Kerry Shook: This Time Next Year

You know, there's a common phrase every You know, there's a common phrase every fall that football fans across the fall that football fans across the fall that football fans across the country say. country say. country say. It's a phrase that fans with eternal It's a phrase that fans with eternal It's a phrase that fans with eternal optimism for their team each year right optimism for their team each year right optimism for their team each year right before the start of the season say. It's before the start of the season say. It's before the start of the season say. It's a phrase that many fans have said for a phrase that many fans have said for a phrase that many fans have said for years year after year after year hoping years year after year after year hoping years year after year after year hoping that this could be the year that their that this could be the year that their that this could be the year that their long-suffering team finally ends a long-suffering team finally ends a long-suffering team finally ends a championship drought. championship drought. championship drought. What is that phrase? This is our year. What is that phrase? This is our year. What is that phrase? This is our year. This is our year. This is our year is a This is our year. This is our year is a This is our year. This is our year is a phrase the Dallas Cowboys fan base has phrase the Dallas Cowboys fan base has phrase the Dallas Cowboys fan base has notoriously become known for and trolled notoriously become known for and trolled notoriously become known for and trolled for. for. for. And that makes me rejoice in the Lord. And that makes me rejoice in the Lord. And that makes me rejoice in the Lord. Sorry about that Cowboy fans. Sorry about that Cowboy fans. Sorry about that Cowboy fans. But I have to say it's a phrase Texans But I have to say it's a phrase Texans But I have to say it's a phrase Texans fans have said for 27 years. We've been fans have said for 27 years. We've been fans have said for 27 years. We've been wrong every time. But this year is our wrong every time. But this year is our wrong every time. But this year is our year. year. year. I hope. I hope. I hope. When it comes to your college football When it comes to your college football When it comes to your college football team, some of you say it very arrogant, team, some of you say it very arrogant, team, some of you say it very arrogant, I mean confidently.

I mean confidently. I mean confidently. You Longhorn fans are letting everyone You Longhorn fans are letting everyone You Longhorn fans are letting everyone know this is your year. know this is your year. know this is your year. And all you Aggies are confidently And all you Aggies are confidently And all you Aggies are confidently saying to Longhorn fans, no, this is our saying to Longhorn fans, no, this is our saying to Longhorn fans, no, this is our year. year. year. And if it's not our year, it better not And if it's not our year, it better not And if it's not our year, it better not be your year because we care more about be your year because we care more about be your year because we care more about that than it being our year. I know you that than it being our year. I know you that than it being our year. I know you guys. guys. guys. And as a Baylor grad, I confidently say And as a Baylor grad, I confidently say And as a Baylor grad, I confidently say every year every year every year it's probably not going to be our year. it's probably not going to be our year. it's probably not going to be our year. Probably not. Probably not. Probably not. I don't know about your football team, I don't know about your football team, I don't know about your football team, but I really believe personally this is but I really believe personally this is but I really believe personally this is your year. your year. your year. This is your year to experience personal This is your year to experience personal This is your year to experience personal and powerful change in your life. This and powerful change in your life. This and powerful change in your life. This is your year to finally break free from is your year to finally break free from is your year to finally break free from the things that have kept you stuck for the things that have kept you stuck for the things that have kept you stuck for so long. This is your year to stop so long. This is your year to stop so long. This is your year to stop making the same mistakes, reverting back making the same mistakes, reverting back making the same mistakes, reverting back to the same hurtful habits, making the to the same hurtful habits, making the to the same hurtful habits, making the same old excuses that have caused so same old excuses that have caused so same old excuses that have caused so much pain in your life and in your much pain in your life and in your much pain in your life and in your relationships. This is your year. relationships. This is your year. relationships. This is your year. This is your year to stop racing through This is your year to stop racing through This is your year to stop racing through life with an overwhelming schedule and life with an overwhelming schedule and life with an overwhelming schedule and start living with an overarching start living with an overarching start living with an overarching purpose.

purpose. purpose. This is your year to finally seek God This is your year to finally seek God This is your year to finally seek God with all your heart and watch him change with all your heart and watch him change with all your heart and watch him change you into the person you into the person you into the person you've always wanted to be. you've always wanted to be. you've always wanted to be. I know that's what I need. I know that's I know that's what I need. I know that's I know that's what I need. I know that's what I want God to do in my life this what I want God to do in my life this what I want God to do in my life this year. year. year. This is your year. This is going to be This is your year. This is going to be This is your year. This is going to be the year of personal growth at Woodlands the year of personal growth at Woodlands the year of personal growth at Woodlands Church. You're going to have the Church. You're going to have the Church. You're going to have the opportunity to grow closer to God, to opportunity to grow closer to God, to opportunity to grow closer to God, to grow stronger in your faith than ever grow stronger in your faith than ever grow stronger in your faith than ever before as we start our discipleship before as we start our discipleship before as we start our discipleship training process. Discipleship 1, we're training process. Discipleship 1, we're training process. Discipleship 1, we're going to be unveiling going to be unveiling going to be unveiling this fall where you learn and we learn this fall where you learn and we learn this fall where you learn and we learn to be growing disciples with the to be growing disciples with the to be growing disciples with the disciplines of the Christian faith, with disciplines of the Christian faith, with disciplines of the Christian faith, with the great truths of God's word that the great truths of God's word that the great truths of God's word that we're to put into our lives that are we're to put into our lives that are we're to put into our lives that are life-changing. life-changing. life-changing. And discipleship 2, discipleship 3, and And discipleship 2, discipleship 3, and And discipleship 2, discipleship 3, and how to be a discipler. how to be a discipler. how to be a discipler. And and how to really grow up in the And and how to really grow up in the And and how to really grow up in the Lord so strongly. Lord so strongly. Lord so strongly. I can't wait to see what God has done in I can't wait to see what God has done in I can't wait to see what God has done in our lives and in our church by this time our lives and in our church by this time our lives and in our church by this time next year. It's going to be a year of next year. It's going to be a year of next year. It's going to be a year of great growth for you and for me at great growth for you and for me at great growth for you and for me at Woodlands Church.

Woodlands Church. Woodlands Church. Now, I want you to look at Now, I want you to look at Now, I want you to look at our key passage today. We're going to go our key passage today. We're going to go our key passage today. We're going to go to God's life-changing word in Genesis to God's life-changing word in Genesis to God's life-changing word in Genesis chapter 18. If you got your Bible, you chapter 18. If you got your Bible, you chapter 18. If you got your Bible, you can open your Bibles and look at it. Um can open your Bibles and look at it. Um can open your Bibles and look at it. Um we're going to have the verses on the we're going to have the verses on the we're going to have the verses on the screen as well. screen as well. screen as well. But would you stand in honor of God's But would you stand in honor of God's But would you stand in honor of God's word in Genesis 18. word in Genesis 18. word in Genesis 18. The Lord appeared to Abraham near the The Lord appeared to Abraham near the The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was great trees of Mamre while he was great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in sitting at the entrance to his tent in sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up the heat of the day. Abraham looked up the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When and saw three men standing nearby. When and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the he saw them, he hurried from the he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and entrance of his tent to meet them and entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed bowed bowed to the ground. to the ground. to the ground. "Where's your wife Sarah?" they asked "Where's your wife Sarah?" they asked "Where's your wife Sarah?" they asked him. him. him. "There in the tent." he said. "There in the tent." he said. "There in the tent." he said. Then one of them said, "I will surely Then one of them said, "I will surely Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year return to you about this time next year return to you about this time next year and Sarah your wife will have a son." and Sarah your wife will have a son." and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance Now Sarah was listening at the entrance Now Sarah was listening at the entrance in the tent in the tent in the tent which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old and Sarah was past were already very old and Sarah was past were already very old and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah the age of childbearing. So Sarah the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, laughed to herself as she thought, laughed to herself as she thought, "After I'm worn out my lord is old will "After I'm worn out my lord is old will "After I'm worn out my lord is old will I now have this pleasure?"

I now have this pleasure?" I now have this pleasure?" Then the Lord said to Abraham, Then the Lord said to Abraham, Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child now that I'm old?' really have a child now that I'm old?' really have a child now that I'm old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? Is anything too hard for the Lord? Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed I will return to you at the appointed I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a time next year and Sarah will have a time next year and Sarah will have a son." son." son." Sarah was afraid so she lied and said, Sarah was afraid so she lied and said, Sarah was afraid so she lied and said, "I did not laugh." "I did not laugh." "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." And you can be seated. Years before this God had promised Years before this God had promised Abraham that he'd be the father of a Abraham that he'd be the father of a Abraham that he'd be the father of a great nation. But years later he and his great nation. But years later he and his great nation. But years later he and his wife Sarah still hadn't had a son. wife Sarah still hadn't had a son. wife Sarah still hadn't had a son. And by this time Abraham was 100 years And by this time Abraham was 100 years And by this time Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old old and Sarah was 90 years old old and Sarah was 90 years old and they'd been waiting for so long and and they'd been waiting for so long and and they'd been waiting for so long and God still hadn't fulfilled the promise. God still hadn't fulfilled the promise. God still hadn't fulfilled the promise. So it looked like the dream was dead, So it looked like the dream was dead, So it looked like the dream was dead, that it was an empty promise. that it was an empty promise. that it was an empty promise. But in our key passage it says that God But in our key passage it says that God But in our key passage it says that God comes to Abraham again. It goes on to comes to Abraham again. It goes on to comes to Abraham again. It goes on to say there were three men. Now we don't say there were three men. Now we don't say there were three men. Now we don't know if it was God and two angels or if know if it was God and two angels or if know if it was God and two angels or if it was the Trinity. it was the Trinity. it was the Trinity. But God visits him.

