When God Doesn’t Give You Details

Well, we are in the book of Esther and Well, we are in the book of Esther and we're going to continue on with what we we're going to continue on with what we we're going to continue on with what we talked about last week, this week. And I talked about last week, this week. And I talked about last week, this week. And I want to start with a question and I want want to start with a question and I want want to start with a question and I want like full participation. I'm going to like full participation. I'm going to like full participation. I'm going to ask for a lot of full participation ask for a lot of full participation ask for a lot of full participation today. Um, how many of you like to know today. Um, how many of you like to know today. Um, how many of you like to know everything expected before you do everything expected before you do everything expected before you do something? Raise your hand if you're the something? Raise your hand if you're the something? Raise your hand if you're the planner. God bless you all. I see those planner. God bless you all. I see those planner. God bless you all. I see those hands. You can type in the comments hands. You can type in the comments hands. You can type in the comments section. I like details. I like details. section. I like details. I like details. section. I like details. I like details. Um, most of us, we tend to want Um, most of us, we tend to want Um, most of us, we tend to want certainty uh before we act. Uh, I'll certainty uh before we act. Uh, I'll certainty uh before we act. Uh, I'll tell you a little confession. When I was tell you a little confession. When I was tell you a little confession. When I was growing up, before I would ask any girl growing up, before I would ask any girl growing up, before I would ask any girl out, I lived in the day when you out, I lived in the day when you out, I lived in the day when you actually ask them out. You didn't just actually ask them out. You didn't just actually ask them out. You didn't just slide up in their DMs. You actually had slide up in their DMs. You actually had slide up in their DMs. You actually had to go up to them and say, "Hey, you want to go up to them and say, "Hey, you want to go up to them and say, "Hey, you want to go out?" And so before I would do to go out?" And so before I would do to go out?" And so before I would do that, I would always ask a friend to ask that, I would always ask a friend to ask that, I would always ask a friend to ask her friend if the odds were good that her friend if the odds were good that her friend if the odds were good that she'd say yes if I asked around. Anybody she'd say yes if I asked around. Anybody she'd say yes if I asked around. Anybody else do this back in the day? Okay. else do this back in the day? Okay. else do this back in the day? Okay. Yeah, that's how I did. Some of you, you Yeah, that's how I did. Some of you, you Yeah, that's how I did. Some of you, you know, you'll ask anybody out with a know, you'll ask anybody out with a know, you'll ask anybody out with a pulse. That's like a different spiritual pulse. That's like a different spiritual pulse. That's like a different spiritual gift as others of you. That was how I gift as others of you. That was how I gift as others of you. That was how I did. I wanted some form of guarantee did. I wanted some form of guarantee did. I wanted some form of guarantee until until until God brought me my dream girl. the story God brought me my dream girl. the story God brought me my dream girl. the story of how I met Amy. There was a girl that of how I met Amy. There was a girl that of how I met Amy. There was a girl that was making fun of me for my faith. And was making fun of me for my faith. And was making fun of me for my faith. And she was making fun of Amy for her faith.

she was making fun of Amy for her faith. she was making fun of Amy for her faith. She had never met Amy. She'd only heard She had never met Amy. She'd only heard She had never met Amy. She'd only heard about Amy. And she said, "You should go about Amy. And she said, "You should go about Amy. And she said, "You should go out with this girl named Amy. She's out with this girl named Amy. She's out with this girl named Amy. She's weird like you. She's overboard FOR GOD. weird like you. She's overboard FOR GOD. weird like you. She's overboard FOR GOD. YOU'RE BOTH overboard for God. You YOU'RE BOTH overboard for God. You YOU'RE BOTH overboard for God. You should just go be weird together." should just go be weird together." should just go be weird together." I had never seen a photo of Amy. This I had never seen a photo of Amy. This I had never seen a photo of Amy. This was preocial media. I couldn't stalk was preocial media. I couldn't stalk was preocial media. I couldn't stalk her. I didn't know what she looked like. her. I didn't know what she looked like. her. I didn't know what she looked like. All I knew was that when she said I All I knew was that when she said I All I knew was that when she said I should meet this girl that was overboard should meet this girl that was overboard should meet this girl that was overboard for God and her name was Amy. I for God and her name was Amy. I for God and her name was Amy. I literally wrote down her full name, felt literally wrote down her full name, felt literally wrote down her full name, felt prompted by God, this is who I'm prompted by God, this is who I'm prompted by God, this is who I'm supposed to marry. Crazy, I know. I supposed to marry. Crazy, I know. I supposed to marry. Crazy, I know. I don't recommend you do that. It probably don't recommend you do that. It probably don't recommend you do that. It probably won't work for you. It worked for me. I won't work for you. It worked for me. I won't work for you. It worked for me. I went and looked her up in the phone went and looked her up in the phone went and looked her up in the phone book. Now, some of you don't know what a book. Now, some of you don't know what a book. Now, some of you don't know what a phone book is. You can just add chatbt phone book is. You can just add chatbt phone book is. You can just add chatbt and chat to you, but will lie to you and and chat to you, but will lie to you and and chat to you, but will lie to you and tell you something that it's not. And I tell you something that it's not. And I tell you something that it's not. And I looked her up in the phone book and her looked her up in the phone book and her looked her up in the phone book and her name was there because that was the day name was there because that was the day name was there because that was the day when you could. I dialed her number and when you could. I dialed her number and when you could. I dialed her number and I actually recorded the call. Why? I actually recorded the call. Why? I actually recorded the call. Why? Because I was weird like that. And I Because I was weird like that. And I Because I was weird like that. And I thought maybe I could play the call at thought maybe I could play the call at thought maybe I could play the call at our wedding. I recorded the call. She our wedding. I recorded the call. She our wedding. I recorded the call. She did not pick up. I got her answer did not pick up. I got her answer did not pick up. I got her answer machine. If you don't know what an machine. If you don't know what an machine. If you don't know what an answer machine is, you can ask Chat GBT answer machine is, you can ask Chat GBT answer machine is, you can ask Chat GBT that then chat will lie to you. She can that then chat will lie to you. She can that then chat will lie to you. She can tell you this is true. I got her answer tell you this is true. I got her answer tell you this is true. I got her answer machine and I left this voice message.

machine and I left this voice message. machine and I left this voice message. Now, this was in the era of Top Gun. You Now, this was in the era of Top Gun. You Now, this was in the era of Top Gun. You remember Top Gun? Hey, big stud, take me remember Top Gun? Hey, big stud, take me remember Top Gun? Hey, big stud, take me to bed or lose me forever. SO, I SAID, to bed or lose me forever. SO, I SAID, to bed or lose me forever. SO, I SAID, "HEY, YOU CHRISTIAN BABE. "HEY, YOU CHRISTIAN BABE. "HEY, YOU CHRISTIAN BABE. Take me to church or lose me for I did Take me to church or lose me for I did Take me to church or lose me for I did this. It really happened. I really this. It really happened. I really this. It really happened. I really happened." And then I quoted the Bible happened." And then I quoted the Bible happened." And then I quoted the Bible verse and now these three remain. Faith, verse and now these three remain. Faith, verse and now these three remain. Faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of hope, and love. And the greatest of hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. Amy, nod, if that's true. these is love. Amy, nod, if that's true. these is love. Amy, nod, if that's true. That's true. I recorded that and then I That's true. I recorded that and then I That's true. I recorded that and then I called her back later. Thankfully, she called her back later. Thankfully, she called her back later. Thankfully, she did not hear that recording when I did not hear that recording when I did not hear that recording when I called her back later on. called her back later on. called her back later on. But at our wedding, I actually played But at our wedding, I actually played But at our wedding, I actually played that voice message and I called her that voice message and I called her that voice message and I called her without any guaranteed just a prompting without any guaranteed just a prompting without any guaranteed just a prompting from God and a step of faith. from God and a step of faith. from God and a step of faith. Most of you are like me. We want Most of you are like me. We want Most of you are like me. We want certainty before we move. But God often certainty before we move. But God often certainty before we move. But God often asks us to move before he gives us asks us to move before he gives us asks us to move before he gives us certainty. That is what we're going to certainty. That is what we're going to certainty. That is what we're going to discover this week in Esther chapter 4.

