Back On Track With My Relationships | Stacie Wood

Hey church family, in just a moment Hey church family, in just a moment you're you're going to see a video that you're you're going to see a video that you're you're going to see a video that is a recap of what God did in our midst is a recap of what God did in our midst is a recap of what God did in our midst last year at the return gathering and last year at the return gathering and last year at the return gathering and your heart is going to be inspired for your heart is going to be inspired for your heart is going to be inspired for for what God's going to do as we gather for what God's going to do as we gather for what God's going to do as we gather together February 18th through 20th. And together February 18th through 20th. And together February 18th through 20th. And I I want to invite you to be a part of I I want to invite you to be a part of I I want to invite you to be a part of that gathering. We're we're entering that gathering. We're we're entering that gathering. We're we're entering into a season of calling on the name of into a season of calling on the name of into a season of calling on the name of the Lord to move in our midst. And on the Lord to move in our midst. And on the Lord to move in our midst. And on Monday morning at all of our campuses, Monday morning at all of our campuses, Monday morning at all of our campuses, we're launching into 21 days of prayer we're launching into 21 days of prayer we're launching into 21 days of prayer and fasting. And I want to invite you to and fasting. And I want to invite you to and fasting. And I want to invite you to be there on Monday morning at 7 a.m. at be there on Monday morning at 7 a.m. at be there on Monday morning at 7 a.m. at your local campus. Let's cry out to God your local campus. Let's cry out to God your local campus. Let's cry out to God for our generation, for him to move in for our generation, for him to move in for our generation, for him to move in our midst, for him to impact kids, our midst, for him to impact kids, our midst, for him to impact kids, students, people who are far from his students, people who are far from his students, people who are far from his heart, and to ask this year to be a year heart, and to ask this year to be a year heart, and to ask this year to be a year where he blesses and moves in power as where he blesses and moves in power as where he blesses and moves in power as that leads us into the return gathering that leads us into the return gathering that leads us into the return gathering February 18th through 20th. So, I want February 18th through 20th. So, I want February 18th through 20th. So, I want to encourage you, be with us Monday to encourage you, be with us Monday to encourage you, be with us Monday morning. Now, in just a moment after morning. Now, in just a moment after morning. Now, in just a moment after this video, Stacy, my wife, is going to this video, Stacy, my wife, is going to this video, Stacy, my wife, is going to come and deliver a message to continue come and deliver a message to continue come and deliver a message to continue our series, Back on Track. But let's our series, Back on Track. But let's our series, Back on Track. But let's first watch this video of all that God first watch this video of all that God first watch this video of all that God did at last year's return gathering.

did at last year's return gathering. did at last year's return gathering. [applause] What did you do when you first fell in What did you do when you first fell in love with Jesus? What did we do? We love with Jesus? What did we do? We love with Jesus? What did we do? We couldn't stay in the room long enough. couldn't stay in the room long enough. couldn't stay in the room long enough. When we would worship, we would stay up When we would worship, we would stay up When we would worship, we would stay up late to talk to Jesus. Like all the late to talk to Jesus. Like all the late to talk to Jesus. Like all the things that we did at first, he's going things that we did at first, he's going things that we did at first, he's going do the first works. You haven't done too do the first works. You haven't done too do the first works. You haven't done too much and you are not too far gone. No much and you are not too far gone. No much and you are not too far gone. No sin is too great and no time is too late sin is too great and no time is too late sin is too great and no time is too late for you to return to the Lord. for you to return to the Lord. for you to return to the Lord. >> Just be honest to God and say, "God, I >> Just be honest to God and say, "God, I >> Just be honest to God and say, "God, I can't do this without you." can't do this without you." can't do this without you." >> He is gracious [music] >> He is gracious [music] >> He is gracious [music] and compassionate. He wants to show you and compassionate. He wants to show you and compassionate. He wants to show you mercy. The Lord God Almighty is drawing mercy. The Lord God Almighty is drawing mercy. The Lord God Almighty is drawing near and [music] he is saying there is a near and [music] he is saying there is a near and [music] he is saying there is a window of opportunity to respond. window of opportunity to respond. window of opportunity to respond. Do not harden your heart as the Lord Do not harden your heart as the Lord Do not harden your heart as the Lord speaks. Man, I don't know about you, but I am so Man, I don't know about you, but I am so excited and expectant about what's going excited and expectant about what's going excited and expectant about what's going to happen over the course of the next to happen over the course of the next to happen over the course of the next month here at Saddleback Church between month here at Saddleback Church between month here at Saddleback Church between 21 days of prayer leading straight into 21 days of prayer leading straight into 21 days of prayer leading straight into the return gathering. God is going to do the return gathering. God is going to do the return gathering. God is going to do so much among us. I'm glad you're here so much among us. I'm glad you're here so much among us. I'm glad you're here for it. And I just want to welcome you for it. And I just want to welcome you for it. And I just want to welcome you today. Want to welcome our campuses that today. Want to welcome our campuses that today. Want to welcome our campuses that are joining us. Those of you at each of are joining us. Those of you at each of are joining us. Those of you at each of our extensions around the world are our extensions around the world are our extensions around the world are joining us online. We know that we are joining us online. We know that we are joining us online. We know that we are one church that meets in many locations one church that meets in many locations one church that meets in many locations and we're so thankful that you are a and we're so thankful that you are a and we're so thankful that you are a part of it with us. We love you. So part of it with us. We love you. So part of it with us. We love you. So today we're talking about relationships

today we're talking about relationships today we're talking about relationships and particularly those relationships and particularly those relationships and particularly those relationships that are a bit challenging in our lives. that are a bit challenging in our lives. that are a bit challenging in our lives. We all got them, right? And for some of We all got them, right? And for some of We all got them, right? And for some of us, I I thought we could share a little us, I I thought we could share a little us, I I thought we could share a little bit about um relationships in our family bit about um relationships in our family bit about um relationships in our family to get us kicked off today. So, to get us kicked off today. So, to get us kicked off today. So, everybody knows that relationships with everybody knows that relationships with everybody knows that relationships with your siblings can be a bit of a your siblings can be a bit of a your siblings can be a bit of a challenge, right? Pretty common problem. challenge, right? Pretty common problem. challenge, right? Pretty common problem. And one thing that makes it even more And one thing that makes it even more And one thing that makes it even more complicated is when the youngest child complicated is when the youngest child complicated is when the youngest child comes into the world thinking they own comes into the world thinking they own comes into the world thinking they own the place, like kind of feeling like the place, like kind of feeling like the place, like kind of feeling like they're in charge, right? Does anybody they're in charge, right? Does anybody they're in charge, right? Does anybody else have this situation in your home else have this situation in your home else have this situation in your home where the youngest kid came on the scene where the youngest kid came on the scene where the youngest kid came on the scene just kind of thinking they were born to just kind of thinking they were born to just kind of thinking they were born to be in charge and they have completely be in charge and they have completely be in charge and they have completely disregarded birth order? It does not disregarded birth order? It does not disregarded birth order? It does not matter to them that they are the matter to them that they are the matter to them that they are the smallest in stature and they it would be smallest in stature and they it would be smallest in stature and they it would be great if they could kind of fall in great if they could kind of fall in great if they could kind of fall in line. None of that matters to them. So line. None of that matters to them. So line. None of that matters to them. So that is the case in our home. Um, we that is the case in our home. Um, we that is the case in our home. Um, we have a daughter Caris who is our have a daughter Caris who is our have a daughter Caris who is our youngest and she came out fighting, youngest and she came out fighting, youngest and she came out fighting, kicking, just like so much personality kicking, just like so much personality kicking, just like so much personality in this little body. And so I remember in this little body. And so I remember in this little body. And so I remember when she was little, I used to always when she was little, I used to always when she was little, I used to always say Caris is the epitome of sugar and say Caris is the epitome of sugar and say Caris is the epitome of sugar and spice because she was the cutest little spice because she was the cutest little spice because she was the cutest little child. Like she was so endearing, so child. Like she was so endearing, so child. Like she was so endearing, so adorable. But you can see in this adorable. But you can see in this adorable. But you can see in this picture, she's a bit cheeky, right? like picture, she's a bit cheeky, right? like picture, she's a bit cheeky, right? like she's she's got a bit of an attitude.

she's she's got a bit of an attitude. she's she's got a bit of an attitude. She's going to take up plenty of space She's going to take up plenty of space She's going to take up plenty of space in life. And so obviously this is not in life. And so obviously this is not in life. And so obviously this is not going to go great with her older going to go great with her older going to go great with her older brothers. And one day um she is just brothers. And one day um she is just brothers. And one day um she is just giving Sammy a run for his money. And he giving Sammy a run for his money. And he giving Sammy a run for his money. And he is so frustrated with her. He's just is so frustrated with her. He's just is so frustrated with her. He's just exasperated by by these interactions. So exasperated by by these interactions. So exasperated by by these interactions. So he comes to me for a little backup he comes to me for a little backup he comes to me for a little backup support and he's like, "Mom, help me support and he's like, "Mom, help me support and he's like, "Mom, help me out." And so Andy and I had been working out." And so Andy and I had been working out." And so Andy and I had been working very diligently with our kids on how to very diligently with our kids on how to very diligently with our kids on how to do a proper apology. So I call Caris do a proper apology. So I call Caris do a proper apology. So I call Caris over and I'm like, "Caris, you need to over and I'm like, "Caris, you need to over and I'm like, "Caris, you need to apologize to Sammy for how you've been apologize to Sammy for how you've been apologize to Sammy for how you've been treating him today." She's about four treating him today." She's about four treating him today." She's about four years old at this point. You need to years old at this point. You need to years old at this point. You need to apologize. And so she looks at him. She apologize. And so she looks at him. She apologize. And so she looks at him. She puts her hands on her hips and she gets puts her hands on her hips and she gets puts her hands on her hips and she gets this stinky look on her face and she this stinky look on her face and she this stinky look on her face and she goes, "I'm sorry, Sammy, for terrorizing goes, "I'm sorry, Sammy, for terrorizing goes, "I'm sorry, Sammy, for terrorizing you." you." you." And then she just burst out laughing And then she just burst out laughing And then she just burst out laughing and I I was like, I didn't even know you and I I was like, I didn't even know you and I I was like, I didn't even know you knew that word, terrorizing. But from knew that word, terrorizing. But from knew that word, terrorizing. But from then on, her nickname became Caris the then on, her nickname became Caris the then on, her nickname became Caris the terrorist. Um it just seems like it fit.

