DON'T LOSE YOUR FIGHT - Nik Godshall

believe in the power of the name of believe in the power of the name of Jesus tonight. Jesus tonight. Jesus tonight. >> Amen. Praise God. You may be seated here >> Amen. Praise God. You may be seated here >> Amen. Praise God. You may be seated here in the house. Those online, thank you so in the house. Those online, thank you so in the house. Those online, thank you so much for joining us. We believe in the much for joining us. We believe in the much for joining us. We believe in the power of the na of the name of Jesus. We power of the na of the name of Jesus. We power of the na of the name of Jesus. We believe things are going to shift in the believe things are going to shift in the believe things are going to shift in the spiritual and physical realms tonight spiritual and physical realms tonight spiritual and physical realms tonight because God loves his people. I want you because God loves his people. I want you because God loves his people. I want you to go with me in your Bibles to Isaiah to go with me in your Bibles to Isaiah to go with me in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 49. The title of the message chapter 49. The title of the message chapter 49. The title of the message tonight is don't lose your fight. Don't tonight is don't lose your fight. Don't tonight is don't lose your fight. Don't lose your fight. Isaiah chapter 49. lose your fight. Isaiah chapter 49. lose your fight. Isaiah chapter 49. We're just going to read the first seven We're just going to read the first seven We're just going to read the first seven verses. I'm going to pray for us one verses. I'm going to pray for us one verses. I'm going to pray for us one more time while we're turning there. more time while we're turning there. more time while we're turning there. Father, thank you so much for the way Father, thank you so much for the way Father, thank you so much for the way that you love us. Thank you, Lord, that that you love us. Thank you, Lord, that that you love us. Thank you, Lord, that you sent your son to pursue us and to you sent your son to pursue us and to you sent your son to pursue us and to die for our sins, God, when we had no die for our sins, God, when we had no die for our sins, God, when we had no desire to seek you out. And when you desire to seek you out. And when you desire to seek you out. And when you called him back to heaven to join you in called him back to heaven to join you in called him back to heaven to join you in that throne room again, to be our great that throne room again, to be our great that throne room again, to be our great intercessor, you didn't leave us alone. intercessor, you didn't leave us alone. intercessor, you didn't leave us alone. You sent and poured out your Holy Spirit You sent and poured out your Holy Spirit You sent and poured out your Holy Spirit to fill us with all the power that we'll to fill us with all the power that we'll to fill us with all the power that we'll ever need to get through this life and ever need to get through this life and ever need to get through this life and to reflect your son's glory out into the to reflect your son's glory out into the to reflect your son's glory out into the world. I pray that tonight you'd revive world. I pray that tonight you'd revive world. I pray that tonight you'd revive and renew our will to fight, oh God.

and renew our will to fight, oh God. and renew our will to fight, oh God. Lord, I pray that those who face intense Lord, I pray that those who face intense Lord, I pray that those who face intense battles in the house and online tonight battles in the house and online tonight battles in the house and online tonight would find renewal by your spirit, oh would find renewal by your spirit, oh would find renewal by your spirit, oh God, because they are reminded that you God, because they are reminded that you God, because they are reminded that you are with them always and you never are with them always and you never are with them always and you never forsake them. And there's not a single forsake them. And there's not a single forsake them. And there's not a single battle they'll ever face in this life battle they'll ever face in this life battle they'll ever face in this life that you have not already provided the that you have not already provided the that you have not already provided the victory for. With that knowledge, we go victory for. With that knowledge, we go victory for. With that knowledge, we go into your word and we look forward to into your word and we look forward to into your word and we look forward to hearing your voice in Jesus name. Amen. hearing your voice in Jesus name. Amen. hearing your voice in Jesus name. Amen. And amen. Just a reminder that after we And amen. Just a reminder that after we And amen. Just a reminder that after we get through the word tonight, we'll be get through the word tonight, we'll be get through the word tonight, we'll be coming to the Lord's table for coming to the Lord's table for coming to the Lord's table for communion. Uh so those of you here in communion. Uh so those of you here in communion. Uh so those of you here in the house, the elements are in the back. the house, the elements are in the back. the house, the elements are in the back. You can help yourself uh at any point. You can help yourself uh at any point. You can help yourself uh at any point. Those online feel free to get yourself Those online feel free to get yourself Those online feel free to get yourself some bread or juice and some crackers some bread or juice and some crackers some bread or juice and some crackers and you can join us as well. This past and you can join us as well. This past and you can join us as well. This past Sunday, we had a beautiful gathering Sunday, we had a beautiful gathering Sunday, we had a beautiful gathering here in the house. Uh we have a here in the house. Uh we have a here in the house. Uh we have a sensitive pastor who presides over those sensitive pastor who presides over those sensitive pastor who presides over those services and he had a sermon prepared services and he had a sermon prepared services and he had a sermon prepared and he felt during worship that we were and he felt during worship that we were and he felt during worship that we were to suspend with that and to just go into to suspend with that and to just go into to suspend with that and to just go into a time of worship and prayer and it was a time of worship and prayer and it was a time of worship and prayer and it was beautiful. And he gave a simple beautiful. And he gave a simple beautiful. And he gave a simple exhortation before we went into that exhortation before we went into that exhortation before we went into that time that people were facing battles and time that people were facing battles and time that people were facing battles and they were being tempted to accept the they were being tempted to accept the they were being tempted to accept the presence of things in their lives that presence of things in their lives that presence of things in their lives that God wanted to free them from. And we God wanted to free them from. And we God wanted to free them from. And we went into a time of intercession and went into a time of intercession and went into a time of intercession and believing that God would break those believing that God would break those believing that God would break those battles and that he would bring victory battles and that he would bring victory battles and that he would bring victory wherever it was needed. And during the wherever it was needed. And during the wherever it was needed. And during the time of prayer, I felt the Holy Spirit time of prayer, I felt the Holy Spirit time of prayer, I felt the Holy Spirit impress on my heart. The story of the impress on my heart. The story of the impress on my heart. The story of the woman with the issue of blood. She knew woman with the issue of blood. She knew woman with the issue of blood. She knew that just one touch of Jesus's robe that just one touch of Jesus's robe that just one touch of Jesus's robe would heal her and would set her free would heal her and would set her free would heal her and would set her free from her affliction. But she had to

from her affliction. But she had to from her affliction. But she had to press through a crowd that was coming in press through a crowd that was coming in press through a crowd that was coming in all around her. And it was as if a crowd all around her. And it was as if a crowd all around her. And it was as if a crowd of lies and fears and anxieties. That of lies and fears and anxieties. That of lies and fears and anxieties. That crowd would have trampled on her if they crowd would have trampled on her if they crowd would have trampled on her if they knew the condition that she was fighting knew the condition that she was fighting knew the condition that she was fighting through. But she knew that the miracle through. But she knew that the miracle through. But she knew that the miracle on the other side was worth pressing in. on the other side was worth pressing in. on the other side was worth pressing in. And I have something in my heart along And I have something in my heart along And I have something in my heart along those same lines tonight. I haven't been those same lines tonight. I haven't been those same lines tonight. I haven't been able to shake that thought all week that able to shake that thought all week that able to shake that thought all week that there are people who are pressing there are people who are pressing there are people who are pressing through major battles, but there's a through major battles, but there's a through major battles, but there's a miracle on the other side for you if you miracle on the other side for you if you miracle on the other side for you if you will endure the place that you're in. So will endure the place that you're in. So will endure the place that you're in. So Isaiah 49, we're going to read the first Isaiah 49, we're going to read the first Isaiah 49, we're going to read the first seven verses. It says, 'Listen to me, seven verses. It says, 'Listen to me, seven verses. It says, 'Listen to me, you islands, and pay attention, you you islands, and pay attention, you you islands, and pay attention, you peoples, from afar. The Lord called me peoples, from afar. The Lord called me peoples, from afar. The Lord called me from the womb. From the body of my from the womb. From the body of my from the womb. From the body of my mother, he named me. He has made my mother, he named me. He has made my mother, he named me. He has made my mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand, he has concealed me. And he of his hand, he has concealed me. And he of his hand, he has concealed me. And he has also made me a sharpened arrow. He's has also made me a sharpened arrow. He's has also made me a sharpened arrow. He's hidden me in his quiver. He said to me, hidden me in his quiver. He said to me, hidden me in his quiver. He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will show my glory." But I said, "I've will show my glory." But I said, "I've will show my glory." But I said, "I've labored in vain. I've spent my strength labored in vain. I've spent my strength labored in vain. I've spent my strength for nothing and futility. Nevertheless, for nothing and futility. Nevertheless, for nothing and futility. Nevertheless, the justice due to me is with the Lord, the justice due to me is with the Lord, the justice due to me is with the Lord, and my reward is with my God. And now, and my reward is with my God. And now, and my reward is with my God. And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the says the Lord, who formed me from the says the Lord, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, so that Israel might be back to him, so that Israel might be back to him, so that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the gathered to him, for I am honored in the gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God is my sight of the Lord, and my God is my sight of the Lord, and my God is my strength. He says, "It is too small a strength. He says, "It is too small a strength. He says, "It is too small a thing that you should be my servant to thing that you should be my servant to thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to

