I am so excited to be family. [laughter] I am so excited to be with you this morning in a new way. And with you this morning in a new way. And with you this morning in a new way. And um I'm so excited for what the Lord has um I'm so excited for what the Lord has um I'm so excited for what the Lord has laid on my heart. I just want to say laid on my heart. I just want to say laid on my heart. I just want to say good morning to everyone who's watching good morning to everyone who's watching good morning to everyone who's watching online our prison campuses. We are so online our prison campuses. We are so online our prison campuses. We are so glad that you joined us for church. Um glad that you joined us for church. Um glad that you joined us for church. Um you guys, if I hadn't said it already, you guys, if I hadn't said it already, you guys, if I hadn't said it already, I'm so excited. Um okay, well before I I'm so excited. Um okay, well before I I'm so excited. Um okay, well before I jump in, I want to take a moment and jump in, I want to take a moment and jump in, I want to take a moment and just honor our lead pastors, Pastor just honor our lead pastors, Pastor just honor our lead pastors, Pastor Daniel, Pastor Tammy. So grateful for Daniel, Pastor Tammy. So grateful for Daniel, Pastor Tammy. So grateful for you. you. you. So grateful for you. What an incredible So grateful for you. What an incredible So grateful for you. What an incredible um heart that you have to pour into the um heart that you have to pour into the um heart that you have to pour into the next generation, pour into this house. next generation, pour into this house. next generation, pour into this house. Thank you for the way that you love us Thank you for the way that you love us Thank you for the way that you love us and the ways that you do. We are so and the ways that you do. We are so and the ways that you do. We are so thankful to be led by you. Um, and I'm thankful to be led by you. Um, and I'm thankful to be led by you. Um, and I'm honored to be up here today. And I also honored to be up here today. And I also honored to be up here today. And I also want to take a moment and thank Pastor want to take a moment and thank Pastor want to take a moment and thank Pastor Galani. I want to thank you and just Galani. I want to thank you and just Galani. I want to thank you and just honor the intentionality that you have honor the intentionality that you have honor the intentionality that you have poured into. Yes. [applause] Um, the intentionality that you have Um, the intentionality that you have poured into me and the encouragement and poured into me and the encouragement and poured into me and the encouragement and the feedback throughout this whole the feedback throughout this whole the feedback throughout this whole process with me, other people involved, process with me, other people involved, process with me, other people involved, but also the way that you lead our South but also the way that you lead our South but also the way that you lead our South Lake campus. We are honored and we love Lake campus. We are honored and we love Lake campus. We are honored and we love you. So, thank you. Um, you. So, thank you. Um, you. So, thank you. Um, before I jump in, I want to pray and before I jump in, I want to pray and before I jump in, I want to pray and just acknowledge the Holy Spirit in this

just acknowledge the Holy Spirit in this just acknowledge the Holy Spirit in this room. Um, worship was incredible and our room. Um, worship was incredible and our room. Um, worship was incredible and our God is an incredible God. And so, if you God is an incredible God. And so, if you God is an incredible God. And so, if you will, let's pray and let's honor his will, let's pray and let's honor his will, let's pray and let's honor his presence and then we'll jump in. Lord, presence and then we'll jump in. Lord, presence and then we'll jump in. Lord, um, we are so thankful for you. um, we are so thankful for you. um, we are so thankful for you. What an honor it is to have woken up What an honor it is to have woken up What an honor it is to have woken up today with your breath in our lungs. today with your breath in our lungs. today with your breath in our lungs. Lord, I thank you for the sunshine, the Lord, I thank you for the sunshine, the Lord, I thank you for the sunshine, the the day that we get to live in that the day that we get to live in that the day that we get to live in that glorifies you. Lord, I just pray that glorifies you. Lord, I just pray that glorifies you. Lord, I just pray that over these next couple minutes that you over these next couple minutes that you over these next couple minutes that you would come and that you would speak would come and that you would speak would come and that you would speak through me, Lord. You are the goal. You through me, Lord. You are the goal. You through me, Lord. You are the goal. You are the prize. You are the focus. are the prize. You are the focus. are the prize. You are the focus. I need you. We need more of you. And so I need you. We need more of you. And so I need you. We need more of you. And so Lord, we acknowledge your presence in Lord, we acknowledge your presence in Lord, we acknowledge your presence in this room. We thank you for who you are this room. We thank you for who you are this room. We thank you for who you are and it's your name I pray. Amen. and it's your name I pray. Amen. and it's your name I pray. Amen. Okay. Okay. I have a question for the Okay. Okay. I have a question for the Okay. Okay. I have a question for the room. Um I as Pastor Joelani said, I room. Um I as Pastor Joelani said, I room. Um I as Pastor Joelani said, I come from youth and kids ministry. And come from youth and kids ministry. And come from youth and kids ministry. And so typically when I'm speaking with so typically when I'm speaking with so typically when I'm speaking with them, um I will ask for a little bit of them, um I will ask for a little bit of them, um I will ask for a little bit of collaboration from the room. [snorts] collaboration from the room. [snorts] collaboration from the room. [snorts] I'm not going to do a lot of that today, I'm not going to do a lot of that today, I'm not going to do a lot of that today, but I will ask you all to participate in but I will ask you all to participate in but I will ask you all to participate in at least this one question. I want to at least this one question. I want to at least this one question. I want to know by a show of hands, who in here has know by a show of hands, who in here has know by a show of hands, who in here has been the new person? Oh, took us a been the new person? Oh, took us a been the new person? Oh, took us a second. If you're not raising your hand, second. If you're not raising your hand, second. If you're not raising your hand, I don't believe you because we've I don't believe you because we've I don't believe you because we've definitely all been the new person definitely all been the new person definitely all been the new person before. Um, okay, some examples. Maybe before. Um, okay, some examples. Maybe before. Um, okay, some examples. Maybe you are the new person walking the halls you are the new person walking the halls you are the new person walking the halls of a high school or middle school or

of a high school or middle school or of a high school or middle school or elementary school, but you're in line elementary school, but you're in line elementary school, but you're in line with all your friends. Um, maybe you are with all your friends. Um, maybe you are with all your friends. Um, maybe you are the new person that just joined a sports the new person that just joined a sports the new person that just joined a sports team. Maybe you have been working at team. Maybe you have been working at team. Maybe you have been working at your workplace for a while and you have your workplace for a while and you have your workplace for a while and you have been invited into a important meeting been invited into a important meeting been invited into a important meeting for the first time and you were the new for the first time and you were the new for the first time and you were the new person in that room. Maybe you're a new person in that room. Maybe you're a new person in that room. Maybe you're a new mom and you have just joined a new mom's mom and you have just joined a new mom's mom and you have just joined a new mom's group and you feel like the less group and you feel like the less group and you feel like the less seasoned one in the room. seasoned one in the room. seasoned one in the room. Um maybe it is your first time here in Um maybe it is your first time here in Um maybe it is your first time here in church today and you really feel like church today and you really feel like church today and you really feel like the new person in the room. When we are the new person in the room. When we are the new person in the room. When we are the new people in the room, those those the new people in the room, those those the new people in the room, those those times can often bring up moments and times can often bring up moments and times can often bring up moments and feelings of insecurities, inadequacies, feelings of insecurities, inadequacies, feelings of insecurities, inadequacies, um questioning oursel and if we should um questioning oursel and if we should um questioning oursel and if we should even be there. I know that I have felt even be there. I know that I have felt even be there. I know that I have felt that before for sure. Um uh back when my that before for sure. Um uh back when my that before for sure. Um uh back when my husband and I, Luke, we've been married husband and I, Luke, we've been married husband and I, Luke, we've been married for almost 5 years this November. Um for almost 5 years this November. Um for almost 5 years this November. Um that's right. That's right.

