Your Next “Yes” | Pastor Hope Adams

Amen. Amen. >> Didn't you enjoy last week when we had >> Didn't you enjoy last week when we had >> Didn't you enjoy last week when we had our young communicators sharing across our young communicators sharing across our young communicators sharing across all of our campuses at Gateway Church? all of our campuses at Gateway Church? all of our campuses at Gateway Church? It's such a treat. We get to do some of It's such a treat. We get to do some of It's such a treat. We get to do some of those things during the summer. And those things during the summer. And those things during the summer. And today is a big treat. And I wanted to today is a big treat. And I wanted to today is a big treat. And I wanted to personally introduce you uh to who you personally introduce you uh to who you personally introduce you uh to who you already know. But at Gateway, one of the already know. But at Gateway, one of the already know. But at Gateway, one of the things that we value so greatly is things that we value so greatly is things that we value so greatly is worship. And you know, you know that if worship. And you know, you know that if worship. And you know, you know that if you are part of Gateway, you know that you are part of Gateway, you know that you are part of Gateway, you know that worship is just a big thing around here. worship is just a big thing around here. worship is just a big thing around here. And the person that oversees that has And the person that oversees that has And the person that oversees that has such a gifting and an anointing on her such a gifting and an anointing on her such a gifting and an anointing on her life. And so, uh, at all of our life. And so, uh, at all of our life. And so, uh, at all of our campuses, you you've probably had Hope campuses, you you've probably had Hope campuses, you you've probably had Hope Adams leading you in worship at some Adams leading you in worship at some Adams leading you in worship at some point. She's led here, but her and her point. She's led here, but her and her point. She's led here, but her and her husband, John, John is the pastor at our husband, John, John is the pastor at our husband, John, John is the pastor at our Plano campus. But there's such a gift to Plano campus. But there's such a gift to Plano campus. But there's such a gift to Gateway Church and we are absolutely Gateway Church and we are absolutely Gateway Church and we are absolutely blessed to have Hope Adams on staff. And blessed to have Hope Adams on staff. And blessed to have Hope Adams on staff. And so she is bringing the word today. Now, so she is bringing the word today. Now, so she is bringing the word today. Now, let me say this. She typically is let me say this. She typically is let me say this. She typically is leading worship. So, not usually uh what leading worship. So, not usually uh what leading worship. So, not usually uh what you see her up here uh behind this uh you see her up here uh behind this uh you see her up here uh behind this uh little platform here, but she's bringing little platform here, but she's bringing little platform here, but she's bringing the word today. So, I want you to stand the word today. So, I want you to stand the word today. So, I want you to stand and give her a great big gateway and give her a great big gateway and give her a great big gateway welcome. Thank you, Hope, for sharing welcome. Thank you, Hope, for sharing welcome. Thank you, Hope, for sharing with us today. We love you. We're with us today. We love you. We're with us today. We love you. We're grateful for you.

>> Hello. Hello, Gateway family. How are we >> Hello. Hello, Gateway family. How are we doing today? doing today? doing today? It's a great day to be in the house of It's a great day to be in the house of It's a great day to be in the house of God. Want to welcome all of you who are God. Want to welcome all of you who are God. Want to welcome all of you who are in the room across all of our campuses. in the room across all of our campuses. in the room across all of our campuses. Those of you who are watching online, Those of you who are watching online, Those of you who are watching online, hey, you chose a great day to be in the hey, you chose a great day to be in the hey, you chose a great day to be in the house of God. I'm so honored to be house of God. I'm so honored to be house of God. I'm so honored to be bringing the word of God to you today. bringing the word of God to you today. bringing the word of God to you today. But before I do, I want to take a moment But before I do, I want to take a moment But before I do, I want to take a moment and just honor a few people. Um, first and just honor a few people. Um, first and just honor a few people. Um, first and foremost, I do want to honor Pastor and foremost, I do want to honor Pastor and foremost, I do want to honor Pastor Mark. Mark. Mark. Give it up. Aren't you grateful for Give it up. Aren't you grateful for Give it up. Aren't you grateful for Pastor Mark Harris? Pastor Mark Harris? Pastor Mark Harris? So, when my husband John and I first So, when my husband John and I first So, when my husband John and I first came to Gateway over 11 years ago, we came to Gateway over 11 years ago, we came to Gateway over 11 years ago, we weren't on staff. We just came here weren't on staff. We just came here weren't on staff. We just came here because we know the Lord called us here because we know the Lord called us here because we know the Lord called us here to plant our family so that we could to plant our family so that we could to plant our family so that we could flourish. And when we came here, he and flourish. And when we came here, he and flourish. And when we came here, he and his wife Jodie were actually some of the his wife Jodie were actually some of the his wife Jodie were actually some of the first leaders that reached out to us and first leaders that reached out to us and first leaders that reached out to us and pulled us in, helped us find community. pulled us in, helped us find community. pulled us in, helped us find community. It was in a very pivotal season of our It was in a very pivotal season of our It was in a very pivotal season of our lives. And so I am so grateful, Pastor lives. And so I am so grateful, Pastor lives. And so I am so grateful, Pastor Mark and Jod, for your leadership and Mark and Jod, for your leadership and Mark and Jod, for your leadership and your care. Um, I also want to take a your care. Um, I also want to take a your care. Um, I also want to take a moment to honor Pastor Daniel and Pastor moment to honor Pastor Daniel and Pastor moment to honor Pastor Daniel and Pastor Tammy for this opportunity. We are very Tammy for this opportunity. We are very Tammy for this opportunity. We are very blessed to have Pastor Daniel and Pastor blessed to have Pastor Daniel and Pastor blessed to have Pastor Daniel and Pastor Tammy. They have, if you don't know, Tammy. They have, if you don't know, Tammy. They have, if you don't know, they've been on break uh this past they've been on break uh this past they've been on break uh this past summer just taking some time with their summer just taking some time with their summer just taking some time with their family. But Pastor Daniel will be back family. But Pastor Daniel will be back family. But Pastor Daniel will be back next Sunday to kick off our new series, next Sunday to kick off our new series, next Sunday to kick off our new series, Tik Tok Theology. So, make sure that you Tik Tok Theology. So, make sure that you Tik Tok Theology. So, make sure that you make plans to join us. Uh, my husband, make plans to join us. Uh, my husband, make plans to join us. Uh, my husband, as um, Pastor uh, Mark had mentioned, my

as um, Pastor uh, Mark had mentioned, my as um, Pastor uh, Mark had mentioned, my husband is here with me today, who's husband is here with me today, who's husband is here with me today, who's usually at Plano, but he's here with us. usually at Plano, but he's here with us. usually at Plano, but he's here with us. Shout out to all all of our loved ones Shout out to all all of our loved ones Shout out to all all of our loved ones at the Plano campus. And my two at the Plano campus. And my two at the Plano campus. And my two teenagers are here with me today. My son teenagers are here with me today. My son teenagers are here with me today. My son Jackson, who is 17, my daughter Emmy, Jackson, who is 17, my daughter Emmy, Jackson, who is 17, my daughter Emmy, who is 15. You know what? Yeah. Show who is 15. You know what? Yeah. Show who is 15. You know what? Yeah. Show them some love. You know what? They grew up in this You know what? They grew up in this house and their lives have been impacted house and their lives have been impacted house and their lives have been impacted by the kids ministry, by the youth by the kids ministry, by the youth by the kids ministry, by the youth ministry. If you are a parent and you ministry. If you are a parent and you ministry. If you are a parent and you have your kids in this house, let me have your kids in this house, let me have your kids in this house, let me tell you, this is the best place to be. tell you, this is the best place to be. tell you, this is the best place to be. Are you not grateful for our NextGen Are you not grateful for our NextGen Are you not grateful for our NextGen Ministries here at Gateway? We are so Ministries here at Gateway? We are so Ministries here at Gateway? We are so very blessed. very blessed. very blessed. And in fact, we have a very special And in fact, we have a very special And in fact, we have a very special event that we are just days away from, event that we are just days away from, event that we are just days away from, YouthCon. YouthCon. YouthCon. And yes, all the students in the house And yes, all the students in the house And yes, all the students in the house across all our campuses, I know they're across all our campuses, I know they're across all our campuses, I know they're very excited about it. And can I just very excited about it. And can I just very excited about it. And can I just take a moment just from one parent to take a moment just from one parent to take a moment just from one parent to another and just tell you if you do not another and just tell you if you do not another and just tell you if you do not have your students signed up, do not have your students signed up, do not have your students signed up, do not delay. Do it today. Register them today.