raise up the tribes of Jacob and to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I restore the protected ones of Israel. I restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light to the will also make you a light to the will also make you a light to the nations so that my salvation may reach nations so that my salvation may reach nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. This is what to the end of the earth. This is what to the end of the earth. This is what the Lord, the redeemer of Israel and its the Lord, the redeemer of Israel and its the Lord, the redeemer of Israel and its holy one says to the despised one, to holy one says to the despised one, to holy one says to the despised one, to the one abhored by the nation, to the the one abhored by the nation, to the the one abhored by the nation, to the servant of rulers. Kings will see you servant of rulers. Kings will see you servant of rulers. Kings will see you and arise. Princes also will bow down and arise. Princes also will bow down and arise. Princes also will bow down because of the Lord who is faithful, the because of the Lord who is faithful, the because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. This passage is one of four servant This passage is one of four servant This passage is one of four servant songs in Isaiah. In Isaiah 42, we're songs in Isaiah. In Isaiah 42, we're songs in Isaiah. In Isaiah 42, we're introduced to this mysterious figure introduced to this mysterious figure introduced to this mysterious figure simply called the servant of Yahweh who simply called the servant of Yahweh who simply called the servant of Yahweh who is going to be raised up by God to is going to be raised up by God to is going to be raised up by God to rescue his people and bring them back to rescue his people and bring them back to rescue his people and bring them back to him. The identity of this servant was him. The identity of this servant was him. The identity of this servant was hidden to the readers of the Old hidden to the readers of the Old hidden to the readers of the Old Testament. Israel didn't know who it Testament. Israel didn't know who it Testament. Israel didn't know who it would be, but they knew that he was the would be, but they knew that he was the would be, but they knew that he was the source of God's deliverance for them in source of God's deliverance for them in source of God's deliverance for them in the coming days. In chapter 42, we hear the coming days. In chapter 42, we hear the coming days. In chapter 42, we hear that he would be filled with the spirit that he would be filled with the spirit that he would be filled with the spirit of God and that he would have mercy and of God and that he would have mercy and of God and that he would have mercy and compassion on those who were broken. In compassion on those who were broken. In compassion on those who were broken. In chapter 50, we read that he would speak chapter 50, we read that he would speak chapter 50, we read that he would speak wisdom to the weary and boldly face wisdom to the weary and boldly face wisdom to the weary and boldly face rejection even from his own people. And rejection even from his own people. And rejection even from his own people. And in chapters 52 and 53, we find that his in chapters 52 and 53, we find that his in chapters 52 and 53, we find that his suffering and death would be the suffering and death would be the suffering and death would be the salvation and healing of the people.

salvation and healing of the people. salvation and healing of the people. And scholars are in broad agreement that And scholars are in broad agreement that And scholars are in broad agreement that these servant songs, as they're called, these servant songs, as they're called, these servant songs, as they're called, are all prophecies of the coming of are all prophecies of the coming of are all prophecies of the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, the one who would be Jesus, the Messiah, the one who would be Jesus, the Messiah, the one who would be sent to rescue the people of God. sent to rescue the people of God. sent to rescue the people of God. Because the nation of Israel had failed Because the nation of Israel had failed Because the nation of Israel had failed in reaching its calling and fulfilling in reaching its calling and fulfilling in reaching its calling and fulfilling the role and purpose God had for them. the role and purpose God had for them. the role and purpose God had for them. Instead of rejecting them out of hand, Instead of rejecting them out of hand, Instead of rejecting them out of hand, he would now raise up one man to he would now raise up one man to he would now raise up one man to represent and redeem them. And when we represent and redeem them. And when we represent and redeem them. And when we read chapter 49, especially verses 5 and read chapter 49, especially verses 5 and read chapter 49, especially verses 5 and 6, it becomes very clear Isaiah is not 6, it becomes very clear Isaiah is not 6, it becomes very clear Isaiah is not talking about himself. This is not a talking about himself. This is not a talking about himself. This is not a prophet reflecting on his own sense of prophet reflecting on his own sense of prophet reflecting on his own sense of calling. He knows that he's not going to calling. He knows that he's not going to calling. He knows that he's not going to bring the entire nation back. He knows bring the entire nation back. He knows bring the entire nation back. He knows that he's not going to be given as a that he's not going to be given as a that he's not going to be given as a light to the nations. That's a calling light to the nations. That's a calling light to the nations. That's a calling above his pay grade, and he knows it. above his pay grade, and he knows it. above his pay grade, and he knows it. Someone else is being spoken of here. Someone else is being spoken of here. Someone else is being spoken of here. And yet we read in the passage that And yet we read in the passage that And yet we read in the passage that Isaiah is speaking in the first person. Isaiah is speaking in the first person. Isaiah is speaking in the first person. It cannot be about him. So what that It cannot be about him. So what that It cannot be about him. So what that tells us is this is actually Jesus tells us is this is actually Jesus tells us is this is actually Jesus speaking prophetically through Isaiah speaking prophetically through Isaiah speaking prophetically through Isaiah about his own commission and his own about his own commission and his own about his own commission and his own calling. There are many places in the calling. There are many places in the calling. There are many places in the Old Testament where this happens. And Old Testament where this happens. And Old Testament where this happens. And every time it does, it's something we every time it does, it's something we every time it does, it's something we need to pay attention to. The prophet is need to pay attention to. The prophet is need to pay attention to. The prophet is speaking in the first person, but he's speaking in the first person, but he's speaking in the first person, but he's not talking about himself. He's talking not talking about himself. He's talking not talking about himself. He's talking about things that he would never do.

