WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.160 Go ahead and take your Bibles, turn over to 2 Corinthians chapter 4, 2 Corinthians chapter 4 this morning. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:06.280 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.780 You know, when the Lord brings a couple together as husband and wife, just as He did when He brought Adam and Eve together in the garden, 00:00:39.219 --> 00:00:42.439 the Bible tells us that couple becomes one flesh. 00:00:42.519 --> 00:00:50.299 And it really, as we've seen, reveals a relationship and a picture of Christ and His church. 00:00:50.299 --> 00:00:54.760 There's a spiritual reality that takes place in that. 00:00:54.759 --> 00:01:05.560 But while this relationship, you might say, is divinely designed, and it's divinely designed to last, it is not without its challenges. 00:01:06.459 --> 00:01:11.140 You know, life is filled with challenges, problems, struggles. 00:01:11.379 --> 00:01:14.420 You know, if I was to ask today, how many had a problem this week? 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:18.780 You know, I don't think there'd be a—nope, nobody could not raise their hand. 00:01:18.859 --> 00:01:20.379 Everybody faces something. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:29.319 You know, the struggles that are well aware, you know, Job, you know, was a man in the Bible that definitely faced struggles and trials. 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:32.340 And Job said this in Job 14, he said, 00:01:32.679 --> 00:01:36.859 Man is born of a woman of a few days and full of trouble. 00:01:37.219 --> 00:01:40.840 You know, it's like the reality is if you come into this life, there's going to be problems. 00:01:41.640 --> 00:01:42.780 There's going to be challenges. 00:01:42.959 --> 00:01:45.519 There's going to be things that we face. 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:57.039 And while we might not want to hear that truth, it is a reality that we'll face and deals with things we have to deal with because we're going to be confronted with these challenges. 00:01:57.280 --> 00:02:02.920 And the problem with the challenges oftentimes is they are confusing and they're conflicting in our life. 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:06.920 You know, sometimes challenges aren't as clear that we'd like to make them. 00:02:07.039 --> 00:02:10.099 You know, we oftentimes like things to be black or white. 00:02:10.099 --> 00:02:22.699 And oftentimes there's a lot more struggle involved because it involves all these different elements of our life, our emotions, our thoughts, our desires, all play into that. 00:02:22.699 --> 00:02:30.780 When we realize that as we're going to overcome challenges, you know, challenges are something God gives us for a reason. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:33.400 You know, oftentimes we look at challenges. 00:02:33.579 --> 00:02:34.979 Why did God give this to me? 00:02:35.019 --> 00:02:37.120 Or why do I have to go through this? 00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:44.099 But instead, we ought to be looking at least logically at it and say, why did God allow this? 00:02:45.200 --> 00:02:46.159 What's going on? 00:02:46.200 --> 00:02:50.159 How is God going to use this in my life? 00:02:50.200 --> 00:03:00.060 Because we're going to see here that the Apostle Paul here, 2 Corinthians chapter 4, reveals a very important dynamic of dealing with struggles and what takes place. 00:03:00.060 --> 00:03:04.300 Because when we look together, life is just that. 00:03:04.640 --> 00:03:07.259 When we come together, it's a blessing. 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:14.680 But those trials and struggles are often those things which can break us, which often break the ones involved. 00:03:14.900 --> 00:03:17.539 You know, why would God allow challenges to break us? 00:03:18.199 --> 00:03:19.900 You know, some challenges break your heart. 00:03:20.420 --> 00:03:21.640 Some break you physically. 00:03:22.140 --> 00:03:28.759 Some break you spiritually, you might say, of just getting things right with God. 00:03:28.759 --> 00:03:34.560 But, you know, how are you going to navigate those things and to walk through those challenges? 00:03:34.819 --> 00:03:43.560 And we're going to see here that the role that faith and unity and understanding play in overcoming life's challenges here this morning. 00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:48.519 Because as we, before we read the passage, I just want to kind of set the stage here a little bit. 00:03:48.520 --> 00:03:56.540 Because Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 that the ministry that you have is not without challenges. 00:03:56.700 --> 00:03:59.719 You know, marriage is a ministry that you've been given. 00:04:00.400 --> 00:04:03.360 You know, family is a ministry that everybody's been given. 00:04:03.480 --> 00:04:05.500 Those are things that are there. 00:04:05.700 --> 00:04:12.780 So when we talk about ministry, those are things that are your responsibility as a believer to do that. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:21.720 And here in 2 Corinthians 4, Paul reminds us that ministry will have challenges and it requires God's mercy to continue. 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:29.620 And it's in these times that take place in the life of a believer that it becomes clear of what's happening. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:33.439 Because he speaks here about every believer possesses something. 00:04:34.519 --> 00:04:39.939 He talks about every believer believes the light of the gospel that's shown in your heart. 00:04:39.939 --> 00:04:43.360 And then the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within every believer. 00:04:43.719 --> 00:04:48.060 You are a vessel that possesses something of great power. 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:50.600 You possess the Spirit of God when you're saved. 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:52.720 He dwells within you. 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:58.439 And we see here as this becomes clear in this, let's take a look here in the scripture. 00:04:58.579 --> 00:05:02.980 If you want to stand together for honor reading of the Word of God in 2 Corinthians chapter 4. 00:05:03.199 --> 00:05:06.199 We'll pick up in verse 7 here this morning. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:07.399 It says this, 00:05:07.399 --> 00:05:35.659 Let's pray. 00:05:35.660 --> 00:05:37.520 Heavenly Fathers, we come before you this morning. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:40.740 Lord, we just thank you for your Word. 00:05:40.840 --> 00:05:50.640 Lord, we're thankful for the reality of who you are, the power that we have through your Spirit that lives and dwells within every believer here this morning. 00:05:50.760 --> 00:05:59.020 Lord, I pray just have your hand upon each heart, each life here today to realize how you use these challenges, these obstacles, 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:03.560 the things that often break us in life. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:07.199 And Lord, how you use those for your glory and your honor. 00:06:07.319 --> 00:06:11.659 And Lord, our responsibility to recognize those things. 00:06:11.759 --> 00:06:16.399 And Lord, to be willing to submit to your will and your way in our life. 00:06:16.459 --> 00:06:18.759 And Lord, we just ask it all here this morning. 00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:21.399 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:22.180 May we be seated. 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:26.740 You know, we see here that Paul makes a statement here this morning describing us. 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:29.040 The Word of God describes us throughout. 00:06:29.160 --> 00:06:30.920 Oftentimes we're described as vessels. 00:06:31.740 --> 00:06:33.800 You know, we're a vessel. 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:35.379 We're often compared to a vessel. 00:06:35.480 --> 00:06:38.019 And he speaks about here being an earthen vessel. 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:38.660 What's he talking about? 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:39.780 He's talking about a clay pot. 00:06:40.460 --> 00:06:44.220 You know, he's basically talking about a storage container. 00:06:44.220 --> 00:06:50.780 And the one thing that you realize if you understand anything about a clay pot, it's a fragile item. 00:06:51.780 --> 00:06:54.140 Some may be slightly more durable than others. 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:57.140 And they might serve different purposes and uses. 00:06:57.320 --> 00:06:59.560 But the one reality is, is they're all fragile. 00:07:00.340 --> 00:07:01.640 They're all breakable. 00:07:02.440 --> 00:07:03.580 You know, that's the reason it's... 00:07:03.580 --> 00:07:06.120 Have you ever noticed when they do archaeology, what do they always find? 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:06.760 They find what? 00:07:06.840 --> 00:07:09.440 Broken vessels. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:10.580 Broken pots. 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:11.840 Pieces of pottery. 00:07:11.839 --> 00:07:19.739 Because they get used for their purpose, but yet they almost always get broken. 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:22.919 Rarely do they find one that's not broken. 00:07:23.719 --> 00:07:24.159 Why? 00:07:24.299 --> 00:07:25.859 Because it's been put into service. 00:07:25.959 --> 00:07:29.039 And when it's been put into service, some things happen. 00:07:29.179 --> 00:07:37.099 And we see here that this weak vessel, the weakness of the vessel, that the light is revealed that is in it. 00:07:37.159 --> 00:07:40.139 Now notice here verse 7 with me this morning. 00:07:40.139 --> 00:07:40.879 Notice what it says. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:43.860 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels. 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:47.100 Think about what treasure is he talking about. 00:07:47.899 --> 00:07:50.639 You know, what treasure is there in an earthen vessel? 00:07:51.079 --> 00:07:55.279 In our vessel is exactly what he's speaking of in verse 6. 00:07:55.360 --> 00:08:02.100 He's talking about the reality that once you're saved, the power of God dwells within you. 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:07.660 That reality is very present, a very actual and factual thing. 00:08:07.720 --> 00:08:11.920 And we say, why would God want to indwell? 00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:16.840 Why would he want to put himself into a fragile vessel? 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:19.480 And we're going to look at that this morning. 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:22.820 But, you know, look back into 1 Corinthians chapter 1 for a moment. 00:08:23.320 --> 00:08:24.760 1 Corinthians chapter 1. 00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:26.879 Think about what's being said here. 00:08:27.300 --> 00:08:32.519 Because oftentimes what we think and what God thinks is totally different. 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:37.980 You know, his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts than our thoughts. 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:51.039 Because our thinking would be, if I have something of value, I'm going to put it in the most secure, the most stable, the most indestructible item that we have. 00:08:51.039 --> 00:08:52.860 You know, you think about that, we call them safes. 00:08:52.939 --> 00:08:57.120 I mean, we build safes to say nothing can happen to what's valuable within. 00:08:59.199 --> 00:09:01.219 But, you know, God does it a little differently. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:04.860 He gives what is the most valuable thing we can possess. 00:09:06.360 --> 00:09:09.299 And he allows it to be put into something that's fragile. 00:09:10.439 --> 00:09:13.579 And look at what he says here in 1 Corinthians 1 verse 27. 00:09:13.699 --> 00:09:15.099 He says, but God hath chosen what? 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:18.399 The foolish things of the world to confound the wise. 00:09:18.399 --> 00:09:22.679 And God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty. 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:27.299 And the base things of the world, the things that are despised, God hath chosen. 00:09:27.860 --> 00:09:31.860 Yea, the things which are not, to bring to naught the things that are. 00:09:32.199 --> 00:09:38.639 You know, I want you to see here, God intentionally uses things that are fragile. 00:09:38.740 --> 00:09:40.720 He uses us. 00:09:41.059 --> 00:09:46.500 God allows us to have his power within. 00:09:46.500 --> 00:09:49.460 And so, how do we come through challenges? 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:54.120 Because remember, challenges are going to be detrimental to something that's fragile. 