that's right. That's right. that's right. That's right. He's my best friend. Truly truly my best He's my best friend. Truly truly my best He's my best friend. Truly truly my best friend and and my better half. I'm so friend and and my better half. I'm so friend and and my better half. I'm so thankful to do life with him. But we thankful to do life with him. But we thankful to do life with him. But we started dating whenever we were 16. And started dating whenever we were 16. And started dating whenever we were 16. And I first of all just want to take a I first of all just want to take a I first of all just want to take a moment and thank our parents and our moment and thank our parents and our moment and thank our parents and our friends and our family that came friends and our family that came friends and our family that came alongside us whenever we were 16 years alongside us whenever we were 16 years alongside us whenever we were 16 years old because we were babies. Um, but we old because we were babies. Um, but we old because we were babies. Um, but we were a couple months into dating and um, were a couple months into dating and um, were a couple months into dating and um, I had met his parents already. So, we'd I had met his parents already. So, we'd I had met his parents already. So, we'd met we'd met each other. I love them and met we'd met each other. I love them and met we'd met each other. I love them and they love me. And we um, I just found they love me. And we um, I just found they love me. And we um, I just found out that I was going to meet the entire out that I was going to meet the entire out that I was going to meet the entire rest of the family. So, like Luke's rest of the family. So, like Luke's rest of the family. So, like Luke's cousins, his aunts and uncles, cousins, his aunts and uncles, cousins, his aunts and uncles, grandparents, all the things. And I was grandparents, all the things. And I was grandparents, all the things. And I was really nervous. I was really nervous. really nervous. I was really nervous. really nervous. I was really nervous. Um, I knew that I was going to be the Um, I knew that I was going to be the Um, I knew that I was going to be the new person walking into that family new person walking into that family new person walking into that family dinner. So, leading up to that night, I dinner. So, leading up to that night, I dinner. So, leading up to that night, I had all the questions running through my had all the questions running through my had all the questions running through my mind like, are they going to like me? Am mind like, are they going to like me? Am mind like, are they going to like me? Am I going to say the wrong thing? Am I I going to say the wrong thing? Am I I going to say the wrong thing? Am I going to do the wrong thing? Am I going going to do the wrong thing? Am I going going to do the wrong thing? Am I going to wear the wrong thing? Like, am I to wear the wrong thing? Like, am I to wear the wrong thing? Like, am I going to show up okay? And leading up to going to show up okay? And leading up to going to show up okay? And leading up to this night, I have remember something this night, I have remember something this night, I have remember something that my parents have always taught me that my parents have always taught me that my parents have always taught me growing up, which was Bri. They call me growing up, which was Bri. They call me growing up, which was Bri. They call me Bri. Sabrina, you are exactly who are Bri. Sabrina, you are exactly who are Bri. Sabrina, you are exactly who are you who you are created to be. So just you who you are created to be. So just you who you are created to be. So just show up as you show up as you show up as you >> and you and the Lord will do the rest.

>> and you and the Lord will do the rest. >> and you and the Lord will do the rest. And so something as simple as meeting my And so something as simple as meeting my And so something as simple as meeting my boyfriend at the time's family, I boyfriend at the time's family, I boyfriend at the time's family, I decided, okay, I'll be myself. So I decided, okay, I'll be myself. So I decided, okay, I'll be myself. So I walked in, conversation was going well. walked in, conversation was going well. walked in, conversation was going well. I enjoyed meeting them and we circled I enjoyed meeting them and we circled I enjoyed meeting them and we circled up. We were at um his cousin's house and up. We were at um his cousin's house and up. We were at um his cousin's house and we circled up around the kitchen, we circled up around the kitchen, we circled up around the kitchen, prayed, and after amen, typically if prayed, and after amen, typically if prayed, and after amen, typically if you're like new to the party or maybe you're like new to the party or maybe you're like new to the party or maybe not even new. Um you'll wait till other not even new. Um you'll wait till other not even new. Um you'll wait till other people get in line for dinner, you know, people get in line for dinner, you know, people get in line for dinner, you know, be I don't know, maybe polite. Maybe be I don't know, maybe polite. Maybe be I don't know, maybe polite. Maybe that's modest. I don't I don't know. As that's modest. I don't I don't know. As that's modest. I don't I don't know. As soon as we said amen, I was running for soon as we said amen, I was running for soon as we said amen, I was running for that Mexican food and I was ready. I was that Mexican food and I was ready. I was that Mexican food and I was ready. I was ready to eat the food. I was so much so ready to eat the food. I was so much so ready to eat the food. I was so much so myself. I'm like, this is who I am. I myself. I'm like, this is who I am. I myself. I'm like, this is who I am. I love food and I love you guys. And um it love food and I love you guys. And um it love food and I love you guys. And um it was a great night and I'm so thankful to was a great night and I'm so thankful to was a great night and I'm so thankful to be a part of the Osborne family, but um be a part of the Osborne family, but um be a part of the Osborne family, but um I was the new person and walking in I I was the new person and walking in I I was the new person and walking in I had the questions of am I going to be had the questions of am I going to be had the questions of am I going to be enough? Am I adequate? Are they are they enough? Am I adequate? Are they are they enough? Am I adequate? Are they are they going to like me? And many of us walk going to like me? And many of us walk going to like me? And many of us walk into new spaces feeling those same into new spaces feeling those same into new spaces feeling those same things.

things. things. There's someone in the Bible who I know There's someone in the Bible who I know There's someone in the Bible who I know is just as human as you and me. And I is just as human as you and me. And I is just as human as you and me. And I truly believe that he had to have felt truly believe that he had to have felt truly believe that he had to have felt some of these same things whenever he some of these same things whenever he some of these same things whenever he was walking into the spaces that the was walking into the spaces that the was walking into the spaces that the Lord led him to. Yet, he emptied himself Lord led him to. Yet, he emptied himself Lord led him to. Yet, he emptied himself of all of his self-doubt and his of all of his self-doubt and his of all of his self-doubt and his questions and leaned on the Lord's questions and leaned on the Lord's questions and leaned on the Lord's strength. That is why I am encouraged by strength. That is why I am encouraged by strength. That is why I am encouraged by the story of Paul. Now, if you don't the story of Paul. Now, if you don't the story of Paul. Now, if you don't know Paul in the Bible, um Paul, also know Paul in the Bible, um Paul, also know Paul in the Bible, um Paul, also known as Saul, was a man who was known known as Saul, was a man who was known known as Saul, was a man who was known to persecute Christians. Now, Paul to persecute Christians. Now, Paul to persecute Christians. Now, Paul himself, he grew up um as a Pharisee. He himself, he grew up um as a Pharisee. He himself, he grew up um as a Pharisee. He grew up knowing the law. He knew it grew up knowing the law. He knew it grew up knowing the law. He knew it really well. He was Jewish himself. He really well. He was Jewish himself. He really well. He was Jewish himself. He knew all of these things. Yet, when knew all of these things. Yet, when knew all of these things. Yet, when people started believing in Jesus Christ people started believing in Jesus Christ people started believing in Jesus Christ and becoming a Christian themselves, he and becoming a Christian themselves, he and becoming a Christian themselves, he was he didn't he believed that they were was he didn't he believed that they were was he didn't he believed that they were in the wrong. And so he was persecuting in the wrong. And so he was persecuting in the wrong. And so he was persecuting Christians, believing that he was doing Christians, believing that he was doing Christians, believing that he was doing the right thing, which he he truly the right thing, which he he truly the right thing, which he he truly wasn't. Um, but one day on the road to wasn't. Um, but one day on the road to wasn't. Um, but one day on the road to Damascus, Jesus stopped him on the road, Damascus, Jesus stopped him on the road, Damascus, Jesus stopped him on the road, quite literally blinded the man, and was quite literally blinded the man, and was quite literally blinded the man, and was like, "Paul, why are you persecuting like, "Paul, why are you persecuting like, "Paul, why are you persecuting me?" Paul then realized, "Oh, this is me?" Paul then realized, "Oh, this is me?" Paul then realized, "Oh, this is the Jesus that people are talking about, the Jesus that people are talking about, the Jesus that people are talking about, speaking to me here and now." And so speaking to me here and now." And so speaking to me here and now." And so Jesus then gave him the instructions. I Jesus then gave him the instructions. I Jesus then gave him the instructions. I want you to go into Damascus and trust want you to go into Damascus and trust want you to go into Damascus and trust that I'll do the rest basically. And so that I'll do the rest basically. And so that I'll do the rest basically. And so Paul blind went into Damascus and the Paul blind went into Damascus and the Paul blind went into Damascus and the Lord spoke to a man named Ananas and