about things that he would never do. about things that he would never do. What that means is he is being spoken What that means is he is being spoken What that means is he is being spoken through by Jesus himself about the through by Jesus himself about the through by Jesus himself about the calling and role that he was going to calling and role that he was going to calling and role that he was going to fulfill. And the reason why that's fulfill. And the reason why that's fulfill. And the reason why that's important is because of verse four. We important is because of verse four. We important is because of verse four. We find that this chosen servant, the find that this chosen servant, the find that this chosen servant, the Messiah, the son of God, would encounter Messiah, the son of God, would encounter Messiah, the son of God, would encounter a very unexpected battle, a very unexpected battle, a very unexpected battle, despair. despair. despair. Feeling like a failure. Feeling like a failure. Feeling like a failure. He says,"Ive labored in vain. I've spent He says,"Ive labored in vain. I've spent He says,"Ive labored in vain. I've spent my strength for nothing in futility." my strength for nothing in futility." my strength for nothing in futility." It's difficult to imagine words like It's difficult to imagine words like It's difficult to imagine words like that on the lips of Jesus. It's that on the lips of Jesus. It's that on the lips of Jesus. It's difficult to imagine him speaking such a difficult to imagine him speaking such a difficult to imagine him speaking such a thing. An earlier servant song in thing. An earlier servant song in thing. An earlier servant song in chapter 42, it says that the servant of chapter 42, it says that the servant of chapter 42, it says that the servant of the Lord would not be discouraged until the Lord would not be discouraged until the Lord would not be discouraged until he completed his mission. But now we he completed his mission. But now we he completed his mission. But now we find out he's very discouraged. When we find out he's very discouraged. When we find out he's very discouraged. When we look at Jesus, he was the picture of look at Jesus, he was the picture of look at Jesus, he was the picture of perfect trust in God. How are we to perfect trust in God. How are we to perfect trust in God. How are we to imagine him feeling the way chapter 49:4 imagine him feeling the way chapter 49:4 imagine him feeling the way chapter 49:4 describes?

describes? describes? Well, we get a hint of that in the New Well, we get a hint of that in the New Well, we get a hint of that in the New Testament. Hebrews 4:15, it says this, Testament. Hebrews 4:15, it says this, Testament. Hebrews 4:15, it says this, "We do not have a high priest who cannot "We do not have a high priest who cannot "We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one sympathize with our weaknesses, but one sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things just who has been tempted in all things just who has been tempted in all things just as we are, and yet without sin." as we are, and yet without sin." as we are, and yet without sin." Jesus had perfect trust in his father. Jesus had perfect trust in his father. Jesus had perfect trust in his father. He was the picture of courage and virtue He was the picture of courage and virtue He was the picture of courage and virtue and faithfulness. But the son of God and faithfulness. But the son of God and faithfulness. But the son of God became human just so he could be became human just so he could be became human just so he could be subjected to despair. The son of God subjected to despair. The son of God subjected to despair. The son of God became human so he could feel what it became human so he could feel what it became human so he could feel what it was like to labor in vain. The son of was like to labor in vain. The son of was like to labor in vain. The son of God became human so he could keep you God became human so he could keep you God became human so he could keep you from being swallowed up by those same from being swallowed up by those same from being swallowed up by those same battles. battles. battles. Jesus endured every kind of suffering Jesus endured every kind of suffering Jesus endured every kind of suffering and temptation that you and I face so and temptation that you and I face so and temptation that you and I face so that he could overcome it on our behalf. that he could overcome it on our behalf. that he could overcome it on our behalf. Why? Because we can't. You are not Why? Because we can't. You are not Why? Because we can't. You are not strong enough to overcome despair. You strong enough to overcome despair. You strong enough to overcome despair. You are not strong enough to pull yourself are not strong enough to pull yourself are not strong enough to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and escape the up by the bootstraps and escape the up by the bootstraps and escape the weight of depression. I saw so many weight of depression. I saw so many weight of depression. I saw so many requests roll across the stream the requests roll across the stream the requests roll across the stream the screen tonight for people who are under screen tonight for people who are under screen tonight for people who are under the weight of mental illness, the weight of mental illness, the weight of mental illness, depression, anxiety, addiction of all depression, anxiety, addiction of all depression, anxiety, addiction of all kinds. You are not strong enough kinds. You are not strong enough kinds. You are not strong enough >> to bring yourself out of those battles.

>> to bring yourself out of those battles. >> to bring yourself out of those battles. But we know someone who is. But we know someone who is. But we know someone who is. He came under the weight of those He came under the weight of those He came under the weight of those feelings. He knew what it was to feel as feelings. He knew what it was to feel as feelings. He knew what it was to feel as though he had failed in his calling. But though he had failed in his calling. But though he had failed in his calling. But he was never overcome by it. And that he was never overcome by it. And that he was never overcome by it. And that because of his strength and his victory, because of his strength and his victory, because of his strength and his victory, you can endure the battle that you're you can endure the battle that you're you can endure the battle that you're in. The reason why you will not be in. The reason why you will not be in. The reason why you will not be destroyed by despair is because Jesus destroyed by despair is because Jesus destroyed by despair is because Jesus overcame it for you. overcame it for you. overcame it for you. >> He already won that victory on your >> He already won that victory on your >> He already won that victory on your behalf. behalf. behalf. This song, this servant song is a This song, this servant song is a This song, this servant song is a snapshot of Jesus's life as well as snapshot of Jesus's life as well as snapshot of Jesus's life as well as yours. It's also a snapshot of yours. yours. It's also a snapshot of yours. yours. It's also a snapshot of yours. And you might think, how can a prophecy And you might think, how can a prophecy And you might think, how can a prophecy about the son of God possibly apply to about the son of God possibly apply to about the son of God possibly apply to me? Well, Paul and Barnabas actually me? Well, Paul and Barnabas actually me? Well, Paul and Barnabas actually applied this song to themselves. You applied this song to themselves. You applied this song to themselves. You read in Acts 13:47, they said, "We're read in Acts 13:47, they said, "We're read in Acts 13:47, they said, "We're the light to the Gentiles now, just like the light to the Gentiles now, just like the light to the Gentiles now, just like Jesus was." And if Paul and Barnabas Jesus was." And if Paul and Barnabas Jesus was." And if Paul and Barnabas could take that prophecy and find could take that prophecy and find could take that prophecy and find something of their identity in Jesus's something of their identity in Jesus's something of their identity in Jesus's identity, you and I need to do the same identity, you and I need to do the same identity, you and I need to do the same thing. There is something about this thing. There is something about this thing. There is something about this battle with despair that the son of God battle with despair that the son of God battle with despair that the son of God went through that's going to lift you went through that's going to lift you went through that's going to lift you out of your battle with despair. When out of your battle with despair. When out of your battle with despair. When the song begins in verses 1 through3, the song begins in verses 1 through3, the song begins in verses 1 through3, Jesus, the servant of Yahweh, is Jesus, the servant of Yahweh, is Jesus, the servant of Yahweh, is confident in his calling. Look at the confident in his calling. Look at the confident in his calling. Look at the way that he speaks in verse two, he way that he speaks in verse two, he way that he speaks in verse two, he knows that the father is going to use knows that the father is going to use knows that the father is going to use him as a weapon against darkness. He him as a weapon against darkness. He him as a weapon against darkness. He compares himself to a sword in God's compares himself to a sword in God's compares himself to a sword in God's hand, an arrow in God's hand that's hand, an arrow in God's hand that's hand, an arrow in God's hand that's going to pierce through the hearts of going to pierce through the hearts of going to pierce through the hearts of his enemies, pierce through the darkness

