Comeback&BeyondbyTimStoreyHarrisonHouseTulsa,OKUnlessotherwiseindicated,allscripturequotationsaretakenfromTheHolyBible,NewInternationalVersion®.niv®.Copyright©1973,1978,1984byInternationalBibleSociety.UsedbypermissionofZondervanPublishingHouse.Allrightsreserved.ScripturequotationsmarkedmsgaretakenfromTheMessageNewTestamentWithPsalmsandProverbsbyEugeneH.Peterson.Copyright©1993,1994,1995byEugeneH.Peterson.NavPress,P.O.Box35001,ColoradoSprings,CO80935.ScripturequotationsmarkednltaretakenfromtheNewLivingTranslation,copyright©1996,2004byTyndaleCharitableTrust.UsedbypermissionofTyndaleHousePublishers.ScripturequotationsmarkednkjvaretakenfromTheNewKingJamesVersionoftheBible.Copyright©1979,1980,1982,1983,1984byThomasNelson,Inc.Publishers.Usedbypermission.ScripturequotationsmarkedkjvaretakenfromTheKingJamesVersionoftheBible.Comeback…&BeyondISBN978-1-60683-118-2Copyright©2010byTimStorey499N.CanonDr.,Suite400BeverlyHills,California90210PublishedbyHarrisonHouse,Inc.P.O.Box35035Tulsa,Oklahoma74153

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalCopyrightLaw.Contentsand/orcovermaynotbereproducedinwholeorinpartinanyformwithouttheexpresswrittenconsentofthePublisher.

IntroductionUnfortunately,mostpeopledon’tknowthatevenintheirdarkest

hoursandworstfailures,Godisthere,rootingforthemandwantingtohelpthem.Becausetheyeitherforgetthisorneverknewthis,inthemidstofasetbacktheyfeellikeafailureandtakeanotherstepback.Thenanothersetbackcomes,andtheytakeanotherstepback.Beforelongtheyfindthemselvessofarfromwheretheywanttobe,theyjustgiveup.Theycan’tseethelightattheendofthetunnel,andtheyareovercomebythedarkness.

Lifeisdoingsomethingwiththeminsteadofthemdoingsomethingwithlife.

Ifyouaresayingtoyourself,“I’vesteppedbacksofarIdon’tevenrememberwhereIstarted,”justremember:It’snothowyoustartsomethingthatcounts,it’showyoufinishit.Evenwhileyouarefeelingthestingofyoursetback,yourcomebackhasalreadybeenpreparedforyou.Youjusthavetobegintothinkaboutyourselfandyoursituationinadifferentlight.

Youmaybewearyanddon’tknowifyouhavetheenergytobeginagain,butthismaybethehumblelaunchingpadyourlifehasbeenwaitingfor.It’stoosoontogiveupbecauseGodhasn’tgivenuponyou.Infact,Henevergivesuponyou.Ihaven’tgivenuponyou.Youaretheonlyonewhocangiveupandabortyourdestiny!

Thereisalwaystimeforonemorecomeback.HowdoIknowthiswithabsolutecertainty?Ihaveliveditandam

continuingtoliveit.Ihaveshareditwithotherswhoarelivingit

successfully.Inthesechaptersarethepowerfultruthsandlife-changingprinciplesthathavebroughtmethroughpainanddesperationinmyownlife.Theyarewhatsustainmeandhelpmetocontinuetomoveforwardtoday.

Don’tputthisbookdownuntilyoumakeacommitmenttosetasideaspecifictimeandplacetofinishreadingit.Whetheritisfiveminutesadayoranhouraday—justdoit!Readitagainandagainuntilyouplanttheseideasinthedepthsofyourheart.Yourcomeback—andmuchmorebeyondit—arewaitingforyou!

Chapter1:TheInnerCryforMoreMaybeyouareinthepitofdespair.Iwantyoutoconsidersomething.Maybeyouhaveneverthoughtof

this,ormaybeyouthinkaboutthisallthetime.Thereasonyoumightbeindespairisbecauseyoumaybedissatisfiedwithyourlife.YoumightbesurprisedtoknowthatGodcreatedyoutobedissatisfiedwhenthingsarenotgoingwell—andsometimeswhenthingsaregoingverywell.

Whenyougetofftheyellowbrickroadandgetlostorbecomeentangledwiththosecreepy,talkingtrees,it’sthenormal,humanthingtodespairandbecomefrustrated.Youknowyouarenotwhereyouaresupposedtobe,doingwhatyouaresupposedtobedoing—orbeingwhoyoureallyare.

Thisdespairandfrustrationcanalsowellupinyouwheneverythingisgoingfine.Thatisbecauseyouwerecreatedtogrowandmoveandchangeyourselfandeverythingaroundyouforthebetter.

Ifyouarelikeme,therearetimesyouhavenoideawhoyoureallyareandwhatyouaresupposedtobedoing.Thatistheinnercryformore!ItissomethingGodputinussothatwewouldreachbeyondourselves,looktoHimforanswers,andbecomebetterandgreater.Hemadeus,soHeunderstandsourpurposeandknowsalltheinnerworkingsofourhearts.Heknowsoureverythought.NothinggetspastHim.HeistheoriginalandonlyKnow-It-All!

Hecanhearyousay,“IstheremoretolifethanwhatI’mliving?”andispleasedthatyouareexperiencingdivinedissatisfaction.Youareshakingyourselfoutofcomplacency,outofyourcomfortzone,andoutofanyfailurementality.Don’tignorewhatyouarefeeling!Thatinnercryformoreissimply“whoyoureallyare”makingademandon“whoyouhavebecome.”ItisGodcallingyoutogrowupintowhoHecreatedyoutobeandwhatHecreatedyoutoaccomplishinyourlife.

MomentumMomentumexpressesyourinnercryformore.Itmovesyouforward

tosucceedandtobehappyinlife.TheonlineMerriam-Websterdictionarysaysthatmomentummeans“strengthorforcegainedbymotionorthroughthedevelopmentofevents.”1Wearetalkingaboutarhythm,apace,astridethatgainsstrengthandforceaswemoveforwardandthingshappeninourlives.

Doyouevernoticehowmuchenergylittlekidshave?Seriously,itisliketheyhavehadanIVofsugarinjectedintotheminthemiddleofthenight,sobythetimetheywakeuptheyareraringtogo!Theyarefulloflifeandexcitedaboutwhatthenewdaywillbring.Theychasetheicecreamtruck,flykites,climbtrees,andsplashinmudpuddles.Theirlifeisaboutmomentum.

Kidsknowhowtohaveagoodtime.Mostofthetimetheyarehappyandrunaroundwithoutacareintheworld.Theydon’tstressbecausetheyknowtheirneedswillbemet.Ontheotherhand,adultscanbeallovertheplace.Oneminuteweareupandgoing,andthenextminutewearedownandout;oneminutewearehappyaboutlife,andthenextminutewearediscouraged.Wegetdownandoutanddiscouragedwhensetbackscauseabreakinourstride,ourpace,ourmomentum.

Mygoalistohelpyougetyourmomentumbackifyou’velostitandsustainitifyoualreadyareexperiencingit.Yourlifeisn’tmeanttobeaseriesofdisappointments,norisitintendedtobeordinaryandstuckinarut.However,stuffhappens!Youarenotperfect,andthankGod,Heknowsthat.Hehasanextraordinaryplantobringyouthroughtheroughspotssoyoucankeepyourmomentum.

GettingYourBounceBackSinceyourinnercryformoreisexpressedinmomentum,what

happenswhenyouexperienceasetback?Momentumceasesorslows

down.Sometimesitfeelslikethewindhasbeenknockedoutofyou,andyouslumpover.Sowhatcanyoudo?Youbounceback!

IreadaboutthisinPsalm92:12intheBible.ItsaysthatwhenyoutrustGod’splanforyourlife,youwillnotlosemomentumcompletely.Whenthesetbackoccursanddivinedissatisfactionrisesupinyou,youcancontinuetoflourishlikeapalmtreeandbearfruitevenwhenyouareold.Theword“flourish”paintsapictureofbeinginyourprime,thriving,andhavingabounceinyourstep.

Agoodballhasalotofbounce.WhenIwasgrowingupIusedtoplayalotofbasketball,andoneoftheworstfeelingswashavingaballthatwasalittleflat.Itwashardertodribble,itwaslikepassingdeadweight,anditwashorribletoshoot.Agoodballwithbouncemakesthegameofbasketballeasierandalotmorefun.Thesameistrueinyourlife.Whenyouhavealotofbounceandareflourishing,thingsgomoresmoothlyandarealotmorefun.Whenyoufeelalittleflatduetoasetback,takingthenextstepfeelsliketryingtoshootadeadbasketball.

Godcomparesustopalmtreesbecausetheybounceback.Palmtreesareknownforbeingstrongandflexible.Theyaregenerallylocatedonseacoasts,andtheyweredesignedtoendurehurricanes.When150-mile-an-hourwindsblow,apalmbends.Whenthestormisover,itjustbouncesbackup.GodwrotethatyouarelikeapalmtreewhenHeisyourrefuge.Trialsortribulationsmaybendyouoverforawhile,butyoualwaysbounceback.Financialstrugglesmayhavecomeknockingonyourdoor,butyoubounceback.Alifethreateningillnessmayhavehityourfamily,butyoubounceback.Amarriageonthevergeofdissolvingmaybeyourreality,butyoubounceback.Insideofyouisacrytobouncebackeverytimethewindsblowyoudownoryoutripandfall.InHisgoodnessandkindness,Goddesignedyouthatway!

LargeandinChargeGodcreatedyoutobelargeontheinside,andyouaresupposedtobe

inchargeofthecircumstancesyouencounter.Intheverybeginning,whenHecreatedthefirstmanandwoman,GodgavethemamandateinGenesis1:26,28:Humanbeingsaretobeproductive,creative,andhavedominionorruleovertheEarth.That’swhywehaveaninnercryformoreinsideofus.Buthowdowefulfillthatinnercry?Howdowebecomeconsistentlyproductiveandbegintoruleoverourcircumstances?

Whenyoubuyacar,thedealergivesyouaninstructionmanual;otherwise,youwouldnotknowallthefeatures,capabilities,andlimitationsofthecar.Asour“manufacturer,”andbecauseHeisgoodandkind,Godhasgivenusaninstructionbookforlivingonthisplanet.TheBibleisHisWordtousonhowtolive.HewroteitsowecouldknowwhoHeis,whoweare,andwhatHisplanforourlivesandtheworldis.HisWordiswherewefindthe4P’s:promises,principles,problems,andprosperity.

Firstofall,theWordgivesuspromises,andmostareconditional.Ingeneralterms,ifwegiveourlivestoGod,Heisgoingtotakegoodcareofus.Hepromisesusanabundantlifeofblessingandfulfillment,butwehavetolivebytheBook!IfwedothingsHiswayandhonorHiminallwedo,wewillprosperineveryareaofourlives.It’snotenoughtoknowthepromises,however;weneedtolearnandapplyHisprinciples,overcomeourproblems,andtherebybringforththeprosperityHepromises.WegetfromthepromisetoprosperitywhenwefightthroughtheproblemsbyusingtheprinciplesinGod’sWord.

Psalm1:1-3elaboratesonthisveryidea.GodsaysHewillblessapersonwhoseekstheadviceofthosewhoknowHimandserveHim.Hewillblessthosewhodon’thangaroundwithimmoralpeople,andwhodon’tsitandtalkwithcritical,sarcasticgossips.Instead,theirbestfriendsarethosewholoveHimandfollowHimwithpurehearts.

Godisalsogoingtoblessthosewhoread,study,andthinkaboutHisWorddayandnight.AstheylivetheirlivesaccordingtoHisWord,thesepeoplearegoingtobeliketreesplantednexttoariver.Theywillalways

bearfruitinseasonandstayhealthyyearround.Everythingtheydowillprosper.TheywillworkwithHimtohavetheabundantlifeJesusdiedtogivethem.DoyouseethatallofthisisdrivenbythesimpleinnercryformoreHeputinus?

DavidHeededtheCryYouhaveprobablyheardthestoryofDavidandGoliath,wherethe

shepherdboyDavidslungastone,hitthegiantGoliathrightbetweentheeyes,andbroughthimdown.However,youmightnothaveheardthestoryofoneofDavid’sworstsetbacks,whichcanbefoundinthebookof1Samuel,chapter30.ComingfromwarwiththePhilistines,DavidandhismenreturnedtotheirfamiliesatZiklag.Whentheyarrived,theyweretoldthattheAmalekiteshadattackedthecity,burnedit,andtakentheirwivesandchildren.

Asyoucanimagine,Davidandhismenweredevastated.TheBibleactuallysaystheycrieduntiltheywerephysicallyexhausted.ForDavid,itgotworse.Notonlywashisfamilygone,buteveryoneblamedhim.Thementravelingwithhimweresoangryathimfortheirloss,theystartedtalkingaboutstoninghim.Talkaboutabadday!

NodoubtDavid’sheartwascryingoutformore—morefavor,morewisdom,andmorecourage.Hewasgreatlydistressed,hewastormentedinhismind,andhefeltlikelifewascrushinghim.Throughallthis,however,heknewhehadtwoalternatives:Hecouldruntoarefuge,orhecouldruntotheRefuge.Hecouldgooutandgetdrunk,orhecouldgotoGod.DavidchosetoruntoGod.HechosetostrengthenhimselfintheLord.HeaskedHimwhattodo,andGodgavehimtheanswer.HetoldDavidtoattacktheAmalekitesandeverythinghehadlostwouldberecovered.

AsDavidandhismensearchedfortheAmalekites,theycameacrossanEgyptianwhowasdehydratedandstarving.Aftertheygotsomefoodanddrinkintohissystem,heproceededtotellthemhehadbeenaservant

tosomeoneintheAmalekitearmy.Hehadgottensickafewdaysbefore,sohismasterhadlefthimtodie.HeknewallabouttheattackatZiklagandledDavidandhismenrighttotheAmalekitecamp.

Davidheededtheinnercryformoreandmadetherightdecision:HeturnedtoGodinsteadofcounterfeitandtemporarysourcesofcomfortandsecurity.Everythinghehadeverexperiencedtoldhimthattheonlywaytocomebackfromasetback,tobouncebackandmaintainmomentum,wastotrustGodandfollowHisinstructions.

DaviddidwhatGodtoldhimtodo,andheandhismenrecoveredalltheirwivesandchildrenandevengottheAmalekites’flocksandherdsaswell.Nowthat’sacomeback!

FirstResponsetoaSetbackInthebeginningofthisbook,Iencouragedyoutoactuponyour

innercryformore,toreachupfromyourdarknessandtakethehandofGod.WhenyoutakeHishand,everythingchangesbecauseyouareembracingallHispromisesandprinciples.TheBiblereferstoJesusastheLivingWord,andwhenyougiveyourlifetoHimyouessentiallyaresaying,“FromnowonI’mlivingmylifebytheWord.IbelieveYouknowtheway.IbelieveYouarethetruth.AndnowYouaremylife.”

ThepersonalrelationshipyouhavewithJesusisthefirst“more”yourheartiscryingoutfor,becausethatrelationshipwillgiveyoueverythingelseyouneedorwant—beyondyourwildestdreams.Thenext“more”yougetisahungerforthetruthfoundintheBible.YouevenlikeGod’scommandments!Theproblemsinyourlifewillcontinuetochallengeyourmomentum,butnowyouhaveafirmfoundationtostandon,afoundationbasedonHiswisdomandstrengthinsteadofyourown.

ThemoreyougrowinyourknowledgeofGodandHisprinciples,themoreyouwillbelikethepalmtreeandbounceback.Youwillbelikethattreeplantedbytheriver,pressingthroughadversitytobeproductiveandcreativeandovercomingeverycircumstanceandproblemyou

encounter.Youaregoingtogofrombeinganervouswrecktoaconfident,

loving,stableforcetobereckonedwithsimplybyheedingthatinnercryformoreandtakingJesus’hand.Thisisyourfirstresponsetoasetback!

Lookupandholdontothehandthatwillsurelypullyououtofyourpitofdespairandrestoreyourmomentum.TrustHim.BelieveHispromises.Facethefactthatyouaregoingtoencounterproblems.LearnHisprinciplessoyoucanovercomethoseproblems.Then,onestepatatime,youwillmoveoutofthepitandintothelight.