Lord spoke to a man named Ananas and Lord spoke to a man named Ananas and told Ananas, I want you to go find Paul. told Ananas, I want you to go find Paul. told Ananas, I want you to go find Paul. Lay your hands on him and um heal him. Lay your hands on him and um heal him. Lay your hands on him and um heal him. And so Ananas confused, you know, Paul, And so Ananas confused, you know, Paul, And so Ananas confused, you know, Paul, as in this man who persecutes as in this man who persecutes as in this man who persecutes Christians, trusted the Lord and went Christians, trusted the Lord and went Christians, trusted the Lord and went laid hands on Paul in the place that he laid hands on Paul in the place that he laid hands on Paul in the place that he was at. And the Bible says that scales was at. And the Bible says that scales was at. And the Bible says that scales fell from his eyes and Paul was filled fell from his eyes and Paul was filled fell from his eyes and Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit. So now Paul was a with the Holy Spirit. So now Paul was a with the Holy Spirit. So now Paul was a new creation. new creation. new creation. After that after that encounter Paul After that after that encounter Paul After that after that encounter Paul entered the space entered many spaces as entered the space entered many spaces as entered the space entered many spaces as the new person. the new person. the new person. People knew him before as the man who People knew him before as the man who People knew him before as the man who was the persecutor of Christians. And was the persecutor of Christians. And was the persecutor of Christians. And honestly, if I had to put myself into honestly, if I had to put myself into honestly, if I had to put myself into Paul's shoes, Paul's shoes, Paul's shoes, he was just as human as you and I. he was just as human as you and I. he was just as human as you and I. Um, if I'm putting myself into his Um, if I'm putting myself into his Um, if I'm putting myself into his shoes, when God had called him to the shoes, when God had called him to the shoes, when God had called him to the ministry of being apostle, I can't help ministry of being apostle, I can't help ministry of being apostle, I can't help but imagine all of the things that he but imagine all of the things that he but imagine all of the things that he came up with in his mind as excuses. came up with in his mind as excuses. came up with in his mind as excuses. Lord, why me? Are people going to Lord, why me? Are people going to Lord, why me? Are people going to believe me? Are they going to listen to believe me? Are they going to listen to believe me? Are they going to listen to what I have to say? I know who I was, what I have to say? I know who I was, what I have to say? I know who I was, and I'm kind of ashamed that I was in and I'm kind of ashamed that I was in and I'm kind of ashamed that I was in the wrong. all of these things as human the wrong. all of these things as human the wrong. all of these things as human that he was probably going through in that he was probably going through in that he was probably going through in his mind. Many distrusting him, being his mind. Many distrusting him, being his mind. Many distrusting him, being opposing of his message. He could have opposing of his message. He could have opposing of his message. He could have given in and been paralyzed by shame, given in and been paralyzed by shame, given in and been paralyzed by shame, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy.

insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy. insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy. Yet, he led with a Christlike humility. Yet, he led with a Christlike humility. Yet, he led with a Christlike humility. Paul ministered with a remarkable Paul ministered with a remarkable Paul ministered with a remarkable humility and confidence not because he humility and confidence not because he humility and confidence not because he believed in himself or be because he believed in himself or be because he believed in himself or be because he didn't believe in himself but because he didn't believe in himself but because he didn't believe in himself but because he believed in Christ the one who saved him believed in Christ the one who saved him believed in Christ the one who saved him when he did not deserve the saving. when he did not deserve the saving. when he did not deserve the saving. >> We are called to do the same. >> We are called to do the same. >> We are called to do the same. >> Every single one of you are called to do >> Every single one of you are called to do >> Every single one of you are called to do the same. the same. the same. It is important to remember that our It is important to remember that our It is important to remember that our confidence is found only in Christ. Our confidence is found only in Christ. Our confidence is found only in Christ. Our confidence is found only in Christ. confidence is found only in Christ. confidence is found only in Christ. This is important to remember because if This is important to remember because if This is important to remember because if our confidence comes from our abilities, our confidence comes from our abilities, our confidence comes from our abilities, our accomplishments or other people's our accomplishments or other people's our accomplishments or other people's approval, we will find ourselves worn approval, we will find ourselves worn approval, we will find ourselves worn out, exhausted and not standing in who out, exhausted and not standing in who out, exhausted and not standing in who we are called to be. But with Christ, we can faithfully step But with Christ, we can faithfully step into whatever he calls us to do, into whatever he calls us to do, into whatever he calls us to do, representing him in everything that we representing him in everything that we representing him in everything that we do. If you will, if you have your Bibles do. If you will, if you have your Bibles do. If you will, if you have your Bibles with you, I'd love for you to open them with you, I'd love for you to open them with you, I'd love for you to open them up this morning. And we are going to up this morning. And we are going to up this morning. And we are going to read a verse from 2 Corinthians 12 and read a verse from 2 Corinthians 12 and read a verse from 2 Corinthians 12 and we'll start in verse 9. This is Paul we'll start in verse 9. This is Paul we'll start in verse 9. This is Paul addressing the Corinthian church. And addressing the Corinthian church. And addressing the Corinthian church. And when he where we're starting out is he's when he where we're starting out is he's when he where we're starting out is he's he is telling them about something that he is telling them about something that he is telling them about something that God had spoken to him.

God had spoken to him. God had spoken to him. So 2 Corinthians 12:9 says this. We doing good this morning? We doing good this morning? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. But he said to me, again, this is God But he said to me, again, this is God But he said to me, again, this is God speaking to Paul, speaking to Paul, speaking to Paul, my grace is sufficient for you, my grace is sufficient for you, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in for my power is made perfect in for my power is made perfect in weakness. And then Paul goes on to say, weakness. And then Paul goes on to say, weakness. And then Paul goes on to say, "Therefore, I will boast all the more "Therefore, I will boast all the more "Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the gladly of my weaknesses so that the gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. power of Christ may rest upon me. power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am For the sake of Christ, then I am For the sake of Christ, then I am content in my weaknesses, my hardships, content in my weaknesses, my hardships, content in my weaknesses, my hardships, my persecutions, my persecutions, my persecutions, and calamities and insults." I don't and calamities and insults." I don't and calamities and insults." I don't think I I've said that one. For when I think I I've said that one. For when I think I I've said that one. For when I am weak, then I am strong. am weak, then I am strong. am weak, then I am strong. For when I am weak, then I am strong. For when I am weak, then I am strong. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Rather than hiding his weakness, he Rather than hiding his weakness, he Rather than hiding his weakness, he boasts in it.

boasts in it. boasts in it. Paul knew his identity and strength came Paul knew his identity and strength came Paul knew his identity and strength came from the Lord. And he had discovered from the Lord. And he had discovered from the Lord. And he had discovered that when we are weak, God's strength is that when we are weak, God's strength is that when we are weak, God's strength is exemplified. exemplified. exemplified. When we are weak, God's strength is When we are weak, God's strength is When we are weak, God's strength is exemplified. So also keeping in mind exemplified. So also keeping in mind exemplified. So also keeping in mind every place that he stepped into, he had every place that he stepped into, he had every place that he stepped into, he had every opportunity to come up with every opportunity to come up with every opportunity to come up with excuses as to why he shouldn't. But he excuses as to why he shouldn't. But he excuses as to why he shouldn't. But he knew that God had called him and he knew knew that God had called him and he knew knew that God had called him and he knew that in his humanness, in his humanity, that in his humanness, in his humanity, that in his humanness, in his humanity, God was made strong. God was made strong. God was made strong. So I want to ask the room another So I want to ask the room another So I want to ask the room another question, but you don't have to raise question, but you don't have to raise question, but you don't have to raise your hand for this one. Um, just your hand for this one. Um, just your hand for this one. Um, just something I want you to keep in mind as something I want you to keep in mind as something I want you to keep in mind as we go throughout the rest of our time we go throughout the rest of our time we go throughout the rest of our time this morning together. this morning together. this morning together. I want to ask the room, where in our I want to ask the room, where in our I want to ask the room, where in our lives do we show up assuming what others lives do we show up assuming what others lives do we show up assuming what others may think of us? I know I do in a lot of may think of us? I know I do in a lot of may think of us? I know I do in a lot of places. places. places. Um, and where do we allow our Um, and where do we allow our Um, and where do we allow our insecurities to become more important insecurities to become more important insecurities to become more important than showing up with the confidence in than showing up with the confidence in than showing up with the confidence in the one who called us and qualifies us?

the one who called us and qualifies us? the one who called us and qualifies us? We cannot strive for the approval of We cannot strive for the approval of We cannot strive for the approval of others when we already have the approval others when we already have the approval others when we already have the approval of the one who saved us. of the one who saved us. of the one who saved us. The title of my message today is an The title of my message today is an The title of my message today is an invitation to weakness. An invitation to weakness. An invitation to weakness. God has a plan for your life. He has God has a plan for your life. He has God has a plan for your life. He has something specific for each and every something specific for each and every something specific for each and every one of you. Sometimes it's stepping into one of you. Sometimes it's stepping into one of you. Sometimes it's stepping into new places and sometimes it's in the new places and sometimes it's in the new places and sometimes it's in the place that you already are. place that you already are. place that you already are. God has a calling on your life. He has a God has a calling on your life. He has a God has a calling on your life. He has a purpose for you. purpose for you. purpose for you. And what does that look like to lean And what does that look like to lean And what does that look like to lean into it? Letting go of what we think into it? Letting go of what we think into it? Letting go of what we think qualifies us and standing true to who qualifies us and standing true to who qualifies us and standing true to who actually qualifies us. actually qualifies us. actually qualifies us. I have three steps for us today that I I have three steps for us today that I I have three steps for us today that I believe will help as a guideline as we believe will help as a guideline as we believe will help as a guideline as we walk out of here. In order to fully walk out of here. In order to fully walk out of here. In order to fully discover our confidence in Christ and discover our confidence in Christ and discover our confidence in Christ and live according to his plan in our lives, live according to his plan in our lives, live according to his plan in our lives, we need to know our God-given identity.