terrorist. Um it just seems like it fit. terrorist. Um it just seems like it fit. So all of us have relationships in our So all of us have relationships in our So all of us have relationships in our life that are just harder to manage, life that are just harder to manage, life that are just harder to manage, right? It's super easy to get off track right? It's super easy to get off track right? It's super easy to get off track in our relationships. And so the whole in our relationships. And so the whole in our relationships. And so the whole month of January, we have devoted our month of January, we have devoted our month of January, we have devoted our time to thinking about how can we get time to thinking about how can we get time to thinking about how can we get every area of our life back on track every area of our life back on track every area of our life back on track with God. How can we put God at the with God. How can we put God at the with God. How can we put God at the center of our lives in every different center of our lives in every different center of our lives in every different area? How can we honor Jesus with our area? How can we honor Jesus with our area? How can we honor Jesus with our finances? How can we honor Jesus with finances? How can we honor Jesus with finances? How can we honor Jesus with our health? How can we honor Jesus with our health? How can we honor Jesus with our health? How can we honor Jesus with our work? And today we're talking about our work? And today we're talking about our work? And today we're talking about how can we honor Jesus in the way that how can we honor Jesus in the way that how can we honor Jesus in the way that we relate to other people. Now the truth we relate to other people. Now the truth we relate to other people. Now the truth is I do not have to convince any of you is I do not have to convince any of you is I do not have to convince any of you that relationships carry pain with them, that relationships carry pain with them, that relationships carry pain with them, right? Like all of us experience this. right? Like all of us experience this. right? Like all of us experience this. And the thing about relationships is And the thing about relationships is And the thing about relationships is that I would even go so far to say that that I would even go so far to say that that I would even go so far to say that relational pain is the heaviest kind of relational pain is the heaviest kind of relational pain is the heaviest kind of pain. Do do you feel that too? That that pain. Do do you feel that too? That that pain. Do do you feel that too? That that that of all the different types of pain that of all the different types of pain that of all the different types of pain that you experience, for me, relational that you experience, for me, relational that you experience, for me, relational pain carries the heaviest burden. And I pain carries the heaviest burden. And I pain carries the heaviest burden. And I think that's for two reasons. One is think that's for two reasons. One is think that's for two reasons. One is that it's pervasive. Like it affects that it's pervasive. Like it affects that it's pervasive. Like it affects everything. And the other is just that everything. And the other is just that everything. And the other is just that it's so persistent. Like it doesn't go it's so persistent. Like it doesn't go it's so persistent. Like it doesn't go away. Like if you get mad at someone away. Like if you get mad at someone away. Like if you get mad at someone that's like driving down the road or that's like driving down the road or that's like driving down the road or they get mad at you, like that's going they get mad at you, like that's going they get mad at you, like that's going to pass really quickly. But if you have to pass really quickly. But if you have to pass really quickly. But if you have a core relationship in your life, man, a core relationship in your life, man, a core relationship in your life, man, it is like such a heavy weight and it's

it is like such a heavy weight and it's it is like such a heavy weight and it's you just can't put it down. So, you just you just can't put it down. So, you just you just can't put it down. So, you just kind of end up carrying it around with kind of end up carrying it around with kind of end up carrying it around with you everywhere you go and and people are you everywhere you go and and people are you everywhere you go and and people are like, "Hey, you doing okay? You seem a like, "Hey, you doing okay? You seem a like, "Hey, you doing okay? You seem a little heavy these days." And you're little heavy these days." And you're little heavy these days." And you're you're like, "Oh, do I I think I'm doing you're like, "Oh, do I I think I'm doing you're like, "Oh, do I I think I'm doing okay." But people can tell, right? Like okay." But people can tell, right? Like okay." But people can tell, right? Like when we're when we're carrying around when we're when we're carrying around when we're when we're carrying around this weight and we just we can't set it this weight and we just we can't set it this weight and we just we can't set it down anywhere. Like if you're in a fight down anywhere. Like if you're in a fight down anywhere. Like if you're in a fight with your spouse, you take that with you with your spouse, you take that with you with your spouse, you take that with you everywhere. It affects everything. If everywhere. It affects everything. If everywhere. It affects everything. If you've got a kid that you're out of you've got a kid that you're out of you've got a kid that you're out of sorts with, you're always thinking about sorts with, you're always thinking about sorts with, you're always thinking about it and so you just take it in with you it and so you just take it in with you it and so you just take it in with you to work. It's like sits on your lap with to work. It's like sits on your lap with to work. It's like sits on your lap with you at your desk or may maybe you're you at your desk or may maybe you're you at your desk or may maybe you're driving down the road by yourself. You driving down the road by yourself. You driving down the road by yourself. You just going to put it right there in the just going to put it right there in the just going to put it right there in the passenger seat. It's just like staring passenger seat. It's just like staring passenger seat. It's just like staring at you and and it never leaves us alone. at you and and it never leaves us alone. at you and and it never leaves us alone. Relational pain is the heaviest kind of Relational pain is the heaviest kind of Relational pain is the heaviest kind of pain because we can never put it down. pain because we can never put it down. pain because we can never put it down. It it's pervasive and it's persistent. It it's pervasive and it's persistent. It it's pervasive and it's persistent. You know, in a in a group like this with You know, in a in a group like this with You know, in a in a group like this with all the people spread across all of our all the people spread across all of our all the people spread across all of our campuses, there's such a wide variety of campuses, there's such a wide variety of campuses, there's such a wide variety of relational pain. And I know that some of relational pain. And I know that some of relational pain. And I know that some of you have like completely been cut off you have like completely been cut off you have like completely been cut off from certain loved ones in your life from certain loved ones in your life from certain loved ones in your life where you have no communication with where you have no communication with where you have no communication with them anymore because there was such a them anymore because there was such a them anymore because there was such a rift in the relationship that it's just rift in the relationship that it's just rift in the relationship that it's just completely cut off.

completely cut off. completely cut off. I know for many of you, you're you're in I know for many of you, you're you're in I know for many of you, you're you're in relationship with people where there relationship with people where there relationship with people where there just doesn't feel like there's this just doesn't feel like there's this just doesn't feel like there's this emotional connectedness. And on the emotional connectedness. And on the emotional connectedness. And on the outside, maybe your relationship looks outside, maybe your relationship looks outside, maybe your relationship looks fine. No one would suspect anything at fine. No one would suspect anything at fine. No one would suspect anything at all. But you know inside that you feel all. But you know inside that you feel all. But you know inside that you feel lonely, that you don't feel understood, lonely, that you don't feel understood, lonely, that you don't feel understood, that you don't feel seen. In fact, I that you don't feel seen. In fact, I that you don't feel seen. In fact, I thought this was so interesting how how thought this was so interesting how how thought this was so interesting how how widespread this feeling is. I was widespread this feeling is. I was widespread this feeling is. I was reading a report this week by the reading a report this week by the reading a report this week by the American Psychiatric Association. Listen American Psychiatric Association. Listen American Psychiatric Association. Listen to what it said. In 2025, to what it said. In 2025, to what it said. In 2025, 33% 33% 33% of people living with their family of people living with their family of people living with their family reported feeling lonely most of the reported feeling lonely most of the reported feeling lonely most of the time. time. time. Most of the time, these are not people Most of the time, these are not people Most of the time, these are not people who are living by themselves in an who are living by themselves in an who are living by themselves in an apartment somewhere. They're living with apartment somewhere. They're living with apartment somewhere. They're living with their family. their family. their family. One out of three of us feel lonely. Look One out of three of us feel lonely. Look One out of three of us feel lonely. Look around the room. One out of three of us around the room. One out of three of us around the room. One out of three of us feel lonely most of the time, even when feel lonely most of the time, even when feel lonely most of the time, even when we are in close proximity to other we are in close proximity to other we are in close proximity to other people, because we've we've lost the art people, because we've we've lost the art people, because we've we've lost the art of connecting at a heart level. And so, of connecting at a heart level. And so, of connecting at a heart level. And so, we live these lives that run like we live these lives that run like we live these lives that run like welloiled machines, but our welloiled machines, but our welloiled machines, but our relationships are a hollow shell.

relationships are a hollow shell. relationships are a hollow shell. And there's pain in that. when you feel And there's pain in that. when you feel And there's pain in that. when you feel like you're known by your name but not like you're known by your name but not like you're known by your name but not by your heart. When no one truly sees by your heart. When no one truly sees by your heart. When no one truly sees you. So what do we do with this? Like I you. So what do we do with this? Like I you. So what do we do with this? Like I I I know that so many of you are dealing I I know that so many of you are dealing I I know that so many of you are dealing with this kind of pain in your life and with this kind of pain in your life and with this kind of pain in your life and your relationships. And right here at your relationships. And right here at your relationships. And right here at the top of the message before we really the top of the message before we really the top of the message before we really jump into the meat of it, I just want to jump into the meat of it, I just want to jump into the meat of it, I just want to give you a moment to think about who is give you a moment to think about who is give you a moment to think about who is that in your life? Like who is the that in your life? Like who is the that in your life? Like who is the person one of the core relationships of person one of the core relationships of person one of the core relationships of your life that you just you wish you your life that you just you wish you your life that you just you wish you could get it back on track you would do could get it back on track you would do could get it back on track you would do anything to to get it back in alignment. anything to to get it back in alignment. anything to to get it back in alignment. Who is that person? And I just thought Who is that person? And I just thought Who is that person? And I just thought maybe you could write it down or put it maybe you could write it down or put it maybe you could write it down or put it maybe it's too personal to write it maybe it's too personal to write it maybe it's too personal to write it down. Maybe you just hold it in your down. Maybe you just hold it in your down. Maybe you just hold it in your mind. And throughout this message, we're mind. And throughout this message, we're mind. And throughout this message, we're just going to ask the Holy Spirit to just going to ask the Holy Spirit to just going to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you specifically about that speak to you specifically about that speak to you specifically about that person and how you could move towards person and how you could move towards person and how you could move towards them in relationship. So, why don't we them in relationship. So, why don't we them in relationship. So, why don't we do that right now? Can we just pray at do that right now? Can we just pray at do that right now? Can we just pray at all of our campuses and just lift up all of our campuses and just lift up all of our campuses and just lift up these names before God?

these names before God? these names before God? So, Father, I just want to come to you So, Father, I just want to come to you So, Father, I just want to come to you on behalf of all these relationships on behalf of all these relationships on behalf of all these relationships that are heavy on our hearts. God, would that are heavy on our hearts. God, would that are heavy on our hearts. God, would you give a specific name to each person, you give a specific name to each person, you give a specific name to each person, the relationship that you want them to the relationship that you want them to the relationship that you want them to get back on track? And over the course get back on track? And over the course get back on track? And over the course of the next few minutes, would you speak of the next few minutes, would you speak of the next few minutes, would you speak to our hearts and show us what that to our hearts and show us what that to our hearts and show us what that looks like? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. looks like? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. looks like? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Now, the question remains, what does the Now, the question remains, what does the Now, the question remains, what does the Bible have to say about these Bible have to say about these Bible have to say about these relationships in our lives? Because relationships in our lives? Because relationships in our lives? Because here's the thing. Here at Saddleach, we here's the thing. Here at Saddleach, we here's the thing. Here at Saddleach, we believe that the Bible holds the believe that the Bible holds the believe that the Bible holds the authority over our lives. And through authority over our lives. And through authority over our lives. And through the word of God, he's given us the word of God, he's given us the word of God, he's given us everything we need for life and everything we need for life and everything we need for life and godliness. There is so much in the Bible godliness. There is so much in the Bible godliness. There is so much in the Bible that talks about how we should love one that talks about how we should love one that talks about how we should love one another, how we should forgive one another, how we should forgive one another, how we should forgive one another, that if I were to go through another, that if I were to go through another, that if I were to go through every passage on relationships in the every passage on relationships in the every passage on relationships in the Bible, we'd be here for weeks. So, what Bible, we'd be here for weeks. So, what Bible, we'd be here for weeks. So, what can we deduce from what the Bible can we deduce from what the Bible can we deduce from what the Bible teaches? How can we get the help that we teaches? How can we get the help that we teaches? How can we get the help that we need for our relationships?