delay. Do it today. Register them today. delay. Do it today. Register them today. My teenagers have been going to Youth My teenagers have been going to Youth My teenagers have been going to Youth Con for several years now and every Con for several years now and every Con for several years now and every single year their lives are marked in a single year their lives are marked in a single year their lives are marked in a very significant way. So again, register very significant way. So again, register very significant way. So again, register your students. If you need more your students. If you need more your students. If you need more information on that, you can text youth information on that, you can text youth information on that, you can text youth to 710, but it's going to be such an to 710, but it's going to be such an to 710, but it's going to be such an impactful time. Make sure that you impactful time. Make sure that you impactful time. Make sure that you register them today. Well, we are going register them today. Well, we are going register them today. Well, we are going to have a great time together in the to have a great time together in the to have a great time together in the word of God. And before we go any word of God. And before we go any word of God. And before we go any further, I would love for us to pray further, I would love for us to pray further, I would love for us to pray together. All right, let's bow our heads together. All right, let's bow our heads together. All right, let's bow our heads and pray. Heavenly Father, we love you and pray. Heavenly Father, we love you and pray. Heavenly Father, we love you so much. We are so grateful for your so much. We are so grateful for your so much. We are so grateful for your presence. Lord, thank you for already presence. Lord, thank you for already presence. Lord, thank you for already meeting us here in such a beautiful way. meeting us here in such a beautiful way. meeting us here in such a beautiful way. Holy Spirit, I ask that you lead and Holy Spirit, I ask that you lead and Holy Spirit, I ask that you lead and guide my words. And I pray that every guide my words. And I pray that every guide my words. And I pray that every person under the sound of my voice, person under the sound of my voice, person under the sound of my voice, their heart would be open to receive their heart would be open to receive their heart would be open to receive your word personally today. Let their your word personally today. Let their your word personally today. Let their ears be open. Let their eyes be ears be open. Let their eyes be ears be open. Let their eyes be receptive to receive your word today.

receptive to receive your word today. receptive to receive your word today. And it's in your wonderful name we all And it's in your wonderful name we all And it's in your wonderful name we all pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. pray. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, I have a question for Amen. Amen. Well, I have a question for Amen. Amen. Well, I have a question for you today. you today. you today. Have you ever thought about the fact Have you ever thought about the fact Have you ever thought about the fact that on a daily basis we say yes to that on a daily basis we say yes to that on a daily basis we say yes to probably hundreds of things? Think about probably hundreds of things? Think about probably hundreds of things? Think about it. We say yes to filling our calendar. it. We say yes to filling our calendar. it. We say yes to filling our calendar. We say yes to picking up our phone We say yes to picking up our phone We say yes to picking up our phone several times throughout the day. Maybe several times throughout the day. Maybe several times throughout the day. Maybe some of us said yes to hitting that some of us said yes to hitting that some of us said yes to hitting that snooze button this morning before we got snooze button this morning before we got snooze button this morning before we got here. All of us said yes to showing up here. All of us said yes to showing up here. All of us said yes to showing up to church today. Well done. to church today. Well done. to church today. Well done. That's right. Give yourself a pat on the That's right. Give yourself a pat on the That's right. Give yourself a pat on the back. back. back. And sometimes we have to say yes for And sometimes we have to say yes for And sometimes we have to say yes for other people in our lives, right? Like other people in our lives, right? Like other people in our lives, right? Like our kids when they say no, I don't want our kids when they say no, I don't want our kids when they say no, I don't want to go to school or no, I don't want to to go to school or no, I don't want to to go to school or no, I don't want to go to church. And we say the answer is go to church. And we say the answer is go to church. And we say the answer is yes. Yes, you are. You're going. And yes. Yes, you are. You're going. And yes. Yes, you are. You're going. And sometimes we find ourselves saying yes sometimes we find ourselves saying yes sometimes we find ourselves saying yes to things we never intended to, like to things we never intended to, like to things we never intended to, like stress, worry, anxiety, fear, stress, worry, anxiety, fear, stress, worry, anxiety, fear, distraction. And not every yes we give distraction. And not every yes we give distraction. And not every yes we give seems significant.

seems significant. seems significant. But many yeses in our lives will shape But many yeses in our lives will shape But many yeses in our lives will shape who we become and become defining who we become and become defining who we become and become defining moments. moments. moments. I know in my own life over the last few I know in my own life over the last few I know in my own life over the last few months as I've been in my quiet time months as I've been in my quiet time months as I've been in my quiet time with the Lord and just in prayer with with the Lord and just in prayer with with the Lord and just in prayer with him, I have felt a new invitation for him, I have felt a new invitation for him, I have felt a new invitation for him from him to bring him a fresh yes. him from him to bring him a fresh yes. him from him to bring him a fresh yes. Yes to whatever he may ask of me. Yes Yes to whatever he may ask of me. Yes Yes to whatever he may ask of me. Yes for wherever he wants to lead me. And for wherever he wants to lead me. And for wherever he wants to lead me. And can I tell you today, I believe that can I tell you today, I believe that can I tell you today, I believe that invitation is for you, too. that the invitation is for you, too. that the invitation is for you, too. that the Lord brought you to this place today Lord brought you to this place today Lord brought you to this place today because he wants to invite you into because he wants to invite you into because he wants to invite you into something new. He wants to invite you to something new. He wants to invite you to something new. He wants to invite you to bring him a fresh yes. But here's the bring him a fresh yes. But here's the bring him a fresh yes. But here's the thing. We may never know the impact our thing. We may never know the impact our thing. We may never know the impact our next yes will have on our lives or in next yes will have on our lives or in next yes will have on our lives or in the lives of others. Have you ever the lives of others. Have you ever the lives of others. Have you ever thought about that before? your next yes thought about that before? your next yes thought about that before? your next yes could change not only the trajectory of could change not only the trajectory of could change not only the trajectory of your life but someone else's. And so my your life but someone else's. And so my your life but someone else's. And so my title for my message today is your next title for my message today is your next title for my message today is your next yes. Your next guest. Now if you're a yes. Your next guest. Now if you're a yes. Your next guest. Now if you're a notetaker, I want to encourage you to notetaker, I want to encourage you to notetaker, I want to encourage you to write that down. Take notes. And if write that down. Take notes. And if write that down. Take notes. And if you're not a notetaker, what does Pastor you're not a notetaker, what does Pastor you're not a notetaker, what does Pastor Daniel always say? Write it down anyway.