we need to know our God-given identity. we need to know our God-given identity. You need to know your God-given You need to know your God-given You need to know your God-given identity. I feel like the drinking the water part I feel like the drinking the water part is like the most awkward part. Okay. is like the most awkward part. Okay. is like the most awkward part. Okay. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Um I'm like, can you hear me swallow? I Um I'm like, can you hear me swallow? I Um I'm like, can you hear me swallow? I hope [laughter] not. Okay. Um, hope [laughter] not. Okay. Um, hope [laughter] not. Okay. Um, okay. Know your God-given identity. okay. Know your God-given identity. okay. Know your God-given identity. Our identity is not in what we do or a Our identity is not in what we do or a Our identity is not in what we do or a title that we hold. title that we hold. title that we hold. It is not in what we do or a title that It is not in what we do or a title that It is not in what we do or a title that we hold. It also is not in found in the we hold. It also is not in found in the we hold. It also is not in found in the opinions of what someone else thinks opinions of what someone else thinks opinions of what someone else thinks about us. That is not where our identity about us. That is not where our identity about us. That is not where our identity is found. It is found in being a son and is found. It is found in being a son and is found. It is found in being a son and a daughter of God. Amen. a daughter of God. Amen. a daughter of God. Amen. >> You are a son and a daughter of God. And >> You are a son and a daughter of God. And >> You are a son and a daughter of God. And knowing more of your God-given identity knowing more of your God-given identity knowing more of your God-given identity is knowing more of God himself. The more is knowing more of God himself. The more is knowing more of God himself. The more that you know God, the more you dig into that you know God, the more you dig into that you know God, the more you dig into your word, the more that you know who he your word, the more that you know who he your word, the more that you know who he has called you to be. You have to know has called you to be. You have to know has called you to be. You have to know your God-given identity in him. Jesus your God-given identity in him. Jesus your God-given identity in him. Jesus came so that we could be made new. Die came so that we could be made new. Die came so that we could be made new. Die to our old ways and be made new in the to our old ways and be made new in the to our old ways and be made new in the sacrifice that he made for us on the sacrifice that he made for us on the sacrifice that he made for us on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This cross. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This cross. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ means that anyone who belongs to Christ means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new creation. The old life has become a new creation. The old life has become a new creation. The old life is gone and the new life has begun."

is gone and the new life has begun." is gone and the new life has begun." Thank you, Lord. Yes, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Yes, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, he is so good. Yes, he is so good. Yes, he is so good. Paul knew where his identity came from. Paul knew where his identity came from. Paul knew where his identity came from. He knew where his identity came from. It He knew where his identity came from. It He knew where his identity came from. It was not the on paper education that he was not the on paper education that he was not the on paper education that he had, and we'll talk about that here in a had, and we'll talk about that here in a had, and we'll talk about that here in a moment. moment. moment. It was not the amount of people who It was not the amount of people who It was not the amount of people who accepted Christ after he brought the accepted Christ after he brought the accepted Christ after he brought the word. word. word. His identity was not found in the amount His identity was not found in the amount His identity was not found in the amount of people who told him, "Good job." And of people who told him, "Good job." And of people who told him, "Good job." And it was not found in the amount of people it was not found in the amount of people it was not found in the amount of people who insulted his efforts either. who insulted his efforts either. who insulted his efforts either. His identity was found in the one who His identity was found in the one who His identity was found in the one who saved him when he did not deserve the saved him when he did not deserve the saved him when he did not deserve the saving. saving. saving. >> Just like you and just like me, >> Just like you and just like me, >> Just like you and just like me, >> I did not deserve it. Yet, he freely >> I did not deserve it. Yet, he freely >> I did not deserve it. Yet, he freely gave it to me. And for that, I am so gave it to me. And for that, I am so gave it to me. And for that, I am so grateful. grateful. grateful. There's a point in Philippians 3 though There's a point in Philippians 3 though There's a point in Philippians 3 though where Paul goes on to talk about all of where Paul goes on to talk about all of where Paul goes on to talk about all of the ways that he is qualified. His the ways that he is qualified. His the ways that he is qualified. His education, the way he grew up, the education, the way he grew up, the education, the way he grew up, the people he knew, all of the things. And people he knew, all of the things. And people he knew, all of the things. And then he punctuates his statement by then he punctuates his statement by then he punctuates his statement by saying, "I used to count this all as saying, "I used to count this all as saying, "I used to count this all as such valuable things to such valuable things to such valuable things to be. [laughter] be. [laughter] be. [laughter] I used to count this all as value. Yet I used to count this all as value. Yet I used to count this all as value. Yet now I consider it all garbage compared now I consider it all garbage compared now I consider it all garbage compared to knowing Christ." All of that, all of to knowing Christ." All of that, all of to knowing Christ." All of that, all of his qualifications mean nothing compared his qualifications mean nothing compared his qualifications mean nothing compared to knowing Christ. And when he knows to knowing Christ. And when he knows to knowing Christ. And when he knows Christ, he knows who he is in Christ.

Christ, he knows who he is in Christ. Christ, he knows who he is in Christ. Knowing Jesus and who we are in him is Knowing Jesus and who we are in him is Knowing Jesus and who we are in him is what gives us the confidence to show up what gives us the confidence to show up what gives us the confidence to show up without letting our ideas of success or without letting our ideas of success or without letting our ideas of success or insecurities be at the forefront. insecurities be at the forefront. insecurities be at the forefront. Remembering that we are all sinners Remembering that we are all sinners Remembering that we are all sinners saved by grace. Now, the Lord, as I said saved by grace. Now, the Lord, as I said saved by grace. Now, the Lord, as I said a few moments ago, has all called us to a few moments ago, has all called us to a few moments ago, has all called us to something somewhere, someone, some something somewhere, someone, some something somewhere, someone, some place. place. place. And yes, there are things that we walk And yes, there are things that we walk And yes, there are things that we walk through in life that qualify us. through in life that qualify us. through in life that qualify us. Education, experience, those things are Education, experience, those things are Education, experience, those things are valuable. But there are also things, valuable. But there are also things, valuable. But there are also things, well, let me let me phrase it this way. well, let me let me phrase it this way. well, let me let me phrase it this way. In the places that we step into, it can In the places that we step into, it can In the places that we step into, it can be easy to walk in and let the things be easy to walk in and let the things be easy to walk in and let the things that we've accomplished puff us up and that we've accomplished puff us up and that we've accomplished puff us up and we become prideful about those things. we become prideful about those things. we become prideful about those things. I've done this. I've been here. I've I've done this. I've been here. I've I've done this. I've been here. I've said this. I know this. Again, the Lord said this. I know this. Again, the Lord said this. I know this. Again, the Lord prepares us for where he puts us. So, we prepares us for where he puts us. So, we prepares us for where he puts us. So, we don't want to come in prideful into new don't want to come in prideful into new don't want to come in prideful into new places that he calls us into. But if you places that he calls us into. But if you places that he calls us into. But if you would go with me here for a moment, I would go with me here for a moment, I would go with me here for a moment, I want to present the thought that our want to present the thought that our want to present the thought that our insecurities are just as prideful as our insecurities are just as prideful as our insecurities are just as prideful as our accomplishments.

accomplishments. accomplishments. And I say that because And I say that because And I say that because whenever we're talking about our whenever we're talking about our whenever we're talking about our accomplishments and seeing that as what accomplishments and seeing that as what accomplishments and seeing that as what qualifies us to be somewhere, we're qualifies us to be somewhere, we're qualifies us to be somewhere, we're looking at oursel. We're looking at looking at oursel. We're looking at looking at oursel. We're looking at ourselves rather than the one who ourselves rather than the one who ourselves rather than the one who qualified us. But if we're looking at qualified us. But if we're looking at qualified us. But if we're looking at our insecurities, when God calls us into our insecurities, when God calls us into our insecurities, when God calls us into a new place and he says, "I want you to a new place and he says, "I want you to a new place and he says, "I want you to go here and we say, "No, I don't think I go here and we say, "No, I don't think I go here and we say, "No, I don't think I can do it because I can't this and I can do it because I can't this and I can do it because I can't this and I don't do this well and I don't do this don't do this well and I don't do this don't do this well and I don't do this well." well." well." I'm I'm really looking more at myself I'm I'm really looking more at myself I'm I'm really looking more at myself than I am at the one who's called me. than I am at the one who's called me. than I am at the one who's called me. >> And so, I just want to challenge the >> And so, I just want to challenge the >> And so, I just want to challenge the room today. When God calls you, he'll room today. When God calls you, he'll room today. When God calls you, he'll prepare you. He'll equip you. He'll be prepare you. He'll equip you. He'll be prepare you. He'll equip you. He'll be with you. But the things that you think with you. But the things that you think with you. But the things that you think hold you back are not the things that hold you back are not the things that hold you back are not the things that the Lord sees that holds you back. And the Lord sees that holds you back. And the Lord sees that holds you back. And so you need to step into where he's so you need to step into where he's so you need to step into where he's called you, what he's called you to do, called you, what he's called you to do, called you, what he's called you to do, and how he's called you to do it with and how he's called you to do it with and how he's called you to do it with him. [applause] him. [applause] him. [applause] Laying down your insecurities. Laying down your insecurities. Laying down your insecurities. Insecurity in a way highlights ourselves Insecurity in a way highlights ourselves Insecurity in a way highlights ourselves as the source rather than God as the as the source rather than God as the as the source rather than God as the source. He is our source. I love when source. He is our source. I love when source. He is our source. I love when Paul mentioned Jesus in Philippians 2 Paul mentioned Jesus in Philippians 2 Paul mentioned Jesus in Philippians 2 5-8.