Chapter2:There'sGonnaBeaFight“I’mtiredofgettingbeatupbylife.Williteverend?”Ihearyou!Therearetimesinourliveswhenwefeellikeproblems

arepiledontopofproblems—andtheyareallonourbacks.That’swhyweneedtorecognizethatthesetimesaresetbacksandnottheendofourlives.Ifwerecognizethesetimesforwhattheyare—temporary—thenwecanengageinthefighttomovethroughtheminsteadofjustlayingdowntodie.

Likeawidereceiverhastofightthroughawholeteamofdefenderstocatchthatfootballandrunforthetouchdown,youwillhavetofightforyourcomeback.Thegoodnewsisthatyouarenotalone.Godisnotjustcheeringyouoninthestands;He’souttherewithyou!

ThereissomethingaboutGodyouneedtoknowthatwillgiveyoualotmoreunderstandingofhowHe’sgotyourback.HeconsistsofthreePersonsactingasone.Wecanhardlywrapourmindsaroundthis,butitisthetruth.TheBiblecallsThemtheGodheadandisveryclearthatTheyarealwaysin100percentagreement;Theyjusthavedifferentfunctionsinourlives.EachofThemisfullyinvolvedwithusandourcomeback.

TheFatherhasalreadyplannedyourcomebackandhasalltheangelsstandingatattentiontogiveyousupernaturalassistance.Jesushasalreadydefeatedyourenemiesandpaidforeverysinandmistakeyouhaveevermadebydyingandthenbeingraisedfromthedead.AndtheHolySpiritistheretogiveyouinstructionsandstrength.IamalsocertainthatHewillsendsomepeopletoencourageyouandhelpyoubecauseIamoneofthem!

Youwillhavetofightforyourcomeback,butyouhavethethreeMembersoftheGodheadleadingyou,supportingyou,andsupernaturallyenablingyouinthatfight.Theyalsoareawareofsomethingyoumaynothavethoughtabout:Youdon’twanttoputupafightjusttogobacktotheexactplaceandconditionyouwereinwhenyoufellintothatpitof

despair.Ifyoudothat,youwillrepeatthewholecatastrophe!No,youwanttowageagoodfight,afighttocomebacktoabetterplaceinawiserandstrongercondition.

God’scomebackforyoumeansyoutakestockofyourlifeandcleanhouse.YouarereallygoingtoneedHishelpforthatpart!Gettingpastyourfaultsandweaknessesisthebiggestfightyouwilltakeon,butthevictoriesaresweeterthananythingyoucanimagine.Fightingforyourcomebackisfightingtobewhoyouwerecreatedtobe,andbecoming“yourself”isanamazingadventure.Todothis,youneedtoasktheHolySpirittoshowyouwhatcausedyoutofallintothatpitinthefirstplace.Youmayhaveanidea,butonlyHeknowsallofit.

ThereAreReasonsforSetbacksSetbackshappentoeveryone—themostsuccessfultotheleast

successful,therichandthepoor,thefamoustotherelativelyunknown—andtheyusuallyhappenforthreereasons.Ifyouunderstandhowsetbacksoccur,youcanavoidthem!Ifasetbacktakesyoubysurprise,youcanbouncebackquickerbyrecognizingthecauseanddealingwithitintherightway.

1.UnexpectedCircumstances.Youliveinafallen,imperfectworld.Peoplearoundyoucanmakebaddecisionsthataffectyouadversely.Yourbossdecidestolayofftenemployeesandyouareoneofthem,oryourteenagerchoosestotrydrugsandgetshooked.Youneverwouldhavepickedthesethingsfromthemenuoflifeifyouhadhadachoice!Youweredoingagoodjobforyourbossandtakinganinterestinyourteenager,butbothmadedecisionsthatcausedyouasetback.

UnexpectedcircumstancescanalsocomefromMotherNature.Nomatterwhereyouliveintheworld,badweatherornaturaldisasterscanhappen:tornadoes,hurricanes,earthquakes,tidalwaves,hail,floods,drought,andforestfires,tonameafew.Thesecancauseasetbackandsendyourightintothepitofdespair.

Whetheradrunkdriversideswipesyournewcaroratornadoblowsyourhousedown,understandingthat“stuffhappens”isvitaltomovingpastyoursetbackandcomingback.ThisiswhereyourfaithandtrustinGodwillseeyouthrough.IfyouwillturnyoursetbackovertoHim,Hewillgiveyoupeaceinside,whichwillenableyoutohearHisinstructions.Remember,nothingtakesHimbysurprise—He’stheKnow-It-All!Hehadacomebackplanforyoubeforethesetbackeverhityou.

2.SpiritualOpposition.TheBiblesaysthatGodtheFatherisaspirit,andhehasaspiritualadversarycalledSatanorthedevil.SatanisatwarwithGodandeveryonewhoalignswithGod—whichmeansyou.Thedevilalsohasanarmyofevilspiritscalleddemons,whohateyoubecauseyouareonGod’sside.Theyareallcontinuallyconstructingevilschemestotripyouup.Theyactuallyhavedrawnupadestructiveblueprintforyourlifebasedonallyourfaultsandweaknesses.

ThegoodnewsisthatJesustookcareoftheenemyforyou!HedefeatedSatanthroughHisdeathandresurrection,HeputtheHolySpiritinyou,HetoldtheangelstobringtopasstheWordandwillofGodthatyouspeak,andinLuke10:19Hesaid,“Ihavegivenyouauthoritytotrampleonsnakesandscorpionsandtoovercomeallthepoweroftheenemy;nothingwillharmyou.”Nowthatisagreatpromise!

Nevertheless,youmustcontinuallybeonguard,andtherearetimeswhenyoumusttakeastandorwrestlespiritualoppositiontothegrounduntiltheyflee.Ephesians6:11-12says,“Takeyourstandagainstthedevil’sschemes.Forourstruggleisnotagainstfleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againsttheauthorities,againstthepowersofthisdarkworldandagainstthespiritualforcesofevilintheheavenlyrealms.”

YouaregoingtohavetocontendwithyourspiritualenemytoachievethecomebackGodhasordainedforyou.Contendingwithevilspiritsislikewakingupinthemiddleofthenightwithtoomanyblankets,andyoufeelsuffocatedandpressed.Youneedtokickthatheavinessoffandsay,“No!InJesus’namegetoff,devil!”Beaggressivewithyourspiritualopposition!

Letmeputittoyouthisway:Satananddemonsareterrorists.Youcannotreasonwiththem.Youcannotbepolite.Youcannotbelieveawordtheysay,andyoucannottrustthem.JesussaidyouaretouseHisnametovanquishyourenemy.Whenyoutellademon,“InJesus’nameIcommandyoutoshutupandgetoutofmyhouse!”powerfulangelsareimmediatelyonthescene.Believeme,thosedemonsaregoingtogetoutofthere!

Beforeyougetridofyourspiritualopposition,youmayfeeldrained,fuzzyheaded,orsick.Afteryougetridoftheenemy,youaregoingtoknowthedifference!Yourheadwillclear,momentumwillberestored,andpeaceandhopewillfloodevenyourphysicalbody.Sorefusetobeintimidatedbytheenemy!YoumuststanduptohimandthrowhimouttoseizethecomebackGodhasforyou.

3.YourBadDecisions.OneofthemostimportantprinciplesGodrevealsintheBibleisthatyoureapwhatyousow.Inasetback,yousowedthewindandnowyouarereapingthewhirlwind.Theseedofyourfirstwrongactionisalwayssmallerthantheharvestofitsnegativeconsequences!Itishardwhenyourchoicecreatedyourchallengeandpain.ThankGodforHismercyandgrace!

Recognizinganddealingwithyourbaddecisions,takingresponsibilityforyourself-centered,selfishwordsandactions—thatiswhatseparatesthemenandwomenfromtheboysandgirls.Thisisprobablythehardesttofaceofthethreereasonsforsetbacks.It’saloteasiertoblameyourproblemsonanotherperson,theweather,orthedevil!IttakescharacterandcouragetoallowGodtoshowyouthebrutal,honesttruthaboutyourself.

Somepeoplearesofocusedonwhattheywant,theydon’tevenknowtheyhavehadasetback.AfriendofminewhoisanNFLlinebacker,washithardinaplayoffgameandbrokehisthumb.Hewassocaughtupintheintensityofthegame,hedidn’tknowitwasbrokenuntileightplayslater.Bythattime,oneoftheotherplayersnoticedhisthumbwasdanglingfromhishand,bleeding.

Myfriend’sadrenalinewassohighhehadn’tfeltthepain.Thatisthewayyoumaybe.Youdon’tknowyouhavebeeninjuredbecauseyouhavebeennumbedbythetrauma,orelseyouarelivinglifeinthefastlaneandhaven’tsloweddownlongenoughtoletyourselffeelthepain.Myfriendhadtorealizethathisthumbwasbrokenbeforehecouldgetthehelpheneededandberestored.

Youmustrecognizethesetbackbeforeyoucanhaveacomeback.I’llletyouinonthesecrettocomingbackfrombaddecisionsthat

havecausedyouandpossiblythosearoundyougrief:thebloodofJesus.Youreaditright!JesusshedHisinnocentbloodforyourguiltyblood.Hewassinlessandyouarenot,soHepaidthedebtforyoursin—evenyourmosthorriblethoughtsandactions.BecauseofJesus’shedblood,Godforgivesyou;andonlyHisforgivenesswillsetyoufreefromalltheshame,guilt,andcondemnationassociatedwithwhatyoudidwrong.

DoyouseethatwhenJesusdiedforyou,Heknewyouwoulddowhatyouhavedone?Heknewthenwhatyouwoulddonow.Hediedknowingthis.Helovesyouregardlessofyourperformance,andthisisthekeytogratefullyandhumblyreceivingthecomebackGodhasalreadypreparedforyou.

Sometimesthebiggestfightiswithyourself.YouhavetofighttoreceiveGod’sforgiveness,forgiveyourself,andtoforgiveanyoneelseinvolved.Letmetellyoufromexperience:Itiswellworththefight!

DefiningaComebackSowhatisacomeback?Mydefinitionisthatitisareturntoaplace

ofstature,significance,andwell-beingwiththeLord.I’mnottalkingaboutamanmadecomebackplan;I’mtalkingaboutGod’scomebackplan.YouwillnevertrulycomebackwithoutHisforgivenessandpeace.Arealcomebackisinwardaswellasoutward.

Youmaybeaskingyourself,“Wellwhat’swrongwithmyplan?WhydoIhavetogetallintrospective?Can’tIjustdotherightthingand

goon?”Unfortunatelyyourvisionistoocloudedtodotherightthingordeviseagreatcomebackplan.Youcanonlyseewhatyoursetbackallowsyoutosee.Amanatthebottomofadeepwellcannotseeanythingbutdarknessandtheskyfarabovehim.Hecannotseethesurroundinglandscape.Hedoesn’tknowwhatawaitshimonceheclimbsoutofthatwell.

MostpeopleattemptwhatIcall,“TheCloudedComeback.”It’scalledacloudedcomebackbecausenomatterhowsinceretheireffortsontheoutside,theirinsideistroubledbyshame,grief,guilt,fear,lies,anger,confusion,anxiety,andothernegativethoughtsandemotions.Setbackscanoverwhelmpeopleontheinside,sotheytrytoescapethosevolatileandfrighteningthoughtsandfeelingsbydoing,doing,doingontheoutside.

Initially,escapismcreatesacomebackyouthinkyoucanhandleandcontrol,butintheenditwillfailbecausewhatisgoingoninsidehasn’tchanged.Pleaseunderstandthatmeregoalsetting,greatmotivation,anddeterminationwillnotbeenough!Therealfightforyourcomebackisontheinside.That’swhyIsaythatacorecomebackisneeded.Acorecomebackoriginatesontheinsideandtransformstheoutside.

YourCoreComebackThecoreisthecenterofsomething.Yourcoreisyourheartand

spirit.Itiswhoyoureallyare;andnomatterhowhardyoutrytobedifferent,whoyoureallyareiseventuallygoingtocomeout!TheBibleputsitthisway,“Ashethinksinhisheart,soishe”(Proverbs23:7nkjv).Thatiswhyyouneedacorecomeback.Youneedtodealwiththerootissuesthatcausedyoursetback,oryouwilljustgooutanddothesamethingsagain.

ThereisonlyOnePersonwhocangettotherootissuesinyourheartthathavecausedyoursetback—andmaybeonesetbackafteranother.ThatpersonisJesus.HeistheRefugewholovesyou,acceptsyou,and

understandsyoucompletely.Heknowswhatisgoingoninthecoreofyourbeing.Youonlyhaveanidea,ifthat.Youcanchoosetochange,butrealchangeonlyhappenswhenyouturnoveryourentirebeingtoJesus.ThenHecanchangeyouontheinsidesoyoucanstoprepeatingthesamemistakesontheoutside.

ACoreComebackisGod-inspired.Didyouknowthatwhenyoubreatheair,youareinspiring?

Inspirationisbreathingintheatmospherearoundyou,andwhateveryoubreatheinwilldeterminethehealthandproductivityofyourphysicalbody.Inthesameway,whatyoubreatheinspiritually,intellectually,andemotionallywilldeterminewhatyouthink,feel,say,anddo.Whenyouareinspiredyouaretakinginideasandemotionsthatwilleithermoveyouforwardorpushyouback.Youdon’twanttoinhalesmokeandtoxicfumesphysically,andyoudon’twanttoinhaleliesandperversionmentally,emotionally,andspiritually.

WhenGodinspiresyou,HeliterallybreathesintoyouHislove,truth,andpower.Hisloveremindsyouhowvaluableandimportantyouare.Histruthdispelstheliesanddeceptionoftheenemythathaveheldyoucaptivealltheseyears.HispowergivesyouthestrengthandconfidencetostepoutinfaithandbewhoHecreatedyoutobe.

Thisremindsmeoftheballoonmanatthecountyfair.Hetakesaseeminglyshapelessballoon,blowsintoit,andshapesitintoananimal.Inthesameway,whenGodbreathesintoyourlife,yourheartandmindbegintotaketheshapeyourweremeanttotake.Ifyouaretheballoon,youcannotblowintoyourself!Thatishowfruitlessandpointlessitistotrytoinspireyourself.GodcreatedyoutobeinspiredandfilledbyHim.HewantstobreatheHislove,truth,andpowerintoyou,toinspireyoutoriseinlifeandreachyourfullpotential.

ACoreComebackisGod-endorsed.Godwantsyourcomebackmorethanyoudo.HehasplacedallHis

resourcesbehindit,Hehasplanneditbeforeyouneededit,andHesent

JesustodieforyousoHecouldgiveyoueverythingyouneedforit.Hehasnotonlyendorsedyourcomeback,butalsoHeiscountingonit!YouareHischildandapartofHisdivineplan.AllyouhavetodoisgiveHimyourlife,andHewillpersonallyseetoitthatyouarefulfilledandsuccessful.

Ifyoucouldputonspecialgogglestoseeintothespiritualrealm,youwouldseehowGodhasendorsedyourcomeback.Youwouldseethearmyofangelsthatisjustwaitingforyourprayersanddeclarationsoffaith.WhenyouendorsewhatGodhasendorsed,itwillbedone!

It’sveryimportantthatyoubecomeconvincedofGod’sdesireandabilitytogiveyouacorecomeback.Tobeconvincedistohavefaith,andGodtellsusthatHeislookingforpeoplewithfaithinHimandHispromises.It’sreallyverysimple.WhenyouhavefaithinHim,yougiveHimpermissiontochangeyouontheinside,tomoveyouontheoutside,andtoclearthewayforyoutomoveforward.Thatisyourcorecomeback.

I’lltellyouwhatyouwillhavetofightagainst:Doingitonyourown.Doingwhatyourfriendsinspireyoutodo.Doingwhatyourcultureendorses.DoingyourlifeaccordingtoeveryoneandeverythingbutGod.YouaregoingtohavetofighttostickwithHisplaninsteadofsomeoneelse’s—includingyourown!

Don’tGetStuckintheSetback!Letmetellyouwhatwillhappenifyouchoosenottofightforyour

comeback:youwillgetstuckinyoursetback.Then,ifyousitlongenoughinyoursetback,youwillbecomecementedinit.Thatmeansyouwillbecomerigid,unbending,andunwillingtochangeorgrow.Youwillbecomefrozenintime,arelicofanunfortunatepast,withnorelevancetootherstodayorinthefuture.