00:09:55.539 --> 00:09:59.919 Challenges that we face, the things that we come up in life, the struggles. 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:08.399 But I want you to see here that when struggles come, oftentimes it does crack the pot. 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:12.720 But I want you to see this morning, God allows it for a reason. 00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:17.319 Because, you know, until we are broken, it's hard to let God shine through. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:19.559 Because our pride gets in the way. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:22.860 Our pride desires what we want. 00:10:22.919 --> 00:10:29.220 We're going to see here this morning, because when it comes to recognizing struggles and getting through struggles, 00:10:29.220 --> 00:10:36.379 the one thing we need to realize is, especially in marriage, the one with you is as fragile earthen vessel as you are. 00:10:37.820 --> 00:10:42.660 When we realize we're dealing with people who are fragile earthen vessels, 00:10:43.220 --> 00:10:46.899 but yet if they're saved, they contain the same power of God. 00:10:47.180 --> 00:10:50.340 They contain God's spirit within them. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:54.340 And we need to recognize God's power in weakness. 00:10:54.460 --> 00:11:02.000 When we recognize what God is doing, because we don't understand this picture, 00:11:02.460 --> 00:11:08.360 we have expectations of somebody else to say, why didn't you do differently? 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:12.060 But, you know, when things are broken, I want you to see here, 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:17.360 God, this whole picture here is that when it's broken, God's glory shines through. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:21.240 What is within comes out. 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:23.139 You know, that's pretty simple. 00:11:23.200 --> 00:11:26.139 If you fill a pot with something and you put a lid on it, 00:11:26.779 --> 00:11:28.700 when you break it, what do you do? 00:11:28.740 --> 00:11:30.960 You find out exactly what's inside. 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:36.320 You find, because what is inside is clearly revealed to us, 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:38.480 because consider what we're compared to. 00:11:39.019 --> 00:11:42.820 You know, we like to think of ourselves as powerful and strong. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:46.940 You know, we like to think of ourselves, well, I can endure anything. 00:11:47.360 --> 00:11:47.940 But think about it. 00:11:47.940 --> 00:11:55.980 God refers to us many times in scriptures as a weak vessel, an earthen vessel, 00:11:57.120 --> 00:12:00.600 something that can be easily cracked, something that can be easily broken. 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:05.840 And we oftentimes don't want to think of ourselves in that context, 00:12:05.840 --> 00:12:11.100 but these vessels that are spoken of here are specifically believers, 00:12:11.300 --> 00:12:12.800 because notice what he says here. 00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:13.940 Look again at verse 7. 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:17.740 It says that we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 00:12:18.520 --> 00:12:24.900 that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us. 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:32.200 You know, fragile jars of clay have been formed to contain what is within. 00:12:32.600 --> 00:12:34.420 These are believers that he's talking about, 00:12:34.520 --> 00:12:36.420 those who have called upon the name of the Lord, 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:39.820 whose presence and power of God is within. 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:41.800 Think about what the scripture tells us. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:43.779 He tells us this in Colossians 1.27. 00:12:44.059 --> 00:12:44.299 It says, 00:12:44.819 --> 00:12:48.419 Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:51.919 You know, when we get saved, you have Christ in you. 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:54.219 2 Corinthians 1.22 says, 00:12:54.319 --> 00:12:59.479 Who have also sealed us and give us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 00:13:00.479 --> 00:13:03.979 Matter of fact, if you don't have the Spirit of God, you're in trouble. 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:06.920 Notice 1 John 4.13 tells us this, 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:10.460 Hereby we know that we dwell in him and that he in us, 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:14.180 because he has given us his Spirit. 00:13:14.940 --> 00:13:17.879 The Spirit of God dwells within every believer. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:21.860 If you have not the Spirit, you're not born again. 00:13:23.259 --> 00:13:25.639 I want you to understand the two go hand in hand. 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:29.200 There is no, I hope so or I think so. 00:13:29.279 --> 00:13:31.840 You either have or you don't. 00:13:31.840 --> 00:13:34.480 There's no in between. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:39.420 Oftentimes people want to make a contrast to say, 00:13:39.560 --> 00:13:42.360 Well, maybe so or maybe not. 00:13:42.540 --> 00:13:45.280 I want you to understand when it comes to salvation, there's no maybe so. 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:49.259 It's either you are or you're not. 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:52.259 You know, and when these challenges come, 00:13:52.360 --> 00:13:53.960 especially in the life of a believer, 00:13:54.840 --> 00:13:57.340 it reveals what is within. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:14:02.620 Because when we have the light and the glorious hope of the gospel within, 00:14:03.060 --> 00:14:06.340 when we face challenges, even things that break us, 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:07.100 you know what happens? 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:10.879 What is within comes out. 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:13.080 It's revealed in it. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:16.780 Oftentimes it's uncomfortable to understand this. 00:14:16.820 --> 00:14:19.960 But let's take a picture of what the Bible shows us here, 00:14:20.300 --> 00:14:22.300 of what the apostles talking about. 00:14:22.299 --> 00:14:26.419 Because when challenges come, it reveals what's within. 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.919 And the picture here is displayed. 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:30.000 Turn to Judges chapter 7 for a moment. 00:14:30.479 --> 00:14:32.620 Judges chapter 7, because here we have Gideon. 00:14:34.199 --> 00:14:36.099 And here is Gideon. 00:14:36.179 --> 00:14:38.299 And he comes through in chapter 7. 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:39.159 And he starts up, 00:14:39.359 --> 00:14:44.899 Weeding down the number of people to go up against the enemy. 00:14:45.839 --> 00:14:47.939 You know, they're facing a great foe. 00:14:47.940 --> 00:14:51.440 And so Gideon puts out the call. 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.880 And all these guys come. 00:14:53.180 --> 00:14:55.760 And God looks around and tells Gideon there's too many. 00:14:56.060 --> 00:14:59.140 And they start going through a process of weeding all this down. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.540 And he gets down to 300. 00:15:00.880 --> 00:15:02.480 And as he's down to 300, 00:15:03.920 --> 00:15:05.320 look at verse 16. 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:05.660 It says, 00:15:05.780 --> 00:15:08.460 And he divided the 300 men into three companies. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:12.280 And he put a trumpet in every man's hand 00:15:12.280 --> 00:15:14.240 with empty pitchers. 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:14.880 And notice this. 00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:17.200 And lamps within the pitchers. 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:19.820 So I want you to get the picture here. 00:15:19.840 --> 00:15:20.220 What he has? 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:21.420 He has an earthen vessel. 00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:25.680 And they put the lamp inside the torch. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:28.620 The light is now inside the vessel. 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:32.780 Now, I want you to see here what happens here. 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:39.020 Because he's hiding within the vessel the light. 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:40.160 Now, these 300 guys, 00:15:40.260 --> 00:15:41.660 this is a great battle plan, really. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:44.620 But I want you to see the picture that's shown here 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:47.039 because there's something that happens 00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:48.139 when the vessel's broken. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:51.299 When the vessel's broken, 00:15:51.500 --> 00:15:54.000 something amazing takes place. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:55.919 Notice here down in verse 20, 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:56.379 it says, 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:58.759 And the three companies blew the trumpets. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.820 And notice what? 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.500 They break the pitchers 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:05.120 and held the lamps in their left hands 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:06.639 and trumpets in their right hand 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:08.779 to blow withal. 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:09.620 And they cried, 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.500 The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. 00:16:12.459 --> 00:16:13.699 Now, I want you to see here. 00:16:13.699 --> 00:16:14.679 This is the same picture 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:17.039 because what happened is 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:18.699 is when the light was revealed 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:20.159 within the broken vessel, 00:16:20.839 --> 00:16:23.279 the power of God was revealed 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:25.179 because God used this 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:27.500 to defeat the enemy. 00:16:28.339 --> 00:16:30.179 The power was revealed 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:32.139 not when the vessel was whole, 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:33.819 but when that was within, 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.139 when the vessel was broken. 00:16:35.139 --> 00:16:37.340 They broke the vessel. 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:38.500 The light lit up. 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:39.939 It startled all the enemy. 00:16:41.580 --> 00:16:42.639 And what's the picture? 00:16:42.699 --> 00:16:44.120 It's a picture of God's power. 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:45.139 300 overwhelmed, 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:48.340 a force that should have 00:16:48.340 --> 00:16:49.559 never even been able 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:51.000 to take on with 300 people. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:53.279 God used that 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:54.519 when the light within 00:16:54.519 --> 00:16:56.179 was showing forth. 00:16:56.419 --> 00:16:58.139 It changed everything. 00:16:58.980 --> 00:16:59.720 Now, notice here, 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.460 look back up in verse 6 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:02.139 of our text 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:03.519 where we were earlier. 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:05.079 Now, notice here in verse 6, 00:17:05.140 --> 00:17:05.940 chapter 4, 00:17:06.320 --> 00:17:07.660 it says in 2 Corinthians, 00:17:07.780 --> 00:17:08.820 for God who commanded 00:17:08.820 --> 00:17:09.920 the light to shine out 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:10.440 of darkness 00:17:10.440 --> 00:17:12.840 has shined in our hearts 00:17:12.840 --> 00:17:13.820 to give the light 00:17:13.820 --> 00:17:14.460 of the knowledge 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:15.500 of the glory of God 00:17:15.500 --> 00:17:18.200 in the face of Jesus Christ. 00:17:18.680 --> 00:17:20.280 But we have this treasure. 