discover this week in Esther chapter 4. discover this week in Esther chapter 4. Esther is going to face the biggest Esther is going to face the biggest Esther is going to face the biggest decision of her life. It is a massive decision of her life. It is a massive decision of her life. It is a massive risk and she's going to want some risk and she's going to want some risk and she's going to want some details, maybe some kind of guarantees. details, maybe some kind of guarantees. details, maybe some kind of guarantees. We're going to see that God doesn't give We're going to see that God doesn't give We're going to see that God doesn't give her any of that stuff. He just asked her her any of that stuff. He just asked her her any of that stuff. He just asked her to trust him with the very next step. to trust him with the very next step. to trust him with the very next step. And this message will speak to some of And this message will speak to some of And this message will speak to some of you today because so often we are stuck you today because so often we are stuck you today because so often we are stuck where we are waiting for guarantees. And where we are waiting for guarantees. And where we are waiting for guarantees. And when when God instead is asking us for when when God instead is asking us for when when God instead is asking us for faith, I'm going to show you in his word faith, I'm going to show you in his word faith, I'm going to show you in his word that he rarely ever will show you the that he rarely ever will show you the that he rarely ever will show you the whole plan. In fact, that's why you whole plan. In fact, that's why you whole plan. In fact, that's why you don't need the whole plan to take the don't need the whole plan to take the don't need the whole plan to take the next step. next step. next step. Let's review. If you missed the last few Let's review. If you missed the last few Let's review. If you missed the last few weeks, maybe you're just now back with weeks, maybe you're just now back with weeks, maybe you're just now back with us because your kids are now back in us because your kids are now back in us because your kids are now back in school. Welcome back from the lake. Um, school. Welcome back from the lake. Um, school. Welcome back from the lake. Um, let's review where we've been. There are let's review where we've been. There are let's review where we've been. There are five main characters we've covered in five main characters we've covered in five main characters we've covered in the last few weeks. The first one we the last few weeks. The first one we the last few weeks. The first one we have the drunk king. Remember King have the drunk king. Remember King have the drunk king. Remember King Xerxes throws a big party. Why? He's Xerxes throws a big party. Why? He's Xerxes throws a big party. Why? He's probably insecure. Has a long party and probably insecure. Has a long party and probably insecure. Has a long party and he wants to show off his wife, Queen he wants to show off his wife, Queen he wants to show off his wife, Queen Vashi. And he says, "Hey, go get her so Vashi. And he says, "Hey, go get her so Vashi. And he says, "Hey, go get her so she can come in here so I can show she can come in here so I can show she can come in here so I can show everybody how amazing she is." She says, everybody how amazing she is." She says, everybody how amazing she is." She says, "I'm sick of being objectified." She "I'm sick of being objectified." She "I'm sick of being objectified." She says, "No, I'm not going to go." He gets says, "No, I'm not going to go." He gets says, "No, I'm not going to go." He gets embarrassed. He gets mad. He banishes embarrassed. He gets mad. He banishes embarrassed. He gets mad. He banishes the queen. They do a nationwide search the queen. They do a nationwide search the queen. They do a nationwide search to find a new queen. Enter Esther. The to find a new queen. Enter Esther. The to find a new queen. Enter Esther. The book is named after Esther, a Jewish book is named after Esther, a Jewish book is named after Esther, a Jewish girl. very important. A Jewish girl, not girl. very important. A Jewish girl, not girl. very important. A Jewish girl, not Persian, a Jewish girl who has to keep Persian, a Jewish girl who has to keep Persian, a Jewish girl who has to keep her identity secret, is then put through her identity secret, is then put through her identity secret, is then put through a bunch of beauty treatments and at the a bunch of beauty treatments and at the a bunch of beauty treatments and at the end of a year, she's chosen to be the

end of a year, she's chosen to be the end of a year, she's chosen to be the brand new queen. Then there's her brand new queen. Then there's her brand new queen. Then there's her cousin, Morai. Morai was a guy that cousin, Morai. Morai was a guy that cousin, Morai. Morai was a guy that raised Esther because Esther was an raised Esther because Esther was an raised Esther because Esther was an orphan. Uh he loved her like his own. HE orphan. Uh he loved her like his own. HE orphan. Uh he loved her like his own. HE OVERHARS A PLOT TO KILL King Xerxes. So OVERHARS A PLOT TO KILL King Xerxes. So OVERHARS A PLOT TO KILL King Xerxes. So he reports the plot, saves the king's he reports the plot, saves the king's he reports the plot, saves the king's life. It's recorded in a book and then life. It's recorded in a book and then life. It's recorded in a book and then apparently forgotten. Last week the apparently forgotten. Last week the apparently forgotten. Last week the music changed. Remember the scary music music changed. Remember the scary music music changed. Remember the scary music played and who comes along? The bad guy. played and who comes along? The bad guy. played and who comes along? The bad guy. What's his name? His name is What's his name? His name is What's his name? His name is >> good. Three of you remember his name is >> good. Three of you remember his name is >> good. Three of you remember his name is Hmon. He's the bad guy. Mordei Hmon. He's the bad guy. Mordei Hmon. He's the bad guy. Mordei doesn't bow down to honor Hmon. And so doesn't bow down to honor Hmon. And so doesn't bow down to honor Hmon. And so Hmon gets very very mad and doesn't want Hmon gets very very mad and doesn't want Hmon gets very very mad and doesn't want to just kill Morortei. But he convinces to just kill Morortei. But he convinces to just kill Morortei. But he convinces and essentially tricks the king to kill and essentially tricks the king to kill and essentially tricks the king to kill every Jewish person in the empire. Now every Jewish person in the empire. Now every Jewish person in the empire. Now what is Esther? She's Jewish. We have a what is Esther? She's Jewish. We have a what is Esther? She's Jewish. We have a problem. We've seen now in these problem. We've seen now in these problem. We've seen now in these chapters and through the whole book of chapters and through the whole book of chapters and through the whole book of Esther, amazingly enough, God's name is Esther, amazingly enough, God's name is Esther, amazingly enough, God's name is never mentioned in the book of Esther.

never mentioned in the book of Esther. never mentioned in the book of Esther. But God's presence, his power, and his But God's presence, his power, and his But God's presence, his power, and his goodness is on every single page. goodness is on every single page. goodness is on every single page. Chapter 4 is where we pick up today. Um Chapter 4 is where we pick up today. Um Chapter 4 is where we pick up today. Um Esther, her cousin Mori, he's out by the Esther, her cousin Mori, he's out by the Esther, her cousin Mori, he's out by the palace gates and he hears about the palace gates and he hears about the palace gates and he hears about the decree. He realizes, hey, they're going decree. He realizes, hey, they're going decree. He realizes, hey, they're going to kill every Jewish person in the to kill every Jewish person in the to kill every Jewish person in the empire. And so Morortei is devastated. empire. And so Morortei is devastated. empire. And so Morortei is devastated. This is his people. This is his cousin, This is his people. This is his cousin, This is his people. This is his cousin, the queen Esther. They're talking about the queen Esther. They're talking about the queen Esther. They're talking about his God. And so we see in Esther 4:1 his God. And so we see in Esther 4:1 his God. And so we see in Esther 4:1 this. When Mori learned of all that had this. When Mori learned of all that had this. When Mori learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes and he been done, he tore his clothes and he been done, he tore his clothes and he wore sackcloth and ashes. And he went wore sackcloth and ashes. And he went wore sackcloth and ashes. And he went out into the city whailing loudly and out into the city whailing loudly and out into the city whailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the bitterly. But he went only as far as the bitterly. But he went only as far as the king's gate because no one clothed in king's gate because no one clothed in king's gate because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. So he sackcloth was allowed to enter it. So he sackcloth was allowed to enter it. So he hears the news. This is horrible. hears the news. This is horrible. hears the news. This is horrible. They're going to kill all the Jewish They're going to kill all the Jewish They're going to kill all the Jewish people. And so he tears the clothes and people. And so he tears the clothes and people. And so he tears the clothes and puts on sackcloth. These are outward puts on sackcloth. These are outward puts on sackcloth. These are outward invisible signs of grief and profound invisible signs of grief and profound invisible signs of grief and profound sadness. And so he's not hiding his sadness. And so he's not hiding his sadness. And so he's not hiding his emotions. He's telling everybody I am emotions. He's telling everybody I am emotions. He's telling everybody I am beside myself with grief uh o over this.