Haveyoueverspokentosomeonewhohasbecomecementedinasetback?Youwillseeitintheirposture,ontheircountenance,intheir

words,andintheirenergylevel.It’slikesomethinghassuckedthelifeoutofthem.

Ifyouhaveeverbeeninasetback,youknowhowharditistobreakfreefromit.YouseethatbigoldBiblesittingbyyourbed,andyouknowthatitcontainswhatyouneed.Yet,youaresooverwhelmedanddepletedofhopeandstrengththatyoujustsitthere,lookingatit.Finally,yourolloverandfallasleep,onlytowakeupthenextdayfeelingworse.

DoyouknowhowmanytimesIwantedtoquit,tojustsitbackinmysetbackandwallowinself-pity?Iwastiredofallthecheapshotsandbattleswiththeenemy,otherpeople—andmyself.OnedayIwaswalkingthroughDallas-FortWorthAirportsotiredmyfeetweredraggingtenstepsbehindme.Thecomebackcoachneededacomeback!MyhairwasamessandIhadn’tshaved,soIhadmyhatpulleddownasfarasitwouldgoandIhadmysunglasseson.MyheadwasdownsoIwouldn’thavetoseeortalktoanybody.Iwasinoneofthose“don’tmesswithme”moods.

IttakesalottogetmethatwaybecauseIamup90percentofthetime,butIwasnotfeelinggoodthatday—andthat’susuallythetimewhenGodpullsasneakytrickonme!Alittleladycamerunninguptomecalling,“TimStorey!”

Ithought,Ohno!Nottoday.Isaid,“Yeah?”lookingthroughmysunglassesandwishingtheymademeinvisible.

Sheblurtedout,“IwasdyingofcancerandyouencouragedmethatIdidn’thavetogiveup...andguesswhat?Ididn’t.ThatwasseveralyearsagoandI’mstillalive!”

AtthatmomentIknewIcouldrun,Icouldhide,butGodwouldfindme.Hewouldfindmeandinspireme.Hewouldendorsemycomeback.Hewouldsendastrangerifhehadto,buthewouldgivemehope—thehopethatIwasstillvaluedandloved.Mygiftsandtalentswerenotjusttomakemelookgood;theyweretohelpotherslivelifetothefullest.

Eventhen,IcouldhavechosentorejectGod’soutstretchedhand.

It’sascarythought,butIcouldhavechosentoremaincementedinmysetback.I’msogratefulIdidn’t!I’msogladIchosetocomeoutfrombehindthewallofmysunglassesandreceivethehopeHewasofferingmethroughthatwoman.

TurnYourMessintoaMessageYoucannotstaycementedinyoursetbackeither.Somebodyneeds

you!Idon’tcarehowfaryouthinkyouhavesunkintothepitofdespair,howdesperatelyyouhavefailed,howtragicyourcircumstancesare,orhowbadlyyouarehurting;somebodyneedsyourtestimony,yourwisdom,yourstrength,yourtalents,andyourencouragement.

PartofGod’scomebackforyouincludesfightingforsomeoneelsetocomeback.

DidyouknowthatoneofGod’sobjectivesinfightingforyourcomebackandgettingyououtofyoursetbackistohelpsomeoneelse?Peoplehavecaughtontothisprinciple,whethertheyknowHimornot.That’swhytherearesomanysupportgroups—MothersAgainstDrunkDrivers,AlcoholicsAnonymous,andAlzheimer’sCaregivers,tonameafew.WhenyourefusetogetstuckinyoursetbackandallowGodtoinspireandendorseyourcomeback,yourmessbecomesamessageofhopetothosewhoneedit.Yourcomebackbecomespartoftheircomeback.

WhileintheinnercityofLosAngeles,ayoungmanwhowasobviouslyinthedrugworldcameupforprayer.Iwatchedhimandcouldseedestinyinsidehim.Ilookedintohisbloodshoteyesandsaid,“Whyareyouhere?”

Outofhishearthecried,“Idon’twanttobealoser!Idon’twanttobealoser!YousaidIcanbeawinner!AllmylifeI’vebeenaloser!”

Therealpersoninsidehimwasbeggingtobereleased.HisdestinyandGod-givenpurposehadbeenbottleduplongenoughandwerecryingtocomeout.ThemomenthemadeJesushisRefuge,hislifebeganto

changeradically.Hegotfreefromthedrugsandstartedfollowingusaroundtoothermeetings.Wecontinuedtoteachhimandhelpedhimgetoutofhissetback.Hiscomebackinvolvedhelpingotherinnercitykidswhoneededthemessofhispastlifetobeamessageofhopeforthem.Hiscomebackinspiredthemtofightfortheircomeback.

AnothergreatexamplethatyoumayknowaboutisDuaneChapman,knownastherealityTVstarDogtheBountyHunter.Heisnostrangertohardships,adversities,andsetbacks.Thishighlyintense,fugitivehunting,bailbondsmanhasneverlackedfor“bouncingback.”

BythetimeDogwastwenty-four,hehadalreadyusedhischarismaticpersonalitytocausechaos,rackingupnineteencriminalconvictions.Eighteenwereforarmedrobbery,andhewasbeginningtoserveafive-yearprisontermforfirst-degreemurder.HespentthefirstyearandahalffeelingthedespairofasetbackwithinthecoldwallsofaTexasprison.

JustasDogwasfeelingthelowestofthelow,Godmovedonhishearttochangehisways.Hemadeavowthatwhenhewasreleasedfromprison,hewouldmakeAmericaasaferplace.Insteadofhuntingfortrouble,hewouldhuntforthosewhomadetroubleandbringthemintotheauthorities.

GodturnedDogfromazerotoahero.Althoughhestillfeltthestingofshamefromthepublicandhisfamily,heproceededtotakeoversixthousandfugitivesoffthestreetsandthenlandedatelevisionshowabouthisexploitsin2004.Dogbeattheodds.Insteadofgettinglostinalifestyleofsetbacks,hechosetofightforhiscomeback,makingithispassiontofindotherswhowerealsoinneedofacomeback.

IfyouhaveseenhisTVshow,youknowitisquiteamusingandinspiring.Afterhehasmadeacapture,hereadsthecriminalhisrightsandthengivesthemamotivationalspeech!Heencouragesthemtochangetheirlifestyleandmakebetterchoices.Dogisnowacomebackcoach!

Imustbehonestwithyou.Itisn’teasytocomeback.Itwilltakesomesweatandsometears.Sometimesyouwillfeellikeyouareinawar,butyouareneveralone,andhelpandhopeareavailabletoyou.Thereisnomistaketoolarge,paintoounbearable,orstorytoounremarkablethatGodcannotturnitintoacomebackstory.Sodon’tgiveupinthedepthsofdespair.Liftyourheadhigh,evenwhenyouhaven’taclueastowhatyouaresupposedtodo.LookupandaskJesustobeginyourcorecomeback,andthenfightforit!Fightforyourcomeback,andyouwillbeaninspirationtootherswhoneedacomebacktoo.

Chapter3:Turn,Turn,Turn“Iguessyou’resayingIhavetomakesomemajorchangesinside,

likehowIthinkandwhatIbelieveaboutmyself,aboutGod,andaboutwhyI’malive.Ijustdon’tknowifIcandothat.I’vemadesomanybadchoices!”

Todayisthefirstdayoftherestofyourlife.Youareamightypersoninthemaking,amasterpieceinprogress,amiracleinmotion.Althoughyoumayhavemademanymistakesinyourpast,Godstillhasagreatplanforyourfuture—ifyouwilldothingsHisway.IfyouletHim,HewillmoldyouintoavesselofhonorforHispurposes.Hewillbreathelifeintoyouandchangeyou.

YearsagoarockbandcalledTheByrdsrecordedasongcalled“Turn,Turn,Turn,”whichbecameabighit.Theword“turn”indicatesachangeofdirection.Thechorussaid,“Toeverythingturn,turn,turn.Thereisaseason;turn,turn,turn.”ThefolksingerPeteSeegerwrotethesong,buthetookmostofthelyricsfromtheBible,fromEcclesiastes3:1-8kjv:

Toeverythingthereisaseason,andatimetoeverypurposeundertheheaven:

Atimetobeborn,andatimetodie;Atimetoplant,andatimetopluckupthatwhichisplanted;Atimetokill,andatimetoheal;Atimetobreakdown,andatimetobuildup;Atimetoweep,andatimetolaugh;Atimetomourn,andatimetodance;Atimetocastawaystones,andatimetogatherstonestogether;Atimetoembrace,andatimetorefrainfromembracing;Atimetoget,andatimetolose;

Atimetokeep,andatimetocastaway;Atimetorend,andatimetosew;Atimetokeepsilence,andatimetospeak;Atimetolove,andatimetohate;Atimeofwar,andatimeofpeace.Sometimesitishardtoturnfromoneseasontothenext,especially

iftheseasonyouareenteringisnotapleasantone.Whenyouhaveasetback,youhavetoturntoaseasonofself-examination,reflection,andchangingdirection.Then,afteryouhaveallowedGodtoshowyoutherootissuesthatcausedyoursetback,afteryouhavetakencareofoldbusinessthatneededtobedealtwithforyoutomoveahead,youmustturntoenterthenewseason.

Abiblicalprincipleyoumustlivebyinordertogetyourcomebackisthis:Nomatterwhatyouhavelivedthrough,whatwrongdecisionsyouhavemade,orwhatchallengesarestaringyouintheface,makeadecisionnottopoisonyourfuturewiththepainofthepast.Don’tspendtimedwellingonoldevents,situations,andconversationsthatyouandGodhavealreadysettled.ItwouldbeashameifGodshowedyouthenextstepinfrontofyou,butyoucouldn’tseeitbecauseyouwerelookingbehindyou.

ThereisastoryintheOldTestamentofaguywhohadtoturntogetpasthispastanddowhatwasrightforachange.Ifyouthinkyouaretoomesseduptobeusefulinanyway,Ithinkhisstorywillchangeyourmind!

AnUnlikelyHeroTherewasaJewishmanintheBiblenamedGideonwhohadtoturn

fromthepastandembracethenewseason.YoucanreadhisstoryinthebookofJudges,chapters6through8.Hebeganasasimple,somewhatcowardlymanwhowasjusttryingtogetbyinlife.Atthattime,the

nationofIsraelwasbeingbulliedbythenationofMidianandGideonwashiding,tryingtoavoidanyconfrontationwiththeMidianites.

OnedayanangeltappedGideonontheshoulderandsaid,“You’rethemanwho’sgoingtowhiptheMidianitesandrunthemoffyourturf.Sogetready!Anddon’tworryaboutathing.ThiswasGod’sidea.He’swithyoualltheway.”

Gideon’sresponsewas,“Noway!AndifGod’ssogreat,howcomeHeletthoseMidianitesinvadeourlandinthefirstplace?Where’sHebeenwhilewe’vebeengoingthroughallthisstuff?IheardaboutthegreatthingsHedidforusyearsago,likewhenHepartedtheRedSeaanddrownedourenemiesbehindus,sowhereisHewhenweneedamiracletoday,huh?”

It’sjustsoeasytopointthefingeratGodwhenthebottomdropsfromunderneathusorwefacechallengesthatarehardtoswallow.Maybeit’salife-threateningillnessornotenoughmoneytopaythebills.Perhapsourmarriageisontherocksorourchildisunmanageable.Therealbigoneisanaturaldisaster.ItmustbeGodifourhousegetsstruckbylightningorourcarfloatsawayinaflood!Itcouldn’tjustbetheEarthdoingitsthing.

AfterweblameGod,thenweask,“Why?WhydidYoudothistome?”Ifwearereallyholyandreverent,wewillaskalittlemorepolitely,“WhydidYouallowthistohappen?”LikeGideon,wearenotreallyinterestedinthetruth;wearejustfeelingsorryforourselves,playingtheblamegame,andmakingthemostofoursetback.

Gideonneededtoturnfromnursing,cursing,andrehearsinghisproblemsandreleasehissetbacktoGod.ThenGodcouldrevealhiscomeback.InGideon’scase,GodwasmercifulandgaveGideonanassignment.IthinkHedidthisbecauseHeknewitwouldgivehimthemomentumtoachievehiscomeback.

Gideondidwhatsomanyofusdowhenwegetanassignment:hestartedlistingallofhislimitationsandthereasonswhyhecouldn’tdoit.

Hesaid,“ImessupeverythingIdo.Myfamily’sawreck.I’manobody—totallyuneducated.I’macoward.WhydoYouthinkI’mhidinginthisstinkingwinecellar?Man,Ican’tevenshowmyfaceonthestreet!”

TheangelignoredGideon’swhiningandcomplainingandsaid,“Getoverit.Thisisyourbigbreak.Youcanbe‘theman’andsavethedayforyourfamily,yourfriends,andthewholenation.Thinkhowthat’sgoingtolookonyourresume.I’mtellingyou,theBigGuyissendingyou,andHe’sgivenyoueverythingyouneedtodoit.”

NoFear!Ourlimitationsscareus,buttheydon’tintimidateGod.Heknows

ourflaws,andHe’sbigenoughtofillourweaknesseswithHisstrengthandcoverourmistakeswithHismercy.BecauseHewantstobeourpartnerandsupernaturallyempowerus,Healwaysgivesusadreamthat’swaytoobigforus.HeisaGodoffaith!YoucannotpleaseHimwithouthavingfaith.SowhenwedreambeyondourownabilityandbuyintoHisplan,weturnfromfearandstepoutinfaith.AtthatpointweknowHe’sgoingtohavetocomethroughforittohappen—andthatisjustwhatHeiswaitingfor!

Inhiswildestdreams,GideoncouldnotimaginehowhewasgoingtodriveoutthosemeanMidianiteswhohadbeenterrorizingtheneighborhoodforyears.Hedidn’tseehimselfasa“mightymanofvalor,”butGoddid;andyoumaynotbeabletoseeyourselfasamasterpiece,butGoddoes.

InorderforyoutoturnandstepoutinfaithlikeGideondid,youhavetounderstandhowmuchGodlovesyou.Hedoesn’tpointHisfingeratyouorholdontoHisangerbecauseyoublewit.Heknowsallaboutyourpast,butHeforgivesyoubecauseJesuspaidthepriceforyoursins.OnceyouturnfromyoursinandgetrightwithHimaboutit,Heforgivesyouandthenforgetswhatyoudid!

Goddoesn’ttreatyouasyouractionsdeserve.Hedoesn’teven

rememberthem,soyoudon’thavetodragallthatjunkfromthepastaroundwithyouanymore.AcceptingHisforgivenessenablesyoutomoveforwardwithpeace,andforgivingyourselfenablesyoutomoveforwardwithconfidence.YourfaithinHimandknowingHisloveforyouisthekeytohavingnofear.

OnceGideonturnedfromhisfearsandsteppedoutinfaithtodefeattheMidianites,hewasonhiswaytonotonlyhiscomebackbutalsothecomebackofthewholenationofIsrael!Hewentfromsetbacktocomebackandbeyond.IfyoureadthisstoryintheBible,youwillhavethesamethoughtIdid:IfGodcanworkwithadysfunctionalcowardlikeGideon,Hecandosomethingwithme!IfGideoncouldmakethatturnfromhispast,thenIcantoo.

GodKnowsYourFrameGodwillhelpyouturnfromthepastbecauseHeknowsyoubetter

thananyoneelse.TheBiblesaysHeknowsyourframe,whichisyourphysicalstructure,yourmentalandemotionalmakeup,yourpersonality—thegood,thebad,andtheugly!Yourframeisthewayyouareputtogether,andyouareunique.Forexample,ifyouwerebornandraisedinSweden,youaregoingtobedifferentfromsomeonebornandraisedinCaliforniaintheUSA.Ifyouwenttoengineeringschool,yourperspectiveisgoingtobedifferentfromsomeonewhowenttoamusicconservatory.Yet,whenpeoplecometoJesus,wethinktheyshouldallbeexactlyalike.

Obviously,thereshouldbesomesimilaritiesamongChristians.WeshouldallreflectthecharacterandpowerofJesus.ButweevenreflectJesusindifferentways,andittakestimeforustobegintodothat.WeneedtocuteachothersomeslackaswegrowupinGod.That’swhatGoddidforGideon,andweneedtolearntoacceptandloveourbrothersandsisters—andourselves—likeHedoes.