00:17:20.780 --> 00:17:21.759 What treasure do we have? 00:17:21.780 --> 00:17:22.440 We have the light 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:23.440 of the glorious gospel 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.920 of Jesus Christ within. 00:17:25.800 --> 00:17:27.660 That God has changed us. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:28.680 You know, 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:29.960 it's in that time 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:30.880 of brokenness 00:17:30.880 --> 00:17:32.460 that God is revealed. 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:34.900 You know, 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.640 when God allows 00:17:35.640 --> 00:17:36.720 challenges in life, 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.759 none of us sign up. 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:38.539 But you know, 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:40.240 those challenges 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:41.519 God permits 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:44.779 reveals what's within. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:47.720 It allows the light 00:17:47.720 --> 00:17:48.500 of the power 00:17:48.500 --> 00:17:49.160 of the gospel 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:50.379 of Jesus Christ 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:52.059 a changed life 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.899 to shine forth. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.019 You know, 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:54.799 as a believer, 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:55.960 we ought to respond 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:56.960 to tragedies 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.599 and struggles 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:58.500 and trials 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:00.319 differently. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:03.079 oftentimes we want 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:03.700 to react like 00:18:03.700 --> 00:18:04.839 the world reacts. 00:18:06.119 --> 00:18:06.720 But you know, 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.439 as a believer, 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.579 if the light of Christ 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.779 is going to shine through, 00:18:10.119 --> 00:18:11.000 when something 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.500 breaks the pot, 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.639 the light of within 00:18:13.639 --> 00:18:14.960 ought to shine out. 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:16.819 It ought to have 00:18:16.819 --> 00:18:17.619 an impact 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:18.639 on those around. 00:18:20.079 --> 00:18:21.359 Because it's in times 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:22.179 of brokenness 00:18:22.179 --> 00:18:23.559 that God has revealed. 00:18:23.899 --> 00:18:25.480 It's not by our strength 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.159 that we overcome, 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:27.240 but by His. 00:18:27.240 --> 00:18:28.539 And we need to trust 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:29.079 the Lord 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:30.000 in the struggles 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:31.019 of life. 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:32.779 You know, 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.819 oftentimes we try 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.579 to overcome 00:18:34.579 --> 00:18:35.579 Him in our own power. 00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:37.799 And God says, 00:18:38.000 --> 00:18:39.000 I'm allowing the pot 00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:39.740 to be broken 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:41.500 that my power 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:43.099 shall be brought forth. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:45.059 That it would shine forth. 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.079 Because look at the end 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:47.480 of verse 6 here. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.940 Notice what it tells us here. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:49.640 Or excuse me, 00:18:49.700 --> 00:18:50.259 verse 7. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:51.900 It tells us very clearly. 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:53.579 It says that the excellency 00:18:53.579 --> 00:18:54.960 of the power of God, 00:18:55.620 --> 00:18:56.720 that the excellency 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.240 of the power 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.319 may be of God. 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.600 And notice that last phrase. 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:00.019 And what? 00:19:00.120 --> 00:19:02.519 Not of us. 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:03.720 It's not the vessel, 00:19:03.819 --> 00:19:05.019 but it's what's within 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:06.360 the vessel. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:06.900 You know, 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:07.600 what's within 00:19:07.600 --> 00:19:08.480 makes a difference. 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.700 Is the power of God 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:12.259 present in you? 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:14.799 That's the Spirit of God 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:15.759 that dwells in you. 00:19:16.460 --> 00:19:17.519 It's the Spirit of God 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.100 that dwells 00:19:18.100 --> 00:19:18.819 in every believer. 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.120 The Spirit of God 00:19:21.120 --> 00:19:22.740 must be within 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.960 each one 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:24.460 that, 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:26.299 but that happens 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:27.059 when they call 00:19:27.059 --> 00:19:27.960 upon Him. 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:31.140 But when two people 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:32.000 come together 00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:32.819 in a relationship, 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:33.539 you know what happens 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:34.019 sometimes? 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:36.799 There's a lot of conflict 00:19:36.799 --> 00:19:37.440 that happens. 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.620 And when struggles come, 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:40.039 you know what? 00:19:40.100 --> 00:19:41.039 Sometimes when one of them 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:41.559 is broken 00:19:41.559 --> 00:19:42.180 or both of them 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:42.640 are broken, 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:43.539 they don't allow 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.500 the power of God 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.840 within to work through. 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:48.120 Because when God 00:19:48.120 --> 00:19:49.039 allows things 00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:49.840 to break us, 00:19:49.900 --> 00:19:50.680 it ought to reveal 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:51.640 the power of God 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.500 that's taken place 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.080 in our lives. 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:54.820 It ought to reveal 00:19:54.820 --> 00:19:55.900 what God has done 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.660 for us. 00:19:57.539 --> 00:19:57.720 You know, 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.840 that's why it's important 00:19:58.840 --> 00:19:59.460 and critical. 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.120 You know, 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:01.220 when people get married, 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:01.820 it's important 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:02.340 that we're not 00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:03.240 unequally yoked. 00:20:03.320 --> 00:20:03.880 You know what happens 00:20:03.880 --> 00:20:04.900 when you have a vessel 00:20:04.900 --> 00:20:05.860 that's filled 00:20:05.860 --> 00:20:07.000 with worldly things 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:07.660 that doesn't have 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:08.600 the Spirit of God 00:20:08.600 --> 00:20:09.580 against one 00:20:09.580 --> 00:20:10.580 that has the Spirit of God? 00:20:10.620 --> 00:20:10.860 You know what's 00:20:10.860 --> 00:20:11.200 going to happen 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:11.840 in a relationship? 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:12.340 It's going to be 00:20:12.340 --> 00:20:13.039 a big conflict. 00:20:13.420 --> 00:20:13.580 Why? 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.259 Because they don't 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:14.840 recognize 00:20:14.840 --> 00:20:16.220 what's taking place. 00:20:17.060 --> 00:20:18.120 They don't recognize 00:20:18.120 --> 00:20:18.480 what's, 00:20:18.720 --> 00:20:20.080 they're not on the same page, 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.039 the same powers 00:20:21.039 --> 00:20:21.960 are not working 00:20:21.960 --> 00:20:22.960 alongside 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.039 and encouraging 00:20:24.039 --> 00:20:24.699 one another. 00:20:25.179 --> 00:20:25.339 You know, 00:20:25.399 --> 00:20:26.799 we need to rely 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:27.659 upon the Lord 00:20:27.659 --> 00:20:27.960 to say, 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.199 Lord, 00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:29.839 why are you allowing 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:30.779 this in our life? 00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:31.419 Because notice 00:20:31.419 --> 00:20:32.980 how he encourages us 00:20:32.980 --> 00:20:34.039 through this. 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:35.259 Because we face 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.539 challenges together 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.839 in unity. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:38.599 Notice the next 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.859 verse there. 00:20:39.939 --> 00:20:40.679 Notice what he says. 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.019 He says, 00:20:41.099 --> 00:20:41.839 we are troubled 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:43.119 on every side 00:20:43.119 --> 00:20:44.960 yet not distressed. 00:20:45.460 --> 00:20:46.659 We are perplexed 00:20:46.659 --> 00:20:48.679 but not in despair. 00:20:49.199 --> 00:20:49.359 You know, 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.379 it's very simply this, 00:20:50.459 --> 00:20:51.240 the dangers 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:52.819 abound 00:20:52.819 --> 00:20:53.839 towards these 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.659 earthen vessels. 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.039 You know, 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:56.759 there's dangers 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:57.299 all around. 00:20:57.399 --> 00:20:58.039 There's troubles. 00:20:58.939 --> 00:20:59.719 Those are things 00:20:59.719 --> 00:21:00.379 that are going to happen. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.819 The pressures of life 00:21:01.819 --> 00:21:03.199 seem to close in. 00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:03.399 You know, 00:21:03.419 --> 00:21:04.299 this word troubled 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:06.079 means crowded upon. 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.279 You know, 00:21:07.459 --> 00:21:08.240 have you ever noticed 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:08.859 that when things 00:21:08.859 --> 00:21:10.819 get chaotic in life 00:21:10.819 --> 00:21:11.599 and trouble comes, 00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:12.639 it's not just one thing? 