Daniel always say? Write it down anyway. Daniel always say? Write it down anyway. That's right. That's right, church. You That's right. That's right, church. You That's right. That's right, church. You know, as followers of Christ, I believe know, as followers of Christ, I believe know, as followers of Christ, I believe we all desire to say yes to God. I don't we all desire to say yes to God. I don't we all desire to say yes to God. I don't think any of us wake up in the morning think any of us wake up in the morning think any of us wake up in the morning and think to ourselves, "Man, I cannot and think to ourselves, "Man, I cannot and think to ourselves, "Man, I cannot wait to tell God no today." Of course wait to tell God no today." Of course wait to tell God no today." Of course not. That would be silly. not. That would be silly. not. That would be silly. But often what stands between us and our But often what stands between us and our But often what stands between us and our next yes are the things that we wrestle next yes are the things that we wrestle next yes are the things that we wrestle with on the inside. And many times the with on the inside. And many times the with on the inside. And many times the thing that we can wrestle with is fear. thing that we can wrestle with is fear. thing that we can wrestle with is fear. It's fear. Now I have some good news for It's fear. Now I have some good news for It's fear. Now I have some good news for you today because what we find in the you today because what we find in the you today because what we find in the word of God is God not only using word of God is God not only using word of God is God not only using ordinary people, ordinary men and women ordinary people, ordinary men and women ordinary people, ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things. But we also to do extraordinary things. But we also to do extraordinary things. But we also see their messy middle. We see the see their messy middle. We see the see their messy middle. We see the moments when they've wrestled with their moments when they've wrestled with their moments when they've wrestled with their humanity. They've wrestled with their humanity. They've wrestled with their humanity. They've wrestled with their insecurities. and they've wrestled with insecurities. and they've wrestled with insecurities. and they've wrestled with their fears. their fears. their fears. And one person in particular that I want And one person in particular that I want And one person in particular that I want to highlight today is the life of Moses.

to highlight today is the life of Moses. to highlight today is the life of Moses. Now, for most of us, whether you grew up Now, for most of us, whether you grew up Now, for most of us, whether you grew up in church or not, probably the most in church or not, probably the most in church or not, probably the most iconic things that you remember about iconic things that you remember about iconic things that you remember about the life of Moses are the the moment the life of Moses are the the moment the life of Moses are the the moment that God called Moses to go and set his that God called Moses to go and set his that God called Moses to go and set his children free from the oppression of children free from the oppression of children free from the oppression of Egypt and Pharaoh or the parting of the Egypt and Pharaoh or the parting of the Egypt and Pharaoh or the parting of the Red Sea when that took place. Some of us Red Sea when that took place. Some of us Red Sea when that took place. Some of us may remember or recall when God sent may remember or recall when God sent may remember or recall when God sent Moses up to Mount Si and he came down Moses up to Mount Si and he came down Moses up to Mount Si and he came down his face glowing with the glory of God his face glowing with the glory of God his face glowing with the glory of God with the Ten Commandments in his hand with the Ten Commandments in his hand with the Ten Commandments in his hand that God spoke to him and etched in that God spoke to him and etched in that God spoke to him and etched in stone himself. Moses was a man of God. stone himself. Moses was a man of God. stone himself. Moses was a man of God. He was holy. He was righteous. And all He was holy. He was righteous. And all He was holy. He was righteous. And all of those things are true. But did you of those things are true. But did you of those things are true. But did you know Moses did not start there? know Moses did not start there? know Moses did not start there? In fact, Moses's first response to God In fact, Moses's first response to God In fact, Moses's first response to God was not yes. was not yes. was not yes. I would love for us to look at this I would love for us to look at this I would love for us to look at this together. together. together. If you'll open up your Bibles with me, If you'll open up your Bibles with me, If you'll open up your Bibles with me, we're going to go to a few places we're going to go to a few places we're going to go to a few places together. And it starts in Exodus together. And it starts in Exodus together. And it starts in Exodus chapter 3. As as I previously said, we chapter 3. As as I previously said, we chapter 3. As as I previously said, we know that God comes to Moses. Moses is know that God comes to Moses. Moses is know that God comes to Moses. Moses is out. He is tending his father-in-law's out. He is tending his father-in-law's out. He is tending his father-in-law's sheep. And God comes to him and spa sheep. And God comes to him and spa sheep. And God comes to him and spa speaks to him in a burning bush and he speaks to him in a burning bush and he speaks to him in a burning bush and he says, "Moses, I've called you. I've set says, "Moses, I've called you. I've set says, "Moses, I've called you. I've set you apart to set my people free from you apart to set my people free from you apart to set my people free from Egypt." And here is Moses's response Egypt." And here is Moses's response Egypt." And here is Moses's response in Exodus 3:11. But Moses said to God,

in Exodus 3:11. But Moses said to God, in Exodus 3:11. But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And then if we go to Exodus 4:1, Moses And then if we go to Exodus 4:1, Moses And then if we go to Exodus 4:1, Moses answered, "What if they do not believe answered, "What if they do not believe answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you." Exodus 4:10, did not appear to you." Exodus 4:10, did not appear to you." Exodus 4:10, Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been servant, Lord. I have never been servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past, nor since eloquent, neither in the past, nor since eloquent, neither in the past, nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am you have spoken to your servant. I am you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and of tongue." And slow of speech and of tongue." And slow of speech and of tongue." And finally, in Exodus 4:13, Moses said, finally, in Exodus 4:13, Moses said, finally, in Exodus 4:13, Moses said, "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else. someone else. someone else. Now, in our vernacular today, it might Now, in our vernacular today, it might Now, in our vernacular today, it might have sounded something like this. God, have sounded something like this. God, have sounded something like this. God, you got the wrong person. Please some you got the wrong person. Please some you got the wrong person. Please some someone else. Please send someone else. someone else. Please send someone else. someone else. Please send someone else. But did you notice something? But did you notice something? But did you notice something? Every excuse that Moses gave God, who am Every excuse that Moses gave God, who am Every excuse that Moses gave God, who am I? What if they don't believe me? I'm I? What if they don't believe me? I'm I? What if they don't believe me? I'm slow of speech and tongue. Please send slow of speech and tongue. Please send slow of speech and tongue. Please send someone else. Underneath every excuse is someone else. Underneath every excuse is someone else. Underneath every excuse is fear.

fear. fear. Now, I don't know about you, but I Now, I don't know about you, but I Now, I don't know about you, but I actually read these passages of actually read these passages of actually read these passages of scripture and I'm encouraged scripture and I'm encouraged scripture and I'm encouraged because I have moments of wrestling with because I have moments of wrestling with because I have moments of wrestling with fear. I have moments of hesitating and fear. I have moments of hesitating and fear. I have moments of hesitating and wanting to tell God yes because of the wanting to tell God yes because of the wanting to tell God yes because of the fear that holds me back. fear that holds me back. fear that holds me back. There's a couple of things today that There's a couple of things today that There's a couple of things today that you need to know about me. you need to know about me. you need to know about me. Number one, I was deathly afraid growing Number one, I was deathly afraid growing Number one, I was deathly afraid growing up of a few things. Okay? I was afraid up of a few things. Okay? I was afraid up of a few things. Okay? I was afraid of spiders, snakes, and rats. Now, you of spiders, snakes, and rats. Now, you of spiders, snakes, and rats. Now, you might think, "Rats? Wow." Okay. But might think, "Rats? Wow." Okay. But might think, "Rats? Wow." Okay. But here's the thing, y'all. I grew up in here's the thing, y'all. I grew up in here's the thing, y'all. I grew up in the country. Okay? So, that's a bad the country. Okay? So, that's a bad the country. Okay? So, that's a bad combination of being really scared of combination of being really scared of combination of being really scared of snakes, spiders, and rats, and growing snakes, spiders, and rats, and growing snakes, spiders, and rats, and growing up in the country. But here's the thing. up in the country. But here's the thing. up in the country. But here's the thing. Our house was set right in the middle, Our house was set right in the middle, Our house was set right in the middle, smack dab in the middle of hundreds of smack dab in the middle of hundreds of smack dab in the middle of hundreds of acres of fields of crops. And we had acres of fields of crops. And we had acres of fields of crops. And we had what were called field rats. Now, if what were called field rats. Now, if what were called field rats. Now, if you're not from the country, you I'm you're not from the country, you I'm you're not from the country, you I'm sorry. You do not know what a field rat sorry. You do not know what a field rat sorry. You do not know what a field rat is, okay? I'm not talking about those is, okay? I'm not talking about those is, okay? I'm not talking about those little mice that you find in the garage.