But God visits him. But God visits him. And and look at what God says. I want to And and look at what God says. I want to And and look at what God says. I want to pull out this key verse from our key pull out this key verse from our key pull out this key verse from our key passage in Genesis 18:10. Then one of passage in Genesis 18:10. Then one of passage in Genesis 18:10. Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you them said, "I will surely return to you them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year and Sarah your about this time next year and Sarah your about this time next year and Sarah your wife will have a son." wife will have a son." wife will have a son." Focus on that phrase, this time next Focus on that phrase, this time next Focus on that phrase, this time next year. year. year. God says by this time next year Sarah God says by this time next year Sarah God says by this time next year Sarah will have a son." will have a son." will have a son." God says, "By this time next year, God says, "By this time next year, God says, "By this time next year, everything in your lives will have everything in your lives will have everything in your lives will have changed." God tells Abraham and Sarah, changed." God tells Abraham and Sarah, changed." God tells Abraham and Sarah, "I know it doesn't look like it today, "I know it doesn't look like it today, "I know it doesn't look like it today, but by this time next year, your despair but by this time next year, your despair but by this time next year, your despair will have turned to joy. I know it will have turned to joy. I know it will have turned to joy. I know it doesn't make any sense right now, but by doesn't make any sense right now, but by doesn't make any sense right now, but by this time next year, all your pain will this time next year, all your pain will this time next year, all your pain will be turned into purpose." God says, "I be turned into purpose." God says, "I be turned into purpose." God says, "I know you're facing a seemingly know you're facing a seemingly know you're facing a seemingly impossible situation, but by this time impossible situation, but by this time impossible situation, but by this time next year, you will know that I'm the next year, you will know that I'm the next year, you will know that I'm the God of the impossible." God of the impossible." God of the impossible." God says, "I know you've been waiting God says, "I know you've been waiting God says, "I know you've been waiting and waiting for years. You've almost and waiting for years. You've almost and waiting for years. You've almost lost hope in the promise, lost hope in the promise, lost hope in the promise, but by this time next year, you will see but by this time next year, you will see but by this time next year, you will see that I'm a God who always keeps my that I'm a God who always keeps my that I'm a God who always keeps my promises."

promises." promises." And I know God's speaking to someone And I know God's speaking to someone And I know God's speaking to someone today. today. today. I know somebody needed that today. I know somebody needed that today. I know somebody needed that today. Because he's been saying to you, "I know Because he's been saying to you, "I know Because he's been saying to you, "I know you've been waiting for me to come you've been waiting for me to come you've been waiting for me to come through for you, and I know you're about through for you, and I know you're about through for you, and I know you're about to lose hope, but don't give up, because to lose hope, but don't give up, because to lose hope, but don't give up, because I'm the God who always keeps his I'm the God who always keeps his I'm the God who always keeps his promises. Hold on, because I'm the God promises. Hold on, because I'm the God promises. Hold on, because I'm the God who can do the impossible." And he's the who can do the impossible." And he's the who can do the impossible." And he's the God who can do the impossible quickly. God who can do the impossible quickly. God who can do the impossible quickly. He can do the impossible He can do the impossible He can do the impossible by this time next year by this time next year by this time next year in your life. in your life. in your life. That's the title of my message. That's the title of my message. That's the title of my message. If you didn't get that already, by this If you didn't get that already, by this If you didn't get that already, by this time next year. time next year. time next year. And when God says this to Abraham, Sarah And when God says this to Abraham, Sarah And when God says this to Abraham, Sarah was at the entrance of the tent. She was was at the entrance of the tent. She was was at the entrance of the tent. She was listening in, and and look how she listening in, and and look how she listening in, and and look how she responds. responds. responds. In Genesis 18:12, In Genesis 18:12, In Genesis 18:12, so Sarah laughed silently. "A woman my so Sarah laughed silently. "A woman my so Sarah laughed silently. "A woman my age have a baby?" She scoffed to age have a baby?" She scoffed to age have a baby?" She scoffed to herself. "And with a husband as old as herself. "And with a husband as old as herself. "And with a husband as old as mine?" mine?" mine?" When God says, "By this time next year, When God says, "By this time next year, When God says, "By this time next year, Sarah will have a child," Sarah laughs.

Sarah will have a child," Sarah laughs. Sarah will have a child," Sarah laughs. She says, "Yeah, right. A woman my age She says, "Yeah, right. A woman my age She says, "Yeah, right. A woman my age have a baby? And with this old guy that have a baby? And with this old guy that have a baby? And with this old guy that I'm married to? That's a joke. I'm married to? That's a joke. I'm married to? That's a joke. Sarah laughed in doubt. Sarah laughed in doubt. Sarah laughed in doubt. But I think she also laughed in pain. But I think she also laughed in pain. But I think she also laughed in pain. I mean, many times we hide our pain I mean, many times we hide our pain I mean, many times we hide our pain behind laughter. Psychologists tell us behind laughter. Psychologists tell us behind laughter. Psychologists tell us that sometimes when when we're hurting, that sometimes when when we're hurting, that sometimes when when we're hurting, it's just a natural response, a coping it's just a natural response, a coping it's just a natural response, a coping response, just a laugh, a smile when response, just a laugh, a smile when response, just a laugh, a smile when we're hurting. we're hurting. we're hurting. So, many of the greatest comedians So, many of the greatest comedians So, many of the greatest comedians struggle with depression. struggle with depression. struggle with depression. I think Sarah laughed as a way to try to I think Sarah laughed as a way to try to I think Sarah laughed as a way to try to cope with her overwhelming sense of loss cope with her overwhelming sense of loss cope with her overwhelming sense of loss and the deep hurt in her life. and the deep hurt in her life. and the deep hurt in her life. We often hide our deep hurt behind a We often hide our deep hurt behind a We often hide our deep hurt behind a smile. smile. smile. And some of you today are smiling, And some of you today are smiling, And some of you today are smiling, but you're hurting deeply on the inside. but you're hurting deeply on the inside. but you're hurting deeply on the inside. Some of you today are laughing, but Some of you today are laughing, but Some of you today are laughing, but you're dying on the inside. And we come you're dying on the inside. And we come you're dying on the inside. And we come to church and to church and to church and people ask, "How you doing?" "Oh, I'm people ask, "How you doing?" "Oh, I'm people ask, "How you doing?" "Oh, I'm doing great. How are you doing?" doing great. How are you doing?" doing great. How are you doing?" "Great."

"Great." "Great." When your soul is wounded When your soul is wounded When your soul is wounded and your heart is breaking. and your heart is breaking. and your heart is breaking. Hey, Woodland Hills Church is a place Hey, Woodland Hills Church is a place Hey, Woodland Hills Church is a place where we celebrate, where we laugh, where we celebrate, where we laugh, where we celebrate, where we laugh, where we share with each other the great where we share with each other the great where we share with each other the great things God is doing in our lives. It's a things God is doing in our lives. It's a things God is doing in our lives. It's a place of joy. But Woodland Hills Church place of joy. But Woodland Hills Church place of joy. But Woodland Hills Church is also a place where you don't have to is also a place where you don't have to is also a place where you don't have to hide our hurts. hide our hurts. hide our hurts. We don't have to hide our brokenness We don't have to hide our brokenness We don't have to hide our brokenness because we're all broken. because we're all broken. because we're all broken. And that's why we need each other, to And that's why we need each other, to And that's why we need each other, to look to God, to experience his continual look to God, to experience his continual look to God, to experience his continual healing. healing. healing. So, how are you doing today, So, how are you doing today, So, how are you doing today, really? really? really? Maybe you'd say, Maybe you'd say, Maybe you'd say, "To be honest, Carey, "To be honest, Carey, "To be honest, Carey, I'm really hurting. I'm really hurting. I'm really hurting. I feel like my marriage is falling I feel like my marriage is falling I feel like my marriage is falling apart. I don't know what to do." apart. I don't know what to do." apart. I don't know what to do." So, how are you doing today, So, how are you doing today, So, how are you doing today, really? really? really? "Well, to be honest, I'm really "Well, to be honest, I'm really "Well, to be honest, I'm really struggling with depression. struggling with depression. struggling with depression. And it never seems to lift, and I'm And it never seems to lift, and I'm And it never seems to lift, and I'm starting to lose all hope." starting to lose all hope." starting to lose all hope." How are you doing today, really? How are you doing today, really? How are you doing today, really? "Well, my heart is breaking and I'm "Well, my heart is breaking and I'm "Well, my heart is breaking and I'm crying out because my teenage daughter crying out because my teenage daughter crying out because my teenage daughter has a eating disorder and and I feel so has a eating disorder and and I feel so has a eating disorder and and I feel so helpless.

helpless. helpless. I mean, how are you doing, really? I mean, how are you doing, really? I mean, how are you doing, really? Honestly, I'm scared because my business Honestly, I'm scared because my business Honestly, I'm scared because my business is barely hanging on. I don't know how is barely hanging on. I don't know how is barely hanging on. I don't know how to turn it around. to turn it around. to turn it around. How are you doing, really? How are you doing, really? How are you doing, really? Not great. I'm waiting for the test Not great. I'm waiting for the test Not great. I'm waiting for the test results, but it doesn't look good. results, but it doesn't look good. results, but it doesn't look good. I want you to know I want you to know I want you to know God knows God knows God knows how you're doing, really. how you're doing, really. how you're doing, really. And he hurts with you. And he hurts with you. And he hurts with you. He knows. He knows. He knows. He's in the future. He knows what's to He's in the future. He knows what's to He's in the future. He knows what's to come. Nothing surprises God. come. Nothing surprises God. come. Nothing surprises God. He's right there with you in the He's right there with you in the He's right there with you in the present. present. present. He knows your deepest hurts. He knows your deepest hurts. He knows your deepest hurts. I believe Sarah laughed to cover up her I believe Sarah laughed to cover up her I believe Sarah laughed to cover up her pain. But God already knew about the pain. But God already knew about the pain. But God already knew about the deep hurt in her heart and he hurt with deep hurt in her heart and he hurt with deep hurt in her heart and he hurt with her. her. her. Sarah also laughed because she doubted Sarah also laughed because she doubted Sarah also laughed because she doubted God's promise. God's promise. God's promise. She tried to hide her doubts from God, She tried to hide her doubts from God, She tried to hide her doubts from God, but God knew her doubts. but God knew her doubts. but God knew her doubts. I mean, she lied to God. I mean, she lied to God. I mean, she lied to God. And God just said, And God just said, And God just said, "No. "No. "No. No, you did laugh.