his enemies, pierce through the darkness his enemies, pierce through the darkness of that generation. He knows that his of that generation. He knows that his of that generation. He knows that his father is going to be glorified. Verse father is going to be glorified. Verse father is going to be glorified. Verse three, through his earthly life. three, through his earthly life. three, through his earthly life. And we often begin spiritual battles And we often begin spiritual battles And we often begin spiritual battles with similar confidence, don't we? The with similar confidence, don't we? The with similar confidence, don't we? The enemy comes knocking, temptation arises, enemy comes knocking, temptation arises, enemy comes knocking, temptation arises, situations that we didn't ask for situations that we didn't ask for situations that we didn't ask for emerge, and we think, "All right, I was emerge, and we think, "All right, I was emerge, and we think, "All right, I was told that affliction would follow. I was told that affliction would follow. I was told that affliction would follow. I was told there would be battles. I'm going told there would be battles. I'm going told there would be battles. I'm going to put my armor on. I'm going to pray. to put my armor on. I'm going to pray. to put my armor on. I'm going to pray. But then it starts to drag on a bit. And But then it starts to drag on a bit. And But then it starts to drag on a bit. And that cycle just keeps on continuing. that cycle just keeps on continuing. that cycle just keeps on continuing. There's no relief in sight. And you and There's no relief in sight. And you and There's no relief in sight. And you and I can find ourselves drifting from I can find ourselves drifting from I can find ourselves drifting from confidence into a place of feeling worn confidence into a place of feeling worn confidence into a place of feeling worn down. down. down. Some of you maybe can't even remember Some of you maybe can't even remember Some of you maybe can't even remember the last time you felt confident in God. the last time you felt confident in God. the last time you felt confident in God. And that wants that needs to be restored And that wants that needs to be restored And that wants that needs to be restored to you. to you. to you. He wants you to know, your father wants He wants you to know, your father wants He wants you to know, your father wants you to know that your life is meant to you to know that your life is meant to you to know that your life is meant to be a weapon against evil just like Jesus be a weapon against evil just like Jesus be a weapon against evil just like Jesus knew. He wants you to boldly glorify him knew. He wants you to boldly glorify him knew. He wants you to boldly glorify him in the earth just as Jesus did. But we in the earth just as Jesus did. But we in the earth just as Jesus did. But we have to deal with verse four without any have to deal with verse four without any have to deal with verse four without any transition, without any explanation. The transition, without any explanation. The transition, without any explanation. The servant of God, Jesus, the servant of servant of God, Jesus, the servant of servant of God, Jesus, the servant of Yahweh goes from triumphant proclamation Yahweh goes from triumphant proclamation Yahweh goes from triumphant proclamation of his calling to utter despair. And we of his calling to utter despair. And we of his calling to utter despair. And we don't get an explanation of why.

don't get an explanation of why. don't get an explanation of why. Immediately after quoting his father's Immediately after quoting his father's Immediately after quoting his father's commission over his life, he simply commission over his life, he simply commission over his life, he simply says, "It was all for nothing. I've says, "It was all for nothing. I've says, "It was all for nothing. I've labored in vain. My strength has been labored in vain. My strength has been labored in vain. My strength has been spent on nothing. There's no fruit from spent on nothing. There's no fruit from spent on nothing. There's no fruit from this battle. Everything that I gave, all this battle. Everything that I gave, all this battle. Everything that I gave, all the healings, everything." And I think the healings, everything." And I think the healings, everything." And I think we can pinpoint the moment where this we can pinpoint the moment where this we can pinpoint the moment where this psalm was fulfilled, this song rather psalm was fulfilled, this song rather psalm was fulfilled, this song rather was fulfilled in his life. I think this was fulfilled in his life. I think this was fulfilled in his life. I think this is another Psalm 22 moment where he's is another Psalm 22 moment where he's is another Psalm 22 moment where he's crying out, "My God, my God, why have crying out, "My God, my God, why have crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" you forsaken me?" you forsaken me?" He's hanging on the cross and all the He's hanging on the cross and all the He's hanging on the cross and all the people that he'd loved fed, healed, and people that he'd loved fed, healed, and people that he'd loved fed, healed, and delivered, now mocked, spat on, and delivered, now mocked, spat on, and delivered, now mocked, spat on, and ridiculed him, crying for his death. The ridiculed him, crying for his death. The ridiculed him, crying for his death. The feeling of all the world's corruption feeling of all the world's corruption feeling of all the world's corruption came upon him, and all he could do was came upon him, and all he could do was came upon him, and all he could do was cried out, "It's all been for nothing. cried out, "It's all been for nothing. cried out, "It's all been for nothing. I've given everything, and this is what I've given everything, and this is what I've given everything, and this is what it's coming to." But that human emotion it's coming to." But that human emotion it's coming to." But that human emotion would only last for a moment. It would would only last for a moment. It would would only last for a moment. It would not swallow him up. He felt that for not swallow him up. He felt that for not swallow him up. He felt that for your sake and for mine. He allowed that your sake and for mine. He allowed that your sake and for mine. He allowed that weight to come upon him because he knew weight to come upon him because he knew weight to come upon him because he knew that it would try to come upon you. And that it would try to come upon you. And that it would try to come upon you. And he says, "I'm going to win the battle he says, "I'm going to win the battle he says, "I'm going to win the battle with it here so that my people will win with it here so that my people will win with it here so that my people will win the battle over it later on down the the battle over it later on down the the battle over it later on down the line." You will face battles that make line." You will face battles that make line." You will face battles that make you feel like you've spent your strength you feel like you've spent your strength you feel like you've spent your strength on nothing.

on nothing. on nothing. You will face battles that make you feel You will face battles that make you feel You will face battles that make you feel like it has all been for not. It's like it has all been for not. It's like it has all been for not. It's disheartening when you pray desperately disheartening when you pray desperately disheartening when you pray desperately for days, weeks, months, or more, and for days, weeks, months, or more, and for days, weeks, months, or more, and that child just won't come home. That that child just won't come home. That that child just won't come home. That spouse just won't repent. That body spouse just won't repent. That body spouse just won't repent. That body won't stop aching. The injustice at work won't stop aching. The injustice at work won't stop aching. The injustice at work or school keeps piling up. The or school keeps piling up. The or school keeps piling up. The temptations won't stop rolling at you. temptations won't stop rolling at you. temptations won't stop rolling at you. Every day feels like you're losing in Every day feels like you're losing in Every day feels like you're losing in one way or another. That's one way or another. That's one way or another. That's disheartening. It can bring despair. And disheartening. It can bring despair. And disheartening. It can bring despair. And instead of living in the confidence of instead of living in the confidence of instead of living in the confidence of verses 1 through3 where you know you're verses 1 through3 where you know you're verses 1 through3 where you know you're called, you know you're a weapon in the called, you know you're a weapon in the called, you know you're a weapon in the hand of God, you end up living in the hand of God, you end up living in the hand of God, you end up living in the first half of verse four. It's all for first half of verse four. It's all for first half of verse four. It's all for nothing. I'm depleted. And if we stay in nothing. I'm depleted. And if we stay in nothing. I'm depleted. And if we stay in that place, the despair will swallow up that place, the despair will swallow up that place, the despair will swallow up our faith. So what do we do? How did our faith. So what do we do? How did our faith. So what do we do? How did Jesus overcome the most intense battle Jesus overcome the most intense battle Jesus overcome the most intense battle with despair the universe has ever with despair the universe has ever with despair the universe has ever known? I'll tell you. He trusted his known? I'll tell you. He trusted his known? I'll tell you. He trusted his father.

father. father. It's that simple. Jesus overcame the It's that simple. Jesus overcame the It's that simple. Jesus overcame the battle with despair because he trusted battle with despair because he trusted battle with despair because he trusted his father. We don't often think about his father. We don't often think about his father. We don't often think about Jesus having faith because he is the Jesus having faith because he is the Jesus having faith because he is the object of our faith. But there's a sense object of our faith. But there's a sense object of our faith. But there's a sense in which you have to relate to the son in which you have to relate to the son in which you have to relate to the son of God that way. Jesus had faith. He of God that way. Jesus had faith. He of God that way. Jesus had faith. He trusted his father no matter what trusted his father no matter what trusted his father no matter what opposed him. No matter what came against opposed him. No matter what came against opposed him. No matter what came against him, even when he was staring agony, him, even when he was staring agony, him, even when he was staring agony, death, and betrayal in the face, he knew death, and betrayal in the face, he knew death, and betrayal in the face, he knew that the love of his father was more that the love of his father was more that the love of his father was more powerful than everything coming against powerful than everything coming against powerful than everything coming against him. When we say he trusted his father, him. When we say he trusted his father, him. When we say he trusted his father, that can sound so jaded AND CLICHE, BUT that can sound so jaded AND CLICHE, BUT that can sound so jaded AND CLICHE, BUT IT'S NOT. IT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL IT'S NOT. IT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL IT'S NOT. IT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL discipline you will ever learn as a discipline you will ever learn as a discipline you will ever learn as a Christian. Do you trust God? Christian. Do you trust God? Christian. Do you trust God? And that gets tested when you're in the And that gets tested when you're in the And that gets tested when you're in the throws and agonies of situations than throws and agonies of situations than throws and agonies of situations than you ever asked for. Is the love of God you ever asked for. Is the love of God you ever asked for. Is the love of God more real to you than the STROKES OF THE more real to you than the STROKES OF THE more real to you than the STROKES OF THE WHIP on your back like it was for Jesus?