Althoughweallshouldbemarchingtothebeatofthesame

Drummer,Christiansdon’talwayslookalike,talkalike,oractalike.Wearecomingfromdifferentperspectivesandbackgrounds,butthatiswhereitgetsinteresting.Wehavesimilarsetbacks,wehavetofightforourcomebacks,andtogobeyondourownabilitiesweneedGodandeachother.Godmadeusthisway!

Perhapsyouweren’traisedinahappy,Christianhome.Whoknowsthehellyoumayhavegonethrough?Itdoesn’tmakesensethatthesecondyoubecomeaChristianandjoinachurch,weexpectyoutobeperfect.Yourframeisdifferentfromeveryoneelse—andyetitisalsosimilar.SoyoucanfindcommongroundwithotherbelieversintheSpiritandtheWord,butthenyouexpresstruthandcompassioninyourownuniqueway.Godunderstandsthis.HeknowsyourframebecauseHeistryingtoturnyou.

ThePotterandtheClayGodisthepotterandyouaretheclay.Heunderstandsclay!He

knowsjusthowmuchwateryouneedtobetransformedintoHismasterpiece.HeknowshowtoturnyouonHispotter’swheelandmoldyouintothepersonHecreatedyoutobe.Itmaynotfeelsogoodattimes,buteventuallyyourealizethatit’seasieriftheclayjustsurrenderstothehandsofthepotter.Somemasterpiecestakelongerthanothers,butinGod’shandstheyareallmasterpieces!

IfyouhaveseenTheTenCommandmentsorreadthebookofExodus,youknowthestoryofMoses.Godtalkedtohimfromaburningbushandgavehimhisassignment.Mosescried,“Ican’tgobacktoEgypt!Ikilledaman.Andbesides,Ican’ttalkstraightanymore.”

Godsaid,“Beenthere—donethat!IdiditwithAbraham,Isaac,andJacob.WhenIgavethemtheirassignments,Abrahamwasworshippingthemoon,Isaachadalotoffamilyproblems,andJacobwasadeceiver.NoonewilleverbequalifiedbecauseIcreatedhumanstoneedme.Toturnfromthefaultsandfailuresofyourpast,Moses,youneedme—andI

lovethat!Iloveitwhenwedothingstogether.”NooneunderstandsyoubetterthanGod,includingyou!Even

knowingyourworstfaultsandfailures,Hewillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou.Nomatterwhatyoudidinthepast,HeforgivesyouandiswaitingforyoutotakethenextstepwithHim.WhateverassignmentHegivesyou,trustHim.SomeofthegreatestsongswerewritteninthedarkesthoursofthosewhowereinspiredbytheonlyOnewhobelievedinthem!

Ifyouhaven’talready,surrenderyourentirebeingtotheMasterPotter.AllowHimtoturnyouonHiswheelofsalvationandrestoration.Hewillreleaseyouruniquenessandgiveyoupeaceandfulfillmentasnooneelsecan.

ThreeKindsofPeopleOvertheyearsofministeringtopeople,Ihavenoticedthatitis

harderforsometosurrendertothePotter’shandandallowHimtoturntheirlivesaround.Ofthedifferentkindsofpeople,thereisonekindthatwecanallbecome,andthiskindisabletoturnfromtheirsetbackstoobtaintheircomebacks.

Therearethreekindsofpeople:theidealist,thepessimist,andtherealist.Idealistscanbeinthemiddleofahellholetheycreatedandthinktheyaregoingtogetoutovernight.Theyare$300,000indebt,watcharealestateinfomercial,andareconvincedthatbuyingthatpieceofpropertywill“reversethecurse”immediately.Itisn’tgoingtohappen.

Theidealistmaybeasroundasheistall,sittinginhisrecliner,watchingtelevision,eatingatriple-meat,extra-largepizza.Hehollerstohiswife,whoisinbedtryingtosleep,“Baby,orderthatthingforme.Callthenumberrightnow,1-800-GETTHIN!”Hethinksit’sgoingtohithimwith“instantskinny”justlikethecommercial.

Anothersuresignofanidealistissomeonewhoalwayshasacrazysloganforeverything.It’sgoodtobeoptimisticandtothinkpositive,but

anidealistdoesnotseerealityatall.Theyoversimplifyproblemsandsolutions.Theypervertfaithintofantasy.Faithapartfromworksisfantasy.Youwillneverturnfromyoursetbacklikethis!

Thenthere’sthepessimist.Theyalwaysseethenegativesideofthings,likeoneofthoselittleguysinJonathanSwift’sGulliver’sTravels.Gulliverisagreatbigguy,butnomatterwhathappensthistinyguyalwayssays,“We’llnevermakeit!”Evenwhentheoddsaregoodandthefuturelooksbright,apessimistwillfindthecloudinthesilverlining.

Anotheridentifyingstatementofapessimistis,“Yes,but....”You’reheadedtothebeachandthesunisshiningbrightwithoutacloudinthesky.Thepessimistwillsitinthebackseatsaying,“Yes,butitstillcouldrain.”Apessimisthasanegativestateofmind,whichistheoppositeofGod’sstateofmind.HeistheGodofallpossibilities!

Pessimismcancelsfaith.SinceGodislookingforfaith,pessimismwillturnGodandHismiraclesaway.Thisisnottheturnyouareafter!TheonlywayyouaregoingtogofromyoursetbacktoyourcomebackandbeyondiswiththesupernaturalhelpofGod.EverycomebackorchestratedbyGodismiraculous,soyouhavetohavefaith.Youcannotbeapessimistandcomeback.

Lastly,wecometotherealist.Realistsseetheobviousbutarewillingtodeviseaplantocorrecttheproblem.Theyrecognizewhenaturniscalledfor.Theysay,“Yes,ImadeamistakewhenImadethatinvestment.Ineverreallyhadpeaceinmyheartaboutit,andIshouldhavedonemoreresearchtoseewhatGodwastryingtotellme.NexttimeI’lldoitHisway!”Andtheyturn!

Therealistunderstandsthebottomline:Godisreal,andonlyHecanmakeyourcomebackreal.Togetpastyourpast,youmustfacetherealityofyoursituationandthenlooktoGodforthenextstep.Remember,Hehasalreadypreparedyourcomeback.Youjustneedtoturnandtakethatfirststepoffaith,andthenthenextstepoffaith.Hewilldotherest,anditwillbemiraculous!

GetRealYoumayhavesomehuge,obviousproblemsinyourlife.Itmaybe

thecaryoudriveorthebodyyou’rein.Itcouldbeyourfinancialsituationoryourmarriage.Turningfromyourpastdoesn’tmeanshovingallyourproblemsinaclosetandneverdealingwiththem.Turningfromyourpastrequiresyoutocleanyourcloset!Otherwise,everydayyouwillwalkbythatclosetdoorandbehauntedbywhat’sbehindit.

Asetbackindicatesthatit’stimetogetreal.Anangelisprobablynotgoingtowashyourcarwhileyouareatwork,andmostlikely,Godisnotgoingtostrikeyouwithalightningboltthattakesofffiftypoundsandleavesyouinperfecthealth.No,thatcarisgoingtostaydirtyunlessyouwashitorpaysomeoneelsetowashit,andyourhealthandfitnessaredirectlyproportionaltowhatyoudoaboutthem.

ThisinvolvesaprincipleIcalltheLawoftheHarvest.ItcomesfromProverbs12:11,whichbasicallysaysthatpeoplewhoworktowardtheirgoalsanddreamswillhaveabundance,butpeoplewhojustdreamanddon’tdoanythingareactingcrazy.Theyarecrazybecausetheyexpectaharvestwhentheyhaven’tplantedoneseed.

Farmersgetthis.Itisstupidtoexpectagreatharvestbyjustlookingatafield.Youprayforgoodweather,andyoustepoutinfaith.Youplow,youplant,youfertilize,andyouwateriftherainsdon’tcome.TheassignmenttoproducefoodisGod’sassignment.SofarmersdotheirpartandhavefaithGodwilldoHispart.

Godlikestoworkthroughusandwithusnotjustforus.Lifeisapartnership.PlowingislaborioussoyouneedHisstrength.Pursuingyourcomebackishardworkattimes.Plantingisdepositing,andyoucan’tdepositanythingyoudon’thave.Youmustacquiretheseed.FillyourselfwiththeLivingWordtostayencouragedandtoencourageothers.Wateringproducesgrowth.Youwillnoticeallthewaysyouhavechangedbecauseyoustayeddisciplined.

Finally,youreap!ReapingisreceivingtheharvestGodhasprepared

foryou.ThisiswhenyouachieveyourcomebackandHerevealswhatisjustbeyondit.Yousee,Godisalwaysturningyoutowardbiggerandbetterthings.YouwillneverstayinoneplaceforlongwhenyoupartnerwithHim.Therearemanyseasonstoexperience!FollowingtheLawoftheHarvestisasuresignthatyouaren’tapessimistoranidealist;youarearealistwhotrustsintheLord.Youturnwhenyouneedto.Yougetrealanddealwithyourproblems.YougetGod’splanandstepoutinfaith,confidentsomethingmiraculouswillhappen.Youcleanyourhouseandgetfreeinside.Youtakethatstepoffaithinyourassignment,drawingonHisstrengthandability,andthingsyouonlydreamedofbegintoactuallyhappen.

Togetoutofyoursetback,youwillhavetoturn.

Chapter4:GrowingPains“Changeissohard.Iambeginningtoseesomedifference,butitis

takingeverythingIhavetokeepgoing.”Letmetellyouthesimpletruth:Nopain—nogain.Thatisthe

sloganforanyonewhoaccomplishedanythingatanytimeinhistory.Itisafactthat,becauseweliveinanimperfectworld,weencountergreatresistancewheneverwetrytochangeourselvesortheworldaroundusforthebetter.Oftenweareourownworstenemy,orourspiritualenemiestripusup.Whatevertheobstaclethereisusuallyastruggleinvolved,andsometimesthereispain.

IrememberbeingakidgrowingupandnowIhavekidswhoaregrowingup.It’snoteasy.Physically,thereareachesandpainsasthebodychangesshapeandgetsbigger.Thereareintellectuallearningcurvesandemotionaladjustments.Thisnaturalexperienceofgrowingpainsisparalleltoourspiritualexperience.GrowingupinGodalsoinvolvessomepainforgain—likegoingfromasetbacktoacomebackandbeyond.

TherearetwopeopleintheBiblewhoalwaysinspiremetokeepgrowingandfightingformycomebacknomatterhowpainfulitis.Attheirlowestpointinlife,thishusbandandwifewatchedtheirnewbornson’slifefadeaway.Therewasnothingtheycoulddoaboutit.Ihavelostfamilymemberswhowereverydeartome,andhonestly,helplesslywatchingyourchilddieisprobablytheworstsetbackanyhumanbeingcanface.Yet,thiscouplecameback.

DavidandBathshebaYearsafterhekilledGoliaththegiantandovercamehissetbackat

Ziklag,DavidfinallybecamethekingofIsrael.Itwasafterheachievedgreatsuccessthathehadhisbiggestsetback—andthisissocommon!Ithappenstoooften.Someoneworkshard,goingfromsetbacktocomeback

againandagain,theirdreamsarecomingtrue,peoplelooktothemasarolemodelorevenahero,andsuddenlytheyfalltothegroundinpieceslikeHumptyDumpty.That’swhathappenedtoKingDavid.

Youcanreadthestoryin2Samuel,chapters11and12.Itbeganwithonebaddecision:WhenDavidwassupposedtofightawar,hestayedhome.Thatwastheinitialbaddecisionthatledtoalltheothers.Haveyouevernoticedthatasetbackusuallybeginswithaseeminglyinsignificantdecision?Yousensewhatyouaredoingisnotright,butyouthinkit’snotthatbigadeal.Well,Davidsimplydecidednottogotowarthatyear.

Becausehewasathomewithnothingtodo,KingDavidbeganpartyingallnightandsleepingallday.Onenighthewasboredontheroofofhispalace,drinkingwineandlookingoverthecity,whenhesawBathshebatakingabathonherroof.NowBathshebawastotallyinnocent.Sheknewallthemenwereatwar,andshehadnoideathekinghadstayedhome.

Davidwascreatinghisownsetbacks,butBathshebawasabouttoexperienceaseriesoftragicsetbacksbecauseofsomeoneelse’sbaddecisions.Shewasshockedwhenthekingsummonedhertothepalaceandsexuallyforcedhimselfonher.Later,shediscoveredshewaspregnantwithhischild.

WhenBathshebatoldDavidshewascarryinghischild,heimmediatelytriedtocovertheevidenceofhissinbysummoningherhusbandUriahhomefromthebattlefield.HetoldUriahtospendafewnightswithhiswife,butUriahwassoloyaltohiskingandthemenwhostillwerefightingfortheirlives,herefusedtogohomeandenjoyhiswife.EvenwhenDavidgothimdrunk,hestillsleptintheking’sdoorway!

Inanattempttohideonesin,Davidcommittedanother.HeorderedhisgeneraltoputUriahonthefrontlines,wherehewascertaintobekilled.AfterUriahwasdeadandBathsheba’smourningperiodwasover,Davidmarriedher.Hethoughthewasfreeandclearuntiltheprophet

Nathancameknockingonhisdoor.Whenbelieversreachacertainpointintheirsin,Godwillalways

sendaNathantothem.Thisisthepersonwhoasksyoutodinnerandsays,“Hey,Iknowyou’reintrouble.Godtoldme.Doyouwanttotalkaboutit?”Ifyou’resmart,youwillrecognizeGod’shelpinghandandgetreal!That’swhatDaviddid.HelistenedwhenNathantoldhimthejigwasup.Godwasloving,butHewasalsojust;sothereweregoingtobeconsequencesforDavid'ssin.TheworstwasthatthechildBathshebawascarryingwoulddie.

DavidfellonhisfacebeforetheLord,confessinghissinandpleadingforthelifeofhisson.Canyouimaginetheguiltandshamehewasfeeling?Hehadrapedawoman,gottenherpregnant,murderedherhusband(whomsheloved),forcedhertomarryhim,andnowthechildshewascarryingwoulddiebecauseofhissins.

CanyouimaginethestormofemotionsBathshebawasfeeling?Shehadnolegalrecourseagainstthemanwhohadrapedher,impregnatedher,killedthehusbandsheloved,andthenforcedhertomarryhim.Nowthechildshejustborewasdeadbecauseofhim.Hatred,fear,andgriefareprobablyjustafewoftheemotionsBathshebawasbattling.

ThesituationofDavidandBathshebawasliketheworstsoapoperayoucouldimagine—butithappenedtorealpeople!Aftertheirbabydied,youwouldthinkDavidandBathshebawouldneverwanttogonearoneanotheragain,butthesetwoweredifferentfrommostpeople.TheyturnedtoGodforamiraclecomeback.Theyknewiftheydidthis,themesstheycreatedwouldbeasetbackandnottheendoftheirlives.Asaresult,overtheyearstheydevelopedagreatmarriagerelationship.

DavidandBathseba’smarriagewasamiraclecomeback,butthatwasnotthelastoftheirsetbacksortheirpain.David’sotherchildrenmadeterribledecisionsandcausedbothofthemalotofgriefthroughtheyears.Theyhadonesetbackafteranotherandonecomebackafteranother.Goingfromasetbacktoacomebackisnotaone-timedeal!

Youmaybeinthebiggestmessimaginableandthinknothingcouldbeworse.Hopefully,thisistheworstsetbackyouwilleverface,butIguaranteeyouthatitprobablywillnotbethelast.IcanalsoguaranteethatGodhasacomebackforeverysetbackyouface.ToHim,everypainisanopportunityforgreatgain,andHeisalwaysreadytofillyourweaknesswithHisstrength.Understandingthistruthwillhelpyouthroughthegrowingpains!

TurntoGodGreatmenandwomenlikeDavidandBathshebaturnedtoGodfor

help.TheyknewitwashumanlyimpossibleforthemtosucceedunlessGodturnedtheirweaknessestostrengths—andthatmeansagrowthprocesstookplace.Theirmiracledidn’thappenovernight,andyourswon’teither.Noonegrowssixfeetinayearinthenatural,andyouarenotgoingtogrowintothecharacterandpowerofJesusinayeareither.