beside myself with grief uh o over this. beside myself with grief uh o over this. He's wailing and the word reaches the He's wailing and the word reaches the He's wailing and the word reaches the palace and Esther hears about it. Your palace and Esther hears about it. Your palace and Esther hears about it. Your cousins falling apart. So verse four cousins falling apart. So verse four cousins falling apart. So verse four tells us what happens when Esther's Unix tells us what happens when Esther's Unix tells us what happens when Esther's Unix and female attendants came and told her and female attendants came and told her and female attendants came and told her about Mori. Morai's going crazy. He's so about Mori. Morai's going crazy. He's so about Mori. Morai's going crazy. He's so sad. He's so upset. She was in great sad. He's so upset. She was in great sad. He's so upset. She was in great distress. And so what did she do? Watch. distress. And so what did she do? Watch. distress. And so what did she do? Watch. She sent clothes for him to put on She sent clothes for him to put on She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would instead of his sackcloth, but he would instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. He tears the clothes. not accept them. He tears the clothes. not accept them. He tears the clothes. He's wailing in grief. He puts on He's wailing in grief. He puts on He's wailing in grief. He puts on sackloth. And she does the very same sackloth. And she does the very same sackloth. And she does the very same thing we tend to do. thing we tend to do. thing we tend to do. She wants to make it better without even She wants to make it better without even She wants to make it better without even knowing what went wrong. knowing what went wrong. knowing what went wrong. Side note for marriages. If you've been Side note for marriages. If you've been Side note for marriages. If you've been married for 17 minutes, you've had this happen to you. And you've had this happen to you. And here's how it always goes. I'll here's how it always goes. I'll here's how it always goes. I'll personalize it. Amy says, "I'm upset personalize it. Amy says, "I'm upset personalize it. Amy says, "I'm upset about something."

about something." about something." And I say, "I'LL FIX IT." And I say, "I'LL FIX IT." And I say, "I'LL FIX IT." And she says, "I don't want you to fix And she says, "I don't want you to fix And she says, "I don't want you to fix it. I just want to talk about it." And I it. I just want to talk about it." And I it. I just want to talk about it." And I say, 'Why do you want to talk about it say, 'Why do you want to talk about it say, 'Why do you want to talk about it if you don't want to fix it? We've been if you don't want to fix it? We've been if you don't want to fix it? We've been married for 35 married for 35 married for 35 years and I have not learned yet she years and I have not learned yet she years and I have not learned yet she likes to talk about broken things likes to talk about broken things likes to talk about broken things is a marriage thing. And this is Esther. is a marriage thing. And this is Esther. is a marriage thing. And this is Esther. There's a problem. Let's just fix it. There's a problem. Let's just fix it. There's a problem. Let's just fix it. Let's just deal with the symptom. Let's Let's just deal with the symptom. Let's Let's just deal with the symptom. Let's not get down to the root. And but not get down to the root. And but not get down to the root. And but essentially, we do the same thing. A lot essentially, we do the same thing. A lot essentially, we do the same thing. A lot of times God's trying to do something in of times God's trying to do something in of times God's trying to do something in us and we don't want to change. We keep us and we don't want to change. We keep us and we don't want to change. We keep distracting ourselves. We keep ignoring distracting ourselves. We keep ignoring distracting ourselves. We keep ignoring the problem. We deal with the symptom the problem. We deal with the symptom the problem. We deal with the symptom instead of dealing with the root. In instead of dealing with the root. In instead of dealing with the root. In other words, like we'll do anything other words, like we'll do anything other words, like we'll do anything rather than face what God's really rather than face what God's really rather than face what God's really asking us to do. We'll we'll scroll. I asking us to do. We'll we'll scroll. I asking us to do. We'll we'll scroll. I mean, we'll we'll do things that look mean, we'll we'll do things that look mean, we'll we'll do things that look religious because if we really face what religious because if we really face what religious because if we really face what he's talking to us about, then we might he's talking to us about, then we might he's talking to us about, then we might actually have to change. So she says, actually have to change. So she says, actually have to change. So she says, "Let me fix what is obvious. Let me send "Let me fix what is obvious. Let me send "Let me fix what is obvious. Let me send some clothes." And he said, "No, no, no, some clothes." And he said, "No, no, no, some clothes." And he said, "No, no, no, no, no." He sends the clothes back. In no, no." He sends the clothes back. In no, no." He sends the clothes back. In other words, almost like he's saying, other words, almost like he's saying, other words, almost like he's saying, "You can't cover this. You're going to "You can't cover this. You're going to "You can't cover this. You're going to have to face it. You're going to have to have to face it. You're going to have to have to face it. You're going to have to deal with it." And today, what I'm going deal with it." And today, what I'm going deal with it." And today, what I'm going to try to do at some points is really to try to do at some points is really to try to do at some points is really slow it down and just give you the slow it down and just give you the slow it down and just give you the opportunity to listen to what the Holy opportunity to listen to what the Holy opportunity to listen to what the Holy Spirit might say to you.

Spirit might say to you. Spirit might say to you. Because I really believe that for some Because I really believe that for some Because I really believe that for some of you, God wants to speak to you in a of you, God wants to speak to you in a of you, God wants to speak to you in a very, very real way today. And I want to very, very real way today. And I want to very, very real way today. And I want to tell you, and I want you to to believe tell you, and I want you to to believe tell you, and I want you to to believe me when I tell you that God loves you me when I tell you that God loves you me when I tell you that God loves you too much to let you keep managing what too much to let you keep managing what too much to let you keep managing what he wants to heal. he wants to heal. he wants to heal. If you're just looking at the symptom, If you're just looking at the symptom, If you're just looking at the symptom, God wants to get down to the root. And God wants to get down to the root. And God wants to get down to the root. And God wants to do a healing work in your God wants to do a healing work in your God wants to do a healing work in your heart. And we're going to give him time heart. And we're going to give him time heart. And we're going to give him time to do that today. And so Esther tries to to do that today. And so Esther tries to to do that today. And so Esther tries to fix the problem. He sends the clothes fix the problem. He sends the clothes fix the problem. He sends the clothes back. And so see why why did he do that? back. And so see why why did he do that? back. And so see why why did he do that? I don't understand. Now she's going to I don't understand. Now she's going to I don't understand. Now she's going to get to the root of the problem. So she get to the root of the problem. So she get to the root of the problem. So she sends messengers. Go find out what's sends messengers. Go find out what's sends messengers. Go find out what's going on. Why is he doing this? And going on. Why is he doing this? And going on. Why is he doing this? And Morai tells the messengers everything. Morai tells the messengers everything. Morai tells the messengers everything. There's this big plot and and they're There's this big plot and and they're There's this big plot and and they're going to kill all the Jewish people. And going to kill all the Jewish people. And going to kill all the Jewish people. And when she hears this, this hits her hard. when she hears this, this hits her hard. when she hears this, this hits her hard. This is her people. This is her people. This is her people. And she realizes this is her. And here's And she realizes this is her. And here's And she realizes this is her. And here's what scripture tells us. Uh all the what scripture tells us. Uh all the what scripture tells us. Uh all the king's officials and all the royal king's officials and all the royal king's officials and all the royal providences know that if any man or providences know that if any man or providences know that if any man or woman who approaches the king in the woman who approaches the king in the woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned, that inner court without being summoned, that inner court without being summoned, that king has but one law. She's telling king has but one law. She's telling king has but one law. She's telling Morai this. She says that they be put to Morai this. She says that they be put to Morai this. She says that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold death unless the king extends the gold death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their life.

scepter to them and spares their life. scepter to them and spares their life. So Morai is like you have to do So Morai is like you have to do So Morai is like you have to do something about this. She says, "If I go something about this. She says, "If I go something about this. She says, "If I go before the king and he hasn't called me, before the king and he hasn't called me, before the king and he hasn't called me, HE CAN STRIKE ME dead at that very HE CAN STRIKE ME dead at that very HE CAN STRIKE ME dead at that very moment." She says, "30 days have passed moment." She says, "30 days have passed moment." She says, "30 days have passed since I was called to go to the king." since I was called to go to the king." since I was called to go to the king." In other words, if you want me to go to In other words, if you want me to go to In other words, if you want me to go to the king, even though I am the queen, the king, even though I am the queen, the king, even though I am the queen, he don't play. If you're not called INTO he don't play. If you're not called INTO he don't play. If you're not called INTO HIS PRESENCE, AND HE HADN'T CALLED ME HIS PRESENCE, AND HE HADN'T CALLED ME HIS PRESENCE, AND HE HADN'T CALLED ME FOR a month, she tells Mori, "If I go in FOR a month, she tells Mori, "If I go in FOR a month, she tells Mori, "If I go in there, I am risking my life. This is a there, I am risking my life. This is a there, I am risking my life. This is a weighty decision that she has to make. weighty decision that she has to make. weighty decision that she has to make. Verse 13, Morai sends the answer back. Verse 13, Morai sends the answer back. Verse 13, Morai sends the answer back. He says,"Do not think that because He says,"Do not think that because He says,"Do not think that because you're in the king's house that you you're in the king's house that you you're in the king's house that you alone of all the Jews escape." He says, alone of all the Jews escape." He says, alone of all the Jews escape." He says, "But you and your father's family will "But you and your father's family will "But you and your father's family will perish." Mori says, "Don't you think perish." Mori says, "Don't you think perish." Mori says, "Don't you think just cuz you're the queen, you're going just cuz you're the queen, you're going just cuz you're the queen, you're going to live through this? Every Jewish to live through this? Every Jewish to live through this? Every Jewish person will be killed. All your loved person will be killed. All your loved person will be killed. All your loved ones, all your family, including you." ones, all your family, including you." ones, all your family, including you." And then he says the verse that most And then he says the verse that most And then he says the verse that most people know from the book of Esther. He people know from the book of Esther. He people know from the book of Esther. He says to her this and Esther who knows who knows but that you have come to your royal but that you have come to your royal but that you have come to your royal position for such a time for such a time as this.