5-8. 5-8. He says this, "You must have the same He says this, "You must have the same He says this, "You must have the same attitude." Yeah. You must have the same attitude." Yeah. You must have the same attitude." Yeah. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality he was God, he did not think of equality he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. with God as something to cling to. with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine Instead, he gave up his divine Instead, he gave up his divine privileges. privileges. privileges. He took the humble position of a slave He took the humble position of a slave He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he and was born as a human being. When he and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled appeared in human form, he humbled appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a himself in obedience to God and died a himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. criminal's death on a cross. criminal's death on a cross. Jesus had every reason to walk into Jesus had every reason to walk into Jesus had every reason to walk into those rooms and be like, "DO YOU KNOW those rooms and be like, "DO YOU KNOW those rooms and be like, "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" I mean, Jesus had no reason WHO I AM?" I mean, Jesus had no reason WHO I AM?" I mean, Jesus had no reason to be insecure. So, we're setting that to be insecure. So, we're setting that to be insecure. So, we're setting that aside for a second. He knew who he was aside for a second. He knew who he was aside for a second. He knew who he was and he knew who he belonged to. Yet, he and he knew who he belonged to. Yet, he and he knew who he belonged to. Yet, he came as a human and as humans, we are came as a human and as humans, we are came as a human and as humans, we are weak and he allowed the Lord to move weak and he allowed the Lord to move weak and he allowed the Lord to move through him. There's a quote from a through him. There's a quote from a through him. There's a quote from a theologian that I love and it says, theologian that I love and it says, theologian that I love and it says, "Humility is not thinking less of "Humility is not thinking less of "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself yourself. It is thinking of yourself yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.

less. less. >> It is not thinking less of yourself. >> It is not thinking less of yourself. >> It is not thinking less of yourself. Remember, you're a child of God. Remember, you're a child of God. Remember, you're a child of God. Remember your identity. Remember who you Remember your identity. Remember who you Remember your identity. Remember who you are in him. Not thinking of yourself are in him. Not thinking of yourself are in him. Not thinking of yourself less, but just thinking of yourself less, but just thinking of yourself less, but just thinking of yourself less. Thinking less of yourself. Yeah, less. Thinking less of yourself. Yeah, less. Thinking less of yourself. Yeah, you're with me. You're there. You're you're with me. You're there. You're you're with me. You're there. You're there. Moving on. there. Moving on. there. Moving on. This means that when God asks us to step This means that when God asks us to step This means that when God asks us to step into a new space, we need to empty into a new space, we need to empty into a new space, we need to empty ourselves of what we think qualifies us, ourselves of what we think qualifies us, ourselves of what we think qualifies us, what we think defines us, and recognize what we think defines us, and recognize what we think defines us, and recognize that without Jesus, we would not be a that without Jesus, we would not be a that without Jesus, we would not be a new creation. And we need to find our new creation. And we need to find our new creation. And we need to find our identity in him. So after we know our identity in him. So after we know our identity in him. So after we know our God-given identity, what comes next? God-given identity, what comes next? God-given identity, what comes next? We need to let our weakness produce We need to let our weakness produce We need to let our weakness produce dependence. You need to let your weakness produce You need to let your weakness produce dependence. dependence. dependence. Paul talks about being content in his Paul talks about being content in his Paul talks about being content in his weaknesses, knowing that when he is weaknesses, knowing that when he is weaknesses, knowing that when he is weak, he is strong. This feels like an weak, he is strong. This feels like an weak, he is strong. This feels like an oxymoron. oxymoron. oxymoron. Like the world that we live in today is Like the world that we live in today is Like the world that we live in today is very much so I got this.

very much so I got this. very much so I got this. I know all the answers. And if I don't I know all the answers. And if I don't I know all the answers. And if I don't know the answers, then I'm not going to know the answers, then I'm not going to know the answers, then I'm not going to let you know because I don't want to let you know because I don't want to let you know because I don't want to look like I don't want to look weak. I look like I don't want to look weak. I look like I don't want to look weak. I don't know about you, but I've don't know about you, but I've don't know about you, but I've definitely been there. I've definitely definitely been there. I've definitely definitely been there. I've definitely been there. Weakness is it's unique. God's kingdom Weakness is it's unique. God's kingdom is not a heavenly kingdom. The way that is not a heavenly kingdom. The way that is not a heavenly kingdom. The way that God reigns and his authority feels God reigns and his authority feels God reigns and his authority feels opposite to what we might do here on opposite to what we might do here on opposite to what we might do here on earth. But weakness, earth. But weakness, earth. But weakness, weakness is an invitation from the Lord. weakness is an invitation from the Lord. weakness is an invitation from the Lord. Because when we know his when we know Because when we know his when we know Because when we know his when we know our identity in him, [clears throat] our identity in him, [clears throat] our identity in him, [clears throat] we know who we belong to, then we know we know who we belong to, then we know we know who we belong to, then we know that we can't do anything without him. that we can't do anything without him. that we can't do anything without him. So, I want to just separate out what is So, I want to just separate out what is So, I want to just separate out what is the difference between insecurity and the difference between insecurity and the difference between insecurity and weakness for a moment. Insecurity says weakness for a moment. Insecurity says weakness for a moment. Insecurity says God can't use me. God can't use me in my workplace. Well, God can't use me in my workplace. Well, they're not believers around me. God they're not believers around me. God they're not believers around me. God can't use me. I don't know. I don't want can't use me. I don't know. I don't want can't use me. I don't know. I don't want to I don't want to embarrass myself or to I don't want to embarrass myself or to I don't want to embarrass myself or I'm not a great communicator. God can't I'm not a great communicator. God can't I'm not a great communicator. God can't use me in that way.

use me in that way. use me in that way. Never say never. The Lord's funny. He's Never say never. The Lord's funny. He's Never say never. The Lord's funny. He's funny. Um, insecurity says, "God can't funny. Um, insecurity says, "God can't funny. Um, insecurity says, "God can't use me." But weakness says, "God, I need use me." But weakness says, "God, I need use me." But weakness says, "God, I need you. you. you. God, I need you in this workplace where God, I need you in this workplace where God, I need you in this workplace where no one around me is a believer and no one around me is a believer and no one around me is a believer and they're a little crazy. [sighs] they're a little crazy. [sighs] they're a little crazy. [sighs] God, I need you in my school that I go God, I need you in my school that I go God, I need you in my school that I go to and in the people that I'm talking to to and in the people that I'm talking to to and in the people that I'm talking to in my classroom. I need you, God. I need in my classroom. I need you, God. I need in my classroom. I need you, God. I need you when I'm going into Starbucks and I you when I'm going into Starbucks and I you when I'm going into Starbucks and I see the person you want me to talk to see the person you want me to talk to see the person you want me to talk to and pray with and I don't want to do it, and pray with and I don't want to do it, and pray with and I don't want to do it, but I need your strength with me. but I need your strength with me. but I need your strength with me. I need you, God. I need your help I need you, God. I need your help I need you, God. I need your help because I need to do these dishes. Like, because I need to do these dishes. Like, because I need to do these dishes. Like, come on. Like, we need him in come on. Like, we need him in come on. Like, we need him in everything. We need him in everything. everything. We need him in everything. everything. We need him in everything. Paul never claimed to be Paul never claimed to be Paul never claimed to be self-sufficient. self-sufficient. self-sufficient. He never claimed to be self-sufficient. He never claimed to be self-sufficient. He never claimed to be self-sufficient. Instead, he constantly openly Instead, he constantly openly Instead, he constantly openly acknowledged his dependence on God in acknowledged his dependence on God in acknowledged his dependence on God in everything. and everything. everything. and everything. everything. and everything. Many of us, including myself, truly Many of us, including myself, truly Many of us, including myself, truly including myself, because I am so human, including myself, because I am so human, including myself, because I am so human, we try to compensate for insecurity by we try to compensate for insecurity by we try to compensate for insecurity by pretending to have everything together.