No, you did laugh. No, you did laugh. You did." You did." You did." Look at Genesis 18:13. Look at Genesis 18:13. Look at Genesis 18:13. After she laughs After she laughs After she laughs and God knows everything, he knows all and God knows everything, he knows all and God knows everything, he knows all her doubts, whether we're honest with her doubts, whether we're honest with her doubts, whether we're honest with them or not about them. them or not about them. them or not about them. In Genesis 18:13, then the Lord said to In Genesis 18:13, then the Lord said to In Genesis 18:13, then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Well, I really have a child now that 'Well, I really have a child now that 'Well, I really have a child now that I'm old?'" I'm old?'" I'm old?'" Notice that God doesn't condemn Sarah Notice that God doesn't condemn Sarah Notice that God doesn't condemn Sarah for her doubts. He just asked, "Why'd for her doubts. He just asked, "Why'd for her doubts. He just asked, "Why'd you laugh and doubt what I said?" you laugh and doubt what I said?" you laugh and doubt what I said?" God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't believe God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't believe God didn't say, "Sarah, I can't believe you have doubts. I can't believe you you have doubts. I can't believe you you have doubts. I can't believe you doubted me and you laughed about what I doubted me and you laughed about what I doubted me and you laughed about what I said, so I'm out of here. How dare you? said, so I'm out of here. How dare you? said, so I'm out of here. How dare you? I'm leaving. I'm never going to fulfill I'm leaving. I'm never going to fulfill I'm leaving. I'm never going to fulfill the promise. the promise. the promise. You just wait and see. You laughed. I'm You just wait and see. You laughed. I'm You just wait and see. You laughed. I'm out." out." out." No, he didn't condemn her for her No, he didn't condemn her for her No, he didn't condemn her for her doubts. He just goes on to remind her doubts. He just goes on to remind her doubts. He just goes on to remind her what kind of God he is. And he doesn't what kind of God he is. And he doesn't what kind of God he is. And he doesn't condemn you for your doubts. We all have condemn you for your doubts. We all have condemn you for your doubts. We all have doubts at times. doubts at times. doubts at times. That's the only way you really get to That's the only way you really get to That's the only way you really get to great faith is great faith is great faith is to work through your doubts. Because to work through your doubts. Because to work through your doubts. Because really there's no such thing as faith really there's no such thing as faith really there's no such thing as faith unless you have some doubts, but you unless you have some doubts, but you unless you have some doubts, but you step in faith anyway.

step in faith anyway. step in faith anyway. Unless you Unless you Unless you have some doubts that maybe God's not have some doubts that maybe God's not have some doubts that maybe God's not going to come through, but you step out going to come through, but you step out going to come through, but you step out on that limb anyway. on that limb anyway. on that limb anyway. That's what faith is. That's what faith is. That's what faith is. Faith, you got to have a little bit of Faith, you got to have a little bit of Faith, you got to have a little bit of doubt. doubt. doubt. I mean you could be 99% sure. It's like, I mean you could be 99% sure. It's like, I mean you could be 99% sure. It's like, "God, I know you're going to come "God, I know you're going to come "God, I know you're going to come through. You've told me you're going to through. You've told me you're going to through. You've told me you're going to come through. Yeah, you're going to come come through. Yeah, you're going to come come through. Yeah, you're going to come through. I'm stepping out in faith. Are through. I'm stepping out in faith. Are through. I'm stepping out in faith. Are you going to come through, God?" you going to come through, God?" you going to come through, God?" Ever felt that way? Ever felt that way? Ever felt that way? Faith is just stepping out anyway. Faith is just stepping out anyway. Faith is just stepping out anyway. And it's important to work through your And it's important to work through your And it's important to work through your doubts. And God knows your doubts. He doubts. And God knows your doubts. He doubts. And God knows your doubts. He doesn't condemn you for your doubts. doesn't condemn you for your doubts. doesn't condemn you for your doubts. He He's not scared of our questions. He He's not scared of our questions. He He's not scared of our questions. He wants us to bring it all to him and He wants us to bring it all to him and He wants us to bring it all to him and just pour it on him. God, where are you? just pour it on him. God, where are you? just pour it on him. God, where are you? What are you doing? This makes no sense. What are you doing? This makes no sense. What are you doing? This makes no sense. Are you ever going to come through? Are you ever going to come through? Are you ever going to come through? You see, he doesn't condemn her for her You see, he doesn't condemn her for her You see, he doesn't condemn her for her doubts. He just reminds her doubts. He just reminds her doubts. He just reminds her what kind of God he is. what kind of God he is. what kind of God he is. He just reminds her that he is God. He just reminds her that he is God. He just reminds her that he is God. She's not. She's not. She's not. In Genesis In Genesis In Genesis 18:13, you know, he says, "I have 18:13, you know, he says, "I have 18:13, you know, he says, "I have doubts."

doubts." doubts." Or that she had doubts and she laughed, Or that she had doubts and she laughed, Or that she had doubts and she laughed, but in Genesis 18:14, but in Genesis 18:14, but in Genesis 18:14, he says, he says, he says, "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I "Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at this same time will return to you at this same time will return to you at this same time next year, this appointed time next next year, this appointed time next next year, this appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son." year, and Sarah will have a son." year, and Sarah will have a son." Did you get that? Did you get that? Did you get that? He reminds her first He reminds her first He reminds her first of who he is. He's the God of the of who he is. He's the God of the of who he is. He's the God of the impossible. impossible. impossible. Is anything too hard for me? No. Is anything too hard for me? No. Is anything too hard for me? No. And then he says the promise again. And then he says the promise again. And then he says the promise again. He reminds her of the promise again. He reminds her of the promise again. He reminds her of the promise again. Hey, by this time next year, you'll have Hey, by this time next year, you'll have Hey, by this time next year, you'll have a son. a son. a son. He reminds her that he's the God who He reminds her that he's the God who He reminds her that he's the God who always fulfills his promise. God doesn't always fulfills his promise. God doesn't always fulfills his promise. God doesn't condemn us for our doubts. He wants us condemn us for our doubts. He wants us condemn us for our doubts. He wants us to admit our doubts, bring our doubts to to admit our doubts, bring our doubts to to admit our doubts, bring our doubts to him, so he can remind us that he's the him, so he can remind us that he's the him, so he can remind us that he's the God of the impossible who always keeps God of the impossible who always keeps God of the impossible who always keeps his promise. And even when we are his promise. And even when we are his promise. And even when we are faithless, he remains faithful. So, faithless, he remains faithful. So, faithless, he remains faithful. So, bring your doubts to God, bring your bring your doubts to God, bring your bring your doubts to God, bring your impossible situation to God this year, impossible situation to God this year, impossible situation to God this year, so he can remind you that he's the God so he can remind you that he's the God so he can remind you that he's the God of the impossible. of the impossible. of the impossible. God changes Sarah's circumstances in 1 God changes Sarah's circumstances in 1 God changes Sarah's circumstances in 1 year.

year. year. God did a miracle and took away her God did a miracle and took away her God did a miracle and took away her greatest pain and turned it into joy. greatest pain and turned it into joy. greatest pain and turned it into joy. God changed her circumstance, but more God changed her circumstance, but more God changed her circumstance, but more importantly, importantly, importantly, God changed her. God changed her. God changed her. You see, if you go to the New Testament, You see, if you go to the New Testament, You see, if you go to the New Testament, Hebrews chapter 11, the great Hall of Hebrews chapter 11, the great Hall of Hebrews chapter 11, the great Hall of Faith that Ryan preached about a few Faith that Ryan preached about a few Faith that Ryan preached about a few weeks ago, weeks ago, weeks ago, Sarah's listed in the great Hall of Sarah's listed in the great Hall of Sarah's listed in the great Hall of Faith. A woman who had great faith. And Faith. A woman who had great faith. And Faith. A woman who had great faith. And I'm like, wait a minute here. She's the I'm like, wait a minute here. She's the I'm like, wait a minute here. She's the one who laughed and doubted God. one who laughed and doubted God. one who laughed and doubted God. Uh, but look at Hebrews 11:11. It says, "And by faith, even Sarah, who It says, "And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled was past childbearing age, was enabled was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered to bear children because she considered to bear children because she considered him faithful him faithful him faithful who had made the promise." who had made the promise." who had made the promise." I think about that. I think about that. I think about that. You see, Sarah laughed, You see, Sarah laughed, You see, Sarah laughed, but then in Hebrews, but then in Hebrews, but then in Hebrews, it says that even Sarah, you know, the it says that even Sarah, you know, the it says that even Sarah, you know, the one who laughed and had doubts, one who laughed and had doubts, one who laughed and had doubts, it says, "Even Sarah, it says, "Even Sarah, it says, "Even Sarah, she was able to conceive because of her she was able to conceive because of her she was able to conceive because of her faith in God's power, because she had faith in God's power, because she had faith in God's power, because she had faith that God would fulfill her faith that God would fulfill her faith that God would fulfill her promise."

promise." promise." So, what happened So, what happened So, what happened between the time she laughed and the between the time she laughed and the between the time she laughed and the time she conceived? time she conceived? time she conceived? What happened? What happened? What happened? Th- she had the faith that says Th- she had the faith that says Th- she had the faith that says to have the power to conceive. to have the power to conceive. to have the power to conceive. She had the faith because She had the faith because She had the faith because she said the one who made the promise is she said the one who made the promise is she said the one who made the promise is faithful. So, what happened between that faithful. So, what happened between that faithful. So, what happened between that time where she laughed and doubted and time where she laughed and doubted and time where she laughed and doubted and scoffed scoffed scoffed and when she conceived and when she conceived and when she conceived just a few months later. just a few months later. just a few months later. I think she came to the place of I think she came to the place of I think she came to the place of surrender. surrender. surrender. You see, I think she'd come to the place You see, I think she'd come to the place You see, I think she'd come to the place of giving up of giving up of giving up a long time before that. a long time before that. a long time before that. I mean, she just knew God was going to I mean, she just knew God was going to I mean, she just knew God was going to come through. come through. come through. She was going to be the mother of She was going to be the mother of She was going to be the mother of nations, God said. nations, God said. nations, God said. You know, and multitudes. Abraham, be You know, and multitudes. Abraham, be You know, and multitudes. Abraham, be the father the father the father of nations, the father of a great nation of nations, the father of a great nation of nations, the father of a great nation where God would use to bless and where God would use to bless and where God would use to bless and And she believed that promise, but I but And she believed that promise, but I but And she believed that promise, but I but I think over time I think over time I think over time she began to doubt and then I think she began to doubt and then I think she began to doubt and then I think finally she just gave up.