00:21:12.919 --> 00:21:13.039 You know, 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:13.719 I think we can all 00:21:13.719 --> 00:21:15.039 testify very clearly 00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:16.059 that when trouble comes, 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:16.679 it seems like 00:21:16.679 --> 00:21:17.500 trouble comes 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.119 and trouble comes 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:18.839 and trouble comes 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.700 and it seems like 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.380 the whole world's 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:21.500 pressing in on you. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:24.000 Everything going around you 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.900 is pressing in. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.559 That's what that word 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.319 troubled means, 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:28.240 means pressed. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:30.819 Means overwhelmed, 00:21:30.960 --> 00:21:31.539 like it's just a, 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.480 somebody opened 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.119 the floodgate 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.680 of problems 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.559 in your life. 00:21:34.819 --> 00:21:35.000 You know, 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.140 often that's exactly 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:37.279 what takes place. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.900 Things overwhelm us. 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:41.680 But notice the other thing 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.200 he talks about 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:43.220 is perplexed. 00:21:44.560 --> 00:21:45.220 He says, 00:21:45.380 --> 00:21:45.740 troubled, 00:21:45.880 --> 00:21:46.860 you're feeling pressured 00:21:46.860 --> 00:21:47.800 and now perplexed. 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:48.840 What's perplexed mean? 00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:51.380 Perplexed is often 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:52.540 the result of trouble. 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:54.519 Perplexed is simply this. 00:21:54.780 --> 00:21:55.480 It's saying, 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:57.320 I don't know what to do. 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:58.320 I'm at a loss. 00:22:00.080 --> 00:22:01.480 I don't know how to deal 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.400 with the situation. 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:06.580 Troubled is pressed in. 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:08.059 Perplexed says, 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.720 this is overwhelming 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.919 and I don't know 00:22:10.919 --> 00:22:11.579 what to do. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:12.000 You know, 00:22:12.019 --> 00:22:12.919 that sounds pretty bad, 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:13.299 doesn't it? 00:22:13.419 --> 00:22:14.139 But notice how 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:15.339 he contrasts this. 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.779 A very simple thing. 00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:18.159 He says, 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:18.599 troubled. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.279 Notice what he says. 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.279 We are troubled 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:22.500 on every side. 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:23.399 Now notice he says, 00:22:23.939 --> 00:22:24.679 yet not, 00:22:24.939 --> 00:22:25.720 what? 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:26.619 Distressed. 00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:29.819 Not distressed. 00:22:30.119 --> 00:22:30.419 He says, 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:32.019 everything is pressing in 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:34.919 and what's he reminding us of? 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.759 He's telling us this, 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:38.059 the power that lies within you 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:39.879 is going to provide something 00:22:39.879 --> 00:22:40.980 for the situation. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.480 Not distressed 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:45.680 means that God provides 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:47.539 a way through. 00:22:49.299 --> 00:22:50.559 God is the one 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:51.859 who makes a pathway, 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:53.779 clears an area, 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.879 clears a thing 00:22:54.879 --> 00:22:56.599 so we can have a direction 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:58.279 of how do we walk through 00:22:58.279 --> 00:23:01.579 when life is overwhelming us, 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.059 crowded upon, 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:05.019 all these things happening 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:06.000 and God says, 00:23:06.299 --> 00:23:06.500 hey, 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:08.220 you're not hemmed in. 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.940 You might think you are 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:11.399 but what's within you 00:23:11.399 --> 00:23:12.440 is powerful enough 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.019 to overcome 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:14.099 what's without you. 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:14.740 He says, 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:15.339 you're troubled 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:17.159 but not distressed. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.879 That God gives us 00:23:19.879 --> 00:23:20.460 a way through. 00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:20.700 You know, 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.440 throughout the scripture 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:23.099 you'll find that God tells us 00:23:23.099 --> 00:23:25.039 to seek his way 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:27.359 because God's the one 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:28.319 that's going to walk us 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:30.039 through those things. 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:30.519 But notice, 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:31.599 perplexed, 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.599 at a loss. 00:23:33.139 --> 00:23:33.279 You know, 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.559 you're not hemmed in 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:38.819 and you're also not in despair. 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:42.119 What's not in despair mean? 00:23:42.159 --> 00:23:44.359 It means that you still have hope. 00:23:44.700 --> 00:23:44.859 You know, 00:23:44.879 --> 00:23:45.740 as a believer, 00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:47.759 no matter what happens in life, 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.539 there's hope. 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:50.220 There's not hope in this world 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:52.039 but there's hope 00:23:52.039 --> 00:23:53.099 in the glorious gospel 00:23:53.099 --> 00:23:54.019 of Jesus Christ, 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:55.059 the power of God 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:56.039 that worketh in you. 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:57.539 God gives us a hope 00:23:57.539 --> 00:23:59.799 because we realize 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.599 that what happens 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.420 in this world 00:24:01.420 --> 00:24:02.960 is not all that there is. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.220 We realize 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:06.019 that situations 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.839 of this life 00:24:06.839 --> 00:24:08.039 know how discouraging, 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.200 how troublesome, 00:24:09.619 --> 00:24:10.619 how overwhelming 00:24:10.619 --> 00:24:12.000 that God says, 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:12.940 I'll be there. 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:14.399 I'm there with you. 00:24:14.720 --> 00:24:14.859 You know, 00:24:14.879 --> 00:24:15.559 it's interesting 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:17.980 that people today, 00:24:18.079 --> 00:24:18.240 you know, 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.139 you hear a lot about 00:24:19.139 --> 00:24:20.519 this health and wealth preaching. 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.079 You know what? 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:22.240 Paul is never 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.779 a health and wealth preacher. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:25.039 You know? 00:24:25.859 --> 00:24:26.759 Matter of fact, 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.319 he's probably, 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.859 to most people's minds, 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.019 Paul was discouraging 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:31.180 just as much as Jesus. 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.259 When you think about 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.099 Jesus' message 00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:34.299 is often counter 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.480 to the health 00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:36.039 and wellness 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:37.900 and all this dynamic 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:38.359 that they try. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:39.099 Just trust Jesus. 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.180 Everything's going to go great. 00:24:41.759 --> 00:24:41.960 You know, 00:24:41.980 --> 00:24:43.099 think about what Jesus said 00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:44.400 in John chapter 16. 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:46.039 John chapter 16 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:47.359 and verse 33 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.059 when he's talking 00:24:48.059 --> 00:24:48.920 to his disciples 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:49.539 when he goes, 00:24:49.640 --> 00:24:49.980 these things 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:51.259 have spoken unto you 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:53.240 that ye might have peace. 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:54.599 Now notice this. 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.160 He says, 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:56.019 in the world 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.380 ye shall have 00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:57.740 what? 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.840 You shall have. 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:00.560 You know, 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:01.560 I want you to realize 00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:02.840 that Jesus knows 00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:03.540 that this world's 00:25:03.540 --> 00:25:04.180 going to have problems. 00:25:05.980 --> 00:25:07.019 He knows about 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.620 your problems. 00:25:08.700 --> 00:25:09.519 He says, 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:10.740 there's going to be 00:25:10.740 --> 00:25:11.380 problems. 00:25:12.440 --> 00:25:13.200 You're going to have 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:14.019 tribulation. 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.519 But notice what he says, 00:25:15.640 --> 00:25:17.340 be of good cheer. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:19.040 I have overcome 00:25:19.040 --> 00:25:20.279 the world. 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.440 He has overcome. 