need for our relationships? need for our relationships? Now, before we go to the word of God, Now, before we go to the word of God, Now, before we go to the word of God, there's some foundational principles there's some foundational principles there's some foundational principles that we can extract that are so that we can extract that are so that we can extract that are so important for us to learn how to relate important for us to learn how to relate important for us to learn how to relate to one another. And the first one is to one another. And the first one is to one another. And the first one is like so foundational. If any of you have like so foundational. If any of you have like so foundational. If any of you have ever been to therapy, this is like ever been to therapy, this is like ever been to therapy, this is like you've heard this one before. And it's you've heard this one before. And it's you've heard this one before. And it's just that you cannot change another just that you cannot change another just that you cannot change another person, right? you. As much as we would person, right? you. As much as we would person, right? you. As much as we would love to be able to change another love to be able to change another love to be able to change another person, like it's just not in our person, like it's just not in our person, like it's just not in our wheelhouse of things we get to do. As wheelhouse of things we get to do. As wheelhouse of things we get to do. As much as you would love to change the way much as you would love to change the way much as you would love to change the way they chew or or the way that they drive they chew or or the way that they drive they chew or or the way that they drive or the way that they breathe or whatever or the way that they breathe or whatever or the way that they breathe or whatever the thing is that just drives you nuts the thing is that just drives you nuts the thing is that just drives you nuts and you'd love to change it. It's just and you'd love to change it. It's just and you'd love to change it. It's just not in that column of things that are in not in that column of things that are in not in that column of things that are in your control. You can't change another your control. You can't change another your control. You can't change another person. But what you can do is that you person. But what you can do is that you person. But what you can do is that you can focus on your own growth. You can can focus on your own growth. You can can focus on your own growth. You can focus on your own growth. And that is focus on your own growth. And that is focus on your own growth. And that is good news because you know what that good news because you know what that good news because you know what that means is you're not stuck. You have means is you're not stuck. You have means is you're not stuck. You have agency. So you don't you're not stuck.

agency. So you don't you're not stuck. agency. So you don't you're not stuck. The way that you are right now, the way The way that you are right now, the way The way that you are right now, the way that you feel, the way that you behave, that you feel, the way that you behave, that you feel, the way that you behave, the way that you think, it can change. the way that you think, it can change. the way that you think, it can change. It can grow. By the grace of God and the It can grow. By the grace of God and the It can grow. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that lives power of the Holy Spirit that lives power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, we can grow. And so that inside of us, we can grow. And so that inside of us, we can grow. And so that is a foundational point like we cannot is a foundational point like we cannot is a foundational point like we cannot change someone else but we can change change someone else but we can change change someone else but we can change ourselves. We can grow. So if you spend ourselves. We can grow. So if you spend ourselves. We can grow. So if you spend a lot of energy on trying to change a lot of energy on trying to change a lot of energy on trying to change another person, man, you're going to be another person, man, you're going to be another person, man, you're going to be super frustrated. Really low return on super frustrated. Really low return on super frustrated. Really low return on investment for all that energy spent. investment for all that energy spent. investment for all that energy spent. But if you will invest your time and But if you will invest your time and But if you will invest your time and attention into your own personal growth, attention into your own personal growth, attention into your own personal growth, becoming the type of person that God has becoming the type of person that God has becoming the type of person that God has created you to be, you are going to have created you to be, you are going to have created you to be, you are going to have such a fruitful life and it's going to such a fruitful life and it's going to such a fruitful life and it's going to change your relationships. That's change your relationships. That's change your relationships. That's foundational principle number one. The foundational principle number one. The foundational principle number one. The second one is this. God will not hold second one is this. God will not hold second one is this. God will not hold you accountable for another person. And you accountable for another person. And you accountable for another person. And can I just say that's really good news can I just say that's really good news can I just say that's really good news because how many times do we feel like because how many times do we feel like because how many times do we feel like guilty by association, right? like that guilty by association, right? like that guilty by association, right? like that was their dumb choice, but it's like a was their dumb choice, but it's like a was their dumb choice, but it's like a reflection on us just because I'm close reflection on us just because I'm close reflection on us just because I'm close to them. That's how that's how we feel to them. That's how that's how we feel to them. That's how that's how we feel sometimes. Any mamas out there ever sometimes. Any mamas out there ever sometimes. Any mamas out there ever gotten called to the principal's office gotten called to the principal's office gotten called to the principal's office because one of your kids did something?

because one of your kids did something? because one of your kids did something? I mean, this is this has never happened I mean, this is this has never happened I mean, this is this has never happened to me, but I know for some of you guys, to me, but I know for some of you guys, to me, but I know for some of you guys, this is a real situation. And um uh but this is a real situation. And um uh but this is a real situation. And um uh but it's like the walk of shame through that it's like the walk of shame through that it's like the walk of shame through that front office when you get called in. front office when you get called in. front office when you get called in. You're just like, I know. I'm sorry. I'm You're just like, I know. I'm sorry. I'm You're just like, I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's never going to happen again. sorry. It's never going to happen again. sorry. It's never going to happen again. You You feel like what your kid did is You You feel like what your kid did is You You feel like what your kid did is your fault. It's like what is your But your fault. It's like what is your But your fault. It's like what is your But that's not how God judges us. That's not that's not how God judges us. That's not that's not how God judges us. That's not how God holds us accountable for our how God holds us accountable for our how God holds us accountable for our kids' behavior or our parents' behavior kids' behavior or our parents' behavior kids' behavior or our parents' behavior or our spouse's behavior. You are not or our spouse's behavior. You are not or our spouse's behavior. You are not accountable for that. But we are accountable for that. But we are accountable for that. But we are accountable for ourselves. God will hold accountable for ourselves. God will hold accountable for ourselves. God will hold us accountable for ourselves. us accountable for ourselves. us accountable for ourselves. And that's really important for us to And that's really important for us to And that's really important for us to remember because God cares about the way remember because God cares about the way remember because God cares about the way that we treat other people. It's like a that we treat other people. It's like a that we treat other people. It's like a it's a little bit of a um sobering it's a little bit of a um sobering it's a little bit of a um sobering reminder, right? that God God hears reminder, right? that God God hears reminder, right? that God God hears every conversation and he sees all the every conversation and he sees all the every conversation and he sees all the stinky faces that you make and he he stinky faces that you make and he he stinky faces that you make and he he knows the intentions of our heart and knows the intentions of our heart and knows the intentions of our heart and the thoughts in our minds and it all the thoughts in our minds and it all the thoughts in our minds and it all matters to him because God cares about matters to him because God cares about matters to him because God cares about the way that we relate to one another.

the way that we relate to one another. the way that we relate to one another. So So So here comes this unanswered question. here comes this unanswered question. here comes this unanswered question. It's like how can we get our It's like how can we get our It's like how can we get our relationship back on track if we can't relationship back on track if we can't relationship back on track if we can't control the other person? Because a control the other person? Because a control the other person? Because a relationship, you know, it takes two to relationship, you know, it takes two to relationship, you know, it takes two to tango. And so if I'm like putting in all tango. And so if I'm like putting in all tango. And so if I'm like putting in all the effort, if I'm the one that's the effort, if I'm the one that's the effort, if I'm the one that's willing to grow, but the other person is willing to grow, but the other person is willing to grow, but the other person is not, then then how can I ever have hope not, then then how can I ever have hope not, then then how can I ever have hope that this relationship could get back on that this relationship could get back on that this relationship could get back on track? Well, there's a little phrase in track? Well, there's a little phrase in track? Well, there's a little phrase in the Bible that expresses God's the Bible that expresses God's the Bible that expresses God's expectations of us when it comes to expectations of us when it comes to expectations of us when it comes to relationships. And this is what it says. relationships. And this is what it says. relationships. And this is what it says. It says as far as it depends on you. As It says as far as it depends on you. As It says as far as it depends on you. As far as it depends on you. This verse is far as it depends on you. This verse is far as it depends on you. This verse is found in Romans 12 18. The whole verse found in Romans 12 18. The whole verse found in Romans 12 18. The whole verse says, "If it is possible, as far as it says, "If it is possible, as far as it says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all depends on you, be at peace with all depends on you, be at peace with all people. Be at peace with everyone." Now, people. Be at peace with everyone." Now, people. Be at peace with everyone." Now, wouldn't that be the dream? Like to get wouldn't that be the dream? Like to get wouldn't that be the dream? Like to get to be at peace with everybody. It's to be at peace with everybody. It's to be at peace with everybody. It's like, "Yeah, I'll take that option.

like, "Yeah, I'll take that option. like, "Yeah, I'll take that option. Thank you." But how many of you know Thank you." But how many of you know Thank you." But how many of you know that that that's not always possible, that that that's not always possible, that that that's not always possible, right? Like you can't force someone to right? Like you can't force someone to right? Like you can't force someone to forgive you. You can't force someone to forgive you. You can't force someone to forgive you. You can't force someone to reconcile with you or even to have a reconcile with you or even to have a reconcile with you or even to have a meal with you so you can talk it over. meal with you so you can talk it over. meal with you so you can talk it over. We can't force that upon somebody. But We can't force that upon somebody. But We can't force that upon somebody. But that's not what God is asking of you. that's not what God is asking of you. that's not what God is asking of you. He's not saying be at peace with He's not saying be at peace with He's not saying be at peace with everyone. He's saying if it is possible everyone. He's saying if it is possible everyone. He's saying if it is possible as far as it depends on you to be at as far as it depends on you to be at as far as it depends on you to be at peace with everyone. So peace with everyone. So peace with everyone. So what does that look like? Like what what does that look like? Like what what does that look like? Like what exactly does God mean when he's talking exactly does God mean when he's talking exactly does God mean when he's talking about as far as it depends on me? Like about as far as it depends on me? Like about as far as it depends on me? Like what God, what do you want me to do in what God, what do you want me to do in what God, what do you want me to do in relationship with this person that's so relationship with this person that's so relationship with this person that's so hard to get along with? Well, there's, hard to get along with? Well, there's, hard to get along with? Well, there's, like I said, there's so much in the like I said, there's so much in the like I said, there's so much in the Bible that talks about our Bible that talks about our Bible that talks about our relationships. I I actually had a really relationships. I I actually had a really relationships. I I actually had a really hard time this week deciding on which hard time this week deciding on which hard time this week deciding on which passage to teach from because there was passage to teach from because there was passage to teach from because there was like it was so broad. But I was looking like it was so broad. But I was looking like it was so broad. But I was looking at this the whole passage of Romans 12 at this the whole passage of Romans 12 at this the whole passage of Romans 12 where this verse comes from. If it is where this verse comes from. If it is where this verse comes from. If it is possible as far as it depends on you be possible as far as it depends on you be possible as far as it depends on you be at peace with everyone. And there were a at peace with everyone. And there were a at peace with everyone. And there were a lot of really good nuggets in that lot of really good nuggets in that lot of really good nuggets in that chapter. And I thought about teaching chapter. And I thought about teaching chapter. And I thought about teaching the chapter Romans 12. But it was like the chapter Romans 12. But it was like the chapter Romans 12. But it was like uh it was really broad. It talked about uh it was really broad. It talked about uh it was really broad. It talked about loving sincerely. It talked about hating loving sincerely. It talked about hating loving sincerely. It talked about hating what is evil and clinging to what is what is evil and clinging to what is what is evil and clinging to what is good. It talks about not not repaying good. It talks about not not repaying good. It talks about not not repaying evil for evil, but overcoming evil with evil for evil, but overcoming evil with evil for evil, but overcoming evil with good. So, like there's so much truth in good. So, like there's so much truth in good. So, like there's so much truth in this whole passage about relating to one this whole passage about relating to one this whole passage about relating to one another, forgiving one another. But I another, forgiving one another. But I another, forgiving one another. But I was like, man, if I go through this was like, man, if I go through this was like, man, if I go through this whole passage, it's going to feel like a