finally she just gave up. finally she just gave up. She tried to help God along, you know. She tried to help God along, you know. She tried to help God along, you know. She said, "I've got an idea, Abraham. She said, "I've got an idea, Abraham. She said, "I've got an idea, Abraham. You take my you know, my handmaid, You take my you know, my handmaid, You take my you know, my handmaid, Hagar, Hagar, Hagar, and have a child and maybe that's the and have a child and maybe that's the and have a child and maybe that's the way God wants to work." And that just way God wants to work." And that just way God wants to work." And that just created a mess in their family. created a mess in their family. created a mess in their family. It was devastating to them. It was devastating to them. It was devastating to them. She tried to run ahead of God and She tried to run ahead of God and She tried to run ahead of God and I I think she finally came to the place I I think she finally came to the place I I think she finally came to the place where she just gave up where she just gave up where she just gave up on God. on God. on God. But she hadn't surrendered to God. But she hadn't surrendered to God. But she hadn't surrendered to God. You see, she gave up, I think, on God, You see, she gave up, I think, on God, You see, she gave up, I think, on God, but then when God came and visited once but then when God came and visited once but then when God came and visited once more, it was really all for Sarah. more, it was really all for Sarah. more, it was really all for Sarah. He'd already visited Abraham, if you He'd already visited Abraham, if you He'd already visited Abraham, if you look back at the chapter before. He'd look back at the chapter before. He'd look back at the chapter before. He'd already visited Abraham and said, "Hey, already visited Abraham and said, "Hey, already visited Abraham and said, "Hey, by this time next year by this time next year by this time next year by this time next year by this time next year by this time next year your wife Sarah is going to have a your wife Sarah is going to have a your wife Sarah is going to have a child." child." child." And it says Abraham laughed to himself. And it says Abraham laughed to himself. And it says Abraham laughed to himself. So, Abraham had already laughed and So, Abraham had already laughed and So, Abraham had already laughed and worked through his doubts. But now this was for Sarah. But now this was for Sarah. And I believe And I believe And I believe after that Sarah after that Sarah after that Sarah went from giving up to giving over to went from giving up to giving over to went from giving up to giving over to God.

God. God. Saying, "God, I don't get it, but I just Saying, "God, I don't get it, but I just Saying, "God, I don't get it, but I just give it over to you. give it over to you. give it over to you. You know my doubts. You call me out on You know my doubts. You call me out on You know my doubts. You call me out on it. it. it. I'm going to surrender to you to do what I'm going to surrender to you to do what I'm going to surrender to you to do what you want. And I'm going to just choose you want. And I'm going to just choose you want. And I'm going to just choose to believe even though to believe even though to believe even though I got a lot of doubts. I'm going to take I got a lot of doubts. I'm going to take I got a lot of doubts. I'm going to take all my doubts all my doubts all my doubts and I'm going to give them to you. and I'm going to give them to you. and I'm going to give them to you. And I'm going to take And I'm going to take And I'm going to take my imperfect faith my imperfect faith my imperfect faith and give it to you. See, by faith, even and give it to you. See, by faith, even and give it to you. See, by faith, even Sarah placed her imperfect faith in a Sarah placed her imperfect faith in a Sarah placed her imperfect faith in a faithful God and God worked a miracle. faithful God and God worked a miracle. faithful God and God worked a miracle. He did the impossible. He changed her He did the impossible. He changed her He did the impossible. He changed her circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. But even more importantly, he changed But even more importantly, he changed But even more importantly, he changed her. Her faith grew. She focused on her. Her faith grew. She focused on her. Her faith grew. She focused on God's promise and she chose to believe God's promise and she chose to believe God's promise and she chose to believe him even when she didn't feel like it him even when she didn't feel like it him even when she didn't feel like it would ever happen. would ever happen. would ever happen. And I believe at this time next year God And I believe at this time next year God And I believe at this time next year God could do the impossible in your life. He could do the impossible in your life. He could do the impossible in your life. He could work a miracle to change that could work a miracle to change that could work a miracle to change that circumstance that seems impossible. circumstance that seems impossible. circumstance that seems impossible. But even more important, I know God at But even more important, I know God at But even more important, I know God at this time next year wants you to be this time next year wants you to be this time next year wants you to be changed. He wants you to be closer to changed. He wants you to be closer to changed. He wants you to be closer to him. He wants your faith to have grown.

him. He wants your faith to have grown. him. He wants your faith to have grown. He wants you to know his word better. He He wants you to know his word better. He He wants you to know his word better. He wants you to believe him for so much wants you to believe him for so much wants you to believe him for so much more than you are right now. He wants more than you are right now. He wants more than you are right now. He wants you to be surrendered. you to be surrendered. you to be surrendered. He wants you to go from the place of He wants you to go from the place of He wants you to go from the place of trying to do it yourself and run ahead trying to do it yourself and run ahead trying to do it yourself and run ahead of him, of him, of him, trying to live life on your own terms, trying to live life on your own terms, trying to live life on your own terms, and he wants you to surrender to him. and he wants you to surrender to him. and he wants you to surrender to him. He wants some of you to go to a place He wants some of you to go to a place He wants some of you to go to a place from just giving up on God. from just giving up on God. from just giving up on God. Just giving it over to God and go, God, Just giving it over to God and go, God, Just giving it over to God and go, God, I'm going to just choose to believe you. I'm going to just choose to believe you. I'm going to just choose to believe you. I'm going to believe the promise and I'm going to believe the promise and I'm going to believe the promise and that activates God's power in your life. that activates God's power in your life. that activates God's power in your life. Think about the person you want to be by Think about the person you want to be by Think about the person you want to be by this time next year. this time next year. this time next year. Don't think about all you want to do and Don't think about all you want to do and Don't think about all you want to do and all your goals and all that, you know, all your goals and all that, you know, all your goals and all that, you know, that you want to get accomplished, but that you want to get accomplished, but that you want to get accomplished, but think about right now, just imagine the think about right now, just imagine the think about right now, just imagine the person that you really want to be person that you really want to be person that you really want to be by this time next year. Well, how do you get started? Well, how do you get started? Well, scripture tells us how we get Well, scripture tells us how we get Well, scripture tells us how we get started in Proverbs 1:7. started in Proverbs 1:7. started in Proverbs 1:7. Start with God. The first step in Start with God. The first step in Start with God. The first step in learning is bowing down to God. Only learning is bowing down to God. Only learning is bowing down to God. Only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom fools thumb their noses at such wisdom fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

and learning. and learning. How do you know what to do to take those How do you know what to do to take those How do you know what to do to take those first steps, those next steps so that first steps, those next steps so that first steps, those next steps so that you can have wisdom to make those good you can have wisdom to make those good you can have wisdom to make those good decisions, to put the things in your decisions, to put the things in your decisions, to put the things in your life you need to? life you need to? life you need to? First, it starts First, it starts First, it starts with just bowing to God. with just bowing to God. with just bowing to God. Just surrender to God this year. Say, Just surrender to God this year. Say, Just surrender to God this year. Say, "God, I'm going to do it your way this "God, I'm going to do it your way this "God, I'm going to do it your way this year." year." year." And what that means is obedience. That's And what that means is obedience. That's And what that means is obedience. That's what it comes down to. what it comes down to. what it comes down to. When you put God first, you just obey When you put God first, you just obey When you put God first, you just obey what he says, whether you feel like it what he says, whether you feel like it what he says, whether you feel like it or not, whether you understand it or or not, whether you understand it or or not, whether you understand it or not. not. not. It's just obedience. It's just obedience. It's just obedience. Whether it makes sense to you or not, Whether it makes sense to you or not, Whether it makes sense to you or not, whether it's what you feel like or not, whether it's what you feel like or not, whether it's what you feel like or not, just obey God this year and surrender to just obey God this year and surrender to just obey God this year and surrender to him. him. him. And I'm going to give you something And I'm going to give you something And I'm going to give you something really practical to do because I believe really practical to do because I believe really practical to do because I believe Sarah surrendered and I believe she Sarah surrendered and I believe she Sarah surrendered and I believe she began to realize that began to realize that began to realize that I'm not God. I've tried. I'm not God. I've tried. I'm not God. I've tried. So, I'm going to just surrender to God So, I'm going to just surrender to God So, I'm going to just surrender to God because he is God and he's the God who because he is God and he's the God who because he is God and he's the God who can do the impossible. There's nothing can do the impossible. There's nothing can do the impossible. There's nothing too hard for him. I'm going to choose to too hard for him. I'm going to choose to too hard for him. I'm going to choose to believe that. believe that. believe that. And so, what I want us to do, And so, what I want us to do, And so, what I want us to do, first look at Psalm 46:10.

first look at Psalm 46:10. first look at Psalm 46:10. God says this. God says this. God says this. And I need this today. And I need this today. And I need this today. Be still and know that I am God. I will Be still and know that I am God. I will Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be be exalted among the nations. I will be be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. exalted in the earth. exalted in the earth. God is saying to me today and to you God is saying to me today and to you God is saying to me today and to you today, today, today, you're not God, but I am. you're not God, but I am. you're not God, but I am. So, I want you to be still in your So, I want you to be still in your So, I want you to be still in your heart. heart. heart. Stop trying to do it on your own and Stop trying to do it on your own and Stop trying to do it on your own and work out everything and solve all these work out everything and solve all these work out everything and solve all these problems and figure it all out. problems and figure it all out. problems and figure it all out. Just be still and know that I'm God and Just be still and know that I'm God and Just be still and know that I'm God and you're you're not because I will be you're you're not because I will be you're you're not because I will be exalted. I will fulfill my purpose in exalted. I will fulfill my purpose in exalted. I will fulfill my purpose in your life if you surrender to me, if you your life if you surrender to me, if you your life if you surrender to me, if you trust me. And so, what I want to do, trust me. And so, what I want to do, trust me. And so, what I want to do, this is really hard for me. And what I'm this is really hard for me. And what I'm this is really hard for me. And what I'm asking you to do to get started in this asking you to do to get started in this asking you to do to get started in this process, we'll be unveiling all our process, we'll be unveiling all our process, we'll be unveiling all our discipleship process and everything discipleship process and everything discipleship process and everything else, but none of it matters because else, but none of it matters because else, but none of it matters because unless we surrender to God. unless we surrender to God. unless we surrender to God. Cuz that's how you grow deep in the Lord Cuz that's how you grow deep in the Lord Cuz that's how you grow deep in the Lord is surrendering to God. And so what I is surrendering to God. And so what I is surrendering to God. And so what I want us to do want us to do want us to do this week, starting this week, starting this week, starting Monday, starting tomorrow.