WHIP on your back like it was for Jesus? WHIP on your back like it was for Jesus? The love of his father was stronger than The love of his father was stronger than The love of his father was stronger than the Roman guard seizing him, binding the Roman guard seizing him, binding the Roman guard seizing him, binding him, and brutalizing him in the him, and brutalizing him in the him, and brutalizing him in the courtyard of Pilate. His trust in the courtyard of Pilate. His trust in the courtyard of Pilate. His trust in the father's love was deeper than THE NAILS father's love was deeper than THE NAILS father's love was deeper than THE NAILS THAT WERE DRIVEN INTO his hands. His THAT WERE DRIVEN INTO his hands. His THAT WERE DRIVEN INTO his hands. His love for the father and his trust in the love for the father and his trust in the love for the father and his trust in the father was more powerful than the thorns father was more powerful than the thorns father was more powerful than the thorns piercing into his mind, piercing into piercing into his mind, piercing into piercing into his mind, piercing into his brow. And the voice of his father's his brow. And the voice of his father's his brow. And the voice of his father's comfort was more real and clear than all comfort was more real and clear than all comfort was more real and clear than all the human voices mocking him and calling the human voices mocking him and calling the human voices mocking him and calling for HIS DEATH. THAT'S WHAT TRUST looks for HIS DEATH. THAT'S WHAT TRUST looks for HIS DEATH. THAT'S WHAT TRUST looks like. He trusted his father in the like. He trusted his father in the like. He trusted his father in the garden of Gethsemane when he's bleeding garden of Gethsemane when he's bleeding garden of Gethsemane when he's bleeding and sweating with agony and anxiety. He and sweating with agony and anxiety. He and sweating with agony and anxiety. He says, "Father, I trust you more than I says, "Father, I trust you more than I says, "Father, I trust you more than I feel my fear. feel my fear. feel my fear. Your love is more real than what I'm Your love is more real than what I'm Your love is more real than what I'm feeling right now." And that's how we feeling right now." And that's how we feeling right now." And that's how we get out of the battle with despair. You get out of the battle with despair. You get out of the battle with despair. You trust your father. You have to speak the trust your father. You have to speak the trust your father. You have to speak the words of Psalm 16 over yourself. David words of Psalm 16 over yourself. David words of Psalm 16 over yourself. David wrote and he's singing to God. HE SAYS, wrote and he's singing to God. HE SAYS, wrote and he's singing to God. HE SAYS, "YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HELL."

"YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HELL." "YOU WILL NOT LEAVE MY SOUL IN HELL." >> And Peter tells us IN ACTS CHAPTER 2, >> And Peter tells us IN ACTS CHAPTER 2, >> And Peter tells us IN ACTS CHAPTER 2, THAT WASN'T DAVID TALKING ABOUT HIMSELF. THAT WASN'T DAVID TALKING ABOUT HIMSELF. THAT WASN'T DAVID TALKING ABOUT HIMSELF. HE'S STILL DEAD. HE'S STILL DEAD. HE'S STILL DEAD. THAT WAS JESUS SPEAKING PROPHETICALLY THAT WAS JESUS SPEAKING PROPHETICALLY THAT WAS JESUS SPEAKING PROPHETICALLY THROUGH DAVID. JESUS TOLD HIS FATHER, THROUGH DAVID. JESUS TOLD HIS FATHER, THROUGH DAVID. JESUS TOLD HIS FATHER, "I'M NOT GOING TO BE AFRAID BECAUSE I "I'M NOT GOING TO BE AFRAID BECAUSE I "I'M NOT GOING TO BE AFRAID BECAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO RAISE ME FROM THE KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO RAISE ME FROM THE KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO RAISE ME FROM THE DEAD. I KNOW YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LEAVE DEAD. I KNOW YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LEAVE DEAD. I KNOW YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LEAVE ME IN THE GRAVE. I WILL GO TO THE CROSS. ME IN THE GRAVE. I WILL GO TO THE CROSS. ME IN THE GRAVE. I WILL GO TO THE CROSS. I WILL LET THEM BEAT ME. I WILL LET I WILL LET THEM BEAT ME. I WILL LET I WILL LET THEM BEAT ME. I WILL LET JUDAS BETRAY ME BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE JUDAS BETRAY ME BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE JUDAS BETRAY ME BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE END IS. I KNOW WHAT'S WAITING ON THE END IS. I KNOW WHAT'S WAITING ON THE END IS. I KNOW WHAT'S WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE. AND I TRUST YOU TO GET ME OTHER SIDE. AND I TRUST YOU TO GET ME OTHER SIDE. AND I TRUST YOU TO GET ME THERE." THERE." THERE." >> Some of you are facing battles that are >> Some of you are facing battles that are >> Some of you are facing battles that are bending your mind. And it's time to bending your mind. And it's time to bending your mind. And it's time to sing. sing. sing. It's time to sing. Instead of lamenting, It's time to sing. Instead of lamenting, It's time to sing. Instead of lamenting, instead of sitting under the weight of instead of sitting under the weight of instead of sitting under the weight of the despair, tell your battle, tell your the despair, tell your battle, tell your the despair, tell your battle, tell your faith, and tell your father, "I know you faith, and tell your father, "I know you faith, and tell your father, "I know you won't leave me like this. I know you won't leave me like this. I know you won't leave me like this. I know you will not leave my soul in shol. You will will not leave my soul in shol. You will will not leave my soul in shol. You will not give me over to death." And Jesus's not give me over to death." And Jesus's not give me over to death." And Jesus's trust for the father shines in Isaiah trust for the father shines in Isaiah trust for the father shines in Isaiah 49. When we read the second half of 49. When we read the second half of 49. When we read the second half of verse four, he pours out his lament, but verse four, he pours out his lament, but verse four, he pours out his lament, but he says, "Nevertheless, the justice due he says, "Nevertheless, the justice due he says, "Nevertheless, the justice due to me is with the Lord, and my reward is to me is with the Lord, and my reward is to me is with the Lord, and my reward is with God." What is he saying when he with God." What is he saying when he with God." What is he saying when he says, "The justice due to me is before says, "The justice due to me is before says, "The justice due to me is before the Father. It's with the Lord." The the Father. It's with the Lord." The the Father. It's with the Lord." The word for justice in Hebrew has to do word for justice in Hebrew has to do word for justice in Hebrew has to do with a legal complaint. He's a man that with a legal complaint. He's a man that with a legal complaint. He's a man that has lodged a complaint with God. He's has lodged a complaint with God. He's has lodged a complaint with God. He's saying, "Lord, Father, I I FEEL LIKE saying, "Lord, Father, I I FEEL LIKE saying, "Lord, Father, I I FEEL LIKE IT'S ALL been for nothing. I feel like IT'S ALL been for nothing. I feel like IT'S ALL been for nothing. I feel like you've disregarded me. I feel like