little mice that you find in the garage. little mice that you find in the garage. They're scurrying around. No, field rats They're scurrying around. No, field rats They're scurrying around. No, field rats were so huge. So huge they could carry were so huge. So huge they could carry were so huge. So huge they could carry away a baby, okay? They were so huge. I away a baby, okay? They were so huge. I away a baby, okay? They were so huge. I was so scared. was so scared. was so scared. Now, here's a couple of things though Now, here's a couple of things though Now, here's a couple of things though you need to know about my husband. He you need to know about my husband. He you need to know about my husband. He grew up with two brothers. And if you grew up with two brothers. And if you grew up with two brothers. And if you have a house full of boys, you know this have a house full of boys, you know this have a house full of boys, you know this to be true. Boys like to prank each to be true. Boys like to prank each to be true. Boys like to prank each other. They like to scare each other other. They like to scare each other other. They like to scare each other because why? Scaring people is what? because why? Scaring people is what? because why? Scaring people is what? It's funny, right? It's not. It's not. It's funny, right? It's not. It's not. It's funny, right? It's not. It's not. But little boys think that it is. And But little boys think that it is. And But little boys think that it is. And some guys do, too. And my husband is one some guys do, too. And my husband is one some guys do, too. And my husband is one of those. So, one day we were newly weds of those. So, one day we were newly weds of those. So, one day we were newly weds and he was cleaning out the dryer and and he was cleaning out the dryer and and he was cleaning out the dryer and was cleaning out the lint tray and was cleaning out the lint tray and was cleaning out the lint tray and started to collect the lint and noticed started to collect the lint and noticed started to collect the lint and noticed something very interesting. The lint was something very interesting. The lint was something very interesting. The lint was gray, was very large. And all of a gray, was very large. And all of a gray, was very large. And all of a sudden, he had a brilliant idea. You sudden, he had a brilliant idea. You sudden, he had a brilliant idea. You know what? I'm going to scare Hope with know what? I'm going to scare Hope with know what? I'm going to scare Hope with this and it's going to be really funny this and it's going to be really funny this and it's going to be really funny and she's going to think it's really and she's going to think it's really and she's going to think it's really funny.

funny. funny. So, what did he do? He took that lint. So, what did he do? He took that lint. So, what did he do? He took that lint. He put it in the kitchen cabinet knowing He put it in the kitchen cabinet knowing He put it in the kitchen cabinet knowing the very next morning I was going to get the very next morning I was going to get the very next morning I was going to get up to make my coffee. But he didn't stop up to make my coffee. But he didn't stop up to make my coffee. But he didn't stop there, y'all. He's pretty innovative, there, y'all. He's pretty innovative, there, y'all. He's pretty innovative, okay? He took a string, attached it to okay? He took a string, attached it to okay? He took a string, attached it to that ball of lint, and then took the that ball of lint, and then took the that ball of lint, and then took the other side of the string and connected other side of the string and connected other side of the string and connected it to the inside of the cabinet so that it to the inside of the cabinet so that it to the inside of the cabinet so that when I opened up that cabinet door, you when I opened up that cabinet door, you when I opened up that cabinet door, you betcha it would swing out and scare me betcha it would swing out and scare me betcha it would swing out and scare me to death. Right. Okay. So, I wake up the to death. Right. Okay. So, I wake up the to death. Right. Okay. So, I wake up the next morning. Of course, I do make a next morning. Of course, I do make a next morning. Of course, I do make a beline to make my coffee, y'all. I'm not beline to make my coffee, y'all. I'm not beline to make my coffee, y'all. I'm not a morning person, okay? So, I got to a morning person, okay? So, I got to a morning person, okay? So, I got to have my coffee. Any other coffee have my coffee. Any other coffee have my coffee. Any other coffee drinkers in the house? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. drinkers in the house? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. drinkers in the house? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. You know, you you feel me? So, I go to You know, you you feel me? So, I go to You know, you you feel me? So, I go to the kitchen, go to open up my the the kitchen, go to open up my the the kitchen, go to open up my the cabinet, and as I open up the cabinet, cabinet, and as I open up the cabinet, cabinet, and as I open up the cabinet, half asleep, out swings this ball of half asleep, out swings this ball of half asleep, out swings this ball of lint to which I think is a rabid rat. I lint to which I think is a rabid rat. I lint to which I think is a rabid rat. I have a flashback from my childhood have a flashback from my childhood have a flashback from my childhood because I think this thing is jumping because I think this thing is jumping because I think this thing is jumping out to attack my face. To say that I out to attack my face. To say that I out to attack my face. To say that I screamed and ran is an understatement, screamed and ran is an understatement, screamed and ran is an understatement, y'all.

y'all. y'all. But I will say this, that was the very But I will say this, that was the very But I will say this, that was the very last time John ever scared me. last time John ever scared me. last time John ever scared me. I love you, honey. I love you, honey. I love you, honey. But here's the thing. I look back at But here's the thing. I look back at But here's the thing. I look back at that and I think, man, why did I get so that and I think, man, why did I get so that and I think, man, why did I get so scared? It was a ball of lint. A ball of scared? It was a ball of lint. A ball of scared? It was a ball of lint. A ball of lint cannot do anything to me. It cannot lint cannot do anything to me. It cannot lint cannot do anything to me. It cannot even threaten me. But you know what? even threaten me. But you know what? even threaten me. But you know what? Many times that is what fear does to us. Many times that is what fear does to us. Many times that is what fear does to us. It makes us think things are what they It makes us think things are what they It makes us think things are what they are not. It makes us think things have are not. It makes us think things have are not. It makes us think things have power that they don't have. And many power that they don't have. And many power that they don't have. And many times what the enemy will do is he knows times what the enemy will do is he knows times what the enemy will do is he knows that if he can get us to take the bait that if he can get us to take the bait that if he can get us to take the bait of fear, he will keep us from the things of fear, he will keep us from the things of fear, he will keep us from the things that God has for us. that God has for us. that God has for us. And while some fears make us run from a And while some fears make us run from a And while some fears make us run from a ball of lint and scream, other weightier ball of lint and scream, other weightier ball of lint and scream, other weightier fears keep us from saying yes to God. fears keep us from saying yes to God. fears keep us from saying yes to God. They keep us from stepping into what he They keep us from stepping into what he They keep us from stepping into what he has for us. And three fears that I has for us. And three fears that I has for us. And three fears that I believe many of us wrestle with believe many of us wrestle with believe many of us wrestle with are number one, the fear that I am not are number one, the fear that I am not are number one, the fear that I am not enough. Again, let's go back to the life enough. Again, let's go back to the life enough. Again, let's go back to the life of Moses. Moses gave three different of Moses. Moses gave three different of Moses. Moses gave three different reasons as to why he was not the man for reasons as to why he was not the man for reasons as to why he was not the man for the job. Who am I? In other words, I'm a the job. Who am I? In other words, I'm a the job. Who am I? In other words, I'm a nobody God. Why are you going to use me?

nobody God. Why are you going to use me? nobody God. Why are you going to use me? I'm nobody. I'm nobody. I'm nobody. The second, they will not believe me. In The second, they will not believe me. In The second, they will not believe me. In other words, I'm not respected. My voice other words, I'm not respected. My voice other words, I'm not respected. My voice is not valued. The third thing, I'm slow is not valued. The third thing, I'm slow is not valued. The third thing, I'm slow of speech and tongue. What he was saying of speech and tongue. What he was saying of speech and tongue. What he was saying was, God, I'm not gifted enough. was, God, I'm not gifted enough. was, God, I'm not gifted enough. Bottom line, Moses felt he would fall Bottom line, Moses felt he would fall Bottom line, Moses felt he would fall and he would fail God because he felt he and he would fail God because he felt he and he would fail God because he felt he was not enough. was not enough. was not enough. How many of us in this room and across How many of us in this room and across How many of us in this room and across our campuses our campuses our campuses have ever felt that? Or you're sitting have ever felt that? Or you're sitting have ever felt that? Or you're sitting in your seat right now and you feel you in your seat right now and you feel you in your seat right now and you feel you are not enough. You're not enough to are not enough. You're not enough to are not enough. You're not enough to have a relationship with God. You're not have a relationship with God. You're not have a relationship with God. You're not enough to be loved and valued. But can I enough to be loved and valued. But can I enough to be loved and valued. But can I tell you today, whether that's something tell you today, whether that's something tell you today, whether that's something you've told yourself or you've allowed you've told yourself or you've allowed you've told yourself or you've allowed the enemy to whisper into your heart, the enemy to whisper into your heart, the enemy to whisper into your heart, that is a lie from the enemy today, your that is a lie from the enemy today, your that is a lie from the enemy today, your yes to God isn't built on believing yes to God isn't built on believing yes to God isn't built on believing you're enough. It's built on believing you're enough. It's built on believing you're enough. It's built on believing that the God within you is more than that the God within you is more than that the God within you is more than enough. He is more than enough.