pretending to have everything together. pretending to have everything together. But scripture paints a different But scripture paints a different But scripture paints a different picture. picture. picture. God's power is the most visible when we God's power is the most visible when we God's power is the most visible when we admit our need for him. admit our need for him. admit our need for him. 2 Corinthians 9 when I had mentioned a 2 Corinthians 9 when I had mentioned a 2 Corinthians 9 when I had mentioned a few moments ago, God had spoken to Paul few moments ago, God had spoken to Paul few moments ago, God had spoken to Paul and said, "My grace is sufficient for and said, "My grace is sufficient for and said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in you, for my power is made perfect in you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." weakness." weakness." Now, in verse eight or the the verses Now, in verse eight or the the verses Now, in verse eight or the the verses leading up to this this one verse, um leading up to this this one verse, um leading up to this this one verse, um Paul's talking about having a thorn in Paul's talking about having a thorn in Paul's talking about having a thorn in his side, his side, his side, something that keeps him utterly something that keeps him utterly something that keeps him utterly dependent on God in everything that he dependent on God in everything that he dependent on God in everything that he does. does. does. That's called being human. That's called being human. That's called being human. this thorn in his side. We don't know this thorn in his side. We don't know this thorn in his side. We don't know exactly what it is, but I truly believe exactly what it is, but I truly believe exactly what it is, but I truly believe that in everything he did, every space that in everything he did, every space that in everything he did, every space he walked into, it kept him dependent on he walked into, it kept him dependent on he walked into, it kept him dependent on God. God, I can't do this without you. I God. God, I can't do this without you. I God. God, I can't do this without you. I can't walk into this room without you. I can't walk into this room without you. I can't walk into this room without you. I can't do this without you. I need you. I can't do this without you. I need you. I can't do this without you. I need you. I need you. need you. need you. Our weakness and humanity does not Our weakness and humanity does not Our weakness and humanity does not disqualify us. It does not disqualify disqualify us. It does not disqualify disqualify us. It does not disqualify us, especially by kingdom standards. God us, especially by kingdom standards. God us, especially by kingdom standards. God wants to move through that. Our weakness wants to move through that. Our weakness wants to move through that. Our weakness becomes opportunity for God's strength becomes opportunity for God's strength becomes opportunity for God's strength to be displayed.

to be displayed. to be displayed. I also want to acknowledge that Paul had I also want to acknowledge that Paul had I also want to acknowledge that Paul had many friends in his missionary journey. many friends in his missionary journey. many friends in his missionary journey. He had people that prayed with him, that He had people that prayed with him, that He had people that prayed with him, that celebrated with him, that did ministry celebrated with him, that did ministry celebrated with him, that did ministry alongside him. And this tells me that alongside him. And this tells me that alongside him. And this tells me that not only did Paul know that he had to not only did Paul know that he had to not only did Paul know that he had to lean on God's strength when he was weak, lean on God's strength when he was weak, lean on God's strength when he was weak, but it also tells me that he needed but it also tells me that he needed but it also tells me that he needed people around him to lean on whenever he people around him to lean on whenever he people around him to lean on whenever he needed that physical strength around him needed that physical strength around him needed that physical strength around him as well. as well. as well. The same is for you and for me. We need The same is for you and for me. We need The same is for you and for me. We need people around us. Going back to a few people around us. Going back to a few people around us. Going back to a few minutes ago, I think we live in a world minutes ago, I think we live in a world minutes ago, I think we live in a world where it's like, I GOT IT ALL TOGETHER. where it's like, I GOT IT ALL TOGETHER. where it's like, I GOT IT ALL TOGETHER. I'M FINE. Don't worry about me. No, we I'M FINE. Don't worry about me. No, we I'M FINE. Don't worry about me. No, we need people in our lives to come need people in our lives to come need people in our lives to come alongside us when we are weak to alongside us when we are weak to alongside us when we are weak to physically show the strength of God in physically show the strength of God in physically show the strength of God in our lives. We're the body of Christ, our lives. We're the body of Christ, our lives. We're the body of Christ, y'all. We carry his presence with us. We y'all. We carry his presence with us. We y'all. We carry his presence with us. We carry his strength within us whenever we carry his strength within us whenever we carry his strength within us whenever we allow him to move through us. And so, we allow him to move through us. And so, we allow him to move through us. And so, we need community. [snorts] You need need community. [snorts] You need need community. [snorts] You need community. I know that community in my community. I know that community in my community. I know that community in my life has been so valuable, has been so life has been so valuable, has been so life has been so valuable, has been so humbling, has been so grounding to humbling, has been so grounding to humbling, has been so grounding to remind me of who I am in Christ. We need remind me of who I am in Christ. We need remind me of who I am in Christ. We need that around us. And I think Paul did that around us. And I think Paul did that around us. And I think Paul did that beautifully. So get in a group. You that beautifully. So get in a group. You that beautifully. So get in a group. You guys hear me? Find a group of friends.

guys hear me? Find a group of friends. guys hear me? Find a group of friends. You guys find somebody that you can just You guys find somebody that you can just You guys find somebody that you can just connect with, that you can have fun with connect with, that you can have fun with connect with, that you can have fun with and get real with. Truly, it is such a and get real with. Truly, it is such a and get real with. Truly, it is such a blessing and it has it has impacted and blessing and it has it has impacted and blessing and it has it has impacted and changed my life. life. It truly has. And changed my life. life. It truly has. And changed my life. life. It truly has. And my people know who my people are. So, I my people know who my people are. So, I my people know who my people are. So, I love y'all. Um, love y'all. Um, love y'all. Um, weakness is God's invitation to us. The weakness is God's invitation to us. The weakness is God's invitation to us. The places where we feel least capable are places where we feel least capable are places where we feel least capable are often the places where we learn to often the places where we learn to often the places where we learn to depend on him the most. depend on him the most. depend on him the most. I love how Jonathan Pluda says it. He I love how Jonathan Pluda says it. He I love how Jonathan Pluda says it. He says, "If dependency is your goal, then says, "If dependency is your goal, then says, "If dependency is your goal, then weakness is your advantage." weakness is your advantage." weakness is your advantage." Philippians 3:3, for it is we who are Philippians 3:3, for it is we who are Philippians 3:3, for it is we who are the circumcision, we, you, me, us, we the circumcision, we, you, me, us, we the circumcision, we, you, me, us, we are the set apart. are the set apart. are the set apart. We who serve God by his spirit, who We who serve God by his spirit, who We who serve God by his spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. One more confidence in the flesh. One more confidence in the flesh. One more participation. What confidence? No participation. What confidence? No participation. What confidence? No confidence. Thank you. Feel a little bit confidence. Thank you. Feel a little bit confidence. Thank you. Feel a little bit at home. at home. at home. Um, our weakness is God's vessel for Um, our weakness is God's vessel for Um, our weakness is God's vessel for greatness. And I do not just mean greatness. And I do not just mean greatness. And I do not just mean whenever we're walking through something whenever we're walking through something whenever we're walking through something hard. I mean that it takes us laying hard. I mean that it takes us laying hard. I mean that it takes us laying down our insecurities, our down our insecurities, our down our insecurities, our accomplishments, and everything in accomplishments, and everything in accomplishments, and everything in between at the feet of Jesus daily, between at the feet of Jesus daily, between at the feet of Jesus daily, daily, so that he can move through us.

daily, so that he can move through us. daily, so that he can move through us. When we stop trying to be strong and When we stop trying to be strong and When we stop trying to be strong and have it all together, we stop exalting have it all together, we stop exalting have it all together, we stop exalting ourselves and we start exalting the ourselves and we start exalting the ourselves and we start exalting the savior. And isn't that the goal of life? savior. And isn't that the goal of life? savior. And isn't that the goal of life? Isn't it the goal just to have Isn't it the goal just to have Isn't it the goal just to have everything actually point back to him? everything actually point back to him? everything actually point back to him? That's my goal and I hope that's your That's my goal and I hope that's your That's my goal and I hope that's your goal. goal. goal. Remember even Jesus had every Remember even Jesus had every Remember even Jesus had every opportunity to come in strength yet he opportunity to come in strength yet he opportunity to come in strength yet he came as a human and he allowed God to came as a human and he allowed God to came as a human and he allowed God to move through his weakness. move through his weakness. move through his weakness. It was simply through his weakness that It was simply through his weakness that It was simply through his weakness that God worked miraculously through him. So God worked miraculously through him. So God worked miraculously through him. So after we know our God-given identity and after we know our God-given identity and after we know our God-given identity and also these steps are something that I also these steps are something that I also these steps are something that I have to practice every day. Every day I have to practice every day. Every day I have to practice every day. Every day I need to wake up and remember who I am in need to wake up and remember who I am in need to wake up and remember who I am in Christ. Lord what is my identity? Who Christ. Lord what is my identity? Who Christ. Lord what is my identity? Who have you called me to be a child of God? have you called me to be a child of God? have you called me to be a child of God? Okay. Okay. Lord, make me weak before Okay. Okay. Lord, make me weak before Okay. Okay. Lord, make me weak before you. I admit that I am weak and I need you. I admit that I am weak and I need you. I admit that I am weak and I need your strength. So, I need to let my your strength. So, I need to let my your strength. So, I need to let my weakness produce dependence on you. So, weakness produce dependence on you. So, weakness produce dependence on you. So, once we know our God-given identity, let once we know our God-given identity, let once we know our God-given identity, let our weakness produce dependence. We then our weakness produce dependence. We then our weakness produce dependence. We then need to move forward in faith.