whole passage, it's going to feel like a whole passage, it's going to feel like a fire hose and you're just like, whoa, fire hose and you're just like, whoa, fire hose and you're just like, whoa, what is this? I don't remember any of what is this? I don't remember any of what is this? I don't remember any of it. I just got hit in the face. So, what it. I just got hit in the face. So, what it. I just got hit in the face. So, what I decided to do is pick out one verse I decided to do is pick out one verse I decided to do is pick out one verse and to double click on this one verse and to double click on this one verse and to double click on this one verse because a couple reasons. One, there's because a couple reasons. One, there's because a couple reasons. One, there's so much richness in this one verse. And so much richness in this one verse. And so much richness in this one verse. And secondly, this verse has really been secondly, this verse has really been secondly, this verse has really been ministering to me this week. There's ministering to me this week. There's ministering to me this week. There's some stuff that we're going through. And some stuff that we're going through. And some stuff that we're going through. And this verse has been like such a a this verse has been like such a a this verse has been like such a a stabilizing force in my life. It's super stabilizing force in my life. It's super stabilizing force in my life. It's super easy to remember. I hope that you'll easy to remember. I hope that you'll easy to remember. I hope that you'll memorize this verse tonight and you'll memorize this verse tonight and you'll memorize this verse tonight and you'll carry it with you in your heart. It carry it with you in your heart. It carry it with you in your heart. It simply says this. Romans 12:12, be simply says this. Romans 12:12, be simply says this. Romans 12:12, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, joyful in hope, patient in affliction, joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Can we say that faithful in prayer. Can we say that faithful in prayer. Can we say that together at all of our campuses? Will together at all of our campuses? Will together at all of our campuses? Will you say that with me? Be joyful in hope, you say that with me? Be joyful in hope, you say that with me? Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in patient in affliction, and faithful in patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. prayer. prayer. I want to say a few words about those I want to say a few words about those I want to say a few words about those three things. Joyful in hope. Over in three things. Joyful in hope. Over in three things. Joyful in hope. Over in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, that is the love chapter. And you that is the love chapter. And you that is the love chapter. And you probably are familiar with it. It starts probably are familiar with it. It starts probably are familiar with it. It starts off with love is patient. Love is kind.

off with love is patient. Love is kind. off with love is patient. Love is kind. And there's this one phrase in that And there's this one phrase in that And there's this one phrase in that chapter that says, "Love always hopes." chapter that says, "Love always hopes." chapter that says, "Love always hopes." That's what love does. Love reaches for That's what love does. Love reaches for That's what love does. Love reaches for a better future. Love believes the best. a better future. Love believes the best. a better future. Love believes the best. It hopes for the best. Love always It hopes for the best. Love always It hopes for the best. Love always hopes, hopes, hopes, but let's just be honest. Hope can be but let's just be honest. Hope can be but let's just be honest. Hope can be really hard to come by if you are stuck really hard to come by if you are stuck really hard to come by if you are stuck in a chronically challenging in a chronically challenging in a chronically challenging relationship where you just feel like relationship where you just feel like relationship where you just feel like this is never going to get better. And this is never going to get better. And this is never going to get better. And what happens is that hope begins to what happens is that hope begins to what happens is that hope begins to wayne and it's replaced by cynicism and wayne and it's replaced by cynicism and wayne and it's replaced by cynicism and our hearts begin to grow cold and we our hearts begin to grow cold and we our hearts begin to grow cold and we believe that this that we're stuck like believe that this that we're stuck like believe that this that we're stuck like this that that that there's no hope that this that that that there's no hope that this that that that there's no hope that things will never be different than they things will never be different than they things will never be different than they are right now. But you know hope is such are right now. But you know hope is such are right now. But you know hope is such a powerful virtue. It could be the a powerful virtue. It could be the a powerful virtue. It could be the difference between life and death for difference between life and death for difference between life and death for people. Back in the Nazi concentration people. Back in the Nazi concentration people. Back in the Nazi concentration camps, a a person that had hope was much camps, a a person that had hope was much camps, a a person that had hope was much more likely to survive. And when a more likely to survive. And when a more likely to survive. And when a person lost their hope and their purpose person lost their hope and their purpose person lost their hope and their purpose for living, they they typically would for living, they they typically would for living, they they typically would quickly pass away. The the virtue of quickly pass away. The the virtue of quickly pass away. The the virtue of hope has a sustaining power to our hope has a sustaining power to our hope has a sustaining power to our lives. Now, there's a a quote by John lives. Now, there's a a quote by John lives. Now, there's a a quote by John Piper. I wanted to read this to you.

Piper. I wanted to read this to you. Piper. I wanted to read this to you. says, "Hope is the soil where joy grows. says, "Hope is the soil where joy grows. says, "Hope is the soil where joy grows. When life is hard, you can either give When life is hard, you can either give When life is hard, you can either give up on joy or you can get it from hope." up on joy or you can get it from hope." up on joy or you can get it from hope." You see, when when you're in the middle You see, when when you're in the middle You see, when when you're in the middle of some really intense circumstances of some really intense circumstances of some really intense circumstances that are no fun at all, joy is hard to that are no fun at all, joy is hard to that are no fun at all, joy is hard to come by, isn't it? It's like, I am not come by, isn't it? It's like, I am not come by, isn't it? It's like, I am not enjoying this at all. So, where do you enjoying this at all. So, where do you enjoying this at all. So, where do you get joy? You get it by looking to a get joy? You get it by looking to a get joy? You get it by looking to a future hope that this pain is temporary. future hope that this pain is temporary. future hope that this pain is temporary. This pain will not be here forever. That This pain will not be here forever. That This pain will not be here forever. That one day there will be a better day. And one day there will be a better day. And one day there will be a better day. And so that future hope feeds today's joy. so that future hope feeds today's joy. so that future hope feeds today's joy. You see that it's like the future that You see that it's like the future that You see that it's like the future that could be better. It's giving you the could be better. It's giving you the could be better. It's giving you the strength and the joy to remain today. strength and the joy to remain today. strength and the joy to remain today. You know there is nothing that is You know there is nothing that is You know there is nothing that is impossible for God. And so when as impossible for God. And so when as impossible for God. And so when as Christians so many times how many times Christians so many times how many times Christians so many times how many times do we speak death over something that do we speak death over something that do we speak death over something that God intends to live like God never told God intends to live like God never told God intends to live like God never told you that that thing is dead and yet you that that thing is dead and yet you that that thing is dead and yet we're speaking death with our words over we're speaking death with our words over we're speaking death with our words over that circumstance or that relationship that circumstance or that relationship that circumstance or that relationship but God intends it to live. Nothing is but God intends it to live. Nothing is but God intends it to live. Nothing is too hard for God. He is the God of too hard for God. He is the God of too hard for God. He is the God of miracles. There is no prodal that is too miracles. There is no prodal that is too miracles. There is no prodal that is too far gone. He brings dead things back to far gone. He brings dead things back to far gone. He brings dead things back to life. He is the God that takes that life. He is the God that takes that life. He is the God that takes that stony hardened heart and replaces it stony hardened heart and replaces it stony hardened heart and replaces it with a heart of flesh. He is able to

with a heart of flesh. He is able to with a heart of flesh. He is able to breathe life into the dead, dry bones of breathe life into the dead, dry bones of breathe life into the dead, dry bones of your marriage today. And so don't speak your marriage today. And so don't speak your marriage today. And so don't speak death over things that God intends to death over things that God intends to death over things that God intends to live. There is always hope if you were live. There is always hope if you were live. There is always hope if you were in Christ. And what if your breakthrough in Christ. And what if your breakthrough in Christ. And what if your breakthrough is just around the corner? There's is just around the corner? There's is just around the corner? There's always hope in Christ. But sometimes we always hope in Christ. But sometimes we always hope in Christ. But sometimes we need something a little bit stronger need something a little bit stronger need something a little bit stronger than the hope that this relationship than the hope that this relationship than the hope that this relationship could ever get better. Like regardless could ever get better. Like regardless could ever get better. Like regardless of what happens in this present of what happens in this present of what happens in this present circumstance, even if the prodal doesn't circumstance, even if the prodal doesn't circumstance, even if the prodal doesn't come home, even if your father never come home, even if your father never come home, even if your father never says that he's sorry, even if your says that he's sorry, even if your says that he's sorry, even if your marriage just crumbles because your marriage just crumbles because your marriage just crumbles because your spouse disregards your covenant, even spouse disregards your covenant, even spouse disregards your covenant, even then you can have hope in something that then you can have hope in something that then you can have hope in something that is greater. The Bible talks about in the is greater. The Bible talks about in the is greater. The Bible talks about in the book of Hebrews, this hope that is an book of Hebrews, this hope that is an book of Hebrews, this hope that is an anchor for our soul. anchor for our soul. anchor for our soul. the fact that Jesus Christ has gone the fact that Jesus Christ has gone the fact that Jesus Christ has gone before us that he's prepared a way for before us that he's prepared a way for before us that he's prepared a way for us to have a different kind of life.