you've disregarded me. I feel like you've disregarded me. I feel like you've ABANDONED ME. BUT I KNOW THAT'S you've ABANDONED ME. BUT I KNOW THAT'S you've ABANDONED ME. BUT I KNOW THAT'S NOT TRUE. I know that you hear me. I NOT TRUE. I know that you hear me. I NOT TRUE. I know that you hear me. I know that you're not ignoring me. And I know that you're not ignoring me. And I know that you're not ignoring me. And I know that not only are you hearing me, know that not only are you hearing me, know that not only are you hearing me, but you're going to reward me. This is but you're going to reward me. This is but you're going to reward me. This is not the end. This is not the final not the end. This is not the final not the end. This is not the final battle." battle." battle." Jesus knew that his justice was before Jesus knew that his justice was before Jesus knew that his justice was before the father's throne and he knew that his the father's throne and he knew that his the father's throne and he knew that his reward would also come from the father. reward would also come from the father. reward would also come from the father. The despair is not the end of the The despair is not the end of the The despair is not the end of the battle, folks. It's just the middle of battle, folks. It's just the middle of battle, folks. It's just the middle of it. You're going to come through. it. You're going to come through. it. You're going to come through. There's another side where there is no There's another side where there is no There's another side where there is no despair and the reward of all your despair and the reward of all your despair and the reward of all your suffering is finally lavished on you. suffering is finally lavished on you. suffering is finally lavished on you. There's an end to the fight that you're There's an end to the fight that you're There's an end to the fight that you're in and your father is going to get you in and your father is going to get you in and your father is going to get you there. The remainder of the song in there. The remainder of the song in there. The remainder of the song in verses 5-7 focus entirely on this idea verses 5-7 focus entirely on this idea verses 5-7 focus entirely on this idea of reward. Look at what he says. And now of reward. Look at what he says. And now of reward. Look at what he says. And now says the Lord who formed me from the says the Lord who formed me from the says the Lord who formed me from the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob womb to be his servant to bring Jacob womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back that Israel might be gathered. I'm back that Israel might be gathered. I'm back that Israel might be gathered. I'm honored in his sight. HE SAYS IT'S TOO honored in his sight. HE SAYS IT'S TOO honored in his sight. HE SAYS IT'S TOO SMALL A thing that you should only save SMALL A thing that you should only save SMALL A thing that you should only save Israel.

Israel. Israel. That was the mission. Jesus said on many That was the mission. Jesus said on many That was the mission. Jesus said on many occasions, I have been sent to rescue occasions, I have been sent to rescue occasions, I have been sent to rescue the the lost sheep of the house of the the lost sheep of the house of the the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But here in this prophecy, the Israel. But here in this prophecy, the Israel. But here in this prophecy, the father says, "Oh no, that's not enough. father says, "Oh no, that's not enough. father says, "Oh no, that's not enough. It's too small a thing." You see, It's too small a thing." You see, It's too small a thing." You see, beloved, when you and I choose to endure beloved, when you and I choose to endure beloved, when you and I choose to endure in trusting our father, when we learn in trusting our father, when we learn in trusting our father, when we learn how to break through the bonds OF how to break through the bonds OF how to break through the bonds OF DESPAIR, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT OUR DESPAIR, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT OUR DESPAIR, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT OUR father's love and presence are more real father's love and presence are more real father's love and presence are more real and potent than that sense of failure. and potent than that sense of failure. and potent than that sense of failure. There's a promise that there's even more There's a promise that there's even more There's a promise that there's even more than you can imagine on the other side. than you can imagine on the other side. than you can imagine on the other side. The father looks at you and he says the The father looks at you and he says the The father looks at you and he says the same thing as he spoke to his son. It's same thing as he spoke to his son. It's same thing as he spoke to his son. It's too small a thing. You get a taste of too small a thing. You get a taste of too small a thing. You get a taste of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9. what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9. what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9. Just as it is written, things which eye Just as it is written, things which eye Just as it is written, things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not seen and ear has not heard and has not seen and ear has not heard and which no heart has imagined. All that which no heart has imagined. All that which no heart has imagined. All that God has prepared for those who love him. God has prepared for those who love him. God has prepared for those who love him. Ephesians 3:20. Now to him who is able Ephesians 3:20. Now to him who is able Ephesians 3:20. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all to do far more abundantly beyond all to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think according to the that we ask or think according to the that we ask or think according to the power that works within us.

power that works within us. power that works within us. He says the same thing to you that he He says the same thing to you that he He says the same thing to you that he says to Jesus, "Son, daughter, I'm going says to Jesus, "Son, daughter, I'm going says to Jesus, "Son, daughter, I'm going to give you more than you can imagine. to give you more than you can imagine. to give you more than you can imagine. I'm going to give you more than you even I'm going to give you more than you even I'm going to give you more than you even know to ask for right now. I'm going to know to ask for right now. I'm going to know to ask for right now. I'm going to give you more than you even have the give you more than you even have the give you more than you even have the strength to pray for." strength to pray for." strength to pray for." And the father says in verse 7, and I And the father says in verse 7, and I And the father says in verse 7, and I love this, love this, love this, he says to the despised one, the one he says to the despised one, the one he says to the despised one, the one abhored by the nation, to the servant of abhored by the nation, to the servant of abhored by the nation, to the servant of rulers, kings will see you and arise. rulers, kings will see you and arise. rulers, kings will see you and arise. Princes will also bow down. So now the Princes will also bow down. So now the Princes will also bow down. So now the rulers of the nations are going to rulers of the nations are going to rulers of the nations are going to recognize the authority of the servant recognize the authority of the servant recognize the authority of the servant and they're going to recognize that, and they're going to recognize that, and they're going to recognize that, wow, that's the king of kings and the wow, that's the king of kings and the wow, that's the king of kings and the lord of lords and they're going to bend lord of lords and they're going to bend lord of lords and they're going to bend their knee. Beloved, I would say the way their knee. Beloved, I would say the way their knee. Beloved, I would say the way that applies to us is that every demonic that applies to us is that every demonic that applies to us is that every demonic principality and stronghold that swore principality and stronghold that swore principality and stronghold that swore it was going to take you down, God's it was going to take you down, God's it was going to take you down, God's going to make it bow before you and going to make it bow before you and going to make it bow before you and acknowledge you are loved by the father. acknowledge you are loved by the father. acknowledge you are loved by the father. We can't beat you. We can't overcome you We can't beat you. We can't overcome you We can't beat you. We can't overcome you because you're standing on something we because you're standing on something we because you're standing on something we just can't touch. The enemy is terrified just can't touch. The enemy is terrified just can't touch. The enemy is terrified of your faith because when you trust of your faith because when you trust of your faith because when you trust your father, there's nothing he can do.