Monday, starting tomorrow. Monday, starting tomorrow. I want you to I want you to I want you to before you do anything else, just sit before you do anything else, just sit before you do anything else, just sit still before God for 5 minutes. still before God for 5 minutes. still before God for 5 minutes. And just meditate on that verse. And just meditate on that verse. And just meditate on that verse. Pull it up in the app and meditate on Pull it up in the app and meditate on Pull it up in the app and meditate on that verse and just say, that verse and just say, that verse and just say, "I'm going to be still today. You're God, I'm not. I surrender to you You're God, I'm not. I surrender to you today, God, and I know you're going to today, God, and I know you're going to today, God, and I know you're going to work your purpose in my life. I want to work your purpose in my life. I want to work your purpose in my life. I want to be still." And just be still before God. be still." And just be still before God. be still." And just be still before God. Just listen to God. And And you know Just listen to God. And And you know Just listen to God. And And you know what's going to happen tomorrow? It's what's going to happen tomorrow? It's what's going to happen tomorrow? It's going to be so hard. You're going to going to be so hard. You're going to going to be so hard. You're going to look at your phone and go, look at your phone and go, look at your phone and go, "This seems like the longest 5 minutes "This seems like the longest 5 minutes "This seems like the longest 5 minutes of my life." of my life." of my life." You're going to think you've been there You're going to think you've been there You're going to think you've been there 20 minutes is 2 minutes. But But you got 20 minutes is 2 minutes. But But you got 20 minutes is 2 minutes. But But you got to start somewhere. And then you you may to start somewhere. And then you you may to start somewhere. And then you you may not hear anything from God at all. not hear anything from God at all. not hear anything from God at all. But God blesses that humility to say, But God blesses that humility to say, But God blesses that humility to say, "You're God and I'm not." "You're God and I'm not." "You're God and I'm not." Did you know every great move of God Did you know every great move of God Did you know every great move of God started when someone got still? started when someone got still? started when someone got still? When we get still, God moves. When we get still, God moves. When we get still, God moves. When we move, God gets still in our When we move, God gets still in our When we move, God gets still in our lives. lives. lives. And God says, "First, get still before And God says, "First, get still before And God says, "First, get still before me." And so let's do that. And I think me." And so let's do that. And I think me." And so let's do that. And I think as we do that, as we do that, as we do that, we'll start enjoying the Lord and we'll start enjoying the Lord and we'll start enjoying the Lord and relaxing in the Lord. And may turn into relaxing in the Lord. And may turn into relaxing in the Lord. And may turn into 10 minutes, 15 minutes.

Some of you like me, that'll be a Some of you like me, that'll be a miracle in and of itself, you know, just miracle in and of itself, you know, just miracle in and of itself, you know, just to be still for that long before God. to be still for that long before God. to be still for that long before God. And then start spending time with God, And then start spending time with God, And then start spending time with God, reading his word. But reading his word. But reading his word. But let's meditate on that scripture as let's meditate on that scripture as let's meditate on that scripture as we're still before him. You see, I think we're still before him. You see, I think we're still before him. You see, I think Sarah Sarah Sarah was reminded of what kind of God he is was reminded of what kind of God he is was reminded of what kind of God he is and that she's not God. and that she's not God. and that she's not God. I need to be reminded of that every day. I need to be reminded of that every day. I need to be reminded of that every day. Cuz faith is really expressed in Cuz faith is really expressed in Cuz faith is really expressed in obedience. obedience. obedience. You know, I can say I've got so much You know, I can say I've got so much You know, I can say I've got so much faith in the Lord, but if I don't obey faith in the Lord, but if I don't obey faith in the Lord, but if I don't obey him today in the things that he says and him today in the things that he says and him today in the things that he says and surrender to him, surrender to him, surrender to him, I don't really pray to him because I act I don't really pray to him because I act I don't really pray to him because I act like I don't really need him that much, like I don't really need him that much, like I don't really need him that much, then my faith is small. then my faith is small. then my faith is small. God wants to grow our faith this year. God wants to grow our faith this year. God wants to grow our faith this year. I'm praying by this time next year God I'm praying by this time next year God I'm praying by this time next year God will do some miracles that change some will do some miracles that change some will do some miracles that change some of the circumstances in my life that of the circumstances in my life that of the circumstances in my life that feel right now impossible to overcome. feel right now impossible to overcome. feel right now impossible to overcome. But I'm really determined by God's grace But I'm really determined by God's grace But I'm really determined by God's grace that by this time next year I'll have that by this time next year I'll have that by this time next year I'll have let God change me. By this time next let God change me. By this time next let God change me. By this time next year I don't want to be the same person year I don't want to be the same person year I don't want to be the same person I am today. I can't afford that.

I am today. I can't afford that. I am today. I can't afford that. God wants to move me to another level God wants to move me to another level God wants to move me to another level that's way beyond where I am right now. that's way beyond where I am right now. that's way beyond where I am right now. I need that desperately I need that desperately I need that desperately to be able to to be able to to be able to be the husband I need to be to Crest, to be the husband I need to be to Crest, to be the husband I need to be to Crest, to be the dad I need to be, the grandparent be the dad I need to be, the grandparent be the dad I need to be, the grandparent I need to be, be the leader of this I need to be, be the leader of this I need to be, be the leader of this church with Crest that I need to be. church with Crest that I need to be. church with Crest that I need to be. I can't afford to be the same person I can't afford to be the same person I can't afford to be the same person by this time next year as I am today. by this time next year as I am today. by this time next year as I am today. I want to be closer to God. I want to I want to be closer to God. I want to I want to be closer to God. I want to grow in my character to be more grow in my character to be more grow in my character to be more Christ-like. I desperately need God to Christ-like. I desperately need God to Christ-like. I desperately need God to change some areas in my life where I've change some areas in my life where I've change some areas in my life where I've been stuck. been stuck. been stuck. But that won't happen just by hoping it But that won't happen just by hoping it But that won't happen just by hoping it will happen. will happen. will happen. The kind of person you'll become next The kind of person you'll become next The kind of person you'll become next year will be determined by your year will be determined by your year will be determined by your commitments today. commitments today. commitments today. Starting to fear the Lord, starting to Starting to fear the Lord, starting to Starting to fear the Lord, starting to obey God and do what he says. We know obey God and do what he says. We know obey God and do what he says. We know enough enough enough already in God's word already in God's word already in God's word that we just need to do it. that we just need to do it. that we just need to do it. Sure, we're going to learn life-changing Sure, we're going to learn life-changing Sure, we're going to learn life-changing truths this year. We're going to be truths this year. We're going to be truths this year. We're going to be immersed in God's word. We're going to immersed in God's word. We're going to immersed in God's word. We're going to spend time with him. spend time with him. spend time with him. But let's do what he says.

But let's do what he says. But let's do what he says. What are the commitments you're making What are the commitments you're making What are the commitments you're making today? It doesn't happen by accident. today? It doesn't happen by accident. today? It doesn't happen by accident. That kind of person you want to be next That kind of person you want to be next That kind of person you want to be next year will be determined by the year will be determined by the year will be determined by the commitments you make today. And some of commitments you make today. And some of commitments you make today. And some of you have never joined the church. You you have never joined the church. You you have never joined the church. You need to join a church. That's part of need to join a church. That's part of need to join a church. That's part of God's will for your life. The church is God's will for your life. The church is God's will for your life. The church is not just believing, it's belonging. And not just believing, it's belonging. And not just believing, it's belonging. And so, if you haven't joined a church yet, so, if you haven't joined a church yet, so, if you haven't joined a church yet, you you you you you you you ought to join Woodlands Church. you ought to join Woodlands Church. you ought to join Woodlands Church. There are a lot of great churches, as There are a lot of great churches, as There are a lot of great churches, as long as they teach the Bible long as they teach the Bible long as they teach the Bible and teach Jesus our only way to get to and teach Jesus our only way to get to and teach Jesus our only way to get to God, God, God, that's great. Th- Then, you know, i- if that's great. Th- Then, you know, i- if that's great. Th- Then, you know, i- if that's the church, whatever church that that's the church, whatever church that that's the church, whatever church that you feel like, you know, what? I'm you feel like, you know, what? I'm you feel like, you know, what? I'm attracted to that church, and I'm attracted to that church, and I'm attracted to that church, and I'm praying about it, and praying about it, and praying about it, and as long as it believes God's word and as long as it believes God's word and as long as it believes God's word and teaches God's word, that's great. teaches God's word, that's great. teaches God's word, that's great. But, if you're here, it probably means But, if you're here, it probably means But, if you're here, it probably means you need to join here and become part of you need to join here and become part of you need to join here and become part of Woodlands Church family. It's just a Woodlands Church family. It's just a Woodlands Church family. It's just a little baby step of commitment, but God little baby step of commitment, but God little baby step of commitment, but God blesses our commitments. We make so many blesses our commitments. We make so many blesses our commitments. We make so many commitments commitments commitments half-heartedly to things that don't half-heartedly to things that don't half-heartedly to things that don't really matter, and we don't commit to really matter, and we don't commit to really matter, and we don't commit to the things God says to. We have our the things God says to. We have our the things God says to. We have our membership class at the end of the membership class at the end of the membership class at the end of the month. month. month. I teach it.