us to have a different kind of life. us to have a different kind of life. That there's an eternal reality that That there's an eternal reality that That there's an eternal reality that will wipe away the pain of this present will wipe away the pain of this present will wipe away the pain of this present circumstance. There is a hope that is an circumstance. There is a hope that is an circumstance. There is a hope that is an anchor for our souls. This is a anchor for our souls. This is a anchor for our souls. This is a resilient kind of joy, right? It's a resilient kind of joy, right? It's a resilient kind of joy, right? It's a it's a defiant kind of joy. like even it's a defiant kind of joy. like even it's a defiant kind of joy. like even even in the midst of this I can still even in the midst of this I can still even in the midst of this I can still have joy because I know that this pain have joy because I know that this pain have joy because I know that this pain is temporary because it's not rooted in is temporary because it's not rooted in is temporary because it's not rooted in its in this present circumstance it's its in this present circumstance it's its in this present circumstance it's rooted in the future hope so this kind rooted in the future hope so this kind rooted in the future hope so this kind of joy is saying hey things are really of joy is saying hey things are really of joy is saying hey things are really rough right now rough right now rough right now but I know that my God is more than able but I know that my God is more than able but I know that my God is more than able I know that weeping may remain for I know that weeping may remain for I know that weeping may remain for tonight but joy comes in the morning tonight but joy comes in the morning tonight but joy comes in the morning it's a future hope that I'm cleaning it's a future hope that I'm cleaning it's a future hope that I'm cleaning mean to. And that is an anchor for your mean to. And that is an anchor for your mean to. And that is an anchor for your soul. And so we're instructed in this soul. And so we're instructed in this soul. And so we're instructed in this passage to be joyful in hope. Don't give passage to be joyful in hope. Don't give passage to be joyful in hope. Don't give up on hope. The second the second up on hope. The second the second up on hope. The second the second instruction is to be patient in instruction is to be patient in instruction is to be patient in affliction. Now, let's just be honest.

affliction. Now, let's just be honest. affliction. Now, let's just be honest. We are not the most resilient generation We are not the most resilient generation We are not the most resilient generation that has ever walked planet Earth. we um that has ever walked planet Earth. we um that has ever walked planet Earth. we um we are kind of known for giving up a we are kind of known for giving up a we are kind of known for giving up a little too soon. Um for example, little too soon. Um for example, little too soon. Um for example, our resiliency levels, right? So, we're our resiliency levels, right? So, we're our resiliency levels, right? So, we're the kind of generation that needs to the kind of generation that needs to the kind of generation that needs to like take a mental health day when our like take a mental health day when our like take a mental health day when our boss gives us some feedback, right? Like boss gives us some feedback, right? Like boss gives us some feedback, right? Like just I got to recover. I got to recover just I got to recover. I got to recover just I got to recover. I got to recover from that. We're we're the kind of from that. We're we're the kind of from that. We're we're the kind of generation that would rather just go generation that would rather just go generation that would rather just go ahead and pay the $50 late fee than ahead and pay the $50 late fee than ahead and pay the $50 late fee than actually have to call and talk to a real actually have to call and talk to a real actually have to call and talk to a real human being on the other end like to human being on the other end like to human being on the other end like to sort it out. It's like, you know what, sort it out. It's like, you know what, sort it out. It's like, you know what, you can have the money. I'm not doing you can have the money. I'm not doing you can have the money. I'm not doing that. We're the we're the kind of that. We're the we're the kind of that. We're the we're the kind of generation that we'll just cut you. Like generation that we'll just cut you. Like generation that we'll just cut you. Like if you if you send if you don't reply to if you if you send if you don't reply to if you if you send if you don't reply to our text or if you send a text that our text or if you send a text that our text or if you send a text that feels a little bit aggressive in its feels a little bit aggressive in its feels a little bit aggressive in its tone, oh, we will cut you and we will tone, oh, we will cut you and we will tone, oh, we will cut you and we will just move right along. Like we don't just move right along. Like we don't just move right along. Like we don't even need to talk about it, okay? like even need to talk about it, okay? like even need to talk about it, okay? like we're fine, it's fine. We're just we're fine, it's fine. We're just we're fine, it's fine. We're just moving. That's that's the level of moving. That's that's the level of moving. That's that's the level of resiliency we have in this in this resiliency we have in this in this resiliency we have in this in this generation. And so, can we just be real?

generation. And so, can we just be real? generation. And so, can we just be real? That that level of emotional fragility, That that level of emotional fragility, That that level of emotional fragility, it is having a negative effect on our it is having a negative effect on our it is having a negative effect on our staying power in long-term relationships staying power in long-term relationships staying power in long-term relationships because we don't want to do the hard because we don't want to do the hard because we don't want to do the hard work to push through the hard thing, work to push through the hard thing, work to push through the hard thing, right? We would we would rather look for right? We would we would rather look for right? We would we would rather look for an easier out. There was a study done by an easier out. There was a study done by an easier out. There was a study done by Cornell University re recently and it Cornell University re recently and it Cornell University re recently and it estimated that 27% estimated that 27% estimated that 27% of American adults are currently of American adults are currently of American adults are currently estranged from a close family member, estranged from a close family member, estranged from a close family member, mom, dad, sibling. mom, dad, sibling. mom, dad, sibling. And you think about that, okay? And you think about that, okay? And you think about that, okay? Currently estranged, little to no Currently estranged, little to no Currently estranged, little to no communication. communication. communication. That's one in four of us that have lost That's one in four of us that have lost That's one in four of us that have lost contact with core relationships in our contact with core relationships in our contact with core relationships in our life. Now listen, I know that there are life. Now listen, I know that there are life. Now listen, I know that there are people that have been in abusive people that have been in abusive people that have been in abusive relationships and those types of relationships and those types of relationships and those types of relationships, they do need to be cut relationships, they do need to be cut relationships, they do need to be cut off. You need to get yourself safe. And off. You need to get yourself safe. And off. You need to get yourself safe. And if that is you today, if you are in a if that is you today, if you are in a if that is you today, if you are in a relationship like that, can I just tell relationship like that, can I just tell relationship like that, can I just tell you we want to help you? We have a whole you we want to help you? We have a whole you we want to help you? We have a whole pastoral care department that would love pastoral care department that would love pastoral care department that would love to come alongside you and get you the to come alongside you and get you the to come alongside you and get you the help and the healing that you need.

help and the healing that you need. help and the healing that you need. But that's not the kind of relationship But that's not the kind of relationship But that's not the kind of relationship I'm talking about right now. I'm talking I'm talking about right now. I'm talking I'm talking about right now. I'm talking about challenging relationships. about challenging relationships. about challenging relationships. Relationships where you kind of feel Relationships where you kind of feel Relationships where you kind of feel like giving up, like it's not worth the like giving up, like it's not worth the like giving up, like it's not worth the fight anymore. But that's not what God fight anymore. But that's not what God fight anymore. But that's not what God is asking of us. He's saying, "I want is asking of us. He's saying, "I want is asking of us. He's saying, "I want you to be patient in affliction. I want you to be patient in affliction. I want you to be patient in affliction. I want you to bear up under it. I want you to you to bear up under it. I want you to you to bear up under it. I want you to have the courage to remain." That is the have the courage to remain." That is the have the courage to remain." That is the strength that God is asking of us. I strength that God is asking of us. I strength that God is asking of us. I read a article read a article read a article a few weeks ago and it was about um a few weeks ago and it was about um a few weeks ago and it was about um women in midlife that were quietly women in midlife that were quietly women in midlife that were quietly quitting on their marriages. That's what quitting on their marriages. That's what quitting on their marriages. That's what they called it, quietly quitting. they called it, quietly quitting. they called it, quietly quitting. Basically, what it meant was that they Basically, what it meant was that they Basically, what it meant was that they were emotionally and physically just were emotionally and physically just were emotionally and physically just checking out on their marriage even checking out on their marriage even checking out on their marriage even though they were staying in the same though they were staying in the same though they were staying in the same home. And they were they weren't home. And they were they weren't home. And they were they weren't quitting because of apathy, like they quitting because of apathy, like they quitting because of apathy, like they didn't care. they were quitting because didn't care. they were quitting because didn't care. they were quitting because of exhaustion. Like they had they had of exhaustion. Like they had they had of exhaustion. Like they had they had tried so hard and maybe they had they tried so hard and maybe they had they tried so hard and maybe they had they had done the couple's counseling and had done the couple's counseling and had done the couple's counseling and they had had the conversations and it they had had the conversations and it they had had the conversations and it was like nothing was getting better and was like nothing was getting better and was like nothing was getting better and they just ran out of steam and they were they just ran out of steam and they were they just ran out of steam and they were like I don't have any fight left in me like I don't have any fight left in me like I don't have any fight left in me and so they just quietly quit on their and so they just quietly quit on their and so they just quietly quit on their marriage and let a part of that marriage and let a part of that marriage and let a part of that relationship die.

relationship die. relationship die. Folks, we do this in all kinds of Folks, we do this in all kinds of Folks, we do this in all kinds of relationships. relationships. relationships. How many of us have quietly quit on How many of us have quietly quit on How many of us have quietly quit on parenting and we're just kind of like parenting and we're just kind of like parenting and we're just kind of like whatever, just do what you want to do. whatever, just do what you want to do. whatever, just do what you want to do. You don't want to spend time together, You don't want to spend time together, You don't want to spend time together, fine. You don't want to talk to me, fine. You don't want to talk to me, fine. You don't want to talk to me, whatever. You don't want to obey what whatever. You don't want to obey what whatever. You don't want to obey what I'm asking of you, just do what you want I'm asking of you, just do what you want I'm asking of you, just do what you want to do. It's whatever. I don't have the to do. It's whatever. I don't have the to do. It's whatever. I don't have the energy to keep fighting with you. And energy to keep fighting with you. And energy to keep fighting with you. And so, as parents, we just back off and we so, as parents, we just back off and we so, as parents, we just back off and we quietly quit on our kids when actually quietly quit on our kids when actually quietly quit on our kids when actually what they need is for us to press in. what they need is for us to press in. what they need is for us to press in. We we are losing so much. It comes at We we are losing so much. It comes at We we are losing so much. It comes at such a great cost when we have such a great cost when we have such a great cost when we have estrangement from these core estrangement from these core estrangement from these core relationships in our life. It's not at relationships in our life. It's not at relationships in our life. It's not at all the way that God designed us to live all the way that God designed us to live all the way that God designed us to live in loving relationship with one another. in loving relationship with one another. in loving relationship with one another. The call of Romans 12 is not to quietly The call of Romans 12 is not to quietly The call of Romans 12 is not to quietly quit. It's to be patient in affliction, quit. It's to be patient in affliction, quit. It's to be patient in affliction, to not give up, and to have the courage to not give up, and to have the courage to not give up, and to have the courage to remain. There's a promise for us in to remain. There's a promise for us in to remain. There's a promise for us in the book of First Peter 5. I want you to the book of First Peter 5. I want you to the book of First Peter 5. I want you to see this phrase. It says, it's talking see this phrase. It says, it's talking see this phrase. It says, it's talking about the God of grace. And it says, about the God of grace. And it says, about the God of grace. And it says, "After you have suffered a little while, "After you have suffered a little while, "After you have suffered a little while, he himself will restore you and make you he himself will restore you and make you he himself will restore you and make you strong and firm and steadfast." How many strong and firm and steadfast." How many strong and firm and steadfast." How many of you need the God of grace to restore of you need the God of grace to restore of you need the God of grace to restore you today? To give you a little you today? To give you a little you today? To give you a little resiliency, to make you strong and firm

resiliency, to make you strong and firm resiliency, to make you strong and firm and steadfast in this relationship where and steadfast in this relationship where and steadfast in this relationship where you would love to quit, you would love you would love to quit, you would love you would love to quit, you would love an easy out. You'd love to throw in the an easy out. You'd love to throw in the an easy out. You'd love to throw in the towel. And listen, friends, I I know towel. And listen, friends, I I know towel. And listen, friends, I I know personally I know firsthand the personally I know firsthand the personally I know firsthand the exhaustion of being in a relationship exhaustion of being in a relationship exhaustion of being in a relationship that is chronically challenging. that is chronically challenging. that is chronically challenging. And I feel like I should say it's not And I feel like I should say it's not And I feel like I should say it's not Andy. I just like you have battled with I just like you have battled with overwhelming overwhelming overwhelming desires to just quit, to throw in the desires to just quit, to throw in the desires to just quit, to throw in the towel and give up. And sometimes the towel and give up. And sometimes the towel and give up. And sometimes the only thing that motivates me to get back only thing that motivates me to get back only thing that motivates me to get back in the ring for one more round is that I in the ring for one more round is that I in the ring for one more round is that I don't want to live with regret. don't want to live with regret. don't want to live with regret. I want to know at the end of the day I want to know at the end of the day I want to know at the end of the day that as far as it's up to me, as far as that as far as it's up to me, as far as that as far as it's up to me, as far as it depends on me, I gave it everything I it depends on me, I gave it everything I it depends on me, I gave it everything I had. had. had. This kind of patience in affliction, This kind of patience in affliction, This kind of patience in affliction, it's hard. There's suffering in it's hard. There's suffering in it's hard. There's suffering in relationships, relationships, relationships, but the Lord can renew your strength.