Who knows, Esther, that maybe God chose Who knows, Esther, that maybe God chose you out of an ordinary life you out of an ordinary life you out of an ordinary life as a Jewish person and elevated to you as a Jewish person and elevated to you as a Jewish person and elevated to you to the place of being the queen to the place of being the queen to the place of being the queen MARRIED TO THE ONLY GUY WHO HAS THE MARRIED TO THE ONLY GUY WHO HAS THE MARRIED TO THE ONLY GUY WHO HAS THE POWER TO STOP THIS. WHO KNOWS, ESTHER, POWER TO STOP THIS. WHO KNOWS, ESTHER, POWER TO STOP THIS. WHO KNOWS, ESTHER, if God hasn't chosen you if God hasn't chosen you if God hasn't chosen you for such a time for such a time for such a time as this, as this, as this, and this is the part that I want to slow and this is the part that I want to slow and this is the part that I want to slow down and say for some of you, maybe down and say for some of you, maybe down and say for some of you, maybe you're at a moment at something in your you're at a moment at something in your you're at a moment at something in your life. It could be for your marriage. It life. It could be for your marriage. It life. It could be for your marriage. It could be for your health. It could be could be for your health. It could be could be for your health. It could be for your relationship with someone else, for your relationship with someone else, for your relationship with someone else, with a child. It could be your faith in with a child. It could be your faith in with a child. It could be your faith in God. Who knows? If all sorts of things God. Who knows? If all sorts of things God. Who knows? If all sorts of things haven't been moving toward this moment haven't been moving toward this moment haven't been moving toward this moment today, not everybody, but some of you today, not everybody, but some of you today, not everybody, but some of you where you hear this word and God speaks where you hear this word and God speaks where you hear this word and God speaks to you and says you are not here by to you and says you are not here by to you and says you are not here by accident, but God wants to do something accident, but God wants to do something accident, but God wants to do something through such a time as this. It may be through such a time as this. It may be through such a time as this. It may be that God gives you the faith to start a that God gives you the faith to start a that God gives you the faith to start a ministry or a business or to stop ministry or a business or to stop ministry or a business or to stop something that you shouldn't be doing.

something that you shouldn't be doing. something that you shouldn't be doing. Confess your sin or to speak out on Confess your sin or to speak out on Confess your sin or to speak out on behalf of someone that needs help or or behalf of someone that needs help or or behalf of someone that needs help or or to ask out a Christian babe to ask out a Christian babe to ask out a Christian babe or to break up with a Christian dud. or to break up with a Christian dud. or to break up with a Christian dud. Cuz you know, you can't marry the right Cuz you know, you can't marry the right Cuz you know, you can't marry the right one if you're dating the wrong one. I one if you're dating the wrong one. I one if you're dating the wrong one. I don't know who that's for, but if you're don't know who that's for, but if you're don't know who that's for, but if you're the wrong one, don't get mad at me. You the wrong one, don't get mad at me. You the wrong one, don't get mad at me. You shouldn't have been the wrong one. shouldn't have been the wrong one. shouldn't have been the wrong one. All right? All right? All right? And I'm kind of joking, but I'm really And I'm kind of joking, but I'm really And I'm kind of joking, but I'm really not. Because maybe maybe you're hearing not. Because maybe maybe you're hearing not. Because maybe maybe you're hearing this message for such a time as this. this message for such a time as this. this message for such a time as this. Maybe God puts you next to a person who Maybe God puts you next to a person who Maybe God puts you next to a person who needs to hear a conversation after this. needs to hear a conversation after this. needs to hear a conversation after this. Maybe God's going to put someone on your Maybe God's going to put someone on your Maybe God's going to put someone on your heart for you to reach out to. Maybe heart for you to reach out to. Maybe heart for you to reach out to. Maybe there's something God wants you to do. there's something God wants you to do. there's something God wants you to do. Some Sometimes it's big, like the divine Some Sometimes it's big, like the divine Some Sometimes it's big, like the divine moments are big. Other times the moments are big. Other times the moments are big. Other times the prompings are just something that prompings are just something that prompings are just something that happens on a Thursday afternoon happens on a Thursday afternoon happens on a Thursday afternoon like when Amy and I were at a pastor's like when Amy and I were at a pastor's like when Amy and I were at a pastor's conference a while back and we were in a conference a while back and we were in a conference a while back and we were in a different time zone and we had about 3 different time zone and we had about 3 different time zone and we had about 3 hours in the afternoon off and so we hours in the afternoon off and so we hours in the afternoon off and so we took about a 20-minute walk to the took about a 20-minute walk to the took about a 20-minute walk to the beach. We were so excited to get to the beach. We were so excited to get to the beach. We were so excited to get to the beach. When I got to the beach I felt beach. When I got to the beach I felt beach. When I got to the beach I felt prompted to call a friend of mine. this prompted to call a friend of mine. this prompted to call a friend of mine. this this heavy weighty sense that that I this heavy weighty sense that that I this heavy weighty sense that that I need to call him, but my phone was back need to call him, but my phone was back need to call him, but my phone was back at the hotel 20 minutes away. And I at the hotel 20 minutes away. And I at the hotel 20 minutes away. And I said, "What do I do?" And Amy's like, said, "What do I do?" And Amy's like, said, "What do I do?" And Amy's like, "Well, if God's prompting you, you need "Well, if God's prompting you, you need "Well, if God's prompting you, you need to go back there right now. Don't stay to go back there right now. Don't stay to go back there right now. Don't stay on the beach. I'll stay here and and on the beach. I'll stay here and and on the beach. I'll stay here and and you go back.

you go back. you go back. Shouldn't have got your phone, dummy. Shouldn't have got your phone, dummy. Shouldn't have got your phone, dummy. Can you fix this? Let's talk about it." Can you fix this? Let's talk about it." Can you fix this? Let's talk about it." So, I went back So, I went back So, I went back all the way back. got my phone because I all the way back. got my phone because I all the way back. got my phone because I felt prompted by God. It was for I need felt prompted by God. It was for I need felt prompted by God. It was for I need to call him. Well, I forgot about the to call him. Well, I forgot about the to call him. Well, I forgot about the time zone change and it was afternoon time zone change and it was afternoon time zone change and it was afternoon where I was. It was about midnight where where I was. It was about midnight where where I was. It was about midnight where he was and my friend picked up the phone he was and my friend picked up the phone he was and my friend picked up the phone and his voice was shaking and he said, and his voice was shaking and he said, and his voice was shaking and he said, "Why are you calling me now?" "Why are you calling me now?" "Why are you calling me now?" And they're like, "Oh, it's midnight. And they're like, "Oh, it's midnight. And they're like, "Oh, it's midnight. I'm" And I said, "I'm so sorry. I got I I'm" And I said, "I'm so sorry. I got I I'm" And I said, "I'm so sorry. I got I mean, I felt this heaviness, this like I mean, I felt this heaviness, this like I mean, I felt this heaviness, this like I was supposed to call you." And he said, was supposed to call you." And he said, was supposed to call you." And he said, "Why now?" His voice was shaking. He "Why now?" His voice was shaking. He "Why now?" His voice was shaking. He said, "Why now?" And I said, ' Man, I said, "Why now?" And I said, ' Man, I said, "Why now?" And I said, ' Man, I think I was supposed to call you.' Well, think I was supposed to call you.' Well, think I was supposed to call you.' Well, I knew he was in a bad place and I knew I knew he was in a bad place and I knew I knew he was in a bad place and I knew he'd I knew he's in a bad place. And I he'd I knew he's in a bad place. And I he'd I knew he's in a bad place. And I said, 'Are you thinking about taking said, 'Are you thinking about taking said, 'Are you thinking about taking your life right now? And he started your life right now? And he started your life right now? And he started crying. He said, "I am." And I said, crying. He said, "I am." And I said, crying. He said, "I am." And I said, "Are you holding a gun in your hand?" He "Are you holding a gun in your hand?" He "Are you holding a gun in your hand?" He said, because I knew he he was he said, because I knew he he was he said, because I knew he he was he carried. I said, "Are you holding a carried. I said, "Are you holding a carried. I said, "Are you holding a gun?" He said, "I am."