First John 4:4 says, "You, dear First John 4:4 says, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome children, are from God and have overcome children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is them because the one who is in you is them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the greater than the one who is in the greater than the one who is in the world." God consistently chooses people world." God consistently chooses people world." God consistently chooses people who believe they were not enough. Yet he who believe they were not enough. Yet he who believe they were not enough. Yet he reminded them, reminded them, reminded them, "I am with you and I am in you and I am "I am with you and I am in you and I am "I am with you and I am in you and I am more than enough for you." Do you more than enough for you." Do you more than enough for you." Do you believe that today? Amen. The second believe that today? Amen. The second believe that today? Amen. The second fear that we can all wrestle with is the fear that we can all wrestle with is the fear that we can all wrestle with is the fear of losing comfort. The fear of fear of losing comfort. The fear of fear of losing comfort. The fear of losing comfort. You know, we live in a losing comfort. You know, we live in a losing comfort. You know, we live in a day and age, y'all, we are all about day and age, y'all, we are all about day and age, y'all, we are all about comfort and convenience. We can eat, comfort and convenience. We can eat, comfort and convenience. We can eat, sleep, shop, work, all basically live sleep, shop, work, all basically live sleep, shop, work, all basically live our lives from the comfort of our couch. our lives from the comfort of our couch. our lives from the comfort of our couch. Here's the problem with that though. It Here's the problem with that though. It Here's the problem with that though. It has shaped us to a place where we have has shaped us to a place where we have has shaped us to a place where we have gotten so comfortable that when God gotten so comfortable that when God gotten so comfortable that when God comes to us and calls us out to step comes to us and calls us out to step comes to us and calls us out to step into something that might be a little into something that might be a little into something that might be a little uncomfortable, we hesitate.

uncomfortable, we hesitate. uncomfortable, we hesitate. But can I just tell you today, saying But can I just tell you today, saying But can I just tell you today, saying yes to God will call cause us to step yes to God will call cause us to step yes to God will call cause us to step out in discomfort. He has not called us out in discomfort. He has not called us out in discomfort. He has not called us to live lives of comfort. He's called us to live lives of comfort. He's called us to live lives of comfort. He's called us to live lives of purpose. to live lives of purpose. to live lives of purpose. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, "He died for 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, "He died for 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, "He died for everyone so that those who receive his everyone so that those who receive his everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for new life will no longer live for new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for themselves. Instead, they will live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ who was raised who w who died and Christ who was raised who w who died and Christ who was raised who w who died and was raised for them." was raised for them." was raised for them." You know, you think about the life of You know, you think about the life of You know, you think about the life of Christ. Christ. Christ. Even Christ himself modeled saying yes Even Christ himself modeled saying yes Even Christ himself modeled saying yes when it was hard. If you remember, he went to the Garden If you remember, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane just moments before the of Gethsemane just moments before the of Gethsemane just moments before the cross. And we find in Luke 22:42, he cross. And we find in Luke 22:42, he cross. And we find in Luke 22:42, he saidf, "Father, if you are willing, take saidf, "Father, if you are willing, take saidf, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but this cup from me. Yet not my will, but this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus's yes was costly, yours be done." Jesus's yes was costly, yours be done." Jesus's yes was costly, but oh, the reward was worth the cost of but oh, the reward was worth the cost of but oh, the reward was worth the cost of every discomfort. Aren't you so grateful every discomfort. Aren't you so grateful every discomfort. Aren't you so grateful today that Jesus said yes and obeyed?

today that Jesus said yes and obeyed? today that Jesus said yes and obeyed? That he went to the cross for us and he That he went to the cross for us and he That he went to the cross for us and he died and and rose from the grave in died and and rose from the grave in died and and rose from the grave in three days. I know that I am I am so three days. I know that I am I am so three days. I know that I am I am so grateful today. grateful today. grateful today. The third fear that we can wrestle with The third fear that we can wrestle with The third fear that we can wrestle with is the fear of losing control. This is a is the fear of losing control. This is a is the fear of losing control. This is a big one. big one. big one. At least if I'm honest, it can be a big At least if I'm honest, it can be a big At least if I'm honest, it can be a big one for me because many times when God one for me because many times when God one for me because many times when God comes to us and asks us to step out, you comes to us and asks us to step out, you comes to us and asks us to step out, you know, sometimes I just want a little bit know, sometimes I just want a little bit know, sometimes I just want a little bit of a sneak peek. God, can you just tell of a sneak peek. God, can you just tell of a sneak peek. God, can you just tell me a little bit of what you're going to me a little bit of what you're going to me a little bit of what you're going to do? Can you give me a maybe just a do? Can you give me a maybe just a do? Can you give me a maybe just a little rough draft so I can read it little rough draft so I can read it little rough draft so I can read it before I officially step out into it, before I officially step out into it, before I officially step out into it, you know? But in Matthew 16:24 and 25, you know? But in Matthew 16:24 and 25, you know? But in Matthew 16:24 and 25, Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take disciple must deny themselves and take disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For up their cross and follow me. For up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will whoever wants to save their life will whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life lose it. But whoever loses their life lose it. But whoever loses their life for me will find it." I love what the for me will find it." I love what the for me will find it." I love what the message paraphrase says. Anyone who message paraphrase says. Anyone who message paraphrase says. Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me intends to come with me has to let me intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat. I lead. You're not in the driver's seat. I lead. You're not in the driver's seat. I am now. Honest moment here. I can am now. Honest moment here. I can am now. Honest moment here. I can wrestle sometimes with being a backseat wrestle sometimes with being a backseat wrestle sometimes with being a backseat driver. Okay. And in fact, as I was driver. Okay. And in fact, as I was driver. Okay. And in fact, as I was preparing for this message, I asked my preparing for this message, I asked my preparing for this message, I asked my husband, "Honey, would you say that when husband, "Honey, would you say that when husband, "Honey, would you say that when we first got married that I struggled we first got married that I struggled we first got married that I struggled sometimes with being a backseat driver?"