but the Lord can renew your strength. but the Lord can renew your strength. His mercies are new every morning. His mercies are new every morning. His mercies are new every morning. I heard a story recently about this I heard a story recently about this I heard a story recently about this couple in our church actually who couple in our church actually who couple in our church actually who [snorts] they were struggling in their [snorts] they were struggling in their [snorts] they were struggling in their marriage. On the outside everything marriage. On the outside everything marriage. On the outside everything looked great. On the inside they knew looked great. On the inside they knew looked great. On the inside they knew they were just like kind of running they were just like kind of running they were just like kind of running parallel lives, not really connected to parallel lives, not really connected to parallel lives, not really connected to one another. And someone invited them to one another. And someone invited them to one another. And someone invited them to be a part of a small group here at be a part of a small group here at be a part of a small group here at Saddleach. It was a marriage small group Saddleach. It was a marriage small group Saddleach. It was a marriage small group and they had these marriage mentors and and they had these marriage mentors and and they had these marriage mentors and then some other peer couples that were then some other peer couples that were then some other peer couples that were they just started living life with them they just started living life with them they just started living life with them and they started being honest about what and they started being honest about what and they started being honest about what they were going through. They told me it they were going through. They told me it they were going through. They told me it changed their lives. It changed the changed their lives. It changed the changed their lives. It changed the trajectory of their marriage. And so I trajectory of their marriage. And so I trajectory of their marriage. And so I just want to extend that invitation to just want to extend that invitation to just want to extend that invitation to you. Like it's our desire that everyone you. Like it's our desire that everyone you. Like it's our desire that everyone at Saddleback would get involved in at Saddleback would get involved in at Saddleback would get involved in community because we believe that that community because we believe that that community because we believe that that does give you a staying power. You're so does give you a staying power. You're so does give you a staying power. You're so much stronger when there's people that much stronger when there's people that much stronger when there's people that are running the race with you than when are running the race with you than when are running the race with you than when you're some lone soldier off by you're some lone soldier off by you're some lone soldier off by yourself. And so, can I just encourage yourself. And so, can I just encourage yourself. And so, can I just encourage you today? If you are not yet in a you today? If you are not yet in a you today? If you are not yet in a group, would you consider joining one?

group, would you consider joining one? group, would you consider joining one? We're about to launch a whole new We're about to launch a whole new We're about to launch a whole new semester of Spring Life groups or small semester of Spring Life groups or small semester of Spring Life groups or small groups. And let me tell you, we have groups. And let me tell you, we have groups. And let me tell you, we have something for everyone. There are they something for everyone. There are they something for everyone. There are they are on all days of the week. They are at are on all days of the week. They are at are on all days of the week. They are at all locations. No matter where you live, all locations. No matter where you live, all locations. No matter where you live, we've got them close to your campus. We we've got them close to your campus. We we've got them close to your campus. We have them on all different topics. And have them on all different topics. And have them on all different topics. And listen, it literally could change your listen, it literally could change your listen, it literally could change your life. It could change your life. It could change your life. It could change your relationships. It could change your relationships. It could change your relationships. It could change your marriage. And so there's going to be a marriage. And so there's going to be a marriage. And so there's going to be a QR code that comes up on the screen QR code that comes up on the screen QR code that comes up on the screen right now. And if you will scan that, it right now. And if you will scan that, it right now. And if you will scan that, it will take you to the group finder. Super will take you to the group finder. Super will take you to the group finder. Super simple to sort by these groups to find a simple to sort by these groups to find a simple to sort by these groups to find a group that will work for you. But group that will work for you. But group that will work for you. But friends, let me just encourage you. friends, let me just encourage you. friends, let me just encourage you. Don't go at relationships alone. We were Don't go at relationships alone. We were Don't go at relationships alone. We were made for community and it will help us made for community and it will help us made for community and it will help us so much. so much. so much. Now this final this final instruction Now this final this final instruction Now this final this final instruction that Paul gives us in Romans 12. He says that Paul gives us in Romans 12. He says that Paul gives us in Romans 12. He says he says for us to be joyful in hope to he says for us to be joyful in hope to he says for us to be joyful in hope to be patient in affliction. And the final be patient in affliction. And the final be patient in affliction. And the final one is faithful in prayer. Faithful in one is faithful in prayer. Faithful in one is faithful in prayer. Faithful in prayer. You know the greatest battle prayer. You know the greatest battle prayer. You know the greatest battle that you will ever fight in prayer is that you will ever fight in prayer is that you will ever fight in prayer is persistence.

persistence. persistence. Is persistence when you feel like your Is persistence when you feel like your Is persistence when you feel like your prayers are literally having no effect. prayers are literally having no effect. prayers are literally having no effect. I know that so many of you have been I know that so many of you have been I know that so many of you have been praying for a relationship in your life, praying for a relationship in your life, praying for a relationship in your life, maybe for years. maybe for years. maybe for years. So have I. So have I. So have I. And sometimes you don't see any And sometimes you don't see any And sometimes you don't see any movement. movement. movement. And it can be very discouraging. And it can be very discouraging. And it can be very discouraging. You know, this past week, I was uh in You know, this past week, I was uh in You know, this past week, I was uh in this very room reading and praying over this very room reading and praying over this very room reading and praying over those prayer cards that you guys have those prayer cards that you guys have those prayer cards that you guys have turned in the last few weeks. And I had turned in the last few weeks. And I had turned in the last few weeks. And I had a stack of them that I was praying a stack of them that I was praying a stack of them that I was praying through. And I I think that people we through. And I I think that people we through. And I I think that people we realize how much we are in need of God realize how much we are in need of God realize how much we are in need of God in our relationships because so many of in our relationships because so many of in our relationships because so many of those prayer cards were about those prayer cards were about those prayer cards were about relationships in people's lives that relationships in people's lives that relationships in people's lives that were broken. And one woman, she wrote were broken. And one woman, she wrote were broken. And one woman, she wrote this whole little story of what she was this whole little story of what she was this whole little story of what she was going through in this relationship. And going through in this relationship. And going through in this relationship. And her final line just says, "God, I need her final line just says, "God, I need her final line just says, "God, I need you." Like we know that we can't go at you." Like we know that we can't go at you." Like we know that we can't go at this alone. that we need the help of this alone. that we need the help of this alone. that we need the help of God.

God. God. At our house, At our house, At our house, we have this funny little closet and it we have this funny little closet and it we have this funny little closet and it I have a picture of it. It's like you I have a picture of it. It's like you I have a picture of it. It's like you have to kind of jump to get in this have to kind of jump to get in this have to kind of jump to get in this closet and you can tell it's very small. closet and you can tell it's very small. closet and you can tell it's very small. It's like like maybe like three feet. It's like like maybe like three feet. It's like like maybe like three feet. You can't stand in it. But this closet You can't stand in it. But this closet You can't stand in it. But this closet has become a sacred space for me. This has become a sacred space for me. This has become a sacred space for me. This is like my war room. And you can see on is like my war room. And you can see on is like my war room. And you can see on the walls I have names. I have needs. I the walls I have names. I have needs. I the walls I have names. I have needs. I have prayer requests taped all over the have prayer requests taped all over the have prayer requests taped all over the walls. And and I go in this little walls. And and I go in this little walls. And and I go in this little closet most days and I I do battle in closet most days and I I do battle in closet most days and I I do battle in the spiritual realm. But you know what the spiritual realm. But you know what the spiritual realm. But you know what else I'm doing battle with? Is my own else I'm doing battle with? Is my own else I'm doing battle with? Is my own self, my own heart. I have to battle self, my own heart. I have to battle self, my own heart. I have to battle with myself. I have to fight to maintain with myself. I have to fight to maintain with myself. I have to fight to maintain faith when it doesn't feel like my faith when it doesn't feel like my faith when it doesn't feel like my prayers are being heard. I have to fight prayers are being heard. I have to fight prayers are being heard. I have to fight to continue to believe what God says is to continue to believe what God says is to continue to believe what God says is true about me. To believe his promises true about me. To believe his promises true about me. To believe his promises that he's spoken over us. to know that that he's spoken over us. to know that that he's spoken over us. to know that he's faithful and true and that the one he's faithful and true and that the one he's faithful and true and that the one who promised will do it. So I I go in who promised will do it. So I I go in who promised will do it. So I I go in this little prayer closet every day. And this little prayer closet every day. And this little prayer closet every day. And you know what? Some days, not every day, you know what? Some days, not every day, you know what? Some days, not every day, but but some days I really think I move but but some days I really think I move but but some days I really think I move mountains in there.

mountains in there. mountains in there. But you know what happens in that little But you know what happens in that little But you know what happens in that little prayer closet almost every day? prayer closet almost every day? prayer closet almost every day? He restores my soul. He restores my soul. He restores my soul. And I I just come and I bring to my And I I just come and I bring to my And I I just come and I bring to my father all of my brokenness and all of father all of my brokenness and all of father all of my brokenness and all of my relationships that are out of sort my relationships that are out of sort my relationships that are out of sort and all of my insecurities and all of my and all of my insecurities and all of my and all of my insecurities and all of my inadequacies and I lay them before my inadequacies and I lay them before my inadequacies and I lay them before my father and he reminds me of what is true father and he reminds me of what is true father and he reminds me of what is true about me. He reminds me that he holds about me. He reminds me that he holds about me. He reminds me that he holds all authority, that all wisdom is his, all authority, that all wisdom is his, all authority, that all wisdom is his, that he's got the whole world in his that he's got the whole world in his that he's got the whole world in his hands. He reminds me that he loves my hands. He reminds me that he loves my hands. He reminds me that he loves my loved ones more than I do and he is loved ones more than I do and he is loved ones more than I do and he is chasing them down with his goodness and chasing them down with his goodness and chasing them down with his goodness and mercy every day of their lives. mercy every day of their lives. mercy every day of their lives. He reminds me that prayer is having an He reminds me that prayer is having an He reminds me that prayer is having an effect. effect. effect. You know, our prayers are like little You know, our prayers are like little You know, our prayers are like little seeds that we plant in the rich soil of seeds that we plant in the rich soil of seeds that we plant in the rich soil of God's love for us. And we don't know God's love for us. And we don't know God's love for us. And we don't know when that seed is going to sprout. We when that seed is going to sprout. We when that seed is going to sprout. We don't know how long it's going to take don't know how long it's going to take don't know how long it's going to take to germinate or to show signs of life.