00:25:23.100 --> 00:25:23.620 He is the one 00:25:23.620 --> 00:25:24.779 no matter what's happening 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:25.640 when we feel 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.799 pressed in 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.880 and we feel like 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:28.500 we don't know 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.039 what to do, 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:30.180 we're at a loss. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.420 I want you to understand 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:33.460 the Spirit of God 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.000 reminds us 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.740 that you know 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.720 you're not hemmed in. 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.580 It might seem like 00:25:37.580 --> 00:25:38.360 there's no way out, 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:38.820 but you know what? 00:25:38.840 --> 00:25:40.019 God's provided a way out. 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:40.440 You know, 00:25:40.440 --> 00:25:41.259 think about a picture 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.059 within Scripture 00:25:42.059 --> 00:25:42.580 that gives us 00:25:42.580 --> 00:25:43.259 a good description. 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:44.080 Remember the children 00:25:44.080 --> 00:25:45.059 of Israel in Exodus 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:46.140 when they're departing Egypt? 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:49.000 God brings them down 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:50.059 next to the Red Sea. 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:51.299 They're hemmed in. 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:52.500 They cannot escape. 00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:55.139 They see no way out. 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:57.039 The Egyptian army 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.680 is bearing down on them. 00:25:59.039 --> 00:25:59.960 They're hemmed in. 00:26:00.139 --> 00:26:00.899 They're troubled. 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:03.000 They're perplexed. 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.299 They're like, 00:26:03.419 --> 00:26:04.980 what are we going to do? 00:26:05.079 --> 00:26:07.379 There is no way out 00:26:07.379 --> 00:26:08.159 but God. 00:26:08.399 --> 00:26:09.379 God steps in. 00:26:09.659 --> 00:26:09.799 You know, 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.700 God gives us 00:26:10.700 --> 00:26:11.539 literal pictures 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:13.079 of Him stepping in 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:14.799 to make the difference. 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:16.639 Stepping in 00:26:16.639 --> 00:26:17.460 to overcome 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:18.839 what the world 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:19.379 looked at 00:26:19.379 --> 00:26:19.720 and said 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:20.700 there is no way 00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:21.660 to overcome that. 00:26:22.019 --> 00:26:22.519 God 00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:23.880 stepped in. 00:26:24.180 --> 00:26:24.779 We all know 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.799 the story 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.620 of what happened 00:26:26.620 --> 00:26:27.299 as Moses 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:28.319 there 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.980 goes down 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:29.740 to the Red Sea 00:26:29.740 --> 00:26:30.299 and they all 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.539 cross over safely 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:33.059 and God destroys 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:34.100 the very thing 00:26:34.100 --> 00:26:35.100 that was troubling them. 00:26:35.100 --> 00:26:36.279 He wasn't capable 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:39.200 of themselves 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.160 but God 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:40.960 was capable. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:44.120 when they realize 00:26:44.120 --> 00:26:44.759 and see 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:45.400 what God 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:46.079 has done 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:47.120 that He 00:26:47.120 --> 00:26:47.860 was there 00:26:47.860 --> 00:26:49.100 throughout everything 00:26:49.100 --> 00:26:50.259 and the unity 00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:51.039 of having that 00:26:51.039 --> 00:26:51.920 same Spirit 00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:52.840 dwelling within 00:26:52.840 --> 00:26:53.680 us 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:55.120 ought to unite us 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:56.019 and strengthen us 00:26:56.019 --> 00:26:56.960 allow us to face 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:58.259 difficulties together 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.660 to persevere 00:26:59.660 --> 00:27:00.940 by faith 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:01.860 because you know 00:27:01.860 --> 00:27:02.920 the reality is this 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.779 even as a couple 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:06.420 when we recognize 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.460 the other party 00:27:07.460 --> 00:27:08.519 your spouse 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:09.019 is nothing 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:10.339 but an earthen vessel 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:13.220 but when moments 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.740 of trouble 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.879 come in a relationship 00:27:14.879 --> 00:27:15.359 you know what 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:15.859 ought to happen 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:16.660 it ought to draw us 00:27:16.660 --> 00:27:17.299 closer to see 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:18.440 how God is working 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:21.180 in the life 00:27:21.180 --> 00:27:22.099 of broken people 00:27:22.099 --> 00:27:23.240 because the problem 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.680 is until we come 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.319 to that point 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:25.920 we're going to see 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.680 here in just a minute 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.200 until you come 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:27.720 to the point 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.879 of realizing 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.599 that there's some 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.539 things in your life 00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:31.200 that need to be 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:32.099 broken for God 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.740 to use you 00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:33.839 because otherwise 00:27:33.839 --> 00:27:35.160 it's of yourself 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:37.680 and not of God 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:39.880 when we see 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:40.720 this picture 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.980 throughout the 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.420 Scripture 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:44.060 we can understand 00:27:44.060 --> 00:27:45.580 that dynamic 00:27:45.580 --> 00:27:46.880 of a common faith 00:27:46.880 --> 00:27:47.080 you know 00:27:47.080 --> 00:27:47.800 what binds us 00:27:47.800 --> 00:27:48.259 together 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.620 is that common faith 00:27:49.620 --> 00:27:50.279 what binds 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:51.019 a married couple 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:51.440 together 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.140 ought to be 00:27:52.140 --> 00:27:53.300 a common faith 00:27:53.300 --> 00:27:55.900 a commonality 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.740 with the Lord 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:58.019 it brings 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.540 together 00:27:58.540 --> 00:27:59.519 you know 00:27:59.519 --> 00:27:59.980 think about 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.720 what a common 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.640 faith does 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:01.920 I mean 00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:03.000 you think about 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:04.660 Ruth and Naomi 00:28:04.660 --> 00:28:05.380 here 00:28:05.380 --> 00:28:06.559 and Ruth 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:06.859 you know 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:07.519 you realize 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:08.759 that here's a bond 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.920 between a mother-in-law 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:11.160 and a daughter-in-law 00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:12.059 that I don't know 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:12.859 if anybody would say 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.500 they didn't have 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:14.079 some troubles 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:15.119 they were desperate 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:16.200 they needed help 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:17.640 and Ruth chapter 1 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.380 verse 16 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:19.119 tells us this 00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:19.819 and Ruth said 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:20.940 entreat me not 00:28:20.940 --> 00:28:21.599 to leave thee 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.220 or to return 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:23.299 from following after thee 00:28:23.299 --> 00:28:24.299 for whither thou 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:24.940 now goest 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.500 I will go 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.420 and whither thou lodgest 00:28:26.420 --> 00:28:27.079 I will lodge 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:28.359 thy people will be 00:28:28.359 --> 00:28:29.059 my people 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:30.099 and thy God 00:28:30.099 --> 00:28:31.140 my God 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:31.819 you know 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.480 what bound them together 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:35.439 their faith in God 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:35.720 they say 00:28:35.720 --> 00:28:36.439 we're in trouble 00:28:36.439 --> 00:28:37.220 but you know 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:37.919 what God's going 00:28:37.919 --> 00:28:38.839 to provide a way through 00:28:38.839 --> 00:28:39.099 you know 00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:39.559 what the picture 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.319 in the book of Ruth 00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:41.299 is God providing 00:28:41.299 --> 00:28:41.939 a way through 00:28:41.939 --> 00:28:44.039 God providing 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.659 a redeemer 00:28:44.659 --> 00:28:46.500 God providing 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:47.379 to take care 00:28:47.379 --> 00:28:48.279 even though 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.179 they had a midst 00:28:49.179 --> 00:28:51.019 of struggles 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:51.879 and trials 00:28:51.879 --> 00:28:52.419 and things 00:28:52.419 --> 00:28:52.839 that seemed 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:54.079 overwhelming 00:28:54.079 --> 00:28:54.759 you know 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.339 often times 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.039 like when we read 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:57.179 Old Testament stories 00:28:57.179 --> 00:28:58.059 the accounts 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.579 of