gun?" He said, "I am." gun?" He said, "I am." And I talked him through it. I said, And I talked him through it. I said, And I talked him through it. I said, "We're going to you're going to go over "We're going to you're going to go over "We're going to you're going to go over to your neighbor's house." Because I to your neighbor's house." Because I to your neighbor's house." Because I knew he knew the neighbor. Knock on the knew he knew the neighbor. Knock on the knew he knew the neighbor. Knock on the door at midnight. give the gun to your door at midnight. give the gun to your door at midnight. give the gun to your neighbor. Talked him through all that. neighbor. Talked him through all that. neighbor. Talked him through all that. And when we got through all that stuff And when we got through all that stuff And when we got through all that stuff at midnight, I said, "Do you realize at midnight, I said, "Do you realize at midnight, I said, "Do you realize how much God cares about you that I'm in how much God cares about you that I'm in how much God cares about you that I'm in another part of the world for getting another part of the world for getting another part of the world for getting the time zone?" Prompted went all the the time zone?" Prompted went all the the time zone?" Prompted went all the way back to call you at this moment way back to call you at this moment way back to call you at this moment because God has so much more for you. because God has so much more for you. because God has so much more for you. And he sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and And he sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and And he sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed and that was just a sobbed and sobbed and that was just a sobbed and sobbed and that was just a prompting when I wanted to be on the prompting when I wanted to be on the prompting when I wanted to be on the beach. It didn't it didn't feel like a beach. It didn't it didn't feel like a beach. It didn't it didn't feel like a for such a time as this. It just was the for such a time as this. It just was the for such a time as this. It just was the prompting call a buddy that you care prompting call a buddy that you care prompting call a buddy that you care about. about. about. Honestly, it felt inconvenient. Honestly, it felt inconvenient. Honestly, it felt inconvenient. A long walk back to the hotel. A long walk back to the hotel. A long walk back to the hotel. But God knew what I didn't. God knew at But God knew what I didn't. God knew at But God knew what I didn't. God knew at that moment there was someone that he that moment there was someone that he that moment there was someone that he loved that needed hope loved that needed hope loved that needed hope and prompted me to go give him a little and prompted me to go give him a little and prompted me to go give him a little bit of hope. And sometimes bit of hope. And sometimes bit of hope. And sometimes such a time as this, it doesn't feel such a time as this, it doesn't feel such a time as this, it doesn't feel like a burning bush. It feels like a like a burning bush. It feels like a like a burning bush. It feels like a nudge. It feels like an inconvenience.

nudge. It feels like an inconvenience. nudge. It feels like an inconvenience. But the good news is that God knows what But the good news is that God knows what But the good news is that God knows what you don't. He He's He He knows all you don't. He He's He He knows all you don't. He He's He He knows all things and he puts you where you are for things and he puts you where you are for things and he puts you where you are for his divine purposes. his divine purposes. his divine purposes. Esther recognizes this. She feels the Esther recognizes this. She feels the Esther recognizes this. She feels the weight of the situation. She's the weight of the situation. She's the weight of the situation. She's the queen, married to the only person that queen, married to the only person that queen, married to the only person that has the power to stop this. And her has the power to stop this. And her has the power to stop this. And her people could die. people could die. people could die. She may be the only one alive who can do She may be the only one alive who can do She may be the only one alive who can do something about it. something about it. something about it. So what does she do? I want to show you So what does she do? I want to show you So what does she do? I want to show you what she did. She goes to her community what she did. She goes to her community what she did. She goes to her community and she asks them to fast and to pray and she asks them to fast and to pray and she asks them to fast and to pray for her. for her. for her. She goes to her people. She goes to her She goes to her people. She goes to her She goes to her people. She goes to her people and asks them to pray. Look at people and asks them to pray. Look at people and asks them to pray. Look at the text. Esther 4:15. Then Esther sent the text. Esther 4:15. Then Esther sent the text. Esther 4:15. Then Esther sent this reply to Morortei. Go gather this reply to Morortei. Go gather this reply to Morortei. Go gather together all the Jews. Go gather my together all the Jews. Go gather my together all the Jews. Go gather my people who are in Souza and fast for me. people who are in Souza and fast for me. people who are in Souza and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days uh Do not eat or drink for three days uh Do not eat or drink for three days uh night or day. I am my attendance. We're night or day. I am my attendance. We're night or day. I am my attendance. We're going to fast and we're going to pray going to fast and we're going to pray going to fast and we're going to pray and seek God just like you. And when and seek God just like you. And when and seek God just like you. And when this is done, after my people have this is done, after my people have this is done, after my people have prayed for me, I will go to the king prayed for me, I will go to the king prayed for me, I will go to the king even THOUGH IT'S AGAINST THE LAW.

even THOUGH IT'S AGAINST THE LAW. even THOUGH IT'S AGAINST THE LAW. AND WATCH WHAT she says. If I perish, I AND WATCH WHAT she says. If I perish, I AND WATCH WHAT she says. If I perish, I perish. perish. perish. Fast for me. Pray for The first thing Fast for me. Pray for The first thing Fast for me. Pray for The first thing she does is she goes to her people and she does is she goes to her people and she does is she goes to her people and ask them to pray. ask them to pray. ask them to pray. >> I'm going to ask you right now, do you >> I'm going to ask you right now, do you >> I'm going to ask you right now, do you have your people? have your people? have your people? >> Do you have the people in your life >> Do you have the people in your life >> Do you have the people in your life whenever you're prompted to go and take whenever you're prompted to go and take whenever you're prompted to go and take the step of faith that you can the step of faith that you can the step of faith that you can immediately text, immediately call and immediately text, immediately call and immediately text, immediately call and say, "I need prayer. I need prayer." I'm say, "I need prayer. I need prayer." I'm say, "I need prayer. I need prayer." I'm going tell you right now, I have had one going tell you right now, I have had one going tell you right now, I have had one of those weeks where of those weeks where of those weeks where I preach whether I want to preach or I preach whether I want to preach or I preach whether I want to preach or not. not. not. Weekends come and it don't matter what's Weekends come and it don't matter what's Weekends come and it don't matter what's going on on the outside and you stand up going on on the outside and you stand up going on on the outside and you stand up and you preach. I texted two of my and you preach. I texted two of my and you preach. I texted two of my people and said, "Pray. people and said, "Pray. people and said, "Pray. Pray." Why? Because I got my people and Pray." Why? Because I got my people and Pray." Why? Because I got my people and I need prayer. I need prayer. I need prayer. >> Do you have your people? Do you have >> Do you have your people? Do you have >> Do you have your people? Do you have those people? Like, I'm telling you, if those people? Like, I'm telling you, if those people? Like, I'm telling you, if you don't, I'm saying it week after week you don't, I'm saying it week after week you don't, I'm saying it week after week after week. You need those people.

after week. You need those people. after week. You need those people. >> Those people need you. >> Those people need you. >> Those people need you. >> Christianity is not a solo sport. >> Christianity is not a solo sport. >> Christianity is not a solo sport. >> We We best experience the power and the >> We We best experience the power and the >> We We best experience the power and the presence of God together. And going to presence of God together. And going to presence of God together. And going to church and just sitting in rows is not church and just sitting in rows is not church and just sitting in rows is not the same as sitting in circles with your the same as sitting in circles with your the same as sitting in circles with your people. If you don't have your people, find your If you don't have your people, find your people. Esther, she didn't have any guarantee. Esther, she didn't have any guarantee. Approaching the king could cost her her Approaching the king could cost her her Approaching the king could cost her her life. She didn't feel ready. Listen, life. She didn't feel ready. Listen, life. She didn't feel ready. Listen, when God prompts you, for such a time as when God prompts you, for such a time as when God prompts you, for such a time as this, make the call. For such a time as this, make the call. For such a time as this, make the call. For such a time as this, start the whatever it is. For such this, start the whatever it is. For such this, start the whatever it is. For such a time as this, apologize and ask for a time as this, apologize and ask for a time as this, apologize and ask for forgiveness. For such a time as this, forgiveness. For such a time as this, forgiveness. For such a time as this, reach out to the person who doesn't know reach out to the person who doesn't know reach out to the person who doesn't know you. For such a time as this, you're not you. For such a time as this, you're not you. For such a time as this, you're not going to feel ready when God calls you going to feel ready when God calls you going to feel ready when God calls you to do it. And you're going to have a to do it. And you're going to have a to do it. And you're going to have a choice. Stay choice. Stay choice. Stay stay safe. stay safe. stay safe. Stay silent, Stay silent, Stay silent, stay still, or simply stay still, or simply stay still, or simply take the next step.