need to move forward in faith. need to move forward in faith. >> We need to move forward in faith. >> We need to move forward in faith. >> We need to move forward in faith. Again, those places that the Lord has Again, those places that the Lord has Again, those places that the Lord has called you to new, maybe not new, called you to new, maybe not new, called you to new, maybe not new, there is a reason that you are in the there is a reason that you are in the there is a reason that you are in the season that you are in. There is a season that you are in. There is a season that you are in. There is a purpose in it. The Lord has something purpose in it. The Lord has something purpose in it. The Lord has something for you in it. The Lord wants to do for you in it. The Lord wants to do for you in it. The Lord wants to do something through you in it. You need to something through you in it. You need to something through you in it. You need to know your God-given identity. Allow him know your God-given identity. Allow him know your God-given identity. Allow him to move through your weakness. And then to move through your weakness. And then to move through your weakness. And then you need to move forward in faith. you need to move forward in faith. you need to move forward in faith. Knowing your identity and depending on Knowing your identity and depending on Knowing your identity and depending on God must ultimately lead to action. He God must ultimately lead to action. He God must ultimately lead to action. He has a plan for each and every one of us. has a plan for each and every one of us. has a plan for each and every one of us. And the biggest one is this. It is the And the biggest one is this. It is the And the biggest one is this. It is the great commission. great commission. great commission. Matthew 28:18 18-20. Matthew 28:18 18-20. Matthew 28:18 18-20. Sorry, I'm making fun of myself. Sorry, I'm making fun of myself. Sorry, I'm making fun of myself. 18-20 says this. 18-20 says this. 18-20 says this. Jesus came and told his disciples, I Jesus came and told his disciples, I Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven have been given all authority in heaven have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make and on earth. Therefore, go and make and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples disciples disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in of all the nations, baptizing them in of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new the Holy Spirit. Teach these new the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I disciples to obey all the commands I disciples to obey all the commands I have given you and be sure of this. I am have given you and be sure of this. I am have given you and be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the with you always, even to the end of the with you always, even to the end of the age.

age. age. Um, when I was little, me and my dad Um, when I was little, me and my dad Um, when I was little, me and my dad used to do these trust falls. Do any of used to do these trust falls. Do any of used to do these trust falls. Do any of you do them with your kids? I bet you you do them with your kids? I bet you you do them with your kids? I bet you do. Don't do them with your friends. do. Don't do them with your friends. do. Don't do them with your friends. They maybe they're not as trustworthy. They maybe they're not as trustworthy. They maybe they're not as trustworthy. Um, but my father, when I was little, I Um, but my father, when I was little, I Um, but my father, when I was little, I would stand up on this ledge and he'd would stand up on this ledge and he'd would stand up on this ledge and he'd stand right up behind me and he'd be stand right up behind me and he'd be stand right up behind me and he'd be like, "Trust me, I got you. Just fall. like, "Trust me, I got you. Just fall. like, "Trust me, I got you. Just fall. Just trust me." With my back to him, I Just trust me." With my back to him, I Just trust me." With my back to him, I had to trust that he was there. And then had to trust that he was there. And then had to trust that he was there. And then every time he would move back just a every time he would move back just a every time he would move back just a little bit. He'd be like, "Will you little bit. He'd be like, "Will you little bit. He'd be like, "Will you trust me?" And I trust him. And then I'd trust me?" And I trust him. And then I'd trust me?" And I trust him. And then I'd move he'd move back just a little bit move he'd move back just a little bit move he'd move back just a little bit more and he'll be like, "Would you trust more and he'll be like, "Would you trust more and he'll be like, "Would you trust me?" and I'd fall into his arms. And me?" and I'd fall into his arms. And me?" and I'd fall into his arms. And time and time again, he would always time and time again, he would always time and time again, he would always catch me. The same is with our father, catch me. The same is with our father, catch me. The same is with our father, our heavenly father. Where he asks you our heavenly father. Where he asks you our heavenly father. Where he asks you to go, he will be with you. He will to go, he will be with you. He will to go, he will be with you. He will catch you. And he is right behind you catch you. And he is right behind you catch you. And he is right behind you and before you and all around you. He is and before you and all around you. He is and before you and all around you. He is with you. Jesus said, "I will be with with you. Jesus said, "I will be with with you. Jesus said, "I will be with you always." Always.

you always." Always. you always." Always. [music and applause] [music and applause] [music and applause] So moving forward in faith is not the So moving forward in faith is not the So moving forward in faith is not the absence of feeling inadequate. It is absence of feeling inadequate. It is absence of feeling inadequate. It is obedience in the middle of it. This does obedience in the middle of it. This does obedience in the middle of it. This does not mean a life free of insults, not mean a life free of insults, not mean a life free of insults, hardships, persecutions, or calamities hardships, persecutions, or calamities hardships, persecutions, or calamities like Paul said because they're going to like Paul said because they're going to like Paul said because they're going to come. come. come. They're going to come. Paul, his life They're going to come. Paul, his life They're going to come. Paul, his life was not easy by any means. They came was not easy by any means. They came was not easy by any means. They came yet, he knew who he was. yet, he knew who he was. yet, he knew who he was. If we accept the invitation of weakness If we accept the invitation of weakness If we accept the invitation of weakness and dependency on the one who saved us and dependency on the one who saved us and dependency on the one who saved us with his sufficient grace, then we will with his sufficient grace, then we will with his sufficient grace, then we will be moving forward in a faith [music] be moving forward in a faith [music] be moving forward in a faith [music] that trusts in him alone. Philippians that trusts in him alone. Philippians that trusts in him alone. Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ 4:13, I can do all things through Christ 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All things. So, who strengthens me. All things. So, who strengthens me. All things. So, practically moving forward, what does practically moving forward, what does practically moving forward, what does this look like? this look like? this look like? Praying before walking into that Praying before walking into that Praying before walking into that difficult meeting or conversation that difficult meeting or conversation that difficult meeting or conversation that you have. you have. you have. There is a theologian who once said, "A There is a theologian who once said, "A There is a theologian who once said, "A day without prayer day without prayer day without prayer is a boast against God."

is a boast against God." is a boast against God." I feel convicted hearing that statement. I feel convicted hearing that statement. I feel convicted hearing that statement. A day without prayer is a boast against A day without prayer is a boast against A day without prayer is a boast against God. Why? Because prayer is a God. Why? Because prayer is a God. Why? Because prayer is a declaration of dependency on God. I need declaration of dependency on God. I need declaration of dependency on God. I need you, God. I need you. you, God. I need you. you, God. I need you. Practically this looks like serving even Practically this looks like serving even Practically this looks like serving even when you don't feel qualified. Practically this looks like [music] Practically this looks like [music] sharing your faith even when you feel sharing your faith even when you feel sharing your faith even when you feel nervous. nervous. nervous. Me Me Me practically practically practically this looks like [music] saying yes to this looks like [music] saying yes to this looks like [music] saying yes to God's calling on your life before you God's calling on your life before you God's calling on your life before you feel completely ready. feel completely ready. feel completely ready. I don't think we'll ever get to a place I don't think we'll ever get to a place I don't think we'll ever get to a place where we feel completely ready. Because where we feel completely ready. Because where we feel completely ready. Because if I get to that place, that means I if I get to that place, that means I if I get to that place, that means I trust more in myself than in the power trust more in myself than in the power trust more in myself than in the power of God in my life. So saying yes and of God in my life. So saying yes and of God in my life. So saying yes and moving forward in faith is saying, "God, moving forward in faith is saying, "God, moving forward in faith is saying, "God, I trust you where you're taking me. I I trust you where you're taking me. I I trust you where you're taking me. I trust you. Even if I don't feel ready, I trust you. Even if I don't feel ready, I trust you. Even if I don't feel ready, I know that you're with me. I know that know that you're with me. I know that know that you're with me. I know that you're with me."