Let’ssayoneofyourweaknessesisbeingmoody,andonedayyoudecidetoturnfrommoodinesstothejoyoftheLord.Fromthatday,everytimeyoubeginthatfamiliardownwardspiral,youturnoverallyouremotionstoGod.Maybeyouweremoodyeverydaylastyear,andafteramonthofturningitovertoGod,youfindyouareonlymoodyeveryotherday.That’sgrowth!That’sgain.Ifyou’rejustalittlebettereachdayoreachweek,eventuallyyourweaknesswillbecomeastrength.Sodon’tfocusonthepainofovercomingyourweakness,focusonthegainofyourincreasingstrength.

I’mnottalkingtoyourmind;I’mtalkingtoyourspirit,yourheartontheinsideofyou.Thisiswhereyourweaknessgrowsintostrength.Whetheryourweaknessisanaddiction,abadtemper,orpoorworkhabits,byGod’spoweryouareturningitovertoHimandHeisenablingyoutoturnacornerinyourlife.Heisnudgingyoutokeepgrowingonestepatatimesoyougetbettereachday.

Lifefeelssogoodwhenyouknowyouarechangingforthebetter,

whenyouseeyouhaveturnedacorner.Allofasuddenonedayyourealizeyouarehappy,notmoody.Youneedtoownthatjoy!It’sokaytobeproudthatyouaretakingpositivestepsforward.Patyourselfontheback!Youreffortsarereapingaharvest!

Youalsoneedtoguardthatjoy.Therewillbetonsofthingscomingatyoulikebullets,sostayclosetoGod.Guardyourheart,yourthoughts,andyourrelationships.Ifyouwereraisedinchaos,chaosbecameyourframeofreferenceandculture.Chaosmadeyoumoody.Now,whenyoufindyourselfexperiencingsomepeaceandjoy,don’tgobackandplaypastvideos.That’showyousabotageyourvictories.Ifyoustillhavetoassociatewiththosewholiveinchaos,youcanchoosenottoparticipate.Godwillgiveyouthewisdomandcouragetoturnawayfromit.

Oldrelationshipswilltrytowrapthemselvesaroundyouandpullyoubackintoyouroldwaysofliving.Don’tletithappen!Godwantstoconnectyouwithpeoplewhowillunderstandyourgrowingpainsandhelpyou,nothinderyou.Youarenotlockedintoanything,andyouwillgainself-respectbyseeingyourselfthroughGod’seyesinsteadofyouroldfriends’eyes.

Lastly,asyouturntoGodandbegintogrow,alwaysremembertogiveyourjoyaway.Otherpeopleareinneedofthehappinessyoupossess.Don’tyouagreethatbeingaroundpeoplewhoaregenuinelyhappyisanencouragementandabreathoffreshair?It’scontagiousandusuallyinfectsothers.Isn’titgreatthatwhenyouturntoGod,exchangingyourweaknessforHisstrength,everyonearoundyougetsthebenefitofit?

BigWavesHappenIwasbodysurfinginHawaiionasandybeach.Thewaveswerehuge,

andIwasn’tusedtothecurrentsandundertow.Awavewouldhitandknockmedown.BeforeIcouldgetup,anotherwavewouldcomeandhitmeagain.Finally,theforceofawavepulledmyswimsuitcleanoffme!I

hadtoswimaroundandfindmyswimsuitbeforeIcouldgotoshore,allthewhilestillbeinghitwiththosebigwaves.Doesthatdescribeyourliferightnow?

Yougethit,arealmoststanding,andbam!Yougethitagain.Sometimesitknocksyourdrawersoff!Nowyounotonlyhavethewaveshittingyou,butyou’vegottolookforyourdrawers.Youfeellikeyelling,“Stopalready!Justleavemealone!Idon’twanttochange.IlikemejustthewayIam.”Whengrowingpainscomeinbigwaves,youhavetoremindyourselfofthegreatgainthatisaheadofyou.Youhavetorememberwhoyouare:Youareatrailblazer,aworld-shaker,andahistorymaker.WithGod,youwillworkthroughit!

Evenwhileyou’refeelingthestingofasetback—Ican’tbelieveIhavecancer,orIcan’tbelieveheleftme,orIcan’tbelieveIdidn’tgetthatjob—Godisgettingyouready,preparingyouforyourcomeback.Hedidn’tsendtheadversity,butHeisusingittoyouradvantage.IfyouarepluggedintoHim,Heisbringingforththerealyou—the“you”youhavealwayswantedtobe!

NoticeIsaid“if”youarepluggedintoGod?BythatImeanyouhavetostayincontactwithHim,gettoknowHim,talktoHim.“ButIdon’tknowhowtohearHisvoice.”It’sassimpleasthis:stop,look,andlisten.“Stop”referstonotbeingsobusy.MaybeyouneedtoslowyourpaceandsetasideacertaintimeeverydayforjustyouandGod.Goodcommunicationusuallytakesplaceduringquiettimes,nothecticones.

“Look”meanslooktoGod.Don’trelyonfriends,family,books,orTVshowsasyoursourceofcomfort.TheycanfailbutHecan’t.“Listen”towhatHesays.GetquietandhearHispeace-filledwhisperinyourheart.PickupHisWordandreaduntilthewordsleapoffthepageintoyourheart.Forsomeofuswhohaveahardtimesittingstill,thismightbeoneofthemostpainfulpartsofgrowingup!

Whetherthebigwavesarecrashinguponyouoryouhaveclearsailing,youneedtomakeyourrelationshipwithGodyourfirstpriority.SometimesHewillleadyoutoridethosewavestoshore;othertimesHe

willhaveyouswimaroundinthewateruntilyoufindyourdrawers!Eitherway,whenyouarepluggedintoanallknowing,all-powerfulGod,youwon’tbeovertaken.

LearningtoTalkRightBeingapublicspeaker,Iknowthatpublichumiliationcanbejusta

coupleofbrashwordsaway—andthatispainful!However,whenevermymouthtripsmeup,Ihavetolearnfromit.IttookmeawhiletolearntotalklikemyparentswhenIwasachild,andit’stakingmeawhiletolearntotalkinthestyleofJesus.

Jesustalkedalotabouttalking!Hetaughtthatwecanchangeourlivesandourenvironmentbythewordswespeak.Haveyoueverwalkedintoaroomandfeltpeaceintheair?Thereasonforthatisthatthepeopleinthatroomwerespeakingwordstocauseanatmosphereofpeace.Proverbs18:21statesthisprincipleinreallyblatantterms:“Thetonguehasthepoweroflifeanddeath.”ReadGenesis,chapter1,andyouwillseethatGodspoketheworldintoexistence.YouaremadeinHisimage,soyouspeakyourworldintoexistencetoo.

Remembertheoldsaying,“Whatyousayiswhatyouget”?Iliketosay,“You’llneverreachthepalacebytalkinglikeapeasant.”ThelateChristopherReeveandhiswifeDanaunderstoodthis.Hetrulywasa“superman”andshea“superwoman”inmyopinion.Aftertheterriblehorsebackridingaccidentthatlefthimparalyzedandbreathingonarespirator,Christopherquestionedthevalueofhislife.HemouthedthesewordstohiswifeDana,“Maybeweshouldletmego.”

Shesaid,“Iwillsupportwhateveryouwanttodobecausethisisyourlifeandyourdecision.ButIwantyoutoknowthatI’llbewithyouforthelonghaul,nomatterwhat.You’restillyou,andIloveyou.”1

HerwordsframedChristopher’sdecisionnottostepbackfromlifeinthemidstofwhatappearedtobeadevastatingsetback.Yes,heremainedparalyzed,buthedidn’tsitstillforamoment!Hefoughthis

waythroughhissetbackandworkedwithresearchersaroundtheworldtolookforasolutionforspinalcordinjuries.Wesawhiminthepoliticalarena,attheAcademyAwards,andasaspokesmanforvariouscharities.Healsopublishedabookentitled,StillMe,coinedfromDana’spowerfulwords.

Here’sarevelationyouneedtogetinyourspiritandyourheart:WhenyoubelievewhatGodsaysaboutyoursituation,youwillbegintochangewhatyousayaboutit;andwhenyoubegintospeakwhatGodsaysaboutit,itwillhappen.BelievethatGodcandowhatHesaidHewoulddo.Hehasquiteatrackrecordafterall.HemadeHeavenandEarth,Hegave100-year-oldAbrahamand90-year-oldSarahason,HepartedtheRedSeaforMoses,andHecalmedthestormyseaforJesus.IcantestifythatHestillhealsthesickandopensblindeyes.Don’tyouthink,ifHedidallthat,HecandowhatHehassaidHewilldoforyou?

Ifyoudon’tknowhowtobelieveforwhatlooksimpossible,getaroundthosewhodo.I’mnottalkingaboutidealistswhowalkinfantasyandpresumption;I’mtalkingaboutthosewhoknowGod,whobelieveHisWordandwalkbyHisSpirit.Thereisabigdifference!First,theyknowwhatGod’sWordsaysandwhatHiswillis.TheyarenotruledbywhattheywantbutwhatHewants,andtheirwordsandactionsreflectthatcommitment.

PeoplewithrealfaithinGodandHispromisesdaretobelievetheimpossibleandhavethecouragetoseetheinvisible.Theywillalwaystellyou,“FollowGod,andeverything’sgoingtobeallright.”Theirfaithandpositivebeliefsystemwillgetinsideofyou.

Ifyouaregoingtospeakyourworldintoexistence—thedynamic,fantasticworldGodhasforyou—thenyouaregoingtohavetofillyourheartwiththerightbeliefsandthoughts,justlikeyoufillyourcar’sgastankwiththerightkindoffuel.Plugintopeoplewhowillwakeyouup,stiryouup,helpyouup,andshakeyouup.CultivatefriendswhohavethelifeandpowerofGodpouringoutofthem!

Growingpainsarehard,especiallywhenyouarechangingtheway

youtalkaboutthings,buttheybringforththestatureandcharacterofGodinyourlife.Moreandmore,youwillrealizethepowerinyourwords.Youwillunderstandthat“whatgoesinwillcomeout”andbemorecarefulaboutwhatyouhear,see,andbelieve.

Godisbig.FillupwithHisprinciplesforlifeandHisdreamsforyourlife.Believetheminyourheart,speaktheminfaith,andtakethefirststepoffaithHetellsyoutotake.IlikehowJesusputitinMark11:22-24:“‘HavefaithinGod,’Jesusanswered.‘Itellyouthetruth,ifanyonesaystothismountain,“Go,throwyourselfintothesea,”anddoesnotdoubtinhisheartbutbelievesthatwhathesayswillhappen,itwillbedoneforhim.ThereforeItellyou,whateveryouaskforinprayer,believethatyouhavereceivedit,anditwillbeyours.’”

ThefirstthingJesussaidwas,“HavefaithinGod.”EverythingelsecomesoutofyourintimacywithHimanddiligencetofollowHisinstructions.Really,thissumsupallgrowingpains!Successrequirestimeandeffort.Itisaprocess.Areal,God-breathed,God-drivencomebackinvolvesgrowthandmaturity.Youaregoingtohavesomepainalongtheway,justlikeyoudidgrowingfromalittlebabytoafull-grownadult.Butyoukeptgrowingthenandyoucancontinuegrowingnow.

Surroundyourselfwithpeoplewhounderstandyourgrowingpainsandwillhelpyouthroughthem.Immerseyourselfinwhatistrueandright.Readandhearandlookuponthingsthatwillstrengthen,notweakenyou.BelievewhatGodsaysaboutyou—becauseitistrue!Thenstartsayingwhatyoubelieveandchangingyourworld.

Chapter 5: Staying Steady inUnsteadyTimes

“Okay,I’mstartingtofeelbetterandthingsarebeginningtolookupforme.TheonlythingIkeepaskingis,What’sthepoint?TheworldisgoingtoHellinahandbasket!Ihearalotofcomplainingaboutit,butnooneseemstohaveanyanswersthatmakealastingdifference.Idon’tseehowmylifecanmakeanydifference.”

Let’sfaceit.Muchofthenewsyouheartodayisbadnews,andsometimesit’sterrifyingnews.Rarelywillthemediareportanactofheroismorcompassion.Theyareinthebusinessofalarminganddiscouragingusbyreportingthemosthorribleandgrievouseventstheycanfind.Theyarelikethetowngossip,whoroamsthestreetslookingforthemosthair-raisingstory,justsotheycanbetheonetobreakittotherestofthetown.

Whenyouhearshockingnews,itislikeablowtoyourheart.Blowslikethesecancauseyoutofeelunsteady,andyouneedtostaysteadytocomeoutofasetbackandachievethecomebackGodhasforyou.WheneverIbegintobeunnervedanduncertain,Irememberalittlegirl’swordsduringalife-threateningstormin1998.

Adevastatingtornadohitthecommunityinwhichthisgirllived,andshehadhuddledwithherclassmatesinherelementaryschoolhallwayasthefunnelcloudroaredoverhead.Later,areporteraskedherifshehadbeenafraid.Sherepliedmatter-offactly,“No,IjustcriedandprayedtoGod.”Interestinglyenough,nooneatherschoolwasinjured!

Thisisanawesometestimony—outofthemouthofababe—aboutwhatitmeanstostaysteadyduringunsteadyorturbulenttimes.Thewordsofthisgirlreflectedwhatshebelievednotwhatshewasexperiencing.Shewashavingasetback,butsheknewtheAuthorofhercomeback!SheturnedtoJesus,andIdon’tthinkitwasjustacoincidence

thatnooneinherschoolwashurt.Whenlifetakesontheappearanceofabattlefield,youaregoingto

turntosomeoneorsomethingtoremainsteady.Builtintoyouisadesiretocompletelyrelyonsomeoneorsomethingotherthanyourself,especiallywhenallhellbreaksloose.Thequestionis,whoorwhatwillyouturnto?

TheRightEnablerTodayinourculture,thereisalotoftalkaboutaddictionsofall

kinds,andanyonewhowantstohelpapersongetfreeoftheiraddictionshouldneverenabletheminit.Basically,youdon’ttellanaddicttheydon’thaveaproblemwhenitisobvioustheydo,andyouneverliefor,substitutefor,ortakeresponsibilityforthem.Otherwise,youwillenablethemtocontinueintheirproblem.Youwillbetheirenabler.Atthesametime,ifyouaretryingtobreakfreeofaterriblehabit,co-dependentrelationship,oraddiction,youneedtostayclearofthosewhoenableyouinit.

Thisisveryinterestingbecausetheword“enabler”nowhasatotallynegativeconnotation.YetGoddesignedustoneedanenablertoliveourlivestothefullest.Wecannotdolifeonourown.Theproblemis,wetendtoturntootherpeopleorchemicalsubstancesorahobby—andendupco-dependent,obsessed,dysfunctional,oraddictedtosomethingunhealthy.WedothisbecausewehavemissedtheonlyEnablerwewerecreatedtodependupon.

Let’slookattherelationshipbetweenPaulandhisspiritualson,Timothy.Timothy’smotherandgrandmotherweregodlywomen,buthisfatherwasanotherstory.MostofthetimeTimothydidverywell,buteveryonceinawhilehewouldfalterandthinkaboutgivingup.Heneededamaturemantotakehiminhand,toteachhimtostaysteady.

WhenPaulwrotehisfirstlettertoTimothy,Timothywasinasetback.Therewasaneconomicandspiritualfamineinhiscountry,and

allhellwascomingagainsthislife.In1Timothy1:12-17Paulsaid(myparaphrase),“ListenTimothy,JesusenabledmetodowhatI’mdoingnow.Hesavedme,healedme,andnowHeisdoingsomanymiraclesitmakesmyheadswim!Hewilldothesameforyou.”

IwantyoutonoticethatPauldidn’tmakeTimothydependentuponhim.HepointedhimtoJesus.PaulcouldnotenableTimothy.Thekindofenablinghewasreferringtowassupernatural,beyondhumanability.HecouldloveTimothy,encouragehim,teachhim,andbeaspiritualfathertohim;buthecouldneverenablehimthewayGodcould.Paulwassmartenoughtoknowthis:Ifyoureallywanttohelpsomeone,pointthemtoJesus,therightEnabler.