take the next step. take the next step. One step. One step. One step. I'll go do it. I'll go do it. I'll go do it. I'll go put myself before the king. If I I'll go put myself before the king. If I I'll go put myself before the king. If I die, I die. If he extends the scepter, die, I die. If he extends the scepter, die, I die. If he extends the scepter, I'll live. This is what God put on my I'll live. This is what God put on my I'll live. This is what God put on my heart. I have to take the next step. And this message is so heavy on my heart And this message is so heavy on my heart because so many right now, you're you're because so many right now, you're you're because so many right now, you're you're you're stuck. Like you love God and you're stuck. Like you love God and you're stuck. Like you love God and you're just stuck. And the reason why so many people are And the reason why so many people are stuck is this. Why? While you're waiting stuck is this. Why? While you're waiting stuck is this. Why? While you're waiting for clarity, for clarity, for clarity, God's waiting for trust. God's waiting for trust. God's waiting for trust. You want details. And God just wants you You want details. And God just wants you You want details. And God just wants you to take a step of faith. to take a step of faith. to take a step of faith. And again, this isn't everybody, And again, this isn't everybody, And again, this isn't everybody, but this is some of you. Maybe God's but this is some of you. Maybe God's but this is some of you. Maybe God's been positioning you for longer than you been positioning you for longer than you been positioning you for longer than you know, and every detail is actually know, and every detail is actually know, and every detail is actually leading toward this moment. And I leading toward this moment. And I leading toward this moment. And I promise you, he is not asking you to promise you, he is not asking you to promise you, he is not asking you to have it all figured out. And you don't have it all figured out. And you don't have it all figured out. And you don't have to have all the details. Sometimes have to have all the details. Sometimes have to have all the details. Sometimes you just got to look her up in the phone you just got to look her up in the phone you just got to look her up in the phone book, make the phone call, and believe book, make the phone call, and believe book, make the phone call, and believe that God might do something through your that God might do something through your that God might do something through your crazy voice message.

crazy voice message. crazy voice message. God is just asking you God is just asking you God is just asking you to take the next step. to take the next step. to take the next step. And so what I want to do is I want to And so what I want to do is I want to And so what I want to do is I want to ask you like what's your next step? And ask you like what's your next step? And ask you like what's your next step? And I prayed about this and I didn't know I prayed about this and I didn't know I prayed about this and I didn't know whether to do it or not, but I decided whether to do it or not, but I decided whether to do it or not, but I decided we're going to do it. I'm just going to we're going to do it. I'm just going to we're going to do it. I'm just going to come down here, kind of get with you come down here, kind of get with you come down here, kind of get with you guys. Um, there's a little card on your guys. Um, there's a little card on your guys. Um, there's a little card on your seat. Can everybody grab these cards if seat. Can everybody grab these cards if seat. Can everybody grab these cards if you don't mind? Just grab these cards. All right, let's grab them. All right, let's grab them. As your pastor, I'm going to love you As your pastor, I'm going to love you As your pastor, I'm going to love you today. I'm going to push you just a today. I'm going to push you just a today. I'm going to push you just a little bit. Everybody wave your cards at little bit. Everybody wave your cards at little bit. Everybody wave your cards at me if you can. Very good. Good work. me if you can. Very good. Good work. me if you can. Very good. Good work. Okay, you guys in Witchah, let's make Okay, you guys in Witchah, let's make Okay, you guys in Witchah, let's make sure you're doing it. Mansfield, let's sure you're doing it. Mansfield, let's sure you're doing it. Mansfield, let's make sure you're doing it. Albany, let's make sure you're doing it. Albany, let's make sure you're doing it. Albany, let's make sure you're doing it. Arkansas is make sure you're doing it. Arkansas is make sure you're doing it. Arkansas is doing it. Hey, Pilion, Omaha, very good. doing it. Hey, Pilion, Omaha, very good. doing it. Hey, Pilion, Omaha, very good. Okay, got your cards. Good. What I'm Okay, got your cards. Good. What I'm Okay, got your cards. Good. What I'm going to do is I'm going to I'm going to going to do is I'm going to I'm going to going to do is I'm going to I'm going to ask you and I'm just going to lovingly ask you and I'm just going to lovingly ask you and I'm just going to lovingly push you. I've given you enough push you. I've given you enough push you. I've given you enough categories here where your next step is categories here where your next step is categories here where your next step is somewhere here. And what I'd love for somewhere here. And what I'd love for somewhere here. And what I'd love for you to do is just to to grab a pen, give you to do is just to to grab a pen, give you to do is just to to grab a pen, give us your name and a contact. And the us your name and a contact. And the us your name and a contact. And the reason is because we want to pray for reason is because we want to pray for reason is because we want to pray for you. And you say, "Oh, man, that's you. And you say, "Oh, man, that's you. And you say, "Oh, man, that's invasive." Absolutely. I mean, invasive." Absolutely. I mean, invasive." Absolutely. I mean, absolutely. Like, I just do you just you absolutely. Like, I just do you just you absolutely. Like, I just do you just you I can't let you come to church and leave I can't let you come to church and leave I can't let you come to church and leave without letting us love each other without letting us love each other without letting us love each other together. Fair enough. And so, what we together. Fair enough. And so, what we together. Fair enough. And so, what we want to do is just get give us a chance want to do is just get give us a chance want to do is just get give us a chance to pray for you. Reach out and just say,

to pray for you. Reach out and just say, to pray for you. Reach out and just say, "How can we help in any way?" And I want "How can we help in any way?" And I want "How can we help in any way?" And I want you to think about what is your next you to think about what is your next you to think about what is your next step. And I'm going to ask everybody to step. And I'm going to ask everybody to step. And I'm going to ask everybody to do this here. You say, "I'm not a do this here. You say, "I'm not a do this here. You say, "I'm not a Christian." Great. I don't really care. Christian." Great. I don't really care. Christian." Great. I don't really care. Let's all do it together. Staff, do it. Let's all do it together. Staff, do it. Let's all do it together. Staff, do it. I'll do it. You do it. What I want you I'll do it. You do it. What I want you I'll do it. You do it. What I want you to do is just tell me what's your next to do is just tell me what's your next to do is just tell me what's your next step. And I'll give you some categories step. And I'll give you some categories step. And I'll give you some categories and your next step is on here somewhere. and your next step is on here somewhere. and your next step is on here somewhere. Attend. Those of you that just came back Attend. Those of you that just came back Attend. Those of you that just came back because you haven't been here all because you haven't been here all because you haven't been here all summer. Let's just let's make church summer. Let's just let's make church summer. Let's just let's make church every time we're in town a regular part every time we're in town a regular part every time we're in town a regular part of what we do. You you're not going to of what we do. You you're not going to of what we do. You you're not going to grow spiritually if you're not in the grow spiritually if you're not in the grow spiritually if you're not in the presence of God with God's people. presence of God with God's people. presence of God with God's people. Church is not just some place we go. Church is not just some place we go. Church is not just some place we go. This is this is it's a body. It's who we This is this is it's a body. It's who we This is this is it's a body. It's who we are. And we don't just go, we serve are. And we don't just go, we serve are. And we don't just go, we serve there. And so some of you say, "Well, there. And so some of you say, "Well, there. And so some of you say, "Well, it's actually time that I serve here." it's actually time that I serve here." it's actually time that I serve here." You drop your kids off and someone else You drop your kids off and someone else You drop your kids off and someone else loves on them every single week. You loves on them every single week. You loves on them every single week. You bring your kids to switch, someone else bring your kids to switch, someone else bring your kids to switch, someone else loves them on every single week. You're loves them on every single week. You're loves them on every single week. You're gifted by God with spiritual gifts to gifted by God with spiritual gifts to gifted by God with spiritual gifts to make a difference in his body. If you're make a difference in his body. If you're make a difference in his body. If you're not doing something, there's something not doing something, there's something not doing something, there's something he wants to be done that's not being he wants to be done that's not being he wants to be done that's not being done. done. done. >> Sir, um, tithe. God's been speaking to >> Sir, um, tithe. God's been speaking to >> Sir, um, tithe. God's been speaking to some of you. You know, it's time to take some of you. You know, it's time to take some of you. You know, it's time to take that step of faith. You don't have all that step of faith. You don't have all that step of faith. You don't have all the details. You take the God says, the details. You take the God says, the details. You take the God says, "Test me in this. Try it." Uh, find "Test me in this. Try it." Uh, find "Test me in this. Try it." Uh, find community. I've been talking about this community. I've been talking about this community. I've been talking about this a lot. And the reason is because it a lot. And the reason is because it a lot. And the reason is because it matters a lot. It matters a lot. You matters a lot. It matters a lot. You matters a lot. It matters a lot. You will never become a fully devoted will never become a fully devoted will never become a fully devoted follower of Christ without the people follower of Christ without the people follower of Christ without the people that God wants in your life to pray for that God wants in your life to pray for that God wants in your life to pray for you, love you, support you. And you need you, love you, support you. And you need you, love you, support you. And you need to love and support them as well. Um, to love and support them as well. Um, to love and support them as well. Um, find community. Take a step of find community. Take a step of find community. Take a step of obedience. And this is this is big obedience. And this is this is big obedience. And this is this is big enough for anything for you. It's it's enough for anything for you. It's it's enough for anything for you. It's it's that conversation that you've been that conversation that you've been that conversation that you've been avoiding. It's confessing that sin. Um, avoiding. It's confessing that sin. Um, avoiding. It's confessing that sin. Um, it's a child that you need to fight for.