sometimes with being a backseat driver?" sometimes with being a backseat driver?" To which he said, "When we first got To which he said, "When we first got To which he said, "When we first got married, so I'm a work in progress, married, so I'm a work in progress, married, so I'm a work in progress, y'all." Okay, but here's the thing. If y'all." Okay, but here's the thing. If y'all." Okay, but here's the thing. If you don't know what a backseat driver you don't know what a backseat driver you don't know what a backseat driver is, it's basically someone that whether is, it's basically someone that whether is, it's basically someone that whether they're sitting in the back or they're they're sitting in the back or they're they're sitting in the back or they're sitting in the passenger seat, they sitting in the passenger seat, they sitting in the passenger seat, they cannot help themselves, but try to tell cannot help themselves, but try to tell cannot help themselves, but try to tell the driver what to do. Why are you the driver what to do. Why are you the driver what to do. Why are you driving so fast? Why are you driving so driving so fast? Why are you driving so driving so fast? Why are you driving so slow? Why did you turn left here instead slow? Why did you turn left here instead slow? Why did you turn left here instead of going right? Why are we parked here? of going right? Why are we parked here? of going right? Why are we parked here? Why are we waiting? Just constant Why are we waiting? Just constant Why are we waiting? Just constant constant. I don't love the way you're constant. I don't love the way you're constant. I don't love the way you're driving. But here's the thing. It's kind driving. But here's the thing. It's kind driving. But here's the thing. It's kind of funny. We do the same thing to God. of funny. We do the same thing to God. of funny. We do the same thing to God. We hand over the keys of our lives to We hand over the keys of our lives to We hand over the keys of our lives to God and say, "God, take the will of my God and say, "God, take the will of my God and say, "God, take the will of my life. Lead and guide me wherever you life. Lead and guide me wherever you life. Lead and guide me wherever you want to go." And then God says, "We're want to go." And then God says, "We're want to go." And then God says, "We're going to park right here and wait." And going to park right here and wait." And going to park right here and wait." And you say, "What? you say, "What? you say, "What? Why are we parked here, God? Why are we Why are we parked here, God? Why are we Why are we parked here, God? Why are we turning left when I want to go right?" turning left when I want to go right?" turning left when I want to go right?" And then it's in those moments we have And then it's in those moments we have And then it's in those moments we have to make a choice. Am I going to allow to make a choice. Am I going to allow to make a choice. Am I going to allow God to steer my life, knowing that his God to steer my life, knowing that his God to steer my life, knowing that his plan and purpose for my life is so much plan and purpose for my life is so much plan and purpose for my life is so much greater than I could ever plan for greater than I could ever plan for greater than I could ever plan for myself? Or am I going to allow my fear myself? Or am I going to allow my fear myself? Or am I going to allow my fear and my need to be in control, and my need to be in control, and my need to be in control, self-sabotage me?

self-sabotage me? self-sabotage me? I want to remind you of an a powerful I want to remind you of an a powerful I want to remind you of an a powerful scripture that I'm sure very uh many of scripture that I'm sure very uh many of scripture that I'm sure very uh many of us are familiar with, but it's Proverbs us are familiar with, but it's Proverbs us are familiar with, but it's Proverbs 3:5 and 6. It says, "Trust in the Lord, 3:5 and 6. It says, "Trust in the Lord, 3:5 and 6. It says, "Trust in the Lord, not in myself, not in my ability, not in not in myself, not in my ability, not in not in myself, not in my ability, not in my efforts. Trust in the Lord with all my efforts. Trust in the Lord with all my efforts. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own your heart. Do not depend on your own your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you understanding. Seek his will in all you understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to do, and he will show you which path to do, and he will show you which path to take." Can I just tell you today, I can take." Can I just tell you today, I can take." Can I just tell you today, I can say it from my own experience. When we say it from my own experience. When we say it from my own experience. When we choose to trust the Lord, he never fails choose to trust the Lord, he never fails choose to trust the Lord, he never fails us. He never fails us. He's never going us. He never fails us. He's never going us. He never fails us. He's never going to take you down a path that is a path to take you down a path that is a path to take you down a path that is a path of destruction. And I just feel of destruction. And I just feel of destruction. And I just feel impressed of the Lord to say to many of impressed of the Lord to say to many of impressed of the Lord to say to many of you today, God is asking you to release you today, God is asking you to release you today, God is asking you to release control to him. He is saying, if you control to him. He is saying, if you control to him. He is saying, if you will just trust me with all of your will just trust me with all of your will just trust me with all of your heart and not lean on your own heart and not lean on your own heart and not lean on your own understanding, I have so much for you understanding, I have so much for you understanding, I have so much for you that you cannot see.

that you cannot see. that you cannot see. But you're going to have to trust me. But you're going to have to trust me. But you're going to have to trust me. You're going to have to trust me. The presence of fear, you know, I had to The presence of fear, you know, I had to learn this in my life. The presence of learn this in my life. The presence of learn this in my life. The presence of fear does not mean you need to shrink fear does not mean you need to shrink fear does not mean you need to shrink back. Many times, the presence of fear back. Many times, the presence of fear back. Many times, the presence of fear means you need to press through. Do you means you need to press through. Do you means you need to press through. Do you believe that? Many of you today, you're believe that? Many of you today, you're believe that? Many of you today, you're facing a fear in your life. Can I just facing a fear in your life. Can I just facing a fear in your life. Can I just encourage you? Don't shrink back. Don't encourage you? Don't shrink back. Don't encourage you? Don't shrink back. Don't hide away. Press through it. Hold to hide away. Press through it. Hold to hide away. Press through it. Hold to God's unchanging hand and know he's God's unchanging hand and know he's God's unchanging hand and know he's going to lead you through it. going to lead you through it. going to lead you through it. And if we can press past those fears, And if we can press past those fears, And if we can press past those fears, let me tell you what's waiting for you let me tell you what's waiting for you let me tell you what's waiting for you on the other side of your yes will on the other side of your yes will on the other side of your yes will exceed your expectations. Here's what I exceed your expectations. Here's what I exceed your expectations. Here's what I believe can happen with your next yes. believe can happen with your next yes. believe can happen with your next yes. The first thing, your next yes will The first thing, your next yes will The first thing, your next yes will shift the circumstances before you.

shift the circumstances before you. shift the circumstances before you. Let's go back and look at the life of Let's go back and look at the life of Let's go back and look at the life of Moses. God told Moses at the Red Sea, Moses. God told Moses at the Red Sea, Moses. God told Moses at the Red Sea, "Raise your staff and stretch out your "Raise your staff and stretch out your "Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea." Imagine that. hand over the sea." Imagine that. hand over the sea." Imagine that. Imagine being Moses and standing in a Imagine being Moses and standing in a Imagine being Moses and standing in a place where there's nothing but water place where there's nothing but water place where there's nothing but water and behind you are the Egyptian army and behind you are the Egyptian army and behind you are the Egyptian army coming after you. Yet Moses trusted God coming after you. Yet Moses trusted God coming after you. Yet Moses trusted God and he obeyed. Then the sea parted. The and he obeyed. Then the sea parted. The and he obeyed. Then the sea parted. The circumstances didn't change before Moses circumstances didn't change before Moses circumstances didn't change before Moses said yes. They changed as he obeyed. And said yes. They changed as he obeyed. And said yes. They changed as he obeyed. And some of us keep telling God, God, once some of us keep telling God, God, once some of us keep telling God, God, once my circumstances change, then I'll my circumstances change, then I'll my circumstances change, then I'll really give you my life. really give you my life. really give you my life. God, once my calendar gets to a place God, once my calendar gets to a place God, once my calendar gets to a place where it's not so hectic and crazy, then where it's not so hectic and crazy, then where it's not so hectic and crazy, then I'll really get planted in the house of I'll really get planted in the house of I'll really get planted in the house of God and use the gifts that you've called God and use the gifts that you've called God and use the gifts that you've called me to use. But let me tell you today, me to use. But let me tell you today, me to use. But let me tell you today, God is saying, "No, no, no. If you will God is saying, "No, no, no. If you will God is saying, "No, no, no. If you will trust me and say yes, take that first trust me and say yes, take that first trust me and say yes, take that first step of obedience, watch me part the step of obedience, watch me part the step of obedience, watch me part the waters in your life and work in a waters in your life and work in a waters in your life and work in a miraculous way."