WhenGodenablesyou,HegivesyoueverythingyouneedtocarryoutHisplanforyourlife.Everything!NooneknewthisbetterthanPaul.YoucanreadthroughthebookofActsandseehowGodenabledhim.EverywherehewenttopreachtheGospelandteachtheBible,miracleshappened.Hecastoutdemons,healedthesick,andledmanytofaithinJesus.Hisministrywasremarkable—oneofthegreatestcomebackstoriesever!

PaulwaswellqualifiedtotellTimothy,“Iknowwhatit’sliketofeellikegivingup,butdon’tdoit!Holdonandkeepfighting.Yes,youareyoungandinexperienced.Thereisfamineintheland,andyoufeelpressuredonallsides;butyou’vegottotakeyoureyesoffthecircumstancesandrealizeyoudon’thavetoparticipateinthefamine!Ifyouwillpersevereandkeepmovingforward,GodwillenableyouthesamewayHeenablesme.Hewillgiveyouafeastinyourfamine.”

FeastonHisPromisesInthemidstofafamine,youneedtofeastonGod’spromises.

NothingkeepsyousteadylikethesolidrockofGod’sWord.TheBibleisfilledwithhundredsofpromisesthatbelongtoallgenerationsandapplytoeveryaspectofdailyliving.Godpromisesstrength,wisdom,allthe

fruitoftheSpirit(love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentlenessandselfcontrol),talentsandabilities,success,goodmarriageandfamily,protectionandsecurity,promotion,guidance,physicalwellbeing,andthelistgoesonandon.Sometimescalledblessingsorbenefits,thesepromisesareavailabletoallwhochoosetoliveaccordingtoGod’sprinciples.

IbelieveGodhasspecificpromisesforyouthatrelatedirectlytoHispurposeforyourlife.Whateveryourpurpose,dream,orvision,thereisapromisetomeeteveryneedtofulfillit.In1993,twenty-two-year-oldJohnFoppewasselectedasoneoftheTenOutstandingYoungAmericansbytheU.S.JuniorChamberofCommerce.Johnhadbeenbornwithoutarmsandwithanumberofseriousbirthdefects.Doctorstoldhisparentshehadaonein-a-millionchancetosurvive,butheovercametheodds.Thentheysaidhewouldneverwalk,butattheageoftwo,Johntookhisfirststeps.

Johnshareshow,asachild,hebitterlyaskedGod,“Whyme?”Theresponsehegotwas,“John,whynotyou?”AtthatpointheknewGodhadasignificantpurposeforhislife,andthepromiseheheldontowashopeforafulfillingandsuccessfulfuture.

ThepainandstrugglesJohnenduredandovercameseeminsurmountableinthenatural.Bornwithoutarms,hedoeseverythingwithhisfeet,includingdressinghimself,drivingacar,writing,cooking,andeating.Throughitall,hedeterminedthattheonlyrealhandicapsarethementalandemotionalones,whichpreventusfromfullyparticipatinginlife.Inthefaceofeverystruggleandsetback,Johnhasheldontohispromise—afulllife—andisnowfulfillinghispurposeofencouragingandhelpingothersashespeakstothousandsinschoolsandbusinessesacrossAmerica.

FeastonGod’spromisetoyouandyouwillbefilledwithpurposeandjoyinthemostdifficultsituations.

ThePowerofAcceptingResponsibility

Backinthe’70s,comedianFlipWilsonportrayedacharacternamedGeraldine.Nomatterwhathappened,Geraldine’sanswerwasalwaysthesame,“Thedevilmademedoit!”ThiswashilariousbecauseweknewGeraldinedidwhatGeraldinewantedtodo,andshecausedallherproblems.Inreal-lifesetbacks,manytimesthedevildidn’thaveanythingtodowithourproblemseither!

BeforemygoodfriendNachowentontobewiththeLord,IhadbeengoingtohisbarbershoptogetmyhaircutsinceIwasfourteenyearsold.OnedayIpulledupinfrontofhisshopandthoughtIhadputmycarinpark.Actually,I’dputitinreverse.Ireacheddowntogetmywallet,andIfeltsomethinggoBam!Ijoltedbackupintheseatandyelled,“Somebodyhitme!”Iwasmadandgotoutofmycar,lookingfortheculprit.Therewasthisbeat-up,oldCelicabehindme.Nobodywasinit,soIfumed,“Thisisahitandrun!”

AladywholivednextdoortoNacho’scameoutofherhouseandsaid,“Isawit.”

Isaid,“Well,whatdidhelooklike?”Shesaid,“Youhitit.”Ilaughed,“You’reteasing.”Shesaid,“No,youhitit.”TheowneroftheCelicawasinthebarbershop,soItookadeep

breath,wentintotheshop,andsaid,“Ihityourcar.”Ihadtogotomycarinsuranceagentandsay,“Ihitthecar.”ItwashardtoadmitIwasatfault,butintheendIfeltlikeamanandnotamouse.Whenoursetbacksarecausedbyourownactions,thequickerweadmitresponsibilityandmakethingsright,thequickerwegettoourcomeback.

God’ssupernaturalpowerenablesyoutodotherightthing,andwhenyoudotherightthingsomethingincrediblehappens.Youbecometaller,straighter,andsteadier.Acceptingresponsibilityforyourownactionsbringsstabilityandconsistencytoyourlife.Thisiswhatemployersarelookingforintheiremployees.Itiswhatasinglepersonis

lookingforinamate.Anditiswhattheworldaroundyouiswaitingtoseeinsomeone.

Thatwasmyfault.Ididit.Isaidit.Itakefullresponsibility.Thesearehardstatementstoutter!Theygrateagainstourprideandself-centeredness.TheyalsoopenthefloodgatesforGod’spowertohelpusstaysteadyandmaintainmomentuminaverytryingtime,whetheritisasetbackortheprocessofcomingback.

TenacityDavidLettermandoesasegmentonhisshowcalledStupidPet

Tricks.OnenightIwaswatching,andthepetownersbroughtinabigtreeandapitbull.Thetrickwasthatthedogjumpedupandrippedthelimbsoffthetree,oneatatime.Itwassomethingtosee.Whenthedoggottoonebigbranchthathecouldn’tripoff,hewouldn’tletgo.Hisjawslocked.Hegrowledandrippedandtoreatthatbranch.Theaudiencewentwild.Thatdogdidnotletgoofthatbranchuntilheprieditloose.

Imarveledatthetenacityofthatdog.Thatwastrulyholdingsteadyduringaverytryingtime!ItishowweneedtobeinreachingforGod’spromisesandourcomeback.Weneedtolatchonandnotletgonomatterwhatcomesagainstus.Tenacitymeansyoustayfocusedandremainfixed;yourefusetogetoffcourse.Evenwhensomethingknocksyoutotherightortotheleftofyourpath,youjustjumpbackandgetonyourwayagain.

Understandthis:Thebattleisalwaysthefiercestjustbeforethevictory.Rightbeforeyourbreakthrough,youmayfeellikeanythingthatcouldpossiblygowronghasgonewrong—allofitatonce.That’swhyyoumustbepreparedtostaysteady.Refusetogiveup.Likethatpitbull,holdonuntilthelastbranchbreaksloose.

Inthemidstofallthecrazinessinthisworld,don’tgetdistractedbywhatotherpeoplearegoingthroughorwhattheyaresayingaboutyourlife.Haveyoueverseenahorseinaracewearingblindersonbotheyes?

Thatissoitwon’tgetdistractedbythehorsesoneitherside.Thathorsefocusesontheraceandgettingacrossthefinishline.Likewise,ifyoukeepyourfocusonthefinishlineofyourcomeback,youwon’tbeknockedoffbalanceandoffcoursebycircumstances,byotherpeople,orbyanythinggoingonaroundyou.Youwillholdsteady.

BattleTechniquesWhenyouareinabattle,herearefourthingstodotostaysteady:1.AffirmYourselfandOthers.Whenyouarefeelingdown,start

sayingsomethingpositivetosomebodyelse.Stirthemup.Speaklifeintothem.Tellthemyouareinspiredbytheirlife.Thisisabiblicalprinciplefoundin2Corinthians1:3-4.ItsaysthatwhenyouareintroubleandturntoGodforcomfort,youwillreceivefurthercomfortandholdsteadybycomfortingotherswhoaregoingthroughthesamethingyouaregoingthrough.

Affirmingyourselfisabiblicalprinciple.RememberwhenDavidandhismencametoZiklagandsawthattheirfamilieshadbeenkidnapped?Thisiswhatitsaysin1Samuel30:6,intheoldKingJamesVersion:“AndDavidwasgreatlydistressed;forthepeoplespakeofstoninghim,becausethesoulofallthepeoplewasgrieved,everymanforhissonsandforhisdaughters:butDavidencouragedhimselfintheLORDhisGod.”Inoneofhisworstbattles,DavidencouragedhimselfintheLord.Heaffirmedhimself,andyouneedtodothesamething.

2.PressTowardtheBattle.Whenyoupresstowardsomething,yougetaggressive.Yousetyoureyeonthetargetandruntowardit,notawayfromit.Youwanttobeontheoffensiveratherthanthedefensivebecauseonlytheoffensegetsthetouchdown!YoungDavidrantowardGoliath.

Didyoueverwonderwhyallbattlearmorwaswornonthefrontofthebody?It’sbecauseyoucan’twinabattlerunningawayfromit.TheapostlePaulputitthisway,“IpressontowardthegoaltowintheprizeforwhichGodhascalledme”(Philippians3:14).Paulranatasteady

pacethroughouthislife,andthenheranrightintoHeaven.I’msureJesusgavehimahighfive!

3.ReachHigherandDreamBigger.Ifonedreamdies,believeforabiggerone.Ifyoumissedyourgoal,reachbeyonditthenexttime.Whencircumstancesseemimpossible,believeforevenmore.Setnewgoals.Listentopeoplewhohaveaccomplishedgreatthingsinlife.Ifyouhaveamarriageproblem,talktoacouplewhohavebeenmarriedalotofyearsandhaveagreatrelationship.Askthemhowtheyhavedoneit.Ifyougotlaidoffandhaveadesiretostartyourownbusiness,talktosuccessfulentrepreneurswhohavedonewhatyouwanttodo.

Mostimportant,whenyouarepushedintoacorner,openyourheartandmindtotheGodofallpossibilities,andyouwillbeamazed!Youwilldreamyourselfoutofthatcorner.Someofmygreatestdreamscameoutofsuchcorners.Inthemidstofthehardtimes,setbacks,discouragement,andcheapshots,Isawmyselfimpactingcelebritiesandprofessionalathletesandencouragingpeoplearoundtheworld.God’sdreamsforusarealwaysmuchbiggerthanwecouldimagineonourown.

4.PrayBigPrayers.Getoutofyoursetbackbyprayingintensely.GetseriouswithGodaboutalltheissuesandpeopleinyourlife.Putpicturesofyourfamilymembersinfrontofyouandprayoverthem.Praythekindof“enough-is-enough”prayersthatwillmovethemountainsoutoftheirlives.Refusetocowerorstepbackanymore.TheBiblecallsthetimeinwhichweareliving“periloustimes,”andthebattleisfierce.

Youcan’tallowyourselftobelulledintoafalsesenseofsecuritywhenthingsaregoingwell,either.Youmustmaintainanaggressivestanceinprayeratalltimes.Chargeforwardwitheverythingyou’vegot,prayingconstantly,andyouwilldiscoverthatpersistencebreaksresistance.

Thesefourthingswillenableyoutoholdsteadywheneveryonearoundyouisparalyzedbyfearorcomplacency.Godisyourenabler!HehasputallofHispoweratyourdisposal,andyouhavearighttouseHispowertogetthroughanyandeverysetbackyouface.Youalsohavean

obligationtoclearthewayforfuturegenerations.LikePauldidforTimothy,youbeartheresponsibilitytoleavealegacyofstabilityandpeaceintryingtimestothosewhofollowyou.

BegintoforgethatlegacybydiscoveringthepromisesGodhasgivenyouinHisWordandrehearsingthepromisesHehaswhisperedtoyouinyourheart.Godhassaidyouaregoingtomakeit;therefore,youare!AsyoulearnaboutHisbenefits,betenacious.Refusetoletgoofthemnomatterwhatstormsmaycome.Acceptresponsibilityforyourownmistakes,sins,andfaults;anddowhatisright.YouwillactivateallthepowerofHeaventogotoworkforyouandkeepyourheadwheneveryonearoundyouislosingtheirs!Andthat,myfriend,isgoingtoimpactyourworldasassuredlyasapebbledroppedintoapondcausesripplesallthewaytoshore.

Chapter 6: You Want Me to DoWhat?

“Well,I’lltellyou.Someofthestuffyouareaskingmetobelieveandtodosoundscrazy.Imean,I’mreallytrustingyou,Sir!”

Firstofall,whatI’maskingyoutodoisnotmyidea;it’sGod’sidea.ThegreatthingisthatHeknowstheendfromthebeginning.Unfortunately,wedon’t!ThisiswhywecallwalkingwithHimanadventureinfaith.HewantsustofollowHisinstructionstotheletter,evenwhenwedon’tunderstandthemorwhenwedisagreewiththem.SometimeswhatHeasksustodoseemsimpossible;othertimesitisjustplainscary!Butnomatterhowcrazyitseems,weneedtoobeyHisinstructions.Intheend,wemayfindoutitwasamatteroflifeordeath.

TheapostlePaulwentfrompersecutingChristianstobecomingaChristian,andinthebeginningofhiswalkwiththeLordtheChristiancommunitywasverywaryofhim.TheyknewhimasSaulofTarsus,azealousPhariseewhohadthreatened,tortured,orexecutedmanyoftheirfriendsandfamily.AmanbythenameofAnaniascertainlyknewofSaul,andhewasflabbergastedwhenJesusappearedtohiminavisionandtoldhimtogoandprayforSaul.

Wedon’tknowmuchaboutAnanias.Maybehewasabouteightyyearsofage,inhisretirementyears,playinggolftwiceaweek.PerhapshehadsomefavoriteTVshowshewatchedeveryweek,hevolunteeredatthesoupkitchenathischurch,andhewasapartofthelocalPromiseKeepers.ThenalongcameJesusanddisturbedeverything.

Naturally,AnaniastriedtotalkHimoutofit.“‘Lord,’Ananiasanswered,‘IhaveheardmanyreportsaboutthismanandalltheharmhehasdonetoyoursaintsinJerusalem.Andhehascomeherewithauthorityfromthechiefprieststoarrestallwhocallonyourname’”(Acts9:13-14).

WhatdidJesustellhim?“Go!ThismanismychoseninstrumenttocarrymynamebeforetheGentilesandtheirkingsandbeforethepeopleofIsrael”(Acts9:15-16).Thistellsussomething:WhenJesustellsyoutodosomething,hedoesn’ttakenoforananswer—Hesays,“Go!”

Healsoknowstherestofthestory.Inthiscase,HeknewGodhadaplanforSaulthatwasgreaterthanAnaniasoranyoneelsecouldimagine.HeknewthatallthezealSaulhadexertedtodestroyChristianitywasnowdirectedtopromoteit.

GodalsohadaplanforAnanias,anditwascriticalthatheobeyJesus’instructionsnomatterhowdangerousitappearedtobe.I’msurethatyearslater,asAnaniasreadthelettersPaulwroteandknewthathewasreadingHolyScripture,hesaidtohimself,“I’msuregladIobeyed!”Afterthat,hisgolfingbuddiesprobablygottiredofhearinghowhelaunchedtheapostlePaulintotheministry!

Thetruthis,wedon’talwaysunderstandwhyGodhasusdoingwhatwearedoing,butonethingwedoknowforcertain:HeisseriousaboutwhatHetellsustodo,andHealwayshasagoodreason.

PreparefortheUnexpectedLikeAnanias,youmaybegoingalong,mindingyourownbusiness,

andsuddenlyGodwillurgeyoutodosomething.Itmaynotmakeanysense,anditmayevenbedangerous;butifit’sHisidea,thenitmustbedone.Youmightaswellpreparefortheunexpected!

JustthinkhowyouwouldrespondifIsaidtoyou,“LastweekIledCharlesMansontotheLord,andhewasbaptized.Iknowhe’sdonesomebadthings,buthe’sachangedman.They’velethimoutofprison,andhe’soutinthecar.Heneedsaplacetostayforafewdays.Couldyouputhimupinyourguestroom?”Ifyoudon’tknowwhothisguyis,letmetellyou.Heiscertifiedinsane,andinthe1960s,hebrutallymurderedinnocentpeople.Ifyoulookinhiseyes,youcanseethedemonsbehindthem.