I teach it. I teach it. Come to it. Connect to the church. And Come to it. Connect to the church. And Come to it. Connect to the church. And then, you need to get a life group. then, you need to get a life group. then, you need to get a life group. That's part of God's will for your life, That's part of God's will for your life, That's part of God's will for your life, to be in a smaller group of people who to be in a smaller group of people who to be in a smaller group of people who are going the right direction that are are going the right direction that are are going the right direction that are the same age and stage as you. Then, you the same age and stage as you. Then, you the same age and stage as you. Then, you need to get involved in this need to get involved in this need to get involved in this discipleship process, and then commit to discipleship process, and then commit to discipleship process, and then commit to a daily time with God. All these a daily time with God. All these a daily time with God. All these commitments change you. commitments change you. commitments change you. God blesses our commitments and God blesses our commitments and God blesses our commitments and obedience to build our faith. obedience to build our faith. obedience to build our faith. But, he also uses the delays to develop But, he also uses the delays to develop But, he also uses the delays to develop our character. our character. our character. He uses the delays to build our faith He uses the delays to build our faith He uses the delays to build our faith and change us to prepare us for our and change us to prepare us for our and change us to prepare us for our purpose. And I'm telling you, God is purpose. And I'm telling you, God is purpose. And I'm telling you, God is always trying to prepare you for the always trying to prepare you for the always trying to prepare you for the next thing that he wants for you. next thing that he wants for you. next thing that he wants for you. Sometimes, I miss it because I'm not Sometimes, I miss it because I'm not Sometimes, I miss it because I'm not prepared. prepared. prepared. They haven't let him prepare me for that They haven't let him prepare me for that They haven't let him prepare me for that next position. And And it says that next position. And And it says that next position. And And it says that Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, but Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, but Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, but God had been preparing them for this all God had been preparing them for this all God had been preparing them for this all along for God to use them even more along for God to use them even more along for God to use them even more powerfully at 100 years old. powerfully at 100 years old. powerfully at 100 years old. I know God wants to do something in my I know God wants to do something in my I know God wants to do something in my life and in Chris's life and in your life and in Chris's life and in your life and in Chris's life and in your life life life that's new and fresh. I don't want to that's new and fresh. I don't want to that's new and fresh. I don't want to rely on the things God did 30 years ago rely on the things God did 30 years ago rely on the things God did 30 years ago in my life. I don't want to rely on the in my life. I don't want to rely on the in my life. I don't want to rely on the things God did 3 months ago in my life.

things God did 3 months ago in my life. things God did 3 months ago in my life. I need God to do a new and fresh work in I need God to do a new and fresh work in I need God to do a new and fresh work in my life today. my life today. my life today. God wants to take you to a new level. God wants to take you to a new level. God wants to take you to a new level. He's got a new position in this season He's got a new position in this season He's got a new position in this season for you. for you. for you. I don't know what that is. I don't know what that is. I don't know what that is. But we have to be prepared and God uses But we have to be prepared and God uses But we have to be prepared and God uses the delay those delays to prepare us for the delay those delays to prepare us for the delay those delays to prepare us for a new position. a new position. a new position. I think all along God was using the long I think all along God was using the long I think all along God was using the long delay to build Abraham and Sarah's faith delay to build Abraham and Sarah's faith delay to build Abraham and Sarah's faith and to teach them to trust him. and to teach them to trust him. and to teach them to trust him. Let's look again at Genesis 18:14. Let's look again at Genesis 18:14. Let's look again at Genesis 18:14. Is anything too hard for the Lord? I'll Is anything too hard for the Lord? I'll Is anything too hard for the Lord? I'll return to you at the appointed time next return to you at the appointed time next return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. year and Sarah will have a son. year and Sarah will have a son. Did you get that? At the appointed time. Did you get that? At the appointed time. Did you get that? At the appointed time. God's appointed time is always perfect. God's appointed time is always perfect. God's appointed time is always perfect. Look at this next promise of God from Look at this next promise of God from Look at this next promise of God from Habakkuk. Habakkuk was an Old Testament Habakkuk. Habakkuk was an Old Testament Habakkuk. Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who in his time evil was prophet who in his time evil was prophet who in his time evil was triumphing. triumphing. triumphing. He was praying. He didn't see God He was praying. He didn't see God He was praying. He didn't see God working. He didn't see evidence of God working. He didn't see evidence of God working. He didn't see evidence of God and and God had given him a vision and a and and God had given him a vision and a and and God had given him a vision and a dream for the nation and and I'm sure he is discouraged, but look and I'm sure he is discouraged, but look at Habakkuk 2:3. God says this to him at Habakkuk 2:3. God says this to him at Habakkuk 2:3. God says this to him and he says this to you today. But these and he says this to you today. But these and he says this to you today. But these things I plan won't happen right away.

things I plan won't happen right away. things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time Slowly, steadily, surely the time Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be approaches when the vision will be approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair for these things will surely despair for these things will surely despair for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient. They will come to pass. Just be patient. They will come to pass. Just be patient. They will not be overdue a single day. not be overdue a single day. not be overdue a single day. Focus on that phrase. They will not be Focus on that phrase. They will not be Focus on that phrase. They will not be overdue a single day. overdue a single day. overdue a single day. Maybe you've been praying. You've been Maybe you've been praying. You've been Maybe you've been praying. You've been trusting God and God isn't coming trusting God and God isn't coming trusting God and God isn't coming through. It feels like the heavens are through. It feels like the heavens are through. It feels like the heavens are silent. God's not answering your prayer silent. God's not answering your prayer silent. God's not answering your prayer and you've been waiting and waiting and and you've been waiting and waiting and and you've been waiting and waiting and waiting and you're asking God, "When are waiting and you're asking God, "When are waiting and you're asking God, "When are you going to come through? you going to come through? you going to come through? Why am I having to wait year after Why am I having to wait year after Why am I having to wait year after year?" year?" year?" And God says, And God says, And God says, "Hey, it may seem slow to you, but it's "Hey, it may seem slow to you, but it's "Hey, it may seem slow to you, but it's not going to be overdue a single day. not going to be overdue a single day. not going to be overdue a single day. My timing is always perfect. My timing is always perfect. My timing is always perfect. I'm never early, I'm never late. I'm I'm never early, I'm never late. I'm I'm never early, I'm never late. I'm always right on time." And God says, always right on time." And God says, always right on time." And God says, "It's going to happen at just the right "It's going to happen at just the right "It's going to happen at just the right time, at just the appointed time that I time, at just the appointed time that I time, at just the appointed time that I appointed before I created the world. appointed before I created the world. appointed before I created the world. But my time may not always seem like the But my time may not always seem like the But my time may not always seem like the right time to you."

right time to you." right time to you." And he says, "If it seems slow to you, And he says, "If it seems slow to you, And he says, "If it seems slow to you, don't give up. Don't despair. It's going don't give up. Don't despair. It's going don't give up. Don't despair. It's going to happen. Just be patient." But we get to happen. Just be patient." But we get to happen. Just be patient." But we get so impatient. We want to hurry God up. so impatient. We want to hurry God up. so impatient. We want to hurry God up. We want things right now, and it causes We want things right now, and it causes We want things right now, and it causes us to make a lot of bad decisions. us to make a lot of bad decisions. us to make a lot of bad decisions. But many times God has us in this But many times God has us in this But many times God has us in this healing process, this miracle process healing process, this miracle process healing process, this miracle process where he's building our faith. He's where he's building our faith. He's where he's building our faith. He's getting us ready. He's preparing us for getting us ready. He's preparing us for getting us ready. He's preparing us for this great position. He's developing us this great position. He's developing us this great position. He's developing us for our destiny. for our destiny. for our destiny. But we get frustrated. We want it now, But we get frustrated. We want it now, But we get frustrated. We want it now, and God says, "I want you to see the and God says, "I want you to see the and God says, "I want you to see the eternal view. I want you to synchronize eternal view. I want you to synchronize eternal view. I want you to synchronize your hearts with eternal standard time. your hearts with eternal standard time. your hearts with eternal standard time. And see the big picture so you can And see the big picture so you can And see the big picture so you can experience the miracle that I have experience the miracle that I have experience the miracle that I have planned for you." planned for you." planned for you." And eternal standard time is not Central And eternal standard time is not Central And eternal standard time is not Central Standard Time. It's not Eastern Standard Standard Time. It's not Eastern Standard Standard Time. It's not Eastern Standard Time. It's God's eternal time. I think Time. It's God's eternal time. I think Time. It's God's eternal time. I think Sarah finally realized that all the Sarah finally realized that all the Sarah finally realized that all the years of delay didn't destroy God's years of delay didn't destroy God's years of delay didn't destroy God's plan. And delays in your life never plan. And delays in your life never plan. And delays in your life never destroy God's plan for you. A delay is destroy God's plan for you. A delay is destroy God's plan for you. A delay is not a denial. not a denial. not a denial. There's a big difference between no and There's a big difference between no and There's a big difference between no and not yet. Sometimes God says, "Not yet."

not yet. Sometimes God says, "Not yet." not yet. Sometimes God says, "Not yet." Doesn't mean no. He says, "I'm going to Doesn't mean no. He says, "I'm going to Doesn't mean no. He says, "I'm going to fulfill it. fulfill it. fulfill it. But not right now. But not right now. But not right now. I'm going to wait till the perfect I'm going to wait till the perfect I'm going to wait till the perfect time." And those of you who are parents, time." And those of you who are parents, time." And those of you who are parents, you understand this. There's a big you understand this. There's a big you understand this. There's a big difference between no and not yet. difference between no and not yet. difference between no and not yet. There's a big difference between telling There's a big difference between telling There's a big difference between telling your kid no. your kid no. your kid no. And And And yeah, I'm going to give it to you, but yeah, I'm going to give it to you, but yeah, I'm going to give it to you, but not yet. Not yet. It's just not time not yet. Not yet. It's just not time not yet. Not yet. It's just not time yet. yet. yet. We had some of our grandkids over the We had some of our grandkids over the We had some of our grandkids over the other day for breakfast, and and they other day for breakfast, and and they other day for breakfast, and and they wanted to eat candy before their wanted to eat candy before their wanted to eat candy before their breakfast. And I said, "No. You got to breakfast. And I said, "No. You got to breakfast. And I said, "No. You got to eat your chocolate donut before you eat eat your chocolate donut before you eat eat your chocolate donut before you eat your candy. I mean, come on." your candy. I mean, come on." your candy. I mean, come on." I'm such a strict grandparent. I'm such a strict grandparent. I'm such a strict grandparent. As grandparents, As grandparents, As grandparents, we can do that, you know? We get them we can do that, you know? We get them we can do that, you know? We get them all hyped up on sugar and then send them all hyped up on sugar and then send them all hyped up on sugar and then send them back to their parents. back to their parents. back to their parents. It's just payback It's just payback It's just payback for all they did to us. There have been so many times though in There have been so many times though in my life my life my life where I've wanted to knock a door down, where I've wanted to knock a door down, where I've wanted to knock a door down, get out of the waiting room of life, and get out of the waiting room of life, and get out of the waiting room of life, and God keeps the door closed. God keeps the door closed. God keeps the door closed. And then years later I go, "God, thank And then years later I go, "God, thank And then years later I go, "God, thank you that you didn't open that door for you that you didn't open that door for you that you didn't open that door for me at that time. I would have settled me at that time. I would have settled me at that time. I would have settled for the good thing and missed out on for the good thing and missed out on for the good thing and missed out on your best."