you're with me." you're with me." Um, Um, Um, that's me today. that's me today. that's me today. That is me today. [music] >> Um, when I was reached out to a few >> Um, when I was reached out to a few weeks ago about this opportunity and weeks ago about this opportunity and weeks ago about this opportunity and this honor, I was terrified. this honor, I was terrified. this honor, I was terrified. Um, I immediately got this message and I Um, I immediately got this message and I Um, I immediately got this message and I thought through every reason why I thought through every reason why I thought through every reason why I should say no. There are better should say no. There are better should say no. There are better communicators. I'm young. there. Uh I I communicators. I'm young. there. Uh I I communicators. I'm young. there. Uh I I don't have the right education. I have don't have the right education. I have don't have the right education. I have my own insecurities. And the Lord spoke my own insecurities. And the Lord spoke my own insecurities. And the Lord spoke to me in that moment so sweetly, so to me in that moment so sweetly, so to me in that moment so sweetly, so kindly as our heavenly father does. kindly as our heavenly father does. kindly as our heavenly father does. And he said, "Bri, would you lean on me? And he said, "Bri, would you lean on me? And he said, "Bri, would you lean on me? Are you going to lean on me? Are you going to lean on me? Are you going to lean on me? Are you going to remember who I called Are you going to remember who I called Are you going to remember who I called you to be?

you to be? you to be? Are you going to remember that in your Are you going to remember that in your Are you going to remember that in your weakness, I am strong? weakness, I am strong? weakness, I am strong? Are you going to remember that I have Are you going to remember that I have Are you going to remember that I have called you in your life to move forward called you in your life to move forward called you in your life to move forward in faith? Move forward in faith. Faith in faith? Move forward in faith. Faith in faith? Move forward in faith. Faith without having all the answers. Faith without having all the answers. Faith without having all the answers. Faith without knowing what's next. Will you without knowing what's next. Will you without knowing what's next. Will you trust me? And will you let me move trust me? And will you let me move trust me? And will you let me move through you? This message is something that I am This message is something that I am walking out every day. Every day. walking out every day. Every day. walking out every day. Every day. I will never have reached it. I will never have reached it. I will never have reached it. we will never have reached it. The best we will never have reached it. The best we will never have reached it. The best thing that we can do is stay humble and thing that we can do is stay humble and thing that we can do is stay humble and weak before the Lord saying, "I need weak before the Lord saying, "I need weak before the Lord saying, "I need you. Lord, we need you." you. Lord, we need you." you. Lord, we need you." And so my encouragement to you as you And so my encouragement to you as you And so my encouragement to you as you leave here today [music] leave here today [music] leave here today [music] and as you go throughout your week and and as you go throughout your week and and as you go throughout your week and everything, every conversation everything, every conversation everything, every conversation in the car when you're dealing with in the car when you're dealing with in the car when you're dealing with those people on the road those people on the road those people on the road in the new spaces that you step [music] in the new spaces that you step [music] in the new spaces that you step [music] into into into saying, "God, I need you. I need you."

saying, "God, I need you. I need you." saying, "God, I need you. I need you." But I also want to speak to the person But I also want to speak to the person But I also want to speak to the person here in the room who me I mentioned at here in the room who me I mentioned at here in the room who me I mentioned at the beginning. Maybe you are the new one the beginning. Maybe you are the new one the beginning. Maybe you are the new one here at church today. here at church today. here at church today. Maybe you walked in here and maybe Maybe you walked in here and maybe Maybe you walked in here and maybe you've been coming for a couple of you've been coming for a couple of you've been coming for a couple of weeks. Maybe this is your first time. weeks. Maybe this is your first time. weeks. Maybe this is your first time. You've been feeling this God thing out. You've been feeling this God thing out. You've been feeling this God thing out. God wants to meet with you. He wants to God wants to meet with you. He wants to God wants to meet with you. He wants to know you and he wants you to know him. know you and he wants you to know him. know you and he wants you to know him. In fact, he already knows you, but he In fact, he already knows you, but he In fact, he already knows you, but he wants you to know him because when you wants you to know him because when you wants you to know him because when you know him, you know who you are. you know know him, you know who you are. you know know him, you know who you are. you know that you're human, but you are a sinner that you're human, but you are a sinner that you're human, but you are a sinner saved by grace. saved by grace. saved by grace. And so I want to give us an opportunity And so I want to give us an opportunity And so I want to give us an opportunity here in this room here in this room here in this room to receive him as our Lord and Savior. to receive him as our Lord and Savior. to receive him as our Lord and Savior. So if you will all across this room, So if you will all across this room, So if you will all across this room, would you bow your heads and close your would you bow your heads and close your would you bow your heads and close your eyes? We are all sinners saved [music] by We are all sinners saved [music] by grace. grace. grace. Christian, living life with Jesus Christian, living life with Jesus Christian, living life with Jesus doesn't mean having it all together doesn't mean having it all together doesn't mean having it all together because I know that I don't.

because I know that I don't. because I know that I don't. But it's knowing that in our weakness, But it's knowing that in our weakness, But it's knowing that in our weakness, [music] he is made strong. And my goal [music] he is made strong. And my goal [music] he is made strong. And my goal here on earth is to exemplify his name, here on earth is to exemplify his name, here on earth is to exemplify his name, glorify his name, and everything I do, glorify his name, and everything I do, glorify his name, and everything I do, every person I touch, every [music] every person I touch, every [music] every person I touch, every [music] encounter I have. encounter I have. encounter I have. And so the first step today is we need And so the first step today is we need And so the first step today is we need to admit [music] that we're sinners. to admit [music] that we're sinners. to admit [music] that we're sinners. If that's you in this room, then we need If that's you in this room, then we need If that's you in this room, then we need to admit that we're a sinner. to admit that we're a sinner. to admit that we're a sinner. We need to believe in Jesus Christ and We need to believe in Jesus Christ and We need to believe in Jesus Christ and the [music] blood that he shed, the the [music] blood that he shed, the the [music] blood that he shed, the sacrifice he made so that we could live sacrifice he made so that we could live sacrifice he made so that we could live with him. with him. with him. And we need to call on the name of And we need to call on the name of And we need to call on the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. If that is you here in this room this If that is you here in this room this If that is you here in this room this morning and you want to know your morning and you want to know your morning and you want to know your God-given identity God-given identity God-given identity and you want to see his strength [music] and you want to see his strength [music] and you want to see his strength [music] in your life, then I'm going to ask you, in your life, then I'm going to ask you, in your life, then I'm going to ask you, I'm going to encourage you to move in I'm going to encourage you to move in I'm going to encourage you to move in faith. And with every head bowed and faith. And with every head bowed and faith. And with every head bowed and every eye closed, I would just love to every eye closed, I would just love to every eye closed, I would just love to know who I am praying with. If that is know who I am praying with. If that is know who I am praying with. If that is you here in this room and you would love you here in this room and you would love you here in this room and you would love to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today with nobody looking around, would today with nobody looking around, would today with nobody looking around, would you just [music] raise your hand?

I see you. I see you. He sees you. He loves you. You can put He sees you. He loves you. You can put He sees you. He loves you. You can put your hands down. your hands down. your hands down. Would everybody pray this prayer with me Would everybody pray this prayer with me Would everybody pray this prayer with me for the benefit of those that just for the benefit of those that just for the benefit of those that just received the [music] Lord? Would you received the [music] Lord? Would you received the [music] Lord? Would you say, "Dear Jesus, say, "Dear Jesus, say, "Dear Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died on the cross I believe that Jesus died on the cross I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins for my sins for my sins so that I could have new life. so that I could have new life. so that I could have new life. Today I receive the gift Today I receive the gift Today I receive the gift of your forgiveness of your forgiveness of your forgiveness and salvation. [music] and salvation. [music] and salvation. [music] Come be the Lord of my life Come be the Lord of my life Come be the Lord of my life in Jesus name I pray. in Jesus name I pray. in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Can we celebrate those who Amen. Amen. Can we celebrate those who Amen. Amen. Can we celebrate those who just committed their life to the Lord? just committed their life to the Lord? just committed their life to the Lord? [music] [music] [music] You have made a powerful decision. You You have made a powerful decision. You You have made a powerful decision. You now are on the journey of knowing your now are on the journey of knowing your now are on the journey of knowing your God-given identity, of knowing what it God-given identity, of knowing what it God-given identity, of knowing what it looks like to let him move through looks like to let him move through looks like to let him move through [music] your weakness and be your [music] your weakness and be your [music] your weakness and be your strength. We would love to know if you strength. We would love to know if you strength. We would love to know if you made that decision for the first time made that decision for the first time made that decision for the first time today, would you just simply text Jesus today, would you just simply text Jesus today, would you just simply text Jesus to [music] 710 so we can know and pray to [music] 710 so we can know and pray to [music] 710 so we can know and pray with you and come alongside you in your with you and come alongside you in your with you and come alongside you in your journey? But if you would as well stand journey? But if you would as well stand journey? But if you would as well stand up to your feet, the best way that we up to your feet, the best way that we up to your feet, the best way that we can say, "Lord, I need you." is to can say, "Lord, I need you." is to can say, "Lord, I need you." is to respond in worship. And so, if you respond in worship. And so, if you respond in worship. And so, if you would, let's worship together for the would, let's worship together for the would, let's worship together for the next few moments.