the believers 00:28:58.579 --> 00:28:59.399 in the Old Testament 00:28:59.399 --> 00:28:59.659 we 00:28:59.659 --> 00:29:01.500 often times 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.460 we mistakenly 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.519 leave out 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:04.279 because we see 00:29:04.279 --> 00:29:04.859 the problem 00:29:04.859 --> 00:29:05.380 and we see 00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:06.559 it resolved 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.180 and we think 00:29:07.180 --> 00:29:07.819 it's like boom 00:29:07.819 --> 00:29:08.740 it's all taken care of 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:09.220 you know what 00:29:09.220 --> 00:29:11.799 there's a lot of times 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.319 when you start 00:29:12.319 --> 00:29:13.220 considering time 00:29:13.220 --> 00:29:14.200 there's a long time 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:15.039 struggle between 00:29:15.039 --> 00:29:16.279 when the trouble began 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.400 to when the problem 00:29:17.400 --> 00:29:18.140 was resolved 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:20.759 or that God 00:29:20.759 --> 00:29:21.680 led them through 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.420 or dealt with 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:24.420 allowed them to walk 00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.779 through the circumstances 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.559 you know 00:29:26.559 --> 00:29:27.519 how do we do that 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:28.359 the fact is 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.640 that trusting God's 00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:30.799 word is essential 00:29:30.799 --> 00:29:33.059 when it comes time 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:33.740 when we're 00:29:33.740 --> 00:29:34.839 brokenness 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:35.879 of this earthen vessel 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:36.980 as God shines through 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.759 we need to trust 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.839 his word 00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:39.379 you know 00:29:39.379 --> 00:29:39.659 to say 00:29:39.659 --> 00:29:40.039 God 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.740 I know what you say 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.899 and I need to respond 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:43.819 to what you say 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:46.500 and that involves 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:47.119 the second thing 00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:47.819 and that's following 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:48.659 God's will 00:29:48.659 --> 00:29:49.359 you know 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:50.099 because often times 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:50.839 our will 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.419 and our way 00:29:51.419 --> 00:29:52.099 is totally different 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.839 than God's will 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:53.359 and his way 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:56.240 there's a lot of troubles 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:57.399 I wish I could have avoided 00:29:57.399 --> 00:29:57.879 you know 00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.840 if it was our choice 00:29:58.840 --> 00:29:59.440 we would have said 00:29:59.440 --> 00:29:59.780 God 00:29:59.780 --> 00:30:00.840 not me 00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:02.060 but the reality is 00:30:02.060 --> 00:30:03.100 we don't have a choice 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.560 troubles are going to come 00:30:04.560 --> 00:30:06.340 troubles are going to be a part 00:30:06.340 --> 00:30:08.020 are you going to trust 00:30:08.020 --> 00:30:08.800 God's word 00:30:08.800 --> 00:30:09.560 what does God 00:30:09.560 --> 00:30:10.560 have to say about it 00:30:10.560 --> 00:30:11.920 what's God's will 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.980 for my life 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:13.220 and this 00:30:13.220 --> 00:30:13.540 God 00:30:13.540 --> 00:30:14.560 what's your way 00:30:14.560 --> 00:30:15.380 through 00:30:15.380 --> 00:30:16.860 this situation 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:18.700 because that's what's going to turn 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.520 obstacles 00:30:19.520 --> 00:30:20.660 into opportunities 00:30:20.660 --> 00:30:22.380 to say 00:30:22.380 --> 00:30:22.660 God 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:23.660 how are you working 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:24.400 because remember 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.820 when a vessel is broken 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:26.659 what's within 00:30:26.659 --> 00:30:27.779 is revealed 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:28.099 you know 00:30:28.099 --> 00:30:29.059 when the power of God 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:29.679 is revealed 00:30:29.679 --> 00:30:31.559 miraculous things happen 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:34.720 powerful things happen 00:30:34.720 --> 00:30:37.359 when God is revealed 00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.500 through us 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.799 I want you to see here 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:41.819 that trusting God's faithfulness 00:30:41.819 --> 00:30:42.679 through the struggle 00:30:42.679 --> 00:30:44.740 take a look at verse 9 00:30:44.740 --> 00:30:45.460 here this morning 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:47.899 notice what he says here 00:30:47.899 --> 00:30:48.259 he says 00:30:48.259 --> 00:30:49.059 persecuted 00:30:49.059 --> 00:30:50.819 but not forsaken 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:52.200 cast down 00:30:52.200 --> 00:30:54.439 but not destroyed 00:30:54.440 --> 00:30:55.820 I want you to understand 00:30:55.820 --> 00:30:56.779 that we can trust 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.259 the one 00:30:57.259 --> 00:30:58.059 that has promised 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:59.420 to never leave you 00:30:59.420 --> 00:31:01.320 or forsake you 00:31:01.320 --> 00:31:03.820 persecution 00:31:03.820 --> 00:31:06.860 the term here 00:31:06.860 --> 00:31:09.160 what they're talking about 00:31:09.160 --> 00:31:10.440 is to be driven away 00:31:10.440 --> 00:31:13.440 that people are going to 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.700 drive you out 00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:18.860 this is the same picture 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:19.539 we see 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:21.019 in the early church 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:21.600 at Jerusalem 00:31:21.600 --> 00:31:22.039 what happened 00:31:22.039 --> 00:31:22.920 it says there was a great 00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:24.000 persecution 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:25.700 what happened 00:31:25.700 --> 00:31:26.700 it dispersed 00:31:26.700 --> 00:31:27.420 them 00:31:27.420 --> 00:31:28.180 it drove 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.220 them out 00:31:29.220 --> 00:31:29.660 you know 00:31:29.660 --> 00:31:29.940 sometimes 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:31.099 we stop to consider 00:31:31.099 --> 00:31:32.059 they left everything 00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:32.720 their homes 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.420 all the things 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:34.119 that they had 00:31:34.119 --> 00:31:35.599 their means of income 00:31:35.599 --> 00:31:36.660 and all sorts of stuff 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:37.819 because of persecution 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:39.500 God allowed persecution 00:31:39.500 --> 00:31:40.900 to come in their life 00:31:40.900 --> 00:31:41.960 and we see here 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:43.039 it drove them away 00:31:43.039 --> 00:31:44.119 but the Lord 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:45.460 didn't forsake them 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:47.480 we see God 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:48.339 using that 00:31:48.339 --> 00:31:49.519 to do great things 00:31:49.519 --> 00:31:50.740 they're not 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:51.619 forsaken 00:31:51.619 --> 00:31:52.879 literally 00:31:52.879 --> 00:31:53.619 we're not 00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:54.739 left to ourselves 00:31:54.739 --> 00:31:55.419 that's what that word 00:31:55.419 --> 00:31:56.259 forsaken means 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:57.339 it means you're not 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.239 left to yourself 00:31:58.239 --> 00:31:59.419 you're not left alone 00:31:59.419 --> 00:32:02.199 that God is there 00:32:02.199 --> 00:32:04.679 even in those 00:32:04.679 --> 00:32:05.859 trying and struggling 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.639 times 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:09.519 no matter what 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.579 the circumstances 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.599 even in the worst 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:12.299 of things 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:13.799 you can imagine 00:32:13.799 --> 00:32:15.339 God is still 00:32:15.339 --> 00:32:16.599 there 00:32:16.599 --> 00:32:16.959 you know 00:32:16.959 --> 00:32:18.219 as Paul was writing this 00:32:18.219 --> 00:32:19.019 I want you to understand 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.279 he wasn't writing from 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:21.139 well 00:32:21.139 --> 00:32:22.619 my life's been good 00:32:22.619 --> 00:32:23.379 but yours is going to be 00:32:23.379 --> 00:32:23.859 a problem 00:32:23.859 --> 00:32:24.740 you know what Paul's saying 00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:24.960 hey 00:32:24.960 --> 00:32:27.319 I've walked this road 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.119 I've seen 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:29.019 God 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:29.940 work 00:32:29.940 --> 00:32:32.240 I've seen 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:32.839 what's happened 00:32:32.839 --> 00:32:34.379 look over to Romans 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:35.019 chapter 8 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.599 for a moment 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:37.220 Romans chapter 8 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:38.039 and verse 38 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:39.480 in context of this 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:40.119 think about what 00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:40.940 Paul says here 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:42.759 he says 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.680 for I am what 00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:46.440 I'm what 00:32:46.440 --> 00:32:48.400 how does somebody 00:32:48.400 --> 00:32:49.539 become persuaded 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:50.700 is persuaded 00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:51.759 just an intellectual 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.740 conquest 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.660 persuaded 00:32:53.660 --> 00:32:54.779 has an implication 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.299 to say 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:56.660 I might know it 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.279 intellectually 00:32:57.279 --> 00:32:58.160 but I've 00:32:58.160 --> 00:32:59.539 experienced 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:01.519 I've seen 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.600 I've witnessed 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:03.640 these things 00:33:03.640 --> 00:33:06.019 it's not an abstract 00:33:06.019 --> 00:33:06.700 he says 00:33:06.700 --> 00:33:07.160 it's something 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.140 that let me tell you 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:08.779 he says 00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:09.720 I am persuaded 