it's a child that you need to fight for. it's a child that you need to fight for. It's someone that you need to invite to It's someone that you need to invite to It's someone that you need to invite to church. It's someone you need to be a church. It's someone you need to be a church. It's someone you need to be a witness to. It's the person that God is witness to. It's the person that God is witness to. It's the person that God is prompting you to forgive and you haven't prompting you to forgive and you haven't prompting you to forgive and you haven't forgiven them yet. Um it's the walk forgiven them yet. Um it's the walk forgiven them yet. Um it's the walk across the beach to make the call. across the beach to make the call. across the beach to make the call. Something personal for you. Um get Something personal for you. Um get Something personal for you. Um get baptized. Uh there are those of you that baptized. Uh there are those of you that baptized. Uh there are those of you that you um you've never been baptized. This you um you've never been baptized. This you um you've never been baptized. This is part of being a follower of Christ. is part of being a follower of Christ. is part of being a follower of Christ. We publicly declare our sins have been We publicly declare our sins have been We publicly declare our sins have been forgiven. We put you in a in a pool that forgiven. We put you in a in a pool that forgiven. We put you in a in a pool that symbolizes your sins are being washed symbolizes your sins are being washed symbolizes your sins are being washed away. If you're really been really bad, away. If you're really been really bad, away. If you're really been really bad, we put you under for a long time. and we we put you under for a long time. and we we put you under for a long time. and we give you a little extra extra wash in give you a little extra extra wash in give you a little extra extra wash in there and uh and you need to do that. there and uh and you need to do that. there and uh and you need to do that. Some of you like, well, I did that when Some of you like, well, I did that when Some of you like, well, I did that when I was a kid and I don't remember like so I was a kid and I don't remember like so I was a kid and I don't remember like so maybe you decide to do it. Tell us that maybe you decide to do it. Tell us that maybe you decide to do it. Tell us that and we'll help you do it next time. And and we'll help you do it next time. And and we'll help you do it next time. And then some of you, your next step is to then some of you, your next step is to then some of you, your next step is to stop living for yourself and to live for stop living for yourself and to live for stop living for yourself and to live for the one who gave his life for you to the one who gave his life for you to the one who gave his life for you to follow Jesus. follow Jesus. follow Jesus. >> And what I want you to do is just be >> And what I want you to do is just be >> And what I want you to do is just be real prayerful about it. You've got the real prayerful about it. You've got the real prayerful about it. You've got the card and I I would love for everybody to card and I I would love for everybody to card and I I would love for everybody to do this. And maybe your prayer today, do this. And maybe your prayer today, do this. And maybe your prayer today, it'll sound a little bit like Esther's.

it'll sound a little bit like Esther's. it'll sound a little bit like Esther's. God, I don't know the details. I don't God, I don't know the details. I don't God, I don't know the details. I don't know how this is going to end. Um, but I know how this is going to end. Um, but I know how this is going to end. Um, but I believe you put me here for this moment believe you put me here for this moment believe you put me here for this moment to hear from you and to take a step. And to hear from you and to take a step. And to hear from you and to take a step. And so, I'm going to trust you with the so, I'm going to trust you with the so, I'm going to trust you with the outcome. I don't know what where this is outcome. I don't know what where this is outcome. I don't know what where this is going to go, but God, I'm going to trust going to go, but God, I'm going to trust going to go, but God, I'm going to trust you. And so what I'm going to ask you to you. And so what I'm going to ask you to you. And so what I'm going to ask you to do is if you do trust God is just fill do is if you do trust God is just fill do is if you do trust God is just fill this little thing out and then just say this little thing out and then just say this little thing out and then just say it with me. Just kind of just say it. it with me. Just kind of just say it. it with me. Just kind of just say it. Just say, "God, I trust you." Just say, "God, I trust you." Just say, "God, I trust you." >> Let's try it again. All of our churches, >> Let's try it again. All of our churches, >> Let's try it again. All of our churches, just say it one. We'll do it. We'll do just say it one. We'll do it. We'll do just say it one. We'll do it. We'll do it count of three to make sure together. it count of three to make sure together. it count of three to make sure together. One, two, three. God, I trust you. One, two, three. God, I trust you. One, two, three. God, I trust you. >> And now, real slowly, just kind of from >> And now, real slowly, just kind of from >> And now, real slowly, just kind of from your heart, I'm going to count to three your heart, I'm going to count to three your heart, I'm going to count to three and then just at your own pace, I want and then just at your own pace, I want and then just at your own pace, I want you to just think about it. What's God you to just think about it. What's God you to just think about it. What's God calling you to do? calling you to do? calling you to do? What what's your next step? What what's your next step? What what's your next step? Scary? Take some faith. Scary? Take some faith. Scary? Take some faith. Listen, if you're living in that secret Listen, if you're living in that secret Listen, if you're living in that secret sin, you haven't overcome it yourself. sin, you haven't overcome it yourself. sin, you haven't overcome it yourself. Let's confess it. Let's confess it. Let's confess it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Let's confess it. If your relationship's >> Let's confess it. If your relationship's >> Let's confess it. If your relationship's not where it's supposed to be, let's not not where it's supposed to be, let's not not where it's supposed to be, let's not pretend like it is. Let's talk about it.

pretend like it is. Let's talk about it. pretend like it is. Let's talk about it. If you drifted from God and you know it, If you drifted from God and you know it, If you drifted from God and you know it, let's just cry out to him. Step back and let's just cry out to him. Step back and let's just cry out to him. Step back and say, "I want to be close to you." What say, "I want to be close to you." What say, "I want to be close to you." What is your next step? Let's report it and is your next step? Let's report it and is your next step? Let's report it and then when you're ready at the count of then when you're ready at the count of then when you're ready at the count of three, just say, "God, I trust you." 1 2 three, just say, "God, I trust you." 1 2 three, just say, "God, I trust you." 1 2 3. 3. 3. >> God, I trust. >> God, I trust. >> God, I trust. >> So, heavenly father, we do trust you. >> So, heavenly father, we do trust you. >> So, heavenly father, we do trust you. Um, you're faithful. You're good. Your Um, you're faithful. You're good. Your Um, you're faithful. You're good. Your word is always true. And God, I pray word is always true. And God, I pray word is always true. And God, I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit would that the power of the Holy Spirit would that the power of the Holy Spirit would help us individually help us individually help us individually take one step forward and then take one step forward and then take one step forward and then corporately, God, that our church would corporately, God, that our church would corporately, God, that our church would be stronger because together we're all be stronger because together we're all be stronger because together we're all stepping toward you. stepping toward you. stepping toward you. Holy Spirit, show us all Holy Spirit, show us all Holy Spirit, show us all what is our next step. what is our next step. what is our next step. God, we'll talk about it in our life God, we'll talk about it in our life God, we'll talk about it in our life group. We'll talk about it over dinner. group. We'll talk about it over dinner. group. We'll talk about it over dinner. We'll talk about it over lunch. God, if We'll talk about it over lunch. God, if We'll talk about it over lunch. God, if there's someone here that needs that there's someone here that needs that there's someone here that needs that community, God, I pray that you would um community, God, I pray that you would um community, God, I pray that you would um surround us by the right people. Give us surround us by the right people. Give us surround us by the right people. Give us the courage to reach out, to make an the courage to reach out, to make an the courage to reach out, to make an ask. Show us where to serve. Give us the ask. Show us where to serve. Give us the ask. Show us where to serve. Give us the faith to tithe.