your father, there's nothing he can do. your father, there's nothing he can do. He all he can do is just try to harass He all he can do is just try to harass He all he can do is just try to harass and torment. But he knows it's just and torment. But he knows it's just and torment. But he knows it's just arrows bouncing off of a brick wall. He arrows bouncing off of a brick wall. He arrows bouncing off of a brick wall. He knows that it's useless because you're knows that it's useless because you're knows that it's useless because you're clinging to something higher than any of clinging to something higher than any of clinging to something higher than any of his lies. Something more powerful than his lies. Something more powerful than his lies. Something more powerful than anything he could ever hope to oppose. anything he could ever hope to oppose. anything he could ever hope to oppose. All that the enemy thought would take All that the enemy thought would take All that the enemy thought would take you down will be made to acknowledge you down will be made to acknowledge you down will be made to acknowledge that you are loved by God. And it's not that you are loved by God. And it's not that you are loved by God. And it's not going to work. You we just had the going to work. You we just had the going to work. You we just had the privilege just a couple months ago now privilege just a couple months ago now privilege just a couple months ago now of graduating yet another class. And of graduating yet another class. And of graduating yet another class. And there was a a dear sister in Christ who there was a a dear sister in Christ who there was a a dear sister in Christ who finished our sbatical program. Her name finished our sbatical program. Her name finished our sbatical program. Her name was Michelle. And she shared a testimony was Michelle. And she shared a testimony was Michelle. And she shared a testimony at one point or another that has just at one point or another that has just at one point or another that has just stuck with me. And I felt it was so stuck with me. And I felt it was so stuck with me. And I felt it was so appropriate for what we were talking appropriate for what we were talking appropriate for what we were talking about tonight. Her grandmother had a about tonight. Her grandmother had a about tonight. Her grandmother had a large part in raising her and investing large part in raising her and investing large part in raising her and investing in her faith. Took her to church as a in her faith. Took her to church as a in her faith. Took her to church as a little girl. Her mom was not really little girl. Her mom was not really little girl. Her mom was not really doing that. Invested in her. Sowed the doing that. Invested in her. Sowed the doing that. Invested in her. Sowed the gospel into her. Prayed for her. And as gospel into her. Prayed for her. And as gospel into her. Prayed for her. And as Michelle got older, you know, she has Michelle got older, you know, she has Michelle got older, you know, she has shared it even from this pulpit at this shared it even from this pulpit at this shared it even from this pulpit at this service and others. She went deep into a service and others. She went deep into a service and others. She went deep into a life of sin. She was living a homosexual life of sin. She was living a homosexual life of sin. She was living a homosexual lifestyle for a very long time. And her lifestyle for a very long time. And her lifestyle for a very long time. And her grandmother died without ever seeing the grandmother died without ever seeing the grandmother died without ever seeing the fruit of her prayers. She never saw the fruit of her prayers. She never saw the fruit of her prayers. She never saw the battle come to a close. She never saw battle come to a close. She never saw battle come to a close. She never saw the fruit of all of her labor. Now, in the fruit of all of her labor. Now, in the fruit of all of her labor. Now, in our human perspective, we might think, our human perspective, we might think, our human perspective, we might think, well, she lost. How does that fit with well, she lost. How does that fit with well, she lost. How does that fit with what we're talking about? How does that

what we're talking about? How does that what we're talking about? How does that fit with this idea of God bringing us fit with this idea of God bringing us fit with this idea of God bringing us through the battle and overcoming through the battle and overcoming through the battle and overcoming despair and seeing the reward come? Can despair and seeing the reward come? Can despair and seeing the reward come? Can I tell you lovingly but honestly, I tell you lovingly but honestly, I tell you lovingly but honestly, it shows how backward our thinking is if it shows how backward our thinking is if it shows how backward our thinking is if we believe she lost. Because here's what we believe she lost. Because here's what we believe she lost. Because here's what happened. Not long after she died, from happened. Not long after she died, from happened. Not long after she died, from the glory and perfection of heaven, she the glory and perfection of heaven, she the glory and perfection of heaven, she got to watch as Jesus found her got to watch as Jesus found her got to watch as Jesus found her granddaughter and brought her out of sin granddaughter and brought her out of sin granddaughter and brought her out of sin and made her a new creation, delivered and made her a new creation, delivered and made her a new creation, delivered her from all of her bondage, brought her her from all of her bondage, brought her her from all of her bondage, brought her to this school so that she could be to this school so that she could be to this school so that she could be trained and equipped for ministry. She trained and equipped for ministry. She trained and equipped for ministry. She got to watch from the glory and got to watch from the glory and got to watch from the glory and perfection of heaven as her perfection of heaven as her perfection of heaven as her granddaughter, who was once a lost soul granddaughter, who was once a lost soul granddaughter, who was once a lost soul herself, now started preaching at pride herself, now started preaching at pride herself, now started preaching at pride parades in New York, trying to rescue parades in New York, trying to rescue parades in New York, trying to rescue people out of the life of bondage that people out of the life of bondage that people out of the life of bondage that she was formerly in. She didn't get to she was formerly in. She didn't get to she was formerly in. She didn't get to see that down here. She got to watch it see that down here. She got to watch it see that down here. She got to watch it all from up there. And she got even more all from up there. And she got even more all from up there. And she got even more than she asked for because right before than she asked for because right before than she asked for because right before Michelle graduated, just a couple weeks Michelle graduated, just a couple weeks Michelle graduated, just a couple weeks before graduation day, she got to go before graduation day, she got to go before graduation day, she got to go home to New York City and she had the home to New York City and she had the home to New York City and she had the privilege of leading her mother to privilege of leading her mother to privilege of leading her mother to Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. [applause] Our sister didn't lose. She kept Our sister didn't lose. She kept fighting through the despair. She kept fighting through the despair. She kept fighting through the despair. She kept fighting through the impossibility. and fighting through the impossibility. and fighting through the impossibility. and from the throne room of God. She didn't from the throne room of God. She didn't from the throne room of God. She didn't just see her granddaughter come to just see her granddaughter come to just see her granddaughter come to faith. She saw two generations of her faith. She saw two generations of her faith. She saw two generations of her family swept into the kingdom. family swept into the kingdom. family swept into the kingdom. [applause] [applause] [applause] The moral is this. THE REWARD IS ALWAYS The moral is this. THE REWARD IS ALWAYS The moral is this. THE REWARD IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN THE BATTLE. AND THAT'S WHY GREATER THAN THE BATTLE. AND THAT'S WHY GREATER THAN THE BATTLE. AND THAT'S WHY YOU CAN'T LOSE YOUR FIGHT. THAT'S WHY YOU CAN'T LOSE YOUR FIGHT. THAT'S WHY YOU CAN'T LOSE YOUR FIGHT. THAT'S WHY YOU'VE GOT TO KEEP pressing in. THAT'S YOU'VE GOT TO KEEP pressing in. THAT'S YOU'VE GOT TO KEEP pressing in. THAT'S WHY YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP. TRUST YOUR WHY YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP. TRUST YOUR WHY YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP. TRUST YOUR FATHER. Cling to his love. plead with FATHER. Cling to his love. plead with FATHER. Cling to his love. plead with the SPIRIT OF GOD TO BAPTIZE YOU WITH the SPIRIT OF GOD TO BAPTIZE YOU WITH the SPIRIT OF GOD TO BAPTIZE YOU WITH UNDERSTANDING AND knowledge of the love UNDERSTANDING AND knowledge of the love UNDERSTANDING AND knowledge of the love of God. UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL OF of God. UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL OF of God. UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL OF THE PAIN, UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL THE PAIN, UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL THE PAIN, UNTIL IT'S MORE REAL THAN ALL OF THE UNCERTAINTY, UNTIL IT'S MORE OF THE UNCERTAINTY, UNTIL IT'S MORE OF THE UNCERTAINTY, UNTIL IT'S MORE POWERFUL AND PRESENT IN YOUR MIND, THAN POWERFUL AND PRESENT IN YOUR MIND, THAN POWERFUL AND PRESENT IN YOUR MIND, THAN ALL OF THE DOUBTS AND THE QUESTIONS. ALL OF THE DOUBTS AND THE QUESTIONS. ALL OF THE DOUBTS AND THE QUESTIONS. FIGHT FOR THAT. FIGHT FOR THAT. FIGHT FOR THAT. >> YOU CAN'T LOSE. You can't lose when you >> YOU CAN'T LOSE. You can't lose when you >> YOU CAN'T LOSE. You can't lose when you pray that way. You can't be defeated by pray that way. You can't be defeated by pray that way. You can't be defeated by despair when you've got your eyes lifted despair when you've got your eyes lifted despair when you've got your eyes lifted that high on a prize so glorious.