your best." your best." And many times we make those decisions And many times we make those decisions And many times we make those decisions in the moment and we miss out on God's in the moment and we miss out on God's in the moment and we miss out on God's best for us. best for us. best for us. God knows what's best for us. His timing God knows what's best for us. His timing God knows what's best for us. His timing is always perfect. is always perfect. is always perfect. Let's just say that you're in an Let's just say that you're in an Let's just say that you're in an airplane and it's a 5-hour flight and airplane and it's a 5-hour flight and airplane and it's a 5-hour flight and you're sitting next to two really you're sitting next to two really you're sitting next to two really annoying people and you're in the middle annoying people and you're in the middle annoying people and you're in the middle seat. Has it ever happened to you? seat. Has it ever happened to you? seat. Has it ever happened to you? I mean, these guys are so annoying and I mean, these guys are so annoying and I mean, these guys are so annoying and you can't stand it. The plane is crowded you can't stand it. The plane is crowded you can't stand it. The plane is crowded and you're like, "I don't know what to and you're like, "I don't know what to and you're like, "I don't know what to do." And so after 2 hours, you're just do." And so after 2 hours, you're just do." And so after 2 hours, you're just fed up. You cannot wait any longer. So, fed up. You cannot wait any longer. So, fed up. You cannot wait any longer. So, you open up the emergency exit and you you open up the emergency exit and you you open up the emergency exit and you get out. And yeah, I'm free. get out. And yeah, I'm free. get out. And yeah, I'm free. I'm free from these guys, you know? I I'm free from these guys, you know? I I'm free from these guys, you know? I couldn't stand any longer. I couldn't couldn't stand any longer. I couldn't couldn't stand any longer. I couldn't wait any longer. Let's just say you're wait any longer. Let's just say you're wait any longer. Let's just say you're at the 4-hour and 45-minute mark and you at the 4-hour and 45-minute mark and you at the 4-hour and 45-minute mark and you can't take it any longer and you jump can't take it any longer and you jump can't take it any longer and you jump out. out. out. No, you better wait another 15 minutes No, you better wait another 15 minutes No, you better wait another 15 minutes until the plane lands. until the plane lands. until the plane lands. Cuz you're going to get out, but not Cuz you're going to get out, but not Cuz you're going to get out, but not yet. yet. yet. You better wait. You better wait. You better wait. It's for your own good. It's for your own good. It's for your own good. And then when you land, you got to wait And then when you land, you got to wait And then when you land, you got to wait another 45 minutes usually or even another 45 minutes usually or even another 45 minutes usually or even longer. And then when you can finally longer. And then when you can finally longer. And then when you can finally stand up, there's always some jerk stand up, there's always some jerk stand up, there's always some jerk behind you that's like, "No, hey, I'm behind you that's like, "No, hey, I'm behind you that's like, "No, hey, I'm more important than you. Move aside, you more important than you. Move aside, you more important than you. Move aside, you know, I've got a connection to make."

know, I've got a connection to make." know, I've got a connection to make." One time Chris and I, after the plane One time Chris and I, after the plane One time Chris and I, after the plane landed and pulled up, you know, landed and pulled up, you know, landed and pulled up, you know, we got up. We knew we had a 30-minute we got up. We knew we had a 30-minute we got up. We knew we had a 30-minute connection and we're planning, we got to connection and we're planning, we got to connection and we're planning, we got to run, we got to do this. We got to eat. run, we got to do this. We got to eat. run, we got to do this. We got to eat. Yeah, we got to go and Yeah, we got to go and Yeah, we got to go and And then as they started letting us go, And then as they started letting us go, And then as they started letting us go, there's a guy behind us just barrel there's a guy behind us just barrel there's a guy behind us just barrel through and he says, "I've got a plane through and he says, "I've got a plane through and he says, "I've got a plane to catch in 2 hours. I've got to go. to catch in 2 hours. I've got to go. to catch in 2 hours. I've got to go. I've got a connection." So, I just stuck I've got a connection." So, I just stuck I've got a connection." So, I just stuck my leg out and tripped him. You know, my leg out and tripped him. You know, my leg out and tripped him. You know, No, I didn't do that. I didn't do that. No, I didn't do that. I didn't do that. No, I didn't do that. I didn't do that. Your pastor didn't do that, you know. Your pastor didn't do that, you know. Your pastor didn't do that, you know. Someone probably videoed it and it would Someone probably videoed it and it would Someone probably videoed it and it would have gone viral. So, that's why pastors have gone viral. So, that's why pastors have gone viral. So, that's why pastors can't do what they really want to do. can't do what they really want to do. can't do what they really want to do. That's the only reason we can't do what That's the only reason we can't do what That's the only reason we can't do what we want. Now, you could do it though. we want. Now, you could do it though. we want. Now, you could do it though. And I totally recommend it. I mean, you And I totally recommend it. I mean, you And I totally recommend it. I mean, you could do it for me. That would be could do it for me. That would be could do it for me. That would be wonderful. wonderful. wonderful. But we get so frustrated. We're stuck But we get so frustrated. We're stuck But we get so frustrated. We're stuck and we want to jump out of the plane and and we want to jump out of the plane and and we want to jump out of the plane and God says, "You ought to wait until it God says, "You ought to wait until it God says, "You ought to wait until it lands because I'm going to land this lands because I'm going to land this lands because I'm going to land this thing thing thing right there in the right place for you right there in the right place for you right there in the right place for you at just the right time. So, hold on. at just the right time. So, hold on. at just the right time. So, hold on. Delays never destroy my purpose and my Delays never destroy my purpose and my Delays never destroy my purpose and my plan for your life." plan for your life." plan for your life." Now, let's look again Now, let's look again Now, let's look again at Genesis.

at Genesis. at Genesis. Let's go ahead Let's go ahead Let's go ahead three chapters and see what happened. In three chapters and see what happened. In three chapters and see what happened. In Genesis 21, Genesis 21, Genesis 21, "Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah as "Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah as "Now, the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became what he had promised. Sarah became what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age at the very time God had his old age at the very time God had his old age at the very time God had promised. Abraham gave the name Isaac to promised. Abraham gave the name Isaac to promised. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore." the son Sarah bore." the son Sarah bore." You know what the name Isaac means? You know what the name Isaac means? You know what the name Isaac means? Laughter. Laughter. Laughter. It means laughter. It means laughter. It means laughter. I love that. I love that. I love that. God told Abraham to name him laughter. God told Abraham to name him laughter. God told Abraham to name him laughter. I think to remind them I think to remind them I think to remind them of the doubts and then to remind them of the doubts and then to remind them of the doubts and then to remind them how God came through and used their how God came through and used their how God came through and used their faith. faith. faith. And in Genesis 21:6, And in Genesis 21:6, And in Genesis 21:6, "Sarah said, 'God has brought me "Sarah said, 'God has brought me "Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter and everyone who hears about laughter and everyone who hears about laughter and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.'" this will laugh with me.'" this will laugh with me.'" See, at first she laughed in pain. She See, at first she laughed in pain. She See, at first she laughed in pain. She laughed in doubt, but now she is laughed in doubt, but now she is laughed in doubt, but now she is laughing with joy at how amazing God is laughing with joy at how amazing God is laughing with joy at how amazing God is and what he has done in her life.

and what he has done in her life. and what he has done in her life. You see, at first You see, at first You see, at first it was all about mourning and sadness. it was all about mourning and sadness. it was all about mourning and sadness. She laughed to hide that, but now she's She laughed to hide that, but now she's She laughed to hide that, but now she's laughing in the open say, "I want laughing in the open say, "I want laughing in the open say, "I want everyone to join me. We're going to everyone to join me. We're going to everyone to join me. We're going to laugh. We're going to laugh at what God laugh. We're going to laugh at what God laugh. We're going to laugh at what God has done. We're going to rejoice at what has done. We're going to rejoice at what has done. We're going to rejoice at what God has done." I want you to know when God has done." I want you to know when God has done." I want you to know when you're hurting, God cries for you. And you're hurting, God cries for you. And you're hurting, God cries for you. And when you're rejoicing, God laughs with when you're rejoicing, God laughs with when you're rejoicing, God laughs with you and celebrates with you. And I'm you and celebrates with you. And I'm you and celebrates with you. And I'm telling you in the darkest night in the darkest night God's there with you. But then the morning will come. But then the morning will come. Joy will come in the morning. For some Joy will come in the morning. For some Joy will come in the morning. For some of you needed to hear that. Joy is of you needed to hear that. Joy is of you needed to hear that. Joy is coming. You hold on. The light is coming. You hold on. The light is coming. You hold on. The light is coming. coming. coming. The sun is getting ready to break The sun is getting ready to break The sun is getting ready to break through your dark night. through your dark night. through your dark night. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. His mercies are new every morning. And His mercies are new every morning. And His mercies are new every morning. And God wants to build our faith. God wants to build our faith. God wants to build our faith. God's preparing us for that next step. God's preparing us for that next step. God's preparing us for that next step. And I love how Isaac was named laughter.