NowIhaveaskedyoutotakethismurdererintoyourhome.Youwouldwonder,Isthisforreal?SurelyGodwouldn’twantmetoendangermyfamilybytakinginaconvictedmurderer?Yet,thatisjustlikewhatGodaskedAnaniastodo.ThepointisthatGod’swaysarenotlikeourways,andyoucan’timaginewhatHehasbeendreamingupforyoutodointhecriticaldaysahead.

“SohowdoIpreparefortheunexpected?Imean,ifIhavenoideawhatGodisgoingtoaskmetodo,howcanIprepareforit?Ican’tgetreadyforsomethingthatIhavenoideaiscomingandmaybehaveneverseenbefore.”

Gettingreadyfortheunexpectedissimple.FromthemomentyoumadeJesusyourRefuge,Hehasgentlyurgedyoutodealwithanycharacterflaws,anythingthatisn’tlikeHim.Sometimesthesearebigthings,likemaybeyouwereinvolvedinimmoralorillegalactivities,andyouneedtoturnfromthesethingsforgood.Forallofus,thereare“littlethings”weneedtochange.Maybewehaveliedalotorhavehabituallygossipedaboutotherpeople.Perhapswehavebeenproudandarrogant.Ormaybewehavebeensoafraidthatwehavebeenmean,negative,andgrouchy.

Godwantstodealwithyourcharacter,totakecareofanythingthatwouldhinderyouinthebigassignmentsHehasforyou.Then,whentheunexpectedcomes,yourintegritywillseeyouthrough.ThereisnowayAnaniaswouldhavegonetoprayforSaulofTarsuswithoutknowingthingsbetweenhimandJesuswereright.HewouldnothavehadthefaithorthecouragetodoitwithoutJesusbyhisside.

Being“right”withGodmeansyouaretrustingandleaningonHim.Youmustunderstandsomething:HeisgoingtoleadyouthroughHisplanforyourlifewhetheryoudealwithyourcharacterflawsornot,soyoumakethedecisionwhetherornotyouaregoingtodolifeHiswayoryourway.Ifyoudoityourway,youmaydoyourassignment,butyoumighthurtalotofpeoplealongtheway—includingyourself—becauseyouhaverefusedtoproperlydealwithyourissues.IfyoudoitHisway,

dealingwithyourissuesastheycomeup,youandeveryonearoundyouwillhavealoteasiertimeofit.Believeme,Ihavelearnedthehardwayattimes.Don’tmisunderstandme:YouaregoingtomakemistakesnomatterhowcloselyyouwalkwithGod.Allofusdo!ButwhenyourheartisrightwithHim,HewillsupernaturallycoveryourmistakesandgetyouthroughwhatHe’saskedyoutodoinamucheasierway.

RaisetheRoofThegreatthingaboutJesusbeingyourRefugeisthatHewillchange

youandchallengeyou—butyouknowyouaresafeinHim.It’shardtochange,andsometimesitisfrightening,butthemoreyouallowHimtochangeyou,themoreyouseethatyoureallyhavenothingtofearwhenyouarewithHim.Hewillseeyouthroughanythingyouface,includingyourowncharacterflaws!

Onethingiscertain,Heisgoingtostretchyouandexpandyourhorizons.YouaregoingtohavetoraisetheroofonyourexpectationsforyourselfandlifeingeneralinordertothinklikeHethinksanddowhatHeassignsyoutodo.He’snotaboutmaintainingthestatusquo,saying,“Mydadnevermademorethan$20,000ayearsoIcan’texpectanythingbetter.”He’saboutblowingtheceilingoffyourlimitedperspectivesoHecanblessyouanduseyoutoblessothers.

Intimesliketheseespecially,Godislookingforfaithtothinkoutsidetheboxanddothingsdifferently,ifthat’swhatittakestogetthejobdone.Daretobedifferent.Breakthemoldofyourpast.Takeariskanddosomethingyou’veneverdonebefore.

Haveyouevernoticedthatthesamepeopleareblessedwithsuccessoverandover?DoyouknowwhyIbelievethatis?Itisbecausetheyhaveatrackrecordofbeingwillingtoraisetheroofontheirperception,theirthinking,andtheirunderstandingofwhotheyareandwhattheyarecapableofdoing.Theywillinglyrolluptheirsleevesandsay,“IfGodgavemethisassignment,Hehasawayformetodoit.HeistheGodof

allpossibilities.”ArnoldSchwarzeneggercametoHollywooddesiringtobeanactor.

Infact,hewantedtobeanaction-adventurestar.Atfirst,ArnoldonlylandedrolesinmovieslikeConan,theBarbarian,whichwasn’taboxofficeblockbusterbyanystretchoftheimagination.

Criticssaiditwouldneverhappen,besideswho’sgoingtoremember“Schwarzenegger?”TheywantedtochangehisnametoArnoldStrong.Theysaidhisjawwastoobig,hecan’ttalkcorrectly,he’smuscle-bound.Theysaidhewouldnevermakeitasagreataction-adventurestar.

ButArnoldhadadreamandaplananditdidn’tincludechanginghisname.Heexecutedthatplanandeventuallywaspaidover$15millionapicture!Allthishappenedbecauseheraisedtheroofonwhatheoranyoneelsethoughthewascapableofachieving.

GoodRutsandOldRutsPartofpreparingforanyassignmentGodmightgiveyouis

establishinggood,dailyhabits.Somerutsaregoodtogetstuckin!It’sgoodtohaveatimeforjustyouandGod,whenyoucanreadyourBible,prayandtalktoHim,andlistenforHisresponse.YourrelationshipwithHimisjustlikeyourrelationshipwithanyoneelse.TheonlywayyoucanbeclosetoHimistomakethetimetogetclosetoHim.

Anothergoodruttobeinisgoingtochurcheveryweek,andreallybecomingapartofagoodgroupofpeople.ThisisagoodgroovetobeinbecauseitwillchallengeyouandencourageyoutogrowandusethegiftsandtalentsGodhasgivenyoutoblessothers.

Butnotallrutsaregood.Itookmykidstoadonutshoponeday.Aswestoodinlinewaitingtoorder,theladybehindthecountergreetedherregularcustomers,“HiBill,theusual?MorningDave,theusual?GoodtoseeyouBob,theusual?”Sheknewexactlywhateachofthemwanted...theusual,theusual,theusual.

Iwantedtoscream,“Lady,don’tyoudaregivemetheusual!”Idon’twantthe“usual”fromlife.Doyou?IwantGodtosurprise

me.IwantwhatHehaspreparedforme.IcanhavethatifIamflexibleenoughtoshiftoutofanoldrut.

TransformationMeansTransitionIfyouhavewalkedwithJesusverylong,youknowHeisinthe

businessoftransformingyouintothepersonHecreatedyoutobe.Then,youcandowhatHehascreatedyoutodoandenjoyyourself!He’snotaslavedriverwhoneedsaworker;He’satransformerwhowantsawholepersontodothingswithandhangoutwith.Hewantstohavefunwithyou!

Ofcourse,“transformer”meanssomethingdifferentinourculturetoday.Weimmediatelythinkofblockbusteractionmovieswhererobotsturnintomachines,buttheprincipleisthesame.Godistransformingusfrommachine-likebeings,whodon’thaveanyideaofallthepossibilitiesavailabletous,intohealthy,happy,wholepeoplewhosefaithinHimrulesourlives.OurfaithmakesitpossibleforHimtotapusontheshoulderforanamazingassignment.Itwasn’tthatAnaniaswassotalentedorsmart;itwasthathetrustedJesus.

Inordertotransformus,Jesustakesusthroughonetransitionafteranother.TheBiblehasaninterestingwayofsayingthis.In2Corinthians3:18nkjvitsays,“Butweall,withunveiledface,beholdingasinamirrorthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromglorytoglory,justasbytheSpiritoftheLord.”TheSpiritoftheLordistakingusfromglorytogloryjustbyourlookingatandexaminingJesus.WeareexperiencingonetransitionafteranothersimplybykeepingoureyesonHim.

ContinuallylookingatJesusmeansyouwillneverremainexactlythesamefromdaytoday.Iviewtransitionasapassagefromoneleveltothenext.Onceyoupasstothenextlevel,youcannevergobacktobeing

thewayyouwereonthepreviouslevel.Evenifyougobacktooldhabits,youwillnotbethesameinsidebecauseyouhaveexperiencedsomethingbetter.Transitionmakesapermanentmarkontheinsideofyou,sothatwhateveryouaredoingontheoutsideisaffected.

Mostofusdon’twanttomoveandshiftintransition.Itmayseemtoomuch,toooverwhelming,becausetransitioncausesustochange,tobeinconvenienced,disturbed,bothered,andstretched.Wemayevenfeellikeputtinga“donotdisturb”signonourdoor,butGodhasawayofdrawingusout!

TheNewYorkTimesreporter,HenryStanley,wassenttoAfricatofindthefamousmedicaldoctor/missionary,Dr.Livingston,andbringhimbacktocivilization.Dr.Livingstonhadlosttouchwiththeoutsideworldandmanybelievedhewasdead.Alwaysseekinganewsscoop,StanleytrekkedthroughthemountainsandvalleysofunexploredAfricaforayear.Hewasattackedandchasedbycannibals,hiscaravanwasplaguedbysicknessandman-eatinglions,andtherewasnoclueastothewhereaboutsofDr.Livingston.

Stanleybecamewearyandsickwithfever,thenagroupofAfricantribesmenwanderedintohiscampandspokeofawhitedoctor.HewentwiththemandfoundtheelderlyDr.Livingstonhealingthesick,teachingtheGospel,andsingle-handedlyexploringandmappingthevastinteriorofAfrica.

Dr.LivingstonhadavisiontoexploreandmapAfricasothatEuropeanswouldnolongerfearit.HewantedtoopenupAfricatotheworld.StanleyproceededtoaccompanyhimonsomeofthemappingexpeditionsandwasdeeplyimpactedbyDr.Livingston’sfaithandpurpose.Hewastransformedsimplybylookingatthisremarkablemandayafterday,andheunconsciouslycaughtthedoctor’svisionasaresult.

ThatisthewayitiswithyouandJesus.ThemoreyoulookatHim,themoretimeyouspendwithHim,themoreofyourlifeyousurrendertoHim,themoreyouwillgo“fromglorytoglory.”YouwillbecomelikeHimandyouwillcatchHisvisionforyourlife,justlikeStanleycaught

Dr.Livington’s.HenotonlysawDr.Livingston;hesawJesusinDr.Livingston.

WhenHenryStanleywentbacktoEngland,thosewhohadknownhimsawthathewasatransformedmanbecauseofhistimewithDr.Livingston.AfterafewyearsofwalkingwithJesus,youroldfriendswillprobablybesaying,“Canyoubelievethedifference?What’sbeingaccomplishedisamazing.It’sreallyamiracle,youknow.”

FaithandWillingnessGodusesordinarypeoplelikeyouandmetodothingsthatdon’t

makesense.Theydon’tmakesensetousoranyonearoundusbecausewecan’tseetheendfromthebeginninglikeHedoes.HeknewtherewasgoingtobeafloodwhenHetoldNoahtobuildtheark.HeknewwhatJesuswasgoingtodoforthehumanracewhenHetoldMaryshewouldhaveachildthatwasnotfatheredbyJosephbutbyHim.Noah’sandMary’sfaithandwillingnesstocarryoutGod’splanfortheirliveschangedtheworld,buttheyreallydidn’tknowwhattheyweredoing!

Ananiaswasalsoawilling,faith-ruledperson.Goddidn’tchoosehimbecausehewashighlyeducated—althoughhemayhavebeen.Thequalificationsfordoingsomethingworld-changingforGodaresimplyfaithandwillingness.FaithmeanstrustingGodtodotheimpossibleasyoustepintoanarenayouknowlittletonothingabout.WillingnessisalsobasedonfaithandtrustinGod.BecauseHeisalovingFatherandhasgivenyoueternallifeandpeace,youarewillingtoputyourlifeonthelineforHim.

Faithandwillingnessmakeroomforbiggerandbetterthingsinyourlife.TheyopenthedoorsforGodtosurpriseyouwithsomethingnew.Youmaybethinking,ButI’mhavingtroublewiththelittlethingsinmylife.HowcanIhandleanythingbigger?I’minasetback,forPete’ssake!AsyoutrustGodforthelittlethings,thebigthingswillunfold.

TheGodideaforyourlifemaybesobigthatitwouldoverwhelm

youifHerevealedeverydetailatonetime.ThatiswhyHetakesyouthroughonetransitionafteranother.Asyouaretransformedandtakeonestepatatime,theplanwillunfold.Therewillstillbetimesoffeelingoverwhelmed,illequipped,andtotallyunqualified;butthatiswhereHissupernaturalpowercomesintoseeyouthrough.HowdoesHissupernaturalpowercomein?Throughyourfaithandwillingness!

ThesupernaturalpoweroftheHolySpiritwasinAnaniasanduponAnaniaswhenhevisitedSaulofTarsus.Divinecourageandstrengthwereinhimtogethimthere,anddivinehealingpowerwasonhimtoprayforSaul’seyestobehealed.Ananias’faithandwillingnessbroughtGod’smiraculouspowerintohisassignment.

TheDivineSetupItisGod’sjobtoguideyou,guardyou,andgovernyou.Noone

demonstratedthatmorethanformerheavyweightboxer,GeorgeForeman.Georgeusedtobeaverydisturbed,angryindividual.ThenonedayJesusappearedtohiminaveryrealway,justlikeHedidAnanias.Georgehadjustlostafight,andhewaslyinginthebackroomonatablewhenJesusappearedandGeorgewasultimatelyrescuedbythegraceofGod.

GeorgegavehislifetoJesusChrist,gotinvolvedinGod’sprocessoftransformationthroughtransition,andbegantoseeGod’scomebackplanforhim.2Thehappy,smilingfaceyounowseeonTVisnotthesamemanGeorgeForemanwasbeforehemadeJesushisRefuge.NowheissellingGeorgeForemanGrillsbythethousandsandenjoyingallthosekidswhoarealsonamedGeorge!

BackinthetimewhenJesuswasontheEarth,therewasanothermanlikeGeorge.Hewasafishermanwhohadfishedallnightandcaughtnothing.HewasprobablyfeelingsorryforhimselfwhenJesuscamealongandaskedhimifHecouldstandinhisboattopreachtoabunchofpeopleontheshore.Thefishermanshruggedhisshouldersandsaid,

“Sure.It’snotdoingmeanygood.Mightaswelldoyousomegood.”AfterJesusfinishedpreaching,Hetoldthefishermantotakehis

boatsbackout,castallhisnets,andhewouldgetabigcatchoffish.NowyoumustunderstandwhatHewasaskingthisguytodo.Fishingisalwaysbetteratnight,andthefishermanhadthrownhisnetslastnightintheplaceJesuswastellinghimtothrowthem.TherewasnoreasonforhimtobelievethatwhatJesuswasproposingwouldwork.

Forsomereason,thefishermandidwhatJesustoldhimtodo,excepthedidn’tcastallhisnets.Hejustthrewoutonenet.Fishbegantojumpintothatnetuntilitwasbreakingapart,andthatiswhenthefisherman’sproudandhardheartalsobroke.ReadthestoryinLuke,chapter5,wherePeterfallsatJesus’feetandsays,“Goawayfromme,Lord;Iamasinfulman!”(v.8).

JesussawPeter’schangeofheart.HeknewPeterhadfaithandwillingness,soHegavehimtheassignmentthatwouldchangehislifeforever:“Don'tbeafraid;fromnowonyouwillcatchmen”(v.10).NowPeterknewhowtocatchfish,butcatchingpeoplewasanothermatter!Nevertheless,hehadseenamiraclecatchoffish,sohehadfaithJesuswouldenablehimtobringinamiraclecatchofpeople.

Peoplewhodon’tthrowtheirnetsintothedeepclingtotheirpreconceivedideasofhowtheirlifeshouldbe,andtheirownrigidthinkinglocksthemintomediocrity.Peterbrokeoutoftheoldruthewasinandoncehedidit,heneverlookedback.