to germinate or to show signs of life. to germinate or to show signs of life. It might be there for a long time. But It might be there for a long time. But It might be there for a long time. But we can by faith continue to plant seeds we can by faith continue to plant seeds we can by faith continue to plant seeds in the soil of God's love, believing in the soil of God's love, believing in the soil of God's love, believing that one day there will be a harvest that one day there will be a harvest that one day there will be a harvest that will spring forth because of those that will spring forth because of those that will spring forth because of those prayers. prayers. prayers. Listen, prayer has a powerful effect on Listen, prayer has a powerful effect on Listen, prayer has a powerful effect on changing our circumstances first of all, changing our circumstances first of all, changing our circumstances first of all, but also changing us of sustaining us. On Monday, our church is entering into a On Monday, our church is entering into a really special season. 21 days of prayer really special season. 21 days of prayer really special season. 21 days of prayer and fasting. The fasting is for the Navy and fasting. The fasting is for the Navy and fasting. The fasting is for the Navy Seals out there that want to join us. in Seals out there that want to join us. in Seals out there that want to join us. in in that all of you who are like hardcore in that all of you who are like hardcore in that all of you who are like hardcore I'm going to do it you can join us in I'm going to do it you can join us in I'm going to do it you can join us in fasting but everyone 21 days of prayer fasting but everyone 21 days of prayer fasting but everyone 21 days of prayer and we're going to be meeting at all of and we're going to be meeting at all of and we're going to be meeting at all of our campuses you know this 7:00 a.m. our campuses you know this 7:00 a.m. our campuses you know this 7:00 a.m. five days a week. five days a week. five days a week. And what we're praying is that it would And what we're praying is that it would And what we're praying is that it would be a season of breakthrough for our be a season of breakthrough for our be a season of breakthrough for our church. That the rooms at every one of church. That the rooms at every one of church. That the rooms at every one of our campuses would be filled with our campuses would be filled with our campuses would be filled with students and with young adults and with students and with young adults and with students and with young adults and with moms and dads and grandparents and moms and dads and grandparents and moms and dads and grandparents and business people and people that are business people and people that are business people and people that are coming together to seek the Lord for coming together to seek the Lord for coming together to seek the Lord for such a time as this. I want to give you such a time as this. I want to give you such a time as this. I want to give you a word picture of why we are doing 21 a word picture of why we are doing 21 a word picture of why we are doing 21 days of prayer. Why are we doing the days of prayer. Why are we doing the days of prayer. Why are we doing the return gathering?

return gathering? return gathering? All of us have heard those heroic All of us have heard those heroic All of us have heard those heroic stories about these courageous soldiers stories about these courageous soldiers stories about these courageous soldiers that will hold the line, right? They're that will hold the line, right? They're that will hold the line, right? They're they're they're holding the line of the they're they're holding the line of the they're they're holding the line of the the territory that they've already the territory that they've already the territory that they've already conquered that they've gotten to be conquered that they've gotten to be conquered that they've gotten to be safe, but they're not making very much safe, but they're not making very much safe, but they're not making very much progress. They're just holding the line. progress. They're just holding the line. progress. They're just holding the line. But sometimes holding a line can come at But sometimes holding a line can come at But sometimes holding a line can come at great cost. Sometimes you're super close great cost. Sometimes you're super close great cost. Sometimes you're super close to the enemy. There are battles where to the enemy. There are battles where to the enemy. There are battles where the front lines were just yards away the front lines were just yards away the front lines were just yards away from one another. And holding the line from one another. And holding the line from one another. And holding the line was the victory. It was it was the the was the victory. It was it was the the was the victory. It was it was the the win for the day. And in our spiritual win for the day. And in our spiritual win for the day. And in our spiritual journeys, I feel like holding the line journeys, I feel like holding the line journeys, I feel like holding the line is like our our regular spiritual is like our our regular spiritual is like our our regular spiritual practices from day to day. Holding the practices from day to day. Holding the practices from day to day. Holding the line is coming to church on the weekends line is coming to church on the weekends line is coming to church on the weekends and and we may not be making a ton of and and we may not be making a ton of and and we may not be making a ton of progress on an average Tuesday, but progress on an average Tuesday, but progress on an average Tuesday, but we're holding the line. We're not losing we're holding the line. We're not losing we're holding the line. We're not losing ground like Jesus is Lord and I'm still ground like Jesus is Lord and I'm still ground like Jesus is Lord and I'm still standing. And so that that's the victory standing. And so that that's the victory standing. And so that that's the victory sometimes, right? But then there are sometimes, right? But then there are sometimes, right? But then there are moments where the command will come and moments where the command will come and moments where the command will come and the entire army will surge and there the entire army will surge and there the entire army will surge and there will be this unified courageous moment will be this unified courageous moment will be this unified courageous moment where the army will go beyond enemy where the army will go beyond enemy where the army will go beyond enemy lines and they will take new ground.

lines and they will take new ground. lines and they will take new ground. They will take back what the enemy took They will take back what the enemy took They will take back what the enemy took from them. It's a moment of from them. It's a moment of from them. It's a moment of breakthrough. That's what 21 days of breakthrough. That's what 21 days of breakthrough. That's what 21 days of prayer is. That's what the return is. prayer is. That's what the return is. prayer is. That's what the return is. That we have we're standing here holding That we have we're standing here holding That we have we're standing here holding the line, standing strong. But now there the line, standing strong. But now there the line, standing strong. But now there is a call on our whole church family. is a call on our whole church family. is a call on our whole church family. We're going to surge. We're going to do We're going to surge. We're going to do We're going to surge. We're going to do it together. We're going to bust through it together. We're going to bust through it together. We're going to bust through enemy lines. And we're going to take enemy lines. And we're going to take enemy lines. And we're going to take back some ground that he's taken from back some ground that he's taken from back some ground that he's taken from us. Right? [applause] us. Right? [applause] us. Right? [applause] Take back take back our families. Take Take back take back our families. Take Take back take back our families. Take back those relationships. Take back back those relationships. Take back back those relationships. Take back those years that felt like they were those years that felt like they were those years that felt like they were wasted. I don't know what kind of wasted. I don't know what kind of wasted. I don't know what kind of breakthrough you need, but there will be breakthrough you need, but there will be breakthrough you need, but there will be breakthrough over the next month at breakthrough over the next month at breakthrough over the next month at Saddleback Church, and you don't want to Saddleback Church, and you don't want to Saddleback Church, and you don't want to miss it. miss it. miss it. Do you have a prodal that you need to Do you have a prodal that you need to Do you have a prodal that you need to come home? Do you have a marriage that's come home? Do you have a marriage that's come home? Do you have a marriage that's dead and lifeless and you need dead and lifeless and you need dead and lifeless and you need resurrection power? Do you have an resurrection power? Do you have an resurrection power? Do you have an addiction that you've tried so hard to addiction that you've tried so hard to addiction that you've tried so hard to break? Do you need healing in your life? break? Do you need healing in your life? break? Do you need healing in your life? This will be a moment of breakthrough This will be a moment of breakthrough This will be a moment of breakthrough for our church family. And so if I were for our church family. And so if I were for our church family. And so if I were you, I would do whatever I had to do to you, I would do whatever I had to do to you, I would do whatever I had to do to get in the room. I would rearrange my get in the room. I would rearrange my get in the room. I would rearrange my schedule to get in the room. I would schedule to get in the room. I would schedule to get in the room. I would show up for school late. I would show up show up for school late. I would show up show up for school late. I would show up for work late. I would show up so hungry for work late. I would show up so hungry for work late. I would show up so hungry and desperate and expectant and just cry and desperate and expectant and just cry and desperate and expectant and just cry out, "Jesus, don't pass me by. Jesus, I out, "Jesus, don't pass me by. Jesus, I out, "Jesus, don't pass me by. Jesus, I need you in my life, in my need you in my life, in my need you in my life, in my relationships. I need a breakthrough.

relationships. I need a breakthrough. relationships. I need a breakthrough. Jesus, don't pass us by. Jesus, don't pass us by. Jesus, don't pass us by. [snorts] Listen, friends, there is power [snorts] Listen, friends, there is power [snorts] Listen, friends, there is power in our prayers. There is power in in our prayers. There is power in in our prayers. There is power in unified prayer. unified prayer. unified prayer. And so, the invitation And so, the invitation And so, the invitation for you to get your relationships back for you to get your relationships back for you to get your relationships back on track, it begins with fervent prayer. on track, it begins with fervent prayer. on track, it begins with fervent prayer. I wonder how long you've been carrying I wonder how long you've been carrying I wonder how long you've been carrying around this heavy weight of around this heavy weight of around this heavy weight of relationships in your life that are just relationships in your life that are just relationships in your life that are just burdening you, just weighing you down burdening you, just weighing you down burdening you, just weighing you down all the time. You know, all of us walk all the time. You know, all of us walk all the time. You know, all of us walk in here on the weekends and we're in here on the weekends and we're in here on the weekends and we're carrying our own burdens. And sometimes carrying our own burdens. And sometimes carrying our own burdens. And sometimes we cover them up pretty well and we cover them up pretty well and we cover them up pretty well and sometimes it's all we can do to make it sometimes it's all we can do to make it sometimes it's all we can do to make it in the door, but we just lug around the in the door, but we just lug around the in the door, but we just lug around the burden of our relationships and the burden of our relationships and the burden of our relationships and the burden of our pain and the burden of our burden of our pain and the burden of our burden of our pain and the burden of our sin. And folks, today Jesus is saying, sin. And folks, today Jesus is saying, sin. And folks, today Jesus is saying, "Would you unbburden yourself by laying "Would you unbburden yourself by laying "Would you unbburden yourself by laying it at my feet?"

it at my feet?" it at my feet?" That you can trust me with this thing That you can trust me with this thing That you can trust me with this thing that's weighing you down. Because that's weighing you down. Because that's weighing you down. Because listen, I care about the things that you listen, I care about the things that you listen, I care about the things that you care about. I care about the care about. I care about the care about. I care about the relationships in your life. I care about relationships in your life. I care about relationships in your life. I care about the sin that you're struggling with. I the sin that you're struggling with. I the sin that you're struggling with. I care about all of these things. And care about all of these things. And care about all of these things. And Jesus is saying, "You don't have to walk Jesus is saying, "You don't have to walk Jesus is saying, "You don't have to walk out of here burdened today. You can out of here burdened today. You can out of here burdened today. You can trust him with this." trust him with this." trust him with this." Jesus is inviting you Jesus is inviting you Jesus is inviting you today today today to be joyful in hope, to be patient in to be joyful in hope, to be patient in to be joyful in hope, to be patient in affliction, and to be faithful in affliction, and to be faithful in affliction, and to be faithful in prayer. prayer. prayer. I wonder if you might just want to pray I wonder if you might just want to pray I wonder if you might just want to pray for a minute right now and ask Jesus to for a minute right now and ask Jesus to for a minute right now and ask Jesus to help you with whatever relationship help you with whatever relationship help you with whatever relationship you're struggling with in your life. you're struggling with in your life. you're struggling with in your life. Could we just do that together? Father, thank you that you care about Father, thank you that you care about our relationships, that you gave us the our relationships, that you gave us the our relationships, that you gave us the example of how to live in loving example of how to live in loving example of how to live in loving connection with you and with other connection with you and with other connection with you and with other people.

people. people. Father, we just want to lift up these Father, we just want to lift up these Father, we just want to lift up these names before you of relationships in our names before you of relationships in our names before you of relationships in our life that are broken, relationships that life that are broken, relationships that life that are broken, relationships that are burdening our hearts. are burdening our hearts. are burdening our hearts. Father, I pray that you would that you Father, I pray that you would that you Father, I pray that you would that you would break through in these would break through in these would break through in these relationships. relationships. relationships. God, that you would be the change agent. God, that you would be the change agent. God, that you would be the change agent. God, we can't change that person. We God, we can't change that person. We God, we can't change that person. We can't change their hearts, but God, we can't change their hearts, but God, we can't change their hearts, but God, we just trust you that you are the God who just trust you that you are the God who just trust you that you are the God who can take a hardened heart and put in can take a hardened heart and put in can take a hardened heart and put in there a heart of flesh. God, we're there a heart of flesh. God, we're there a heart of flesh. God, we're believing that you can work miracles, believing that you can work miracles, believing that you can work miracles, that you can speak life into dead that you can speak life into dead that you can speak life into dead places, that you care about our parents, places, that you care about our parents, places, that you care about our parents, you care about our children, you care you care about our children, you care you care about our children, you care about our siblings, you care about our about our siblings, you care about our about our siblings, you care about our spouses. God, we bring them all to you spouses. God, we bring them all to you spouses. God, we bring them all to you and we ask for your help. We just and we ask for your help. We just and we ask for your help. We just acknowledge our need for your acknowledge our need for your acknowledge our need for your intervention. intervention. intervention. So come Holy Spirit, show us as So come Holy Spirit, show us as So come Holy Spirit, show us as individuals individuals individuals how you want us to respond. How can we how you want us to respond. How can we how you want us to respond. How can we step toward connection?

step toward connection? step toward connection? We offer this part of our life to you. We offer this part of our life to you. We offer this part of our life to you. We want to please you in Jesus name. We want to please you in Jesus name. We want to please you in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, [music] I am so grateful that we Well, [music] I am so grateful that we Well, [music] I am so grateful that we have a God who loves us and a God of have a God who loves us and a God of have a God who loves us and a God of hope, a God of [music] joy, and a God hope, a God of [music] joy, and a God hope, a God of [music] joy, and a God who hears our prayers. And we would love who hears our prayers. And we would love who hears our prayers. And we would love to be praying for [music] you. Is there to be praying for [music] you. Is there to be praying for [music] you. Is there a relationship in your life that needs a relationship in your life that needs a relationship in your life that needs healing? Is there a breakthrough that healing? Is there a breakthrough that healing? Is there a breakthrough that you're [music] waiting for, a job you're [music] waiting for, a job you're [music] waiting for, a job opportunity to open up, whatever it may opportunity to open up, whatever it may opportunity to open up, whatever it may be, we would love [music] to be praying be, we would love [music] to be praying be, we would love [music] to be praying for you. And so we want to invite you to for you. And so we want to invite you to for you. And so we want to invite you to let us know how we can be praying for let us know how we can be praying for let us know how we can be praying for you by scanning the QR code that you see you by scanning the QR code that you see you by scanning the QR code that you see on the screen or going to the Saddleback on the screen or going to the Saddleback on the screen or going to the Saddleback [music] app and letting us know that way [music] app and letting us know that way [music] app and letting us know that way as well. And we also want to remind you as well. And we also want to remind you as well. And we also want to remind you that you don't have to walk through this that you don't have to walk through this that you don't have to walk through this life [music] alone. Whether it's joining life [music] alone. Whether it's joining life [music] alone. Whether it's joining a support group, joining a small group, a support group, joining a small group, a support group, joining a small group, getting plugged in to celebrate [music] getting plugged in to celebrate [music] getting plugged in to celebrate [music] recovery, there are care resources recovery, there are care resources recovery, there are care resources available for you as our online available for you as our online available for you as our online community. [music] And so we want to community. [music] And so we want to community. [music] And so we want to encourage you and invite you to check encourage you and invite you to check encourage you and invite you to check them out through the Saddleach app. And them out through the Saddleach app. And them out through the Saddleach app. And friends, I am so grateful because friends, I am so grateful because friends, I am so grateful because [music] these care resources on the [music] these care resources on the [music] these care resources on the other side of them are people's other side of them are people's other side of them are people's obedience. It is people that [music] obedience. It is people that [music] obedience. It is people that [music] have said, "God, we trust you with all have said, "God, we trust you with all have said, "God, we trust you with all areas of our life, including our areas of our life, including our areas of our life, including our finances." And so, Lord, we are obedient finances." And so, Lord, we are obedient finances." And so, Lord, we are obedient to you in [music] returning the first to you in [music] returning the first to you in [music] returning the first 10% that tithe, that first 10% back to 10% that tithe, that first 10% back to 10% that tithe, that first 10% back to God. And so if you call Saddleach God. And so if you call Saddleach God. And so if you call Saddleach [music] Church, your home church, and [music] Church, your home church, and [music] Church, your home church, and you want to give your tithes and your you want to give your tithes and your you want to give your tithes and your offerings today, you can do so by offerings today, you can do so by offerings today, you can do so by [music] texting the word give to 83,000,

[music] texting the word give to 83,000, [music] texting the word give to 83,000, you can click the link in the you can click the link in the you can click the link in the description, or you can give through the description, or you can give through the description, or you can give through the Saddleback app. Well friends, [music] Saddleback app. Well friends, [music] Saddleback app. Well friends, [music] we're going to continue to worship. So we're going to continue to worship. So we're going to continue to worship. So let's join our church family for this let's join our church family for this let's join our church family for this song. song. song. We fall down. We fall down. We fall down. We lay [singing] our crowns We lay [singing] our crowns We lay [singing] our crowns at the feet The greatness [music] of The greatness [music] of his mercy and love at the feet of [singing] Jesus. of [singing] Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And we cry holy, holy, [singing] >> And we cry holy, holy, [singing] >> And we cry holy, holy, [singing] holy. holy. holy. And we cry holy, holy, [singing] And we cry holy, holy, [singing] And we cry holy, holy, [singing] holy. holy. holy. And we cry [music] And we cry [music] And we cry [music] holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, [singing] holy, holy, [singing] holy holy holy is the lamb. [music] is the lamb. [music] is the lamb. [music] Oh, we worship the one who is worthy.

Oh, we worship the one who is worthy. Oh, we worship the one who is worthy. [singing] Lord, there is none [music] [singing] Lord, there is none [music] [singing] Lord, there is none [music] like you, God. Let's sing this again. We like you, God. Let's sing this again. We like you, God. Let's sing this again. We fall down at his feet and we fall down. fall down at his feet and we fall down. fall down at his feet and we fall down. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] We lay our crowns at [music and singing] We lay our crowns at [music and singing] We lay our crowns at [music and singing] the feet of Jesus. of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] In the greatness of [singing] In the greatness of [singing] In the greatness of [singing] his mercy and love his mercy and love his mercy and love at the [music and singing] Jesus Jesus and we cry holy, [music and singing] and we cry holy, [music and singing] and we cry holy, [music and singing] holy, holy, holy, holy. holy. holy. And we cry holy, holy, [music] And we cry holy, holy, [music] And we cry holy, holy, [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] holy. holy. holy. As we cry, holy, [music] holy, As we cry, holy, [music] holy, As we cry, holy, [music] holy, [singing] holy [singing] holy [singing] holy [music] is the name.

I'll praise you Lord. I'll praise you Lord. We [music] cry holy, holy. [singing] We [music] cry holy, holy. [singing] We [music] cry holy, holy. [singing] We join with We join with We join with [music] the sing [music] the sing [music] the sing high. [singing] high. [singing] high. [singing] How glorious you are. [music] We cry How glorious you are. [music] We cry How glorious you are. [music] We cry holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy holy holy is [singing] our name. [music] Let's sing this once more. We cry. We Let's sing this once more. We cry. We [singing] [singing] [singing] cry [music] holy, holy, cry [music] holy, holy, cry [music] holy, holy, holy. Yes. We [singing and music] cry holy. Yes. We [singing and music] cry holy. Yes. We [singing and music] cry holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy, holy. holy. holy. And [singing] we cry holy, holy, And [singing] we cry holy, holy, And [singing] we cry holy, holy, holy holy holy is [singing] the [music] lamb. Well, church family, thank you so Well, church family, thank you so [music] much for joining us today. And [music] much for joining us today. And [music] much for joining us today. And hey, before you go, we want to remind hey, before you go, we want to remind hey, before you go, we want to remind you if there's something that you need you if there's something that you need you if there's something that you need prayer for or [music] a next step that prayer for or [music] a next step that prayer for or [music] a next step that you want to take in your faith, whether you want to take in your faith, whether you want to take in your faith, whether it's joining a small group or maybe you it's joining a small group or maybe you it's joining a small group or maybe you want to start a [music] relationship want to start a [music] relationship want to start a [music] relationship with Jesus for the very first time, we with Jesus for the very first time, we with Jesus for the very first time, we would love to know about it. So, we can would love to know about it. So, we can would love to know about it. So, we can come alongside [music] you, be praying come alongside [music] you, be praying come alongside [music] you, be praying for you and helping you take next steps for you and helping you take next steps for you and helping you take next steps on your faith journey. So, you can let on your faith journey. So, you can let on your faith journey. So, you can let us know by scanning the QR code you see us know by scanning the QR code you see us know by scanning the QR code you see on the screen, clicking the link in the on the screen, clicking the link in the on the screen, clicking the link in the description, or opening the Saddleback description, or opening the Saddleback description, or opening the Saddleback app. And we also [music] want to invite app. And we also [music] want to invite app. And we also [music] want to invite you to join us for 21 days of prayer as you to join us for 21 days of prayer as you to join us for 21 days of prayer as we seek the heart of God together.

we seek the heart of God together. we seek the heart of God together. [music] We're starting it on January [music] We're starting it on January [music] We're starting it on January 26th. You can find out more information 26th. You can find out more information 26th. You can find out more information at saddleback.com/prayer. at saddleback.com/prayer. at saddleback.com/prayer. Well, we're so glad [music] that you're Well, we're so glad [music] that you're Well, we're so glad [music] that you're here today and we can't wait to see you here today and we can't wait to see you here today and we can't wait to see you again next weekend. again next weekend. again next weekend. [music]