He's waiting. He's waiting for many of He's waiting. He's waiting for many of us to take that first step. The second us to take that first step. The second us to take that first step. The second thing our yes will do is shape the thing our yes will do is shape the thing our yes will do is shape the character within us. It'll shape the character within us. It'll shape the character within us. It'll shape the character within you. Our yes to God character within you. Our yes to God character within you. Our yes to God doesn't just do something through us. It doesn't just do something through us. It doesn't just do something through us. It does something in us. And God is often does something in us. And God is often does something in us. And God is often far far more interested in who your yes far far more interested in who your yes far far more interested in who your yes is making you become than simply what is making you become than simply what is making you become than simply what your yes is going to accomplish. You your yes is going to accomplish. You your yes is going to accomplish. You know, if you look at the life of Moses, know, if you look at the life of Moses, know, if you look at the life of Moses, I love this so much. When Moses first I love this so much. When Moses first I love this so much. When Moses first met God, who am I? I can't speak. Send met God, who am I? I can't speak. Send met God, who am I? I can't speak. Send someone else. 40 years later, Moses was someone else. 40 years later, Moses was someone else. 40 years later, Moses was speaking to God. The Bible tells us face speaking to God. The Bible tells us face speaking to God. The Bible tells us face to face. He was a friend of God. He was to face. He was a friend of God. He was to face. He was a friend of God. He was a humble leader. He was a faithfilled a humble leader. He was a faithfilled a humble leader. He was a faithfilled intercessor, a confident shepherd of intercessor, a confident shepherd of intercessor, a confident shepherd of Israel. Think about this. The greatest Israel. Think about this. The greatest Israel. Think about this. The greatest miracle wasn't just Israel's freedom. It miracle wasn't just Israel's freedom. It miracle wasn't just Israel's freedom. It was Moses becoming the man of God that was Moses becoming the man of God that was Moses becoming the man of God that he had called him to be.

If you'll take a moment and think about If you'll take a moment and think about it, none of us sitting in this room it, none of us sitting in this room it, none of us sitting in this room today across all of our campuses, maybe today across all of our campuses, maybe today across all of our campuses, maybe if you're watching online, if you're watching online, if you're watching online, none of us would be here today without none of us would be here today without none of us would be here today without someone else saying yes to God, saying someone else saying yes to God, saying someone else saying yes to God, saying yes to inviting us to church, saying yes yes to inviting us to church, saying yes yes to inviting us to church, saying yes to praying for our salvation, to praying for our salvation, to praying for our salvation, saying yes to raising us up in a godly saying yes to raising us up in a godly saying yes to raising us up in a godly family. We are all here today because of family. We are all here today because of family. We are all here today because of someone else's yes. someone else's yes. someone else's yes. And I'd like to take a moment to share a And I'd like to take a moment to share a And I'd like to take a moment to share a story with you and close with this story with you and close with this story with you and close with this today. And it's a story that reminds me today. And it's a story that reminds me today. And it's a story that reminds me why our yes to God is never just about why our yes to God is never just about why our yes to God is never just about us. us. us. It's a story of a young girl named Pam. It's a story of a young girl named Pam. It's a story of a young girl named Pam. Pam was the oldest of five children. Pam was the oldest of five children. Pam was the oldest of five children. Growing up in a family she adored, Jesus Growing up in a family she adored, Jesus Growing up in a family she adored, Jesus was at the center of their home. Church was at the center of their home. Church was at the center of their home. Church was a normal part of their life. And as was a normal part of their life. And as was a normal part of their life. And as far as she knew, the future was full of far as she knew, the future was full of far as she knew, the future was full of possibility. Her world felt safe. Then possibility. Her world felt safe. Then possibility. Her world felt safe. Then on Father's Day, just a few days before on Father's Day, just a few days before on Father's Day, just a few days before her 9th birthday, her family packed a her 9th birthday, her family packed a her 9th birthday, her family packed a lunch and headed to the park near a lunch and headed to the park near a lunch and headed to the park near a creek. It was just another ordinary creek. It was just another ordinary creek. It was just another ordinary family day together. But while the family day together. But while the family day together. But while the children were playing near the water, children were playing near the water, children were playing near the water, Pam's seven-year-old brother Anthony Pam's seven-year-old brother Anthony Pam's seven-year-old brother Anthony waited into the creek. And moments waited into the creek. And moments waited into the creek. And moments later, he disappeared beneath the later, he disappeared beneath the later, he disappeared beneath the surface.

surface. surface. Pam yelled out for help. And her father Pam yelled out for help. And her father Pam yelled out for help. And her father immediately dove into the water after immediately dove into the water after immediately dove into the water after him. But by the time he reached Anthony, him. But by the time he reached Anthony, him. But by the time he reached Anthony, it was too late. Anthony died that day. it was too late. Anthony died that day. it was too late. Anthony died that day. And in many ways, the family Pam had And in many ways, the family Pam had And in many ways, the family Pam had always known died with him. always known died with him. always known died with him. The grief devastated their family. Pam The grief devastated their family. Pam The grief devastated their family. Pam watched as her father began turning to watched as her father began turning to watched as her father began turning to alcohol to numb the pain. And alcohol to numb the pain. And alcohol to numb the pain. And eventually, he walked away from their eventually, he walked away from their eventually, he walked away from their family, and he walked away from God. family, and he walked away from God. family, and he walked away from God. Almost overnight, Pam's childhood was Almost overnight, Pam's childhood was Almost overnight, Pam's childhood was gone. While she was still trying to gone. While she was still trying to gone. While she was still trying to understand her own grief, she was understand her own grief, she was understand her own grief, she was helping her mother care for and support helping her mother care for and support helping her mother care for and support her three younger siblings. her three younger siblings. her three younger siblings. Pam had every understandable reason to Pam had every understandable reason to Pam had every understandable reason to become bitter. It would have been all become bitter. It would have been all become bitter. It would have been all too easy for her to have blamed God, too easy for her to have blamed God, too easy for her to have blamed God, walked away from her faith, and never walked away from her faith, and never walked away from her faith, and never looked back. But she didn't. looked back. But she didn't. looked back. But she didn't. Somewhere in the middle of all that Somewhere in the middle of all that Somewhere in the middle of all that pain, Pam made a decision. She was going pain, Pam made a decision. She was going pain, Pam made a decision. She was going to stay close to Jesus. Not because to stay close to Jesus. Not because to stay close to Jesus. Not because everything suddenly made sense, because everything suddenly made sense, because everything suddenly made sense, because it didn't. And not because life became it didn't. And not because life became it didn't. And not because life became easier, because that didn't happen easier, because that didn't happen easier, because that didn't happen either. But Even at her young age, Pam either. But Even at her young age, Pam either. But Even at her young age, Pam courageously chose to stay close to him courageously chose to stay close to him courageously chose to stay close to him because she had already come to know him because she had already come to know him because she had already come to know him as her best friend. And when so much as her best friend. And when so much as her best friend. And when so much else in her life had fallen apart, she else in her life had fallen apart, she else in her life had fallen apart, she believed he was still her hope, she kept believed he was still her hope, she kept believed he was still her hope, she kept saying yes. She said yes to following

saying yes. She said yes to following saying yes. She said yes to following Jesus when she didn't know what her Jesus when she didn't know what her Jesus when she didn't know what her future would look like. She said yes to future would look like. She said yes to future would look like. She said yes to continuing to go to church, even when continuing to go to church, even when continuing to go to church, even when that meant walking through the doors that meant walking through the doors that meant walking through the doors alone. And over time, one yes became alone. And over time, one yes became alone. And over time, one yes became another. Eventually, she met a godly man another. Eventually, she met a godly man another. Eventually, she met a godly man at her church named Rick. They started at her church named Rick. They started at her church named Rick. They started dating, got engaged, and then got dating, got engaged, and then got dating, got engaged, and then got married. And together, they went on to married. And together, they went on to married. And together, they went on to build a marriage centered on Jesus, and build a marriage centered on Jesus, and build a marriage centered on Jesus, and they raised five children in a home they raised five children in a home they raised five children in a home shaped by their faith. Church wasn't shaped by their faith. Church wasn't shaped by their faith. Church wasn't simply somewhere they attended. It simply somewhere they attended. It simply somewhere they attended. It became the community that ho helped hold became the community that ho helped hold became the community that ho helped hold their family together and form who they their family together and form who they their family together and form who they were becoming. By God's grace, all five were becoming. By God's grace, all five were becoming. By God's grace, all five of those children grew up knowing Jesus. of those children grew up knowing Jesus. of those children grew up knowing Jesus. Pam and Rick have now been married for Pam and Rick have now been married for Pam and Rick have now been married for 52 years. And after everything she has 52 years. And after everything she has 52 years. And after everything she has lived through, Pam is still in love with lived through, Pam is still in love with lived through, Pam is still in love with Jesus. She is still trusting him. She is Jesus. She is still trusting him. She is Jesus. She is still trusting him. She is still saying yes.