ThedivinesetupisthatwhenwecooperatewithGod’scomebackplanbysteppingoutinfaithtodowhatlooksimpossible,Hissupernaturalabilitywillenableustoperformmiracles.Peter’ssetbackwashavingnofishtoshowafterafullnight’swork.Hewasdiscouragedanddisgruntled.ThenJesusofferedhimanassignmentthatappearedridiculous.WhenPeterdecidedtotrustHimandobey,hegothiscomebackcatch—anditwasmorethanhecouldhandle!

WhenGodsetsyouupforamiracle,itwillalwaysbebeyondwhat

youcanthinkorimagine.

DivineFavorWhenAnaniaswenttoprayforSaulofTarsus,hedidn’tgoalone.

WhenJesussendsyou,Hegoeswithyou;andifHeiswithyouthenyouhaveHisfavoronyourlife.Heputsfavoronyourperson,yourpath,andyourefforts.Therearetimeswhendivinefavorjustfallsonyou.It’slikeyourforeheadisstamped“special,”andnomatterwhereyougoorwhatyoudo,thingsjustworkout.YoucanlookatthelifeofJesusandseedivinefavoronHim.

Sometimesfavorfallsonaspecificpathandwhenyoufollowit,miracleshappen.GodtoldJonahtopreachtotheNinevites(readallaboutitinthebookofJonah).HehadapathorjourneyforJonahtodothisassignment,butJonahdidnotwanttogo.Becauseofhisdisobedience,hispathincludedShamuUniversity—thebellyofawhale!That’showfarGodwillgotogetyoubackonHispath,whichisalwaysmuchsmoother!OnceJonahsurrenderedandwentGod’sway,whichwastoNineveh,thewholeplacerepentedandcamebacktotheLord.MiracleshappenonGod’spathway!

Finally,favorfallsonyourefforts.GodwaitsforustotossthatnetintothedeepbeforeHegivesusthemiraclecatch.WhenmydaughterChloewassmallandwantedtogetoutofhercrib,shewouldstartthrowingthingsoutontothefloor.Thenshewouldshaketherails,andscream,“Getmeouttahere!!!”Weweretryingtogethertogotosleep,sowejustignoredher.Itreallyshockeduswhenonenightsheshookthecribrailswithallhermightandhollered,“Getmeouttahere!Iknowyoucanhearme!!!!”Thatnighthereffortsfoundfavorwithherparents!

God’sfavormeansyouwillhaveasupernaturalacceptance,approval,andconnectionwiththepeopleyoumeetinyourassignment.Eventhosewhodislikeyouandtrytotripyouupwillseeit.Italsomeansthateverythingyoudowillprosper,andallthenaturalthingsyou

encounterwillcooperatewithyou—ifyouaredoingGod’swill.Peterhadfavorwiththeseaandthefishwhenhethrewhisnetout

intothedeepbecausehewasdoingwhatJesustoldhimtodo.EvennaturalthingslineupandcooperatewhenyouaredoingtheassignmentHehasgivenyou.ThisishowIcansaytoyouthatyourcomebackisjustwaitingforyou,anditisadonedeal.Assoonasyoubegintotakethosestepsoftransitionandtransformation,assoonasyoustepoutinfaithandarewilling,youwillbeonyourwaytoobtainingyourmiraclecomeback.

MaybeyoufeellikeChloedidbackthen.Inthemidstofyoursetback,youarescreaming,”Getmeoutofhere!”Buttakeamomenttostopstrugglingagainstthesituationyouareinandaskyourselfafewquestions.AmIfightingtoholdontoaGodgivenpromise,oramIjustfightingtogetmyway?DoIwantoutofthissituationbecauseit’sunscripturalordoIwantoutmerelybecauseit’suncomfortable?AmItrulyseekingGod’swillormyway?Takesometimetouncoveryourrealmotivation.Youmaybesurprisedtodiscoverthatyou’rebuckingagainstGod—andthat’sabadplacetobe.

TheonethingtorememberwhenGodasksyoutoleaveyourcomfortzoneanddosomethingthatlooksimpossible,ridiculous,oroutrageousisthatHeputshisfavoronyouwhenyouareinsyncwithHim.Hecan’tblessyouormovesupernaturallywhenyouaredoingthingsyourwayorgoingagainstHiswill.HecanonlyhelpyouandblessyoubeyondyourwildestdreamsifyouarewalkingwithHim.

ThecomebackHehaspreparedforyoumaybeaprocessoftransitionsandtransformationthatisfardifferentfromthewayyouthoughtitwouldbeorwantedittobe,butIcantellyoubyexperienceandbythetruthofHisWordthatitisthebestcomebackforyou.ThenexttimeHeasksyoutodosomethingandyourinitialreactionis,“Youwantmetodowhat?!!!”trustHim,walkwithHim—andthenwatchHisdivinefavorturnyourlifeintoamiraculousadventure.

Chapter7:MasterpieceinMotion“Okay,Ihavereachedanimpasse.It’slikeI’vehitawalland

nothingIdoisworking.What’sgoingon?”Ihaveagoodfriendwhostruggledwithhiscareerintheearly

1970s.HewasworkingasatalentagentinLosAngelesandwasn’thavingmuchsuccess.Toeasethestressofhissituation,hewoulddosomethinghehadlovedtodosincehewasakid:bakechocolatechipcookies.Whilebakingcookiesoneday,hehadanidea.Whynotsendcookiestocelebritiestotryandgetameetingwiththem?

Thecookiesweresuchasuccessthathisclientsbeganurginghimtoopenhisownstore,whicheventuallyhedid.OnMarch10,1975,WallyAmosopenedacookiestoreonSunsetBoulevard,andthenamewasFamousAmos.FamousAmoscookiescannowbefoundinalmosteverysupermarketaroundthenation,nottomentionmanyplacesworldwide.1

Sendingcookiestocelebritieswasalittlething,andsomepeoplemightcallitastupididea;butitworkedforWallyAmos!Heknewthatwhathehaddoneuptothatpointhadnotworked,andhehadnothingtolose.ThatiswhenGodcanreallygetthroughtous—whenwehavenothingtoloseandweareopentoallpossibilities.

Duringasetback,youcanbeamasterpieceinmotion.Yourinnercryformorebecomesmorepronouncedduringasetback,

butitisnotsomerandomcry.Weallwantmore,buttheincreasewemustbeseekingisalwaysconnectedtoourdivinepurpose.Godcreatedeachoneofuswithaheartthatyearnstofulfillourpurposeinlife.Somefulfilltheirpurposebyraisingchildrenandhelpingraiseotherpeople’schildren.Othersbuildbeautifulhomesandbuildings.Somediscoverimportantnewinventions,whileotherspaintportraitsthatseemalive.Whateveryourpurposeis,ifyouhaven’twalkedintoit,it’sbeggingtocomeout.

Whatyouneedinasetbackisrevelation.Revelationiswhenthe

lightbulbgoesoninyourheadandthefiresofpassionarelitinyourheart.Allofasudden,youunderstandsomethingyouhaveneverunderstoodbefore,andyouunderstanditonaverydeeplevel.YouhavefinallyseenGod’sfingerprintinyourDNA.YouknowHispurposeforyourlife.

Revelationisnottaught;itissupernaturallyimparted.Itisnotanintellectualunderstanding;itisaheart/spiritunderstanding.IcanteachyouthatstudyingtheBibleislikedailynourishmentforthespiritandsoul,butthedepthofmyrevelationcannotbetaught.Youmustcatchthatrevelationforyourself.YouhavetohearitforyourselffromGod,deepinsideyou.

IcanlookatyouandGodmaygivemearevelationofwhatyourpurposeis.Icantellyouyourpurposeandeventeachyouallaboutthatpurpose.ButallofthiscomestonothingifyoudonothavearevelationofyourpurposedirectlyfromGod.Ifyoudon’thearitfromHim,allyouwillbedoingislivingoutwhatItoldyou.NowI’mfairlyaccurateinprophesyingtopeople,butI’mnotperfect.Icanmakeamistake.Godneverwill.That’sonereasonyouneedtohearitfromHim.

AnotherreasonyouneedtohearyourpurposefromHimisbecausesomethingsupernaturalhappensinsideyouwhenHedeclaresyourpurposeinsideyou.Helightsadivinefireinyourheartthatwillmoveyouforwardandgiveyoumomentumforalifetime.Thisisafirethatcanburnupcharacterflaws,burnthroughsetbacks,andigniteyourcomeback.It’safirethatwillilluminatethepathGodhasforgedforyouandgiveyouthefaithandperseverancetowalkitout.

Ifyoudon’tknowwhatyourpurposeis,youcanbeconfidentthatGodwantstorevealittoyou.HewillrevealittoyouasyouspendtimewithHim.Andgetready,becauseyoucan’taccomplishitonyourown!YouneedHiswisdomonhowtoaccomplishitandthetimingofcertainaspectsofit,andyouneedHissupernaturalprovisionandprotection.

“Butwhataboutallthesefamous,wealthypeoplewhoobviouslyarefulfillingtheirpurposeanddon’tknowJesusorevenbelieveinGod?

Howdoesthathappen?”It’strue.SomeknowtheirpurposeanddonotknoworservetheGod

whogavethemthatpurpose;buttheBiblehassomethinginterestingtosayaboutthat.TheGodwhomadeussaysthatwhenweattemptourpurposeapartfromHim,thericheswemakecomewithsorrow(Proverbs10:22),andthethingsweaccomplisharealldoneinvain(Ecclesiastes12).Attheendofourlives,thereisahollowcavityinthecenterofourbeingthatknowswemissedthemostimportantpartofliving:knowingGod.

ApartfromGod,youaregoingtobefrustratedbigtime.Yes,youareamasterpieceinmotion—butyouareHismasterpiece.YouareHisidea,Histreasure,andonlyHecanunlockthegreatgifttotheworldthatyouare.

ShapedAsSeemsBestThisisthewordthatcametoJeremiahfromtheLORD:

"Godowntothepotter'shouse,andthereIwillgiveyoumymessage."SoIwentdowntothepotter'shouse,andIsawhimworkingatthewheel.Butthepothewasshapingfromtheclaywasmarredinhishands;sothepotterformeditintoanotherpot,shapingitasseemedbesttohim.

ThenthewordoftheLORDcametome:"OhouseofIsrael,canInotdowithyouasthispotterdoes?"declarestheLORD."Likeclayinthehandofthepotter,soareyouinmyhand,OhouseofIsrael.

ThisquotefromtheBibleisfoundinJeremiah18:1-6.GodtoldtheprophetJeremiahtowatchhowapotterworkstheclay,andJeremiahnoticedthatthepotterformedamarredpotintoanotherpot,“asseemedbesttohim.”Thisisapowerfulphrase,anditisjustwhatwearetalkingabout.Youhaveanideaofwhatyourlifeshouldbelike,butGod’sideaissomuchbetter.Soratherthanletyoucreateyourownmarredlife,He

wantstoshowyouthegreatplanHehasforyou—shapingyourlifeasseemsbesttoHim.He’sthepotter;youaretheclay.

Iwaswalkingthroughthesupermarketoneday,andIsawalittlekidfightingwithhismother.Hewantedsweets,andshedidn’tthinkheshouldhavethem.Afterseeinghowhyperhewas,Ididn’teither!Themotherwaspushingthecart,andhersonwouldwaituntilsheturnedherbacktograbtheSugarSmacksandputthemunderthecart.Unfortunatelyforhim,Godblessedmotherswithsixteeneyesallovertheirhead.Nothinggetsbythem.Shejustsimplystopped,tooktheSugarSmacksoutofthecart,andputthemback.

Wasthatkidmad!Henevergaveup.Aisleafteraislehekepttryingthistrick,andoneofthosesixteeneyescaughtiteverytime.Finally,hewentforsometypeofHostessproduct,grabbedit,andputitunderthecart.Shesaid,“Allright.NowI’vehadit.I’mgoingtospankyou.”Andshedidit,smackonthebottom.Hethrewbotharmsupintheair,plantedhishandsonhishipsandlookedatherasthoughtosay,“What’sthebigidea?Why’dyoudothat?”

Thatisexactlyhowweactinlifesometimes.Godknowswhatisbestforus,andwhenHedisciplinesuslikeagoodFatherweturnaroundandsay,“What’sthebigidea?Iwantedtomarrythatman!SowhatifHeonlytookabathonceamonthandchewedandspit.Icouldhavecleanedhimup!”ThanktheLordHeisshapingusasseemsbesttoHimandnottous!

DefaultorDesign?Don’tfighttheplanofGodoryouwilllivebydefaultinsteadof

design.LetmeexplainexactlywhatImeanbythat.Whenyouareworkingonthecomputer,therearecertain“defaults”builtin.Thesearethingsthatwillautomaticallytypeorhappenifyoudon’toverridethembyyour“design.”Forexample,inMicrosoftWordsoftware,ifyoustartnumberingaseriesofpointsinyouressay,thecomputerprogramwill

automaticallyformatthosenumberedpointsasbullets,whichareindentedandsetacertainway.Ifyoudonotwantthistohappen,youmustoverride“autoformat”andtypeinyourowndesignforyournumberedpoints.

GodistheGreatCreatorandMasterDesigner.Ifyouwanttobetrulycreativeandinventiveandhaveagreatadventurediscoveringwhoyouareandhowtofulfillyourpurpose,youneedtofollowHisdesign.Ifyougooffonyourown,youwillexperiencethedefaultsoflife.ThedefaultsoflifearenotGod’sbestplan,butHesettheminplace.Theyaretoremindyouthatthereisabetterwaytoliveyourlife.

Lifewithoutdivinepurposeisjustanexperiment.Ifyoudon’tlivebyGod’sdesign,asseemsbesttoHim,youprobablywillbelikeacatconstantlychasingitstail,alwaysmovingbutgettingnowhereandaccomplishingnothing.Ifyoudocatchyourtail,youwillnotknowwhyyoudiditorwhattodowithit!

“SometimesI’mnotsureifI’minGod’sdesignordefaultingoneverything.Howcanyoubesure?”

OurInstructionManualsaysitthisway,“Youwillgooutinjoyandbeledforthinpeace”(Isaiah55:12).Youwillbeled,ormakeallyourdecisions,basedoninnerpeace.Whenthatpeacethatyoujustcan’tputintowordsiswithinyou,youknowyouaredoingtherightthing.Ontheotherhand,whenyourspiritisgrievedorevenalittlebitunsettled,youknoweitheryouarenotdoingtherightthingoritisnottherighttimetodoit.

Thisversealsosaysthatyouwillgooutinjoy,andweknowthat“thejoyoftheLORDisyourstrength”(Nehemiah8:10).Whenyouhavetotalpeace,evenifyouareembarkingonsomethingthatisdangerous,youwillhaveGod’sstrength.Biblicaljoyisnotalways“happy,happy”andwhistlingandsingingyourwaythroughlife!SometimesthejoyoftheLordisthesupernaturalstrengthandcouragetodothedifficultorlife-threateningthingyouknowyouhavetodo.

Eveniftherearestillobstaclestoovercomealongtheway,youwillhaveapeaceandajoytoyourlifebecauseyouknowyouaresmackdabinthemiddleofGod’sdesignforyourlife.Andifyoufallintodefaultmode,youwillhaveanuneasinessanddiscomfortinsidethatwillalertyoutothefactthatyouhaveveeredoffthepathGodhassetforyou.Yousee,Godevendesignedthedefaulttolovinglyguideyoutowhereyouneedtogo!

God’sProcessIwassointothisbiblicalconceptofGodbeingthepotterandme

beingtheclay,Idecidedtovisitashopandwatchapotterwork.Idiscoveredthatalthougheachpotterhasadifferentstylethatmakestheirpotsunique,eachonefollowsasimilar,basicprocess.Beforewegothroughthestepsinthisprocess,however,thereissomethingveryimportantyouneedtoknow.

TheonlywayyouaregoingtogetthroughmanypartsoftheprocessofbecomingGod’smasterpieceistounderstandindepthwhatJesusdidforyou.IfyouknowtheweightofwhatHedidforyou,thenyouwillbeabletodowhatHeasksyoutodoforHim.YouwillgothroughthehardpartsofthePotter’sprocesswithgratituderatherthanbitterness.

Jesuswasrejected,insulted,mocked,spitupon,beatenup,scourged(whippedwithleatherstripsthathadpiecesofmetalandglassembeddedinthem),crownedwithlong,sharpthorns,nailedtoacross,andforsakenbyallbutafew—foryou.Hedied,saying,“