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.860 that neither death 00:33:10.860 --> 00:33:11.860 nor life 00:33:11.860 --> 00:33:12.559 nor angels 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:13.620 nor principalities 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.320 nor powers 00:33:14.320 --> 00:33:15.259 nor things present 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.180 nor things to come 00:33:16.180 --> 00:33:17.080 nor height 00:33:17.080 --> 00:33:17.680 nor depth 00:33:17.680 --> 00:33:19.060 nor any other creature 00:33:19.060 --> 00:33:20.140 shall be what 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:21.820 able to separate us 00:33:21.820 --> 00:33:22.920 from the love of God 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:24.380 which is in Christ Jesus 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:25.100 our Lord 00:33:25.100 --> 00:33:26.140 you know what Paul said 00:33:26.140 --> 00:33:26.440 he said 00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:27.660 hey let me tell you 00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:28.700 every time God 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:29.820 broke me 00:33:29.820 --> 00:33:30.460 the troubles 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:31.580 and struggles of life 00:33:31.580 --> 00:33:32.100 broke me 00:33:32.100 --> 00:33:32.640 you know what 00:33:32.640 --> 00:33:35.000 God never left me 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:38.180 God shined through 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:38.820 the problem 00:33:38.820 --> 00:33:41.460 God was there 00:33:41.460 --> 00:33:42.120 to walk me 00:33:42.120 --> 00:33:43.180 through the situation 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:45.779 to show forth 00:33:45.779 --> 00:33:46.660 what was needed 00:33:46.660 --> 00:33:49.360 because notice 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:50.259 that next phrase 00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:51.120 cast down 00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:51.940 cast down 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.440 this word 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:53.460 literally means 00:33:53.460 --> 00:33:54.220 to be thrown 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:55.380 down 00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:56.320 now let me ask you 00:33:56.320 --> 00:33:56.700 a question 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.820 if you had a clay pot 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.539 up here this morning 00:33:58.539 --> 00:34:01.380 and I threw it down 00:34:01.380 --> 00:34:02.060 what's going to happen 00:34:02.060 --> 00:34:02.460 to it 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.539 it's going to break open 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.060 he said 00:34:04.060 --> 00:34:05.039 cast down 00:34:05.039 --> 00:34:06.660 literally throwing down 00:34:06.660 --> 00:34:08.240 this earthen vessel 00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.200 is going to be broken 00:34:09.200 --> 00:34:10.599 I want you to understand 00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:11.599 sometimes there's things 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.360 in life that are going 00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:13.000 to break you 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:13.659 there's things 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.239 that are going to seem 00:34:14.239 --> 00:34:15.219 so overwhelming 00:34:15.219 --> 00:34:16.440 but I want you to understand 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:17.579 it's not the end 00:34:17.579 --> 00:34:19.339 we are not destroyed 00:34:19.339 --> 00:34:20.920 in those moments 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.659 because notice 00:34:21.659 --> 00:34:22.000 he says 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.799 not destroyed 00:34:22.799 --> 00:34:24.199 this is quite a contrast 00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:24.559 he says 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.559 an earthen vessel 00:34:25.559 --> 00:34:27.099 that's broken down 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:28.420 and destroyed 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:30.099 so somebody cast it down 00:34:30.099 --> 00:34:30.679 he said 00:34:30.679 --> 00:34:31.759 but not destroyed 00:34:31.759 --> 00:34:33.659 those are two opposite things 00:34:33.659 --> 00:34:34.400 God says 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.819 life might cast you down 00:34:35.819 --> 00:34:36.319 but he says 00:34:36.319 --> 00:34:36.920 I'm the one 00:34:36.920 --> 00:34:37.559 that's still there 00:34:37.559 --> 00:34:38.639 to keep things together 00:34:38.639 --> 00:34:41.480 I'm the one 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:42.779 that's going to be there 00:34:42.779 --> 00:34:43.819 to overcome 00:34:43.819 --> 00:34:45.420 this word 00:34:45.420 --> 00:34:46.440 not destroyed 00:34:46.440 --> 00:34:47.179 literally means 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:48.519 will not perish 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.219 you know what 00:34:49.219 --> 00:34:50.019 if you're saved 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:53.159 what's the Bible tell us 00:34:53.159 --> 00:34:56.099 that you're not going to 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:57.279 perish 00:34:57.279 --> 00:34:58.420 God says 00:34:58.420 --> 00:34:59.639 that if you're his child 00:34:59.639 --> 00:35:00.759 you are secure 00:35:00.759 --> 00:35:01.639 you're sealed 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:04.599 no matter what happens 00:35:04.599 --> 00:35:05.179 in life 00:35:05.179 --> 00:35:06.579 no matter what 00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:07.259 the challenges 00:35:07.260 --> 00:35:08.760 of this life may be 00:35:08.760 --> 00:35:10.020 it's in those moments 00:35:10.020 --> 00:35:10.740 that we see 00:35:10.740 --> 00:35:11.400 the light 00:35:11.400 --> 00:35:12.120 that is within 00:35:12.120 --> 00:35:13.020 every believer 00:35:13.020 --> 00:35:14.120 the power of God 00:35:14.120 --> 00:35:15.580 the presence of his spirit 00:35:15.580 --> 00:35:16.180 in our lives 00:35:16.180 --> 00:35:17.960 when the vessel is broken 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:19.080 it always reveals 00:35:19.080 --> 00:35:19.980 the contents 00:35:19.980 --> 00:35:21.140 in marriage 00:35:21.140 --> 00:35:21.800 in family 00:35:21.800 --> 00:35:22.320 in life 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:23.400 when we trust the Lord 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:25.000 knowing he is faithful 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.280 in the midst of trials 00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:27.280 and tribulations 00:35:27.280 --> 00:35:29.100 that's what's within 00:35:29.100 --> 00:35:30.880 will always sustain 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:31.960 and keep you 00:35:31.960 --> 00:35:34.560 because when life 00:35:34.560 --> 00:35:35.320 appears to be 00:35:35.320 --> 00:35:36.160 falling apart 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:36.920 is when we must 00:35:36.920 --> 00:35:38.059 encourage one another 00:35:38.059 --> 00:35:39.679 to hold on 00:35:39.679 --> 00:35:40.379 to the hope 00:35:40.379 --> 00:35:41.879 that is within us 00:35:41.879 --> 00:35:43.219 you know think about 00:35:43.219 --> 00:35:44.279 the prophet Isaiah 00:35:44.279 --> 00:35:45.859 look over Isaiah chapter 40 00:35:45.859 --> 00:35:47.539 here's Isaiah the prophet 00:35:47.539 --> 00:35:49.039 speaking here 00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:50.159 in a time of great 00:35:50.159 --> 00:35:51.739 trial and struggle 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:54.460 he says this 00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:55.920 hast thou not known 00:35:55.920 --> 00:35:57.139 hast thou not heard 00:35:57.139 --> 00:35:59.079 that the everlasting God 00:35:59.079 --> 00:35:59.579 the Lord 00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.319 the creator 00:36:00.319 --> 00:36:01.440 of the ends of the earth 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:03.659 fainted not 00:36:03.659 --> 00:36:05.440 neither is weary 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.159 you know what 00:36:06.159 --> 00:36:07.720 when life is upside down 00:36:07.720 --> 00:36:09.260 and life is breaking us 00:36:09.260 --> 00:36:10.440 I want you to understand 00:36:10.440 --> 00:36:11.740 God is still the same 00:36:11.740 --> 00:36:13.400 he says he hasn't 00:36:13.400 --> 00:36:14.059 gotten tired 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:15.240 he hasn't forgot about you 00:36:15.240 --> 00:36:16.119 he's not weary 00:36:16.119 --> 00:36:17.320 but it says this 00:36:17.320 --> 00:36:18.340 there is no searching 00:36:18.340 --> 00:36:19.539 of his understanding 00:36:19.539 --> 00:36:22.300 he giveth power 00:36:22.300 --> 00:36:23.240 to the faint 00:36:23.240 --> 00:36:24.220 and to them 00:36:24.220 --> 00:36:25.240 that have no might 00:36:25.240 --> 00:36:26.760 he increases strength 00:36:26.760 --> 00:36:29.880 you know what God says 00:36:29.880 --> 00:36:30.260 he's saying 00:36:30.260 --> 00:36:31.720 we're cast down 00:36:31.720 --> 00:36:32.659 but not destroyed 00:36:32.659 --> 00:36:33.039 he says 00:36:33.039 --> 00:36:35.000 when life is coming apart 00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:35.699 he says 00:36:35.699 --> 00:36:36.500 I'm there 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:38.480 I'm what can keep life together 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:39.880 I'm the one that overcomes 00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:40.800 to increase 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:41.940 the strength 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:42.779 for the need 00:36:42.779 --> 00:36:43.960 even the 00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:45.059 notice in verse 30 00:36:45.059 --> 00:36:45.739 even the youth 00:36:45.739 --> 00:36:46.400 shall faint 00:36:46.400 --> 00:36:47.059 and be weary 00:36:47.059 --> 00:36:47.820 and the young men 00:36:47.820 --> 00:36:48.980 shall utterly fail 00:36:48.980 --> 00:36:51.059 but they that wait 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:51.699 upon the Lord 00:36:51.699 --> 00:36:52.199 shall what 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:53.019 renew their 00:36:53.019 --> 00:36:54.380 strength 00:36:54.380 --> 00:36:55.360 and they shall 00:36:55.360 --> 00:36:56.440 mount up with wings 00:36:56.440 --> 00:36:56.920 as eagles 00:36:56.920 --> 00:36:57.840 they shall run 00:36:57.840 --> 00:36:59.000 and not be weary 00:36:59.000 --> 00:37:00.320 they shall walk 00:37:00.320 --> 00:37:01.179 and not faint 00:37:01.179 --> 00:37:02.839 I want you to understand 00:37:02.839 --> 00:37:03.460 there's hope 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:04.399 even when life 00:37:04.399 --> 00:37:05.119 breaks us 00:37:05.119 --> 00:37:05.699 there's hope 00:37:05.699 --> 00:37:08.199 God allows 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:09.179 this earthen vessel 00:37:09.179 --> 00:37:09.839 to be broken 00:37:09.839 --> 00:37:10.659 that his glory 00:37:10.659 --> 00:37:11.460 might shine 00:37:11.460 --> 00:37:12.500 through 00:37:12.500 --> 00:37:14.019 look at verse 10 00:37:14.019 --> 00:37:14.639 for a moment 00:37:14.639 --> 00:37:15.839 always bearing 00:37:15.839 --> 00:37:16.899 about in the body 00:37:16.899 --> 00:37:17.519 the dying 00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.460 of the Lord Jesus 00:37:18.460 --> 00:37:19.559 that the life 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:20.539 also of Jesus 00:37:20.539 --> 00:37:21.319 might be made 00:37:21.319 --> 00:37:21.859 manifest 00:37:21.859 --> 00:37:22.759 in our body 00:37:22.759 --> 00:37:23.739 you ever ask yourself 00:37:23.739 --> 00:37:24.359 why does God 00:37:24.359 --> 00:37:25.159 allow us 00:37:25.159 --> 00:37:26.980 to be broken 00:37:26.980 --> 00:37:27.960 very simply 00:37:27.960 --> 00:37:29.000 is that his power 00:37:29.000 --> 00:37:30.840 might shine forth 00:37:30.840 --> 00:37:31.480 in our life 00:37:31.480 --> 00:37:32.280 the power 00:37:32.280 --> 00:37:33.619 of who he is 00:37:33.619 --> 00:37:34.719 and the reality 00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:35.719 of even dying 00:37:35.719 --> 00:37:36.820 to ourself 00:37:36.820 --> 00:37:37.360 it says 00:37:37.360 --> 00:37:38.320 always bearing 00:37:38.320 --> 00:37:38.960 about in the body 00:37:38.960 --> 00:37:39.719 the dying 00:37:39.719 --> 00:37:40.699 of the Lord Jesus 00:37:40.699 --> 00:37:41.619 you know today 00:37:41.619 --> 00:37:42.320 the problem is 00:37:42.320 --> 00:37:42.900 often times 00:37:42.900 --> 00:37:43.780 we want to protect 00:37:43.780 --> 00:37:44.719 