that high on a prize so glorious. that high on a prize so glorious. The reward is always greater than the The reward is always greater than the The reward is always greater than the battle. battle. battle. And so the question that I have for all And so the question that I have for all And so the question that I have for all of us tonight is, have you lost your of us tonight is, have you lost your of us tonight is, have you lost your fight? Is despair threatening to swallow fight? Is despair threatening to swallow fight? Is despair threatening to swallow you up? You're in the right place? you up? You're in the right place? you up? You're in the right place? You're tuned in to the right URL? You're tuned in to the right URL? You're tuned in to the right URL? Because we're going to come to the table Because we're going to come to the table Because we're going to come to the table of our father. Now, I want to invite of our father. Now, I want to invite of our father. Now, I want to invite everyone here in the house to stand, the everyone here in the house to stand, the everyone here in the house to stand, the worship team to come back to the worship team to come back to the worship team to come back to the platform. And as we partake tonight, And as we partake tonight, if you are a believer, if you're born if you are a believer, if you're born if you are a believer, if you're born again, Jesus Christ is your Lord and again, Jesus Christ is your Lord and again, Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, Savior, Savior, his father is your father, and you must his father is your father, and you must his father is your father, and you must trust him. You must. And if your trust trust him. You must. And if your trust trust him. You must. And if your trust needs to be revived and breathed on needs to be revived and breathed on needs to be revived and breathed on tonight, then as you get that bread and tonight, then as you get that bread and tonight, then as you get that bread and that cup of juice, ask that cup of juice, ask that cup of juice, ask ask your father. say, "I need more ask your father. say, "I need more ask your father. say, "I need more faith. I need you to breathe on my faith faith. I need you to breathe on my faith faith. I need you to breathe on my faith again. I need you to remind me of why again. I need you to remind me of why again. I need you to remind me of why you are more trustworthy than my fears you are more trustworthy than my fears you are more trustworthy than my fears are strong. Why can I look to you more are strong. Why can I look to you more are strong. Why can I look to you more than to the situation all around me?"

than to the situation all around me?" than to the situation all around me?" And if you're here in the house or And if you're here in the house or And if you're here in the house or you're online and you're not saved, you're online and you're not saved, you're online and you're not saved, you've never made a commitment to Jesus you've never made a commitment to Jesus you've never made a commitment to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Christ as your Lord and Savior, the Christ as your Lord and Savior, the heavenly father that we're talking about heavenly father that we're talking about heavenly father that we're talking about loves you and wants to adopt you into loves you and wants to adopt you into loves you and wants to adopt you into his family. He can change everything. I his family. He can change everything. I his family. He can change everything. I don't know how people face despair don't know how people face despair don't know how people face despair without Jesus. I don't know how they do without Jesus. I don't know how they do without Jesus. I don't know how they do it. it. it. But it's possible. It's not just But it's possible. It's not just But it's possible. It's not just possible. possible. possible. It's supernatural. It's supernatural. It's supernatural. When you have Christ, you have something When you have Christ, you have something When you have Christ, you have something that transcends everything that hell that transcends everything that hell that transcends everything that hell could ever throw at you. could ever throw at you. could ever throw at you. Come to Jesus tonight. You know, at TSC Come to Jesus tonight. You know, at TSC Come to Jesus tonight. You know, at TSC at all of our campuses, we always say at all of our campuses, we always say at all of our campuses, we always say the same thing that coming to the the same thing that coming to the the same thing that coming to the father, becoming a child of God is as father, becoming a child of God is as father, becoming a child of God is as easy as ABC. A is you admit you're a easy as ABC. A is you admit you're a easy as ABC. A is you admit you're a sinner. B, you believe that Jesus Christ sinner. B, you believe that Jesus Christ sinner. B, you believe that Jesus Christ out of love for you took your punishment out of love for you took your punishment out of love for you took your punishment on himself so that you could be forgiven on himself so that you could be forgiven on himself so that you could be forgiven of your sins and you could be adopted of your sins and you could be adopted of your sins and you could be adopted into go into God's family. and see as into go into God's family. and see as into go into God's family. and see as you just confess him as your Lord and as you just confess him as your Lord and as you just confess him as your Lord and as your Savior and everything changes after your Savior and everything changes after your Savior and everything changes after that. Maybe little by little, but that. Maybe little by little, but that. Maybe little by little, but nothing will ever be the same. And so I nothing will ever be the same. And so I nothing will ever be the same. And so I want to pray for us for just a moment want to pray for us for just a moment want to pray for us for just a moment and we're going to prepare to receive and we're going to prepare to receive and we're going to prepare to receive communion. The worship team will lead us communion. The worship team will lead us communion. The worship team will lead us in a song. Then we'll come back and in a song. Then we'll come back and in a song. Then we'll come back and partake together. And if you're giving partake together. And if you're giving partake together. And if you're giving your life to Jesus tonight, you can take your life to Jesus tonight, you can take your life to Jesus tonight, you can take communion with us as soon as you get communion with us as soon as you get communion with us as soon as you get done saying this prayer.

done saying this prayer. done saying this prayer. Lord, I thank you that your love is Lord, I thank you that your love is Lord, I thank you that your love is stronger than all of our sin. stronger than all of our sin. stronger than all of our sin. >> God, I pray for every one of your sons >> God, I pray for every one of your sons >> God, I pray for every one of your sons and daughters in the house and online and daughters in the house and online and daughters in the house and online tonight whose faith feels as though it's tonight whose faith feels as though it's tonight whose faith feels as though it's in shambles. God, I pray that you would in shambles. God, I pray that you would in shambles. God, I pray that you would renew and revive their trust in you renew and revive their trust in you renew and revive their trust in you tonight. I pray, Lord God, that you tonight. I pray, Lord God, that you tonight. I pray, Lord God, that you would baptize them in an awareness of would baptize them in an awareness of would baptize them in an awareness of your love that would just overpower and your love that would just overpower and your love that would just overpower and wash away all of the despair. Renew us wash away all of the despair. Renew us wash away all of the despair. Renew us tonight, oh God. We don't want to lose tonight, oh God. We don't want to lose tonight, oh God. We don't want to lose our fight. We want to trust you the way our fight. We want to trust you the way our fight. We want to trust you the way that Jesus trusted you. And God, for that Jesus trusted you. And God, for that Jesus trusted you. And God, for every person who is coming to you for every person who is coming to you for every person who is coming to you for the first time right now, Lord, they're the first time right now, Lord, they're the first time right now, Lord, they're making a decision to become your son or making a decision to become your son or making a decision to become your son or your daughter. God, I pray that you your daughter. God, I pray that you your daughter. God, I pray that you would fill them with your Holy Spirit at would fill them with your Holy Spirit at would fill them with your Holy Spirit at this moment. That they would have a this moment. That they would have a this moment. That they would have a deep, deep knowledge in their heart that deep, deep knowledge in their heart that deep, deep knowledge in their heart that tells them and assures them that you've tells them and assures them that you've tells them and assures them that you've got them. They're forgiven. They're got them. They're forgiven. They're got them. They're forgiven. They're yours now. their eternity is safe. And I yours now. their eternity is safe. And I yours now. their eternity is safe. And I thank you, God, that you're going to be thank you, God, that you're going to be thank you, God, that you're going to be with them and strengthen them through with them and strengthen them through with them and strengthen them through every step of their journey. As we every step of their journey. As we every step of their journey. As we partake at your table tonight, God, partake at your table tonight, God, partake at your table tonight, God, speak to us, renew us. We ask it in your speak to us, renew us. We ask it in your speak to us, renew us. We ask it in your precious name. Let's take a few moments precious name. Let's take a few moments precious name. Let's take a few moments to worship and we'll come back and take to worship and we'll come back and take to worship and we'll come back and take communion together.