And I love how Isaac was named laughter. And I love how Isaac was named laughter. But look at Genesis 18:3. As we go back But look at Genesis 18:3. As we go back But look at Genesis 18:3. As we go back to when God came to Abraham right there to when God came to Abraham right there to when God came to Abraham right there outside the tent. outside the tent. outside the tent. You see, Abraham recognized that these You see, Abraham recognized that these You see, Abraham recognized that these guys are different. Abraham had God guys are different. Abraham had God guys are different. Abraham had God visit him before and he's like, "Maybe visit him before and he's like, "Maybe visit him before and he's like, "Maybe this is of God. Maybe this is God. May I this is of God. Maybe this is God. May I this is of God. Maybe this is God. May I don't know. What is this?" Some angels, don't know. What is this?" Some angels, don't know. What is this?" Some angels, but he recognized it and look what he but he recognized it and look what he but he recognized it and look what he says in Genesis 18:3 right away. He says in Genesis 18:3 right away. He says in Genesis 18:3 right away. He said, "If I found favor in your eyes, my said, "If I found favor in your eyes, my said, "If I found favor in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass by your servant. Do Lord, do not pass by your servant. Do Lord, do not pass by your servant. Do not pass your servant." not pass your servant." not pass your servant." Don't let this year pass by Don't let this year pass by Don't let this year pass by without becoming who God wants you to without becoming who God wants you to without becoming who God wants you to be. Don't let this year pass by without be. Don't let this year pass by without be. Don't let this year pass by without letting God change you. letting God change you. letting God change you. Don't let this year pass by. This is the Don't let this year pass by. This is the Don't let this year pass by. This is the year. This is a critical year. Don't let year. This is a critical year. Don't let year. This is a critical year. Don't let another year pass by and then you look another year pass by and then you look another year pass by and then you look back and "You know what? I'm in the same back and "You know what? I'm in the same back and "You know what? I'm in the same position. I'm in the same circumstance. position. I'm in the same circumstance. position. I'm in the same circumstance. I I'm the same kind of person that I was I I'm the same kind of person that I was I I'm the same kind of person that I was before. before. before. I'm just going through the motions year I'm just going through the motions year I'm just going through the motions year after year after year." Don't dare let after year after year." Don't dare let after year after year." Don't dare let this one pass by. Do like Abraham did.

this one pass by. Do like Abraham did. this one pass by. Do like Abraham did. Recognize this is God's opportunity for Recognize this is God's opportunity for Recognize this is God's opportunity for you. This is God's opportunity for me to you. This is God's opportunity for me to you. This is God's opportunity for me to not be the same this time next year. You not be the same this time next year. You not be the same this time next year. You know, some fans of teams that seem to know, some fans of teams that seem to know, some fans of teams that seem to always come up short always come up short always come up short say the same sad phrase at the end of say the same sad phrase at the end of say the same sad phrase at the end of every year, "Wait till next year." every year, "Wait till next year." every year, "Wait till next year." Wait till next God doesn't want us to Wait till next God doesn't want us to Wait till next God doesn't want us to wait till next year. wait till next year. wait till next year. God doesn't want us to wait till next God doesn't want us to wait till next God doesn't want us to wait till next year. year. year. This is the year of change in your life. This is the year of change in your life. This is the year of change in your life. Do you believe that, Woodland Church, Do you believe that, Woodland Church, Do you believe that, Woodland Church, that God wants to do something great in that God wants to do something great in that God wants to do something great in your life and through your life your life and through your life your life and through your life and around your life? Do you believe and around your life? Do you believe and around your life? Do you believe that, Woodland Church, that he's the God that, Woodland Church, that he's the God that, Woodland Church, that he's the God of the impossible and nothing is too of the impossible and nothing is too of the impossible and nothing is too hard for him? Would you stand and let's hard for him? Would you stand and let's hard for him? Would you stand and let's pray. Dear God, I thank you so much Dear God, I thank you so much that you're the God of the impossible that you're the God of the impossible that you're the God of the impossible and nothing's too hard for you. So many and nothing's too hard for you. So many and nothing's too hard for you. So many times I doubt. It looks like you're not times I doubt. It looks like you're not times I doubt. It looks like you're not coming [music] through. coming [music] through. coming [music] through. And I get impatient and I try to hurry And I get impatient and I try to hurry And I get impatient and I try to hurry you up and make some you up and make some you up and make some really bad decisions. really bad decisions. really bad decisions. But Lord, I pray this year But Lord, I pray this year But Lord, I pray this year you teach [music] us to wait. you teach [music] us to wait. you teach [music] us to wait. To be still and know you're God and To be still and know you're God and To be still and know you're God and we're not. This year, I pray you teach we're not. This year, I pray you teach we're not. This year, I pray you teach us to surrender to [music] you and do it your way and do it your way and just obey you even when [music] it and just obey you even when [music] it and just obey you even when [music] it doesn't make sense.

doesn't make sense. doesn't make sense. Lord, I pray that Lord, I pray that Lord, I pray that this year this year this year we'd make the commitments we need to we'd make the commitments we need to we'd make the commitments we need to make now to become the person you want make now to become the person you want make now to become the person you want us [music] to be us [music] to be us [music] to be at this time next year. at this time next year. at this time next year. And Lord, I pray too that those And Lord, I pray too that those And Lord, I pray too that those impossible situations that everyone's impossible situations that everyone's impossible situations that everyone's facing We all face some situations, some facing We all face some situations, some facing We all face some situations, some circumstances [music] that seem so circumstances [music] that seem so circumstances [music] that seem so impossible. impossible. impossible. Remind us that you're the God of the Remind us that you're the God of the Remind us that you're the God of the impossible. Help us to take our impossible. Help us to take our impossible. Help us to take our imperfect faith and all our doubts imperfect faith and all our doubts imperfect faith and all our doubts and place it all on you, Lord, and step and place it all on you, Lord, and step and place it all on you, Lord, and step out in faith to believe you out in faith to believe you out in faith to believe you and take our and take our and take our imperfect faith, Lord, and do something imperfect faith, Lord, and do something imperfect faith, Lord, and do something amazing, miraculous with it. I pray that amazing, miraculous with it. I pray that amazing, miraculous with it. I pray that you would knock down barriers that have you would knock down barriers that have you would knock down barriers that have been there for so [music] long in our been there for so [music] long in our been there for so [music] long in our lives. lives. lives. Dear Lord Jesus, you'd break us free Dear Lord Jesus, you'd break us free Dear Lord Jesus, you'd break us free from some of the struggles and the sins from some of the struggles and the sins from some of the struggles and the sins that have kept us stuck. that have kept us stuck. that have kept us stuck. I pray, Lord Jesus, that [music] you I pray, Lord Jesus, that [music] you I pray, Lord Jesus, that [music] you would heal marriages that look like would heal marriages that look like would heal marriages that look like there's no hope. there's no hope. there's no hope. That you would heal bodies, that you That you would heal bodies, that you That you would heal bodies, that you would bring inner healing, Lord, to would bring inner healing, Lord, to would bring inner healing, Lord, to trauma and hurt, that you would trauma and hurt, that you would trauma and hurt, that you would change us change us change us and change circumstances, [music] Lord.

and change circumstances, [music] Lord. and change circumstances, [music] Lord. But if you choose not to change the But if you choose not to change the But if you choose not to change the circumstances, circumstances, circumstances, help us to hold on to you, to know your help us to hold on to you, to know your help us to hold on to you, to know your timing's [music] perfect. timing's [music] perfect. timing's [music] perfect. And change us as we go through the And change us as we go through the And change us as we go through the circumstance, circumstance, circumstance, so we see that you will get us through. so we see that you will get us through. so we see that you will get us through. I thank you, Lord, that you are I thank you, Lord, that you are I thank you, Lord, that you are faithful. faithful. faithful. You keep every promise. [music] You keep every promise. [music] You keep every promise. [music] Lord, Lord, Lord, you know I [music] don't keep every you know I [music] don't keep every you know I [music] don't keep every promise. You know promise. You know promise. You know so many times, Lord, so many times, Lord, so many times, Lord, I don't keep my word, stick with [music] I don't keep my word, stick with [music] I don't keep my word, stick with [music] it, and and I'm faithless, and I doubt it, and and I'm faithless, and I doubt it, and and I'm faithless, and I doubt you. you. you. But I thank you, Lord, that you always But I thank you, Lord, that you always But I thank you, Lord, that you always keep your promises. keep your promises. keep your promises. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Help me to step in faith, to trust you >> Help me to step in faith, to trust you >> Help me to step in faith, to trust you more than ever, and do what you want to more than ever, and do what you want to more than ever, and do what you want to do in our church. We commit this fall to do in our church. We commit this fall to do in our church. We commit this fall to you. We thank you for what you're going you. We thank you for what you're going you. We thank you for what you're going to do already. to do already. to do already. And Lord, I pray [music] for those And Lord, I pray [music] for those And Lord, I pray [music] for those who've never received you. They've never who've never received you. They've never who've never received you. They've never made that surrender, to surrender their made that surrender, to surrender their made that surrender, to surrender their lives to you and your free forgiveness, lives to you and your free forgiveness, lives to you and your free forgiveness, that they would say this right now. Dear that they would say this right now. Dear that they would say this right now. Dear Jesus Christ, I need you. [music] I Jesus Christ, I need you. [music] I Jesus Christ, I need you. [music] I desperately need you. And I ask you to desperately need you. And I ask you to desperately need you. And I ask you to come into my life, to forgive me of all come into my life, to forgive me of all come into my life, to forgive me of all my sins, [music] my sins, [music] my sins, [music] be the Lord of my life.

be the Lord of my life. be the Lord of my life. Help me grow in my faith. I accept your Help me grow in my faith. I accept your Help me grow in my faith. I accept your free gift of heaven. I couldn't earn it free gift of heaven. I couldn't earn it free gift of heaven. I couldn't earn it or deserve it. Thank you for saving me. or deserve it. Thank you for saving me. or deserve it. Thank you for saving me. Help me grow. In Jesus' [music] name. Help me grow. In Jesus' [music] name. Help me grow. In Jesus' [music] name. Amen.