everything around us 00:37:44.719 --> 00:37:45.079 we want to try 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:45.599 to control 00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:46.599 everything around us 00:37:46.599 --> 00:37:47.739 and God says 00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:48.519 I'm going to allow 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:49.579 some things to happen 00:37:49.579 --> 00:37:50.820 and some of those things 00:37:50.820 --> 00:37:51.920 are even going to break you 00:37:51.920 --> 00:37:52.920 but I'm going to break you 00:37:52.920 --> 00:37:53.619 for a purpose 00:37:53.619 --> 00:37:55.099 I'm going to break you 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:57.699 with reason behind it 00:37:57.699 --> 00:37:58.279 and you say 00:37:58.279 --> 00:37:59.279 well I don't want 00:37:59.279 --> 00:37:59.919 to be broken 00:37:59.919 --> 00:38:00.460 take a look 00:38:00.460 --> 00:38:01.259 at what Jesus says 00:38:01.259 --> 00:38:02.439 look over to Luke chapter 9 00:38:02.439 --> 00:38:03.000 for a moment 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:04.939 Luke chapter 9 00:38:04.939 --> 00:38:06.099 Jesus looked at his 00:38:06.099 --> 00:38:07.099 disciples 00:38:07.099 --> 00:38:08.199 and he said this 00:38:08.199 --> 00:38:08.939 he says 00:38:08.939 --> 00:38:09.679 if any man 00:38:09.679 --> 00:38:10.579 come after me 00:38:10.579 --> 00:38:11.359 let him what 00:38:11.359 --> 00:38:13.960 deny 00:38:13.960 --> 00:38:15.559 himself 00:38:15.559 --> 00:38:17.159 and take up his cross 00:38:17.159 --> 00:38:17.599 daily 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:18.419 and follow me 00:38:18.419 --> 00:38:18.859 you know 00:38:18.859 --> 00:38:19.519 often times 00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:20.819 when we hear that word cross 00:38:20.819 --> 00:38:21.779 we've been misled 00:38:21.779 --> 00:38:22.759 to think it's a burden 00:38:22.759 --> 00:38:24.359 the cross is not a burden 00:38:24.359 --> 00:38:25.759 the cross is a place 00:38:25.759 --> 00:38:26.319 of death 00:38:26.319 --> 00:38:26.879 he says 00:38:26.880 --> 00:38:27.599 if you're not willing 00:38:27.599 --> 00:38:29.320 to die to yourself 00:38:29.320 --> 00:38:31.119 if you're going to follow Jesus 00:38:31.119 --> 00:38:31.940 you have to be willing 00:38:31.940 --> 00:38:33.039 to die to yourself 00:38:33.039 --> 00:38:33.380 to say 00:38:33.380 --> 00:38:34.380 Lord my hand 00:38:34.380 --> 00:38:35.860 who I am 00:38:35.860 --> 00:38:37.800 is in your hands 00:38:37.800 --> 00:38:39.180 to take up the cross 00:38:39.180 --> 00:38:39.599 daily 00:38:39.599 --> 00:38:40.519 and follow 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:41.780 me 00:38:41.780 --> 00:38:43.160 now think back to verse 10 00:38:43.160 --> 00:38:44.019 always 00:38:44.019 --> 00:38:45.980 bearing about 00:38:45.980 --> 00:38:46.640 in the body 00:38:46.640 --> 00:38:47.240 the dying 00:38:47.240 --> 00:38:48.200 of the Lord Jesus 00:38:48.200 --> 00:38:50.079 what's the purpose 00:38:50.079 --> 00:38:50.740 behind this 00:38:50.740 --> 00:38:51.720 we're going to follow him 00:38:51.720 --> 00:38:52.079 what 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:53.680 that the life 00:38:53.680 --> 00:38:55.220 also of Jesus 00:38:55.219 --> 00:38:56.239 might be made 00:38:56.239 --> 00:38:57.119 manifest 00:38:57.119 --> 00:38:59.379 in our body 00:38:59.379 --> 00:39:00.779 I want you to understand 00:39:00.779 --> 00:39:02.179 that when we're broken 00:39:02.179 --> 00:39:03.779 Jesus shines forth 00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:05.359 not only in your life 00:39:05.359 --> 00:39:06.639 but it shines forth 00:39:06.639 --> 00:39:08.019 to others 00:39:08.019 --> 00:39:11.339 because how we respond 00:39:11.339 --> 00:39:12.199 in those moments 00:39:12.199 --> 00:39:12.959 make a difference 00:39:12.959 --> 00:39:15.699 how we walk through 00:39:15.699 --> 00:39:16.459 the trials 00:39:16.459 --> 00:39:17.179 and struggles 00:39:17.179 --> 00:39:17.859 of life 00:39:17.859 --> 00:39:19.099 when we understand 00:39:19.099 --> 00:39:20.639 we must rely upon him 00:39:20.639 --> 00:39:21.480 and work together 00:39:21.480 --> 00:39:22.179 in faith 00:39:22.179 --> 00:39:22.779 and unity 00:39:22.780 --> 00:39:23.980 in the struggles 00:39:23.980 --> 00:39:25.400 when life breaks you 00:39:25.400 --> 00:39:26.560 what shines through 00:39:26.560 --> 00:39:27.600 is the light 00:39:27.600 --> 00:39:28.200 of the knowledge 00:39:28.200 --> 00:39:29.440 of the glory of God 00:39:29.440 --> 00:39:30.420 if you're a believer 00:39:30.420 --> 00:39:32.080 that's what's to shine through 00:39:32.080 --> 00:39:33.100 because it's either 00:39:33.100 --> 00:39:33.900 going to reveal 00:39:33.900 --> 00:39:35.040 the glory of God 00:39:35.040 --> 00:39:35.920 that's within you 00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:37.120 or it's going to reveal 00:39:37.120 --> 00:39:38.980 brokenness 00:39:38.980 --> 00:39:39.720 without hope 00:39:39.720 --> 00:39:40.620 as a believer 00:39:40.620 --> 00:39:41.560 we have hope 00:39:41.560 --> 00:39:42.680 what it reveals 00:39:42.680 --> 00:39:43.360 in you 00:39:43.360 --> 00:39:44.540 when you face 00:39:44.540 --> 00:39:45.440 life challenges 00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:46.500 what is revealed 00:39:46.500 --> 00:39:48.980 it will be that 00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:50.019 what is within 00:39:50.019 --> 00:39:52.159 is it the light 00:39:52.159 --> 00:39:52.860 and hope 00:39:52.860 --> 00:39:54.440 of Christ 00:39:54.440 --> 00:39:55.460 or is the hopeless 00:39:55.460 --> 00:39:57.059 lost and lonely 00:39:57.059 --> 00:39:58.440 life without Christ 00:39:58.440 --> 00:39:59.219 today 00:39:59.219 --> 00:40:00.500 you have to be sure 00:40:00.500 --> 00:40:01.099 that you know 00:40:01.099 --> 00:40:02.199 who Jesus is 00:40:02.199 --> 00:40:03.599 that you know 00:40:03.599 --> 00:40:04.179 what he's done 00:40:04.179 --> 00:40:04.860 for you 00:40:04.860 --> 00:40:07.380 to realize 00:40:07.380 --> 00:40:08.039 the necessity 00:40:08.039 --> 00:40:10.059 of calling upon him 00:40:10.059 --> 00:40:11.259 as savior 00:40:11.259 --> 00:40:11.820 that you might 00:40:11.820 --> 00:40:12.619 understand 00:40:12.619 --> 00:40:13.900 the power of God 00:40:13.900 --> 00:40:15.360 unto salvation 00:40:15.360 --> 00:40:17.659 for all those 00:40:17.659 --> 00:40:18.500 that have believed 00:40:18.500 --> 00:40:19.219 upon the name 00:40:19.219 --> 00:40:19.699 of the one 00:40:19.699 --> 00:40:20.339 that came 00:40:20.339 --> 00:40:21.879 and died 00:40:21.879 --> 00:40:23.000 for you 00:40:23.000 --> 00:40:24.859 you know 00:40:24.859 --> 00:40:25.399 this morning 00:40:25.399 --> 00:40:26.179 troubles are going 00:40:26.179 --> 00:40:26.879 to break us 00:40:26.879 --> 00:40:29.219 life's going to be 00:40:29.219 --> 00:40:30.059 filled with troubles 00:40:30.059 --> 00:40:31.259 but the question is 00:40:31.259 --> 00:40:32.059 are you going to rely 00:40:32.059 --> 00:40:33.619 upon God's 00:40:33.619 --> 00:40:34.139 word 00:40:34.139 --> 00:40:34.819 his will 00:40:34.819 --> 00:40:36.259 and his way 00:40:36.259 --> 00:40:37.259 that it might 00:40:37.259 --> 00:40:38.199 shine through 00:40:38.199 --> 00:40:41.019 when the trials 00:40:41.019 --> 00:40:41.799 and struggles 00:40:41.799 --> 00:40:42.859 and challenges 00:40:42.859 --> 00:40:43.539 of life 00:40:43.539 --> 00:40:44.500 happen 00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:47.079 what shines 00:40:47.079 --> 00:40:47.419 through 00:40:47.419 --> 00:40:48.059 when life 00:40:48.059 --> 00:40:49.900 breaks you 00:40:49.900 --> 00:40:51.980 as heads are 00:40:51.980 --> 00:40:52.239 bowed 00:40:52.239 --> 00:40:52.659 and eyes are 00:40:52.659 --> 00:40:52.920 closed 00:40:52.920 --> 00:40:53.400 this morning 00:40:53.400 --> 00:40:55.880 what about you 00:40:55.880 --> 00:40:56.279 today 00:40:56.279 --> 00:40:57.199 is there a need 00:40:57.199 --> 00:40:57.880 in your life 00:40:57.880 --> 00:40:59.420 in your heart 00:40:59.420 --> 00:41:00.440 maybe God's been 00:41:00.440 --> 00:41:01.539 working in your life 00:41:01.539 --> 00:41:03.000 in a way 00:41:03.000 --> 00:41:03.599 that you're like 00:41:03.599 --> 00:41:04.059 I don't 00:41:04.059 --> 00:41:05.920 like it 00:41:05.920 --> 00:41:06.400 this is 00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:07.500 hard 00:41:07.500 --> 00:41:08.639 this is 00:41:08.639 --> 00:41:09.099 difficult 00:41:09.099 --> 00:41:09.799 but you know 00:41:09.799 --> 00:41:10.199 what God 00:41:10.199 --> 00:41:10.980 wants you 00:41:10.980 --> 00:41:14.240 be able to shine 00:41:14.240 --> 00:41:14.579 through 00:41:14.579 --> 00:41:15.240 what's within 00:41:15.240 --> 00:41:17.360 the reality 00:41:17.360 --> 00:41:18.240 of the power 00:41:18.240 --> 00:41:18.960 of the gospel 00:41:18.960 --> 00:41:21.119 of Jesus Christ 00:41:21.119 --> 00:41:22.260 that transforms 00:41:22.260 --> 00:41:23.400 lives 00:41:23.400 --> 00:41:25.559 heavenly fathers 00:41:25.559 --> 00:41:26.380 we come before you 00:41:26.380 --> 00:41:26.860 this morning 00:41:26.860 --> 00:41:27.440 Lord we just 00:41:27.440 --> 00:41:27.920 thank you 00:41:27.920 --> 00:41:28.460 and praise you 00:41:28.460 --> 00:41:29.059 for the day 00:41:29.059 --> 00:41:30.900 Lord we're thankful 00:41:30.900 --> 00:41:31.639 for that you'll 00:41:31.639 --> 00:41:32.340 never leave us 00:41:32.340 --> 00:41:33.260 you'll never forsake 00:41:33.260 --> 00:41:33.659 us Lord 00:41:33.659 --> 00:41:34.139 in the most 00:41:34.139 --> 00:41:35.440 down moments 00:41:35.440 --> 00:41:35.900 that you're 00:41:35.900 --> 00:41:36.659 always there 00:41:36.659 --> 00:41:38.460 Lord when we 00:41:38.460 --> 00:41:39.079 feel life 00:41:39.079 --> 00:41:39.859 pressing in 00:41:39.859 --> 00:41:40.239 that Lord 00:41:40.239 --> 00:41:41.119 you've 00:41:41.119 --> 00:41:41.639 already 00:41:41.639 --> 00:41:42.299 provided 00:41:42.299 --> 00:41:43.019 what's needed 00:41:43.019 --> 00:41:44.159 you've not 00:41:44.159 --> 00:41:44.759 forsaken 00:41:44.759 --> 00:41:45.359 or denied 00:41:45.359 --> 00:41:45.699 us 00:41:45.699 --> 00:41:46.319 Lord even 00:41:46.319 --> 00:41:46.659 when we 00:41:46.659 --> 00:41:47.219 think life 00:41:47.219 --> 00:41:47.739 is broken 00:41:47.739 --> 00:41:48.159 we're not 00:41:48.159 --> 00:41:48.759 destroyed 00:41:48.759 --> 00:41:49.460 because of 00:41:49.460 --> 00:41:49.759 you 00:41:49.759 --> 00:41:50.339 Lord you 00:41:50.339 --> 00:41:50.759 know each 00:41:50.759 --> 00:41:51.039 heart 00:41:51.039 --> 00:41:51.579 each life 00:41:51.579 --> 00:41:52.059 here today 00:41:52.059 --> 00:41:52.539 Lord you 00:41:52.539 --> 00:41:52.859 know the 00:41:52.859 --> 00:41:53.319 trials 00:41:53.319 --> 00:41:53.940 and struggles 00:41:53.940 --> 00:41:54.460 of life 00:41:54.460 --> 00:41:54.839 you know 00:41:54.839 --> 00:41:55.619 the condition 00:41:55.619 --> 00:41:56.000 of each 00:41:56.000 --> 00:41:56.639 one before 00:41:56.639 --> 00:41:57.259 you today 00:41:57.259 --> 00:41:59.239 whether they 00:41:59.239 --> 00:41:59.879 truly had 00:41:59.879 --> 00:42:00.480 that time 00:42:00.480 --> 00:42:00.960 and moment 00:42:00.960 --> 00:42:01.359 when they've 00:42:01.359 --> 00:42:01.899 called upon 00:42:01.899 --> 00:42:02.299 you as 00:42:02.299 --> 00:42:02.639 Savior 00:42:02.639 --> 00:42:03.259 Lord that 00:42:03.259 --> 00:42:03.859 your spirit 00:42:03.859 --> 00:42:05.039 bears witness 00:42:05.039 --> 00:42:05.480 with their 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:05.899 spirit 00:42:05.899 --> 00:42:06.519 Lord I pray 00:42:06.519 --> 00:42:06.800 it's just 00:42:06.800 --> 00:42:07.259 work in a 00:42:07.259 --> 00:42:07.780 mighty way 00:42:07.780 --> 00:42:08.099 even here 00:42:08.099 --> 00:42:08.639 this morning 00:42:08.639 --> 00:42:09.000 Lord that 00:42:09.000 --> 00:42:09.300 we might 00:42:09.300 --> 00:42:09.800 just turn 00:42:09.800 --> 00:42:10.300 to you 00:42:10.300 --> 00:42:12.440 knowing that 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:12.960 even in the 00:42:12.960 --> 00:42:13.599 moments that 00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:14.199 this earthen 00:42:14.199 --> 00:42:14.739 vessel is 00:42:14.739 --> 00:42:15.400 broken Lord 00:42:15.400 --> 00:42:15.739 that you're 00:42:15.739 --> 00:42:15.980 going to 00:42:15.980 --> 00:42:16.440 shine 00:42:16.440 --> 00:42:17.820 through in 00:42:17.820 --> 00:42:18.119 a mighty 00:42:18.119 --> 00:42:18.519 way 00:42:18.519 --> 00:42:19.820 and Lord 00:42:19.820 --> 00:42:20.119 we just 00:42:20.119 --> 00:42:20.679 ask it all 00:42:20.679 --> 00:42:21.000 in your 00:42:21.000 --> 00:42:21.820 precious name 00:42:21.820 --> 00:42:23.579 as piano 00:42:23.579 --> 00:42:24.059 plays what 00:42:24.059 --> 00:42:24.659 about you 00:42:24.659 --> 00:42:25.500 today 00:42:25.500 --> 00:42:26.840 is there 00:42:26.840 --> 00:42:27.280 some things 00:42:27.280 --> 00:42:27.539 you need 00:42:27.539 --> 00:42:27.860 to spend 00:42:27.860 --> 00:42:28.320 some time 00:42:28.320 --> 00:42:28.619 with the 00:42:28.619 --> 00:42:28.880 Lord