faith to tithe. faith to tithe. that draw us close to you. Whatever you that draw us close to you. Whatever you that draw us close to you. Whatever you call us to do, God, if I perish, I call us to do, God, if I perish, I call us to do, God, if I perish, I perish. If you're if you're faithful, perish. If you're if you're faithful, perish. If you're if you're faithful, God, we're going to see your God, we're going to see your God, we're going to see your faithfulness. We believe you will be faithfulness. We believe you will be faithfulness. We believe you will be faithful as we take the next step. As faithful as we take the next step. As faithful as we take the next step. As you keep praying today, just just just you keep praying today, just just just you keep praying today, just just just give it kind of a holy moment. Just sit give it kind of a holy moment. Just sit give it kind of a holy moment. Just sit in the presence of God. Just kind of in the presence of God. Just kind of in the presence of God. Just kind of wait on him as he speaks to you. wait on him as he speaks to you. wait on him as he speaks to you. Speak to us, God. Speak to us, God. Speak to us, God. We need you. Guide our steps, Guide our steps, God. We know you won't show us all the God. We know you won't show us all the God. We know you won't show us all the details, details, details, but God will trust you with the next but God will trust you with the next but God will trust you with the next step. As you keep praying today, for some of As you keep praying today, for some of you, your next step is to step away from you, your next step is to step away from you, your next step is to step away from your sinful nature and step toward the your sinful nature and step toward the your sinful nature and step toward the grace of God. grace of God. grace of God. And I'm going to try to make this just And I'm going to try to make this just And I'm going to try to make this just as clear as I can. um because it is the as clear as I can. um because it is the as clear as I can. um because it is the best news I could ever share with you.

best news I could ever share with you. best news I could ever share with you. The bad news is that we've all messed The bad news is that we've all messed The bad news is that we've all messed up. You know, you've done it. You've up. You know, you've done it. You've up. You know, you've done it. You've told lies. You've hurt people. You've told lies. You've hurt people. You've told lies. You've hurt people. You've done things you're embarrassed by. Um done things you're embarrassed by. Um done things you're embarrassed by. Um the Bible calls that sin. It's not a the Bible calls that sin. It's not a the Bible calls that sin. It's not a popular word. It's a biblical word. It's popular word. It's a biblical word. It's popular word. It's a biblical word. It's a real word. And we've all sinned. I a real word. And we've all sinned. I a real word. And we've all sinned. I have. You have. We all have. And our sin have. You have. We all have. And our sin have. You have. We all have. And our sin separates us from God. But the good news separates us from God. But the good news separates us from God. But the good news is that God's gift of salvation is not is that God's gift of salvation is not is that God's gift of salvation is not based on our good works. And our sins based on our good works. And our sins based on our good works. And our sins can be forgiven by the grace of God can be forgiven by the grace of God can be forgiven by the grace of God through faith in Jesus. Scripture tells through faith in Jesus. Scripture tells through faith in Jesus. Scripture tells us that that we're not saved by our own us that that we're not saved by our own us that that we're not saved by our own works, but by God's grace by putting works, but by God's grace by putting works, but by God's grace by putting faith in Jesus. Who is Jesus? He is the faith in Jesus. Who is Jesus? He is the faith in Jesus. Who is Jesus? He is the perfect sinless son of God perfect sinless son of God perfect sinless son of God who died on a cross to pay for the price who died on a cross to pay for the price who died on a cross to pay for the price for our sins. And three days later, God for our sins. And three days later, God for our sins. And three days later, God raised him from the dead so that anyone, raised him from the dead so that anyone, raised him from the dead so that anyone, and this includes you, who calls on his and this includes you, who calls on his and this includes you, who calls on his name would be saved, transformed, name would be saved, transformed, name would be saved, transformed, forgiven. There are those of you that forgiven. There are those of you that forgiven. There are those of you that God brought here today for such a time God brought here today for such a time God brought here today for such a time as this. as this. as this. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And you know it. You can sense it.

>> And you know it. You can sense it. >> And you know it. You can sense it. You're tired of doing life on your own. You're tired of doing life on your own. You're tired of doing life on your own. You're tired of wondering where you You're tired of wondering where you You're tired of wondering where you stand with God. You're tired of feeling stand with God. You're tired of feeling stand with God. You're tired of feeling guilty for your sins. When you call on guilty for your sins. When you call on guilty for your sins. When you call on the name of Jesus, he hears your the name of Jesus, he hears your the name of Jesus, he hears your prayers. He forgives your sins. He makes prayers. He forgives your sins. He makes prayers. He forgives your sins. He makes you brand new and fills you with the you brand new and fills you with the you brand new and fills you with the spirit of God. So now you have access. spirit of God. So now you have access. spirit of God. So now you have access. You can come boldly before his throne of You can come boldly before his throne of You can come boldly before his throne of grace to find help in your time of need. grace to find help in your time of need. grace to find help in your time of need. You are not here by accident. What you You are not here by accident. What you You are not here by accident. What you feel in your heart is the divine feel in your heart is the divine feel in your heart is the divine providence of God. He brought you here providence of God. He brought you here providence of God. He brought you here for this moment. For such a time as for this moment. For such a time as for this moment. For such a time as this, step away from your old life. Step this, step away from your old life. Step this, step away from your old life. Step into your new life. At all of our into your new life. At all of our into your new life. At all of our churches today, you recognize that's churches today, you recognize that's churches today, you recognize that's you. Today is the day of your salvation. you. Today is the day of your salvation. you. Today is the day of your salvation. For such a time as this, I choose to For such a time as this, I choose to For such a time as this, I choose to follow Jesus. I give my life to him. follow Jesus. I give my life to him. follow Jesus. I give my life to him. That's your prayer. Lift your hands high That's your prayer. Lift your hands high That's your prayer. Lift your hands high right now. Lift them up high all over right now. Lift them up high all over right now. Lift them up high all over the place and say, "That's my prayer." the place and say, "That's my prayer." the place and say, "That's my prayer." Right back over there. Praise God for Right back over there. Praise God for Right back over there. Praise God for you. Others of you right back here and you. Others of you right back here and you. Others of you right back here and over there as well. Oh my gosh, that's over there as well. Oh my gosh, that's over there as well. Oh my gosh, that's great. Others today say, "Yes, Jesus, I great. Others today say, "Yes, Jesus, I great. Others today say, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender. Be the Lord of my life." surrender. Be the Lord of my life." surrender. Be the Lord of my life." Right back over here and over here as Right back over here and over here as Right back over here and over here as well. Right back up there. OH, CHURCH, well. Right back up there. OH, CHURCH, well. Right back up there. OH, CHURCH, CAN WE PRAISE GOD? Others today say, CAN WE PRAISE GOD? Others today say, CAN WE PRAISE GOD? Others today say, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender." Online, you "Yes, Jesus, I surrender." Online, you "Yes, Jesus, I surrender." Online, you can just type in the comment section, can just type in the comment section, can just type in the comment section, I'm surrendering my life to Christ.

I'm surrendering my life to Christ. I'm surrendering my life to Christ. Would you all just pray together? Let's Would you all just pray together? Let's Would you all just pray together? Let's just let's pray together. Heavenly just let's pray together. Heavenly just let's pray together. Heavenly Father, Father, Father, >> Heavenly Father, >> Heavenly Father, >> Heavenly Father, >> thank you. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> Thank you >> Thank you >> Thank you >> that I'm in your presence. >> that I'm in your presence. >> that I'm in your presence. >> I'm in your presence. When others come >> I'm in your presence. When others come >> I'm in your presence. When others come to know you, to know you, to know you, >> when others come to know, >> when others come to know, >> when others come to know, >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> All my s >> All my s >> All my s >> save me, Jesus. >> save me, Jesus. >> save me, Jesus. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> Be the Lord of my life. >> First in every single way. >> First in every single way. >> First in every single way. >> Holy Spirit, fill me. >> Holy Spirit, fill me. >> Holy Spirit, fill me. >> So I could know you can >> So I could know you can >> So I could know you can >> and take the next step. >> and take the next step. >> and take the next step. >> Show me step by step. >> Show me step by step. >> Show me step by step. >> So I can follow you. >> So I can follow you. >> So I can follow you. >> So I'm walking with you. >> So I'm walking with you. >> So I'm walking with you. >> I'm walking. >> I'm walking. >> I'm walking. >> Showing your love. >> Showing your love. >> Showing your love. >> Doing your will. >> Doing your will. >> Doing your will. >> My life is not my own. I give it all to >> My life is not my own. I give it all to >> My life is not my own. I give it all to you. you. you. >> I give it all to you. Give me wisdom to >> I give it all to you. Give me wisdom to >> I give it all to you. Give me wisdom to take the next step. Give me faith to take the next step. Give me faith to take the next step. Give me faith to take the next step. Help me to glorify take the next step. Help me to glorify take the next step. Help me to glorify you by taking the next step. You have you by taking the next step. You have you by taking the next step. You have all of my life because I trust you. In all of my life because I trust you. In all of my life because I trust you. In Jesus name I pray. Come on church. Let's Jesus name I pray. Come on church. Let's Jesus name I pray. Come on church. Let's give God praise today. Come on church. give God praise today. Come on church. give God praise today. Come on church. >> WE can trust that God works through all >> WE can trust that God works through all >> WE can trust that God works through all of our circumstances. Even when we of our circumstances. Even when we of our circumstances. Even when we struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just click here.