still saying yes. still saying yes. That frightened, heartbroken young girl That frightened, heartbroken young girl That frightened, heartbroken young girl grew into a strong woman of God. And grew into a strong woman of God. And grew into a strong woman of God. And that young girl is here today. Mom, will that young girl is here today. Mom, will that young girl is here today. Mom, will you please stand? I can tell you honestly that I love I can tell you honestly that I love Jesus today in no small part because she Jesus today in no small part because she Jesus today in no small part because she kept saying yes. kept saying yes. kept saying yes. Her first yes didn't erase the pain of Her first yes didn't erase the pain of Her first yes didn't erase the pain of what happened. It didn't answer every what happened. It didn't answer every what happened. It didn't answer every question or fix everything overnight, question or fix everything overnight, question or fix everything overnight, but it became the beginning of a but it became the beginning of a but it became the beginning of a lifetime of his faithfulness. And that lifetime of his faithfulness. And that lifetime of his faithfulness. And that faithfulness didn't just change her faithfulness didn't just change her faithfulness didn't just change her life, it shaped me. It shaped me.

life, it shaped me. It shaped me. life, it shaped me. It shaped me. I opened my message today by saying, you I opened my message today by saying, you I opened my message today by saying, you never know what your next yes could do. never know what your next yes could do. never know what your next yes could do. That it could change the trajectory of That it could change the trajectory of That it could change the trajectory of not only your life, but someone else's. not only your life, but someone else's. not only your life, but someone else's. And I believe that. I believe that your And I believe that. I believe that your And I believe that. I believe that your next yes could impact your children, next yes could impact your children, next yes could impact your children, your children's children, your your children's children, your your children's children, your neighbors, your co-workers. neighbors, your co-workers. neighbors, your co-workers. But here's what I want to tell you. It But here's what I want to tell you. It But here's what I want to tell you. It starts with you first. starts with you first. starts with you first. It starts with you saying yes to Jesus. It starts with you saying yes to Jesus. It starts with you saying yes to Jesus. And I believe right now many of you feel And I believe right now many of you feel And I believe right now many of you feel and sense a stirring in your heart Jesus and sense a stirring in your heart Jesus and sense a stirring in your heart Jesus is speaking to you that he brought you is speaking to you that he brought you is speaking to you that he brought you to this day for such a time as this to this day for such a time as this to this day for such a time as this because he's inviting you to bring a new because he's inviting you to bring a new because he's inviting you to bring a new yes yes yes with every head bowed, every eye closed. with every head bowed, every eye closed. with every head bowed, every eye closed. I just want us to take a moment to allow I just want us to take a moment to allow I just want us to take a moment to allow Jesus to speak to our hearts.

Jesus to speak to our hearts. Jesus to speak to our hearts. What is Jesus inviting you to say yes to What is Jesus inviting you to say yes to What is Jesus inviting you to say yes to today? today? today? Maybe it's saying yes to surrendering a Maybe it's saying yes to surrendering a Maybe it's saying yes to surrendering a part of your life to Jesus that you've part of your life to Jesus that you've part of your life to Jesus that you've never surrendered. You've held back. never surrendered. You've held back. never surrendered. You've held back. Maybe it's saying yes to you finally Maybe it's saying yes to you finally Maybe it's saying yes to you finally getting planted in the house of God. No getting planted in the house of God. No getting planted in the house of God. No longer standing on the fringe kicking longer standing on the fringe kicking longer standing on the fringe kicking the tires. No. Today is the day that the tires. No. Today is the day that the tires. No. Today is the day that you're going to purpose in your heart. you're going to purpose in your heart. you're going to purpose in your heart. Me and my family, we will serve the Lord Me and my family, we will serve the Lord Me and my family, we will serve the Lord and we will get planted in this house. and we will get planted in this house. and we will get planted in this house. For others, maybe it's finally pressing For others, maybe it's finally pressing For others, maybe it's finally pressing past your fears to step out and use the past your fears to step out and use the past your fears to step out and use the gifts God has given you and to use them gifts God has given you and to use them gifts God has given you and to use them right here in this place. right here in this place. right here in this place. And for some of you, maybe it's saying And for some of you, maybe it's saying And for some of you, maybe it's saying yes to Jesus for the very first time and yes to Jesus for the very first time and yes to Jesus for the very first time and surrendering your life to him. surrendering your life to him. surrendering your life to him. I believe many of you under the sound of I believe many of you under the sound of I believe many of you under the sound of my voice are one yes away from stepping my voice are one yes away from stepping my voice are one yes away from stepping into a journey of healing. You are one into a journey of healing. You are one into a journey of healing. You are one yes away from God's purpose for your yes away from God's purpose for your yes away from God's purpose for your life. You are one yes away from becoming life. You are one yes away from becoming life. You are one yes away from becoming who God created you to be.

who God created you to be. who God created you to be. If you are here today and you say in If you are here today and you say in If you are here today and you say in your heart, today is the day that I want your heart, today is the day that I want your heart, today is the day that I want to give my very first yes to Jesus. I to give my very first yes to Jesus. I to give my very first yes to Jesus. I want to give my life to him with no one want to give my life to him with no one want to give my life to him with no one looking around. If that is you today, I looking around. If that is you today, I looking around. If that is you today, I just want you right where you are at just want you right where you are at just want you right where you are at your seat. Just lift your hand if you your seat. Just lift your hand if you your seat. Just lift your hand if you want to give your life to Jesus right want to give your life to Jesus right want to give your life to Jesus right now. I see your hands in the back all now. I see your hands in the back all now. I see your hands in the back all over this room across our campuses. Your over this room across our campuses. Your over this room across our campuses. Your oversight pastor, your campus, they'll oversight pastor, your campus, they'll oversight pastor, your campus, they'll see your hand. Just keep your hand up. see your hand. Just keep your hand up. see your hand. Just keep your hand up. Yes. Yes. Saying yes to Jesus. Yes. Yes. Saying yes to Jesus. Yes. Yes. Saying yes to Jesus. Now, if you lifted your hand, I want you Now, if you lifted your hand, I want you Now, if you lifted your hand, I want you to repeat after me. And all of us in to repeat after me. And all of us in to repeat after me. And all of us in this room, across our campuses, let's do this room, across our campuses, let's do this room, across our campuses, let's do it for the benefit of those who are it for the benefit of those who are it for the benefit of those who are going to be praying this. Let's all pray going to be praying this. Let's all pray going to be praying this. Let's all pray it together and repeat after me. Lord it together and repeat after me. Lord it together and repeat after me. Lord Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I come before you. I lay all that I am I come before you. I lay all that I am I come before you. I lay all that I am at your feet. at your feet. at your feet. I ask that you come into my heart. I ask that you come into my heart. I ask that you come into my heart. I receive you as my Lord and Savior I receive you as my Lord and Savior I receive you as my Lord and Savior today.

today. today. I ask that you forgive me of all my sins I ask that you forgive me of all my sins I ask that you forgive me of all my sins and I thank you that today and I thank you that today and I thank you that today as I say yes, as I say yes, as I say yes, this marks a brand new day in my life. this marks a brand new day in my life. this marks a brand new day in my life. And it's in Jesus name we all pray And it's in Jesus name we all pray And it's in Jesus name we all pray together. together. together. Amen. Amen. And come on, let's give it Amen. Amen. And come on, let's give it Amen. Amen. And come on, let's give it up for all of those who made that up for all of those who made that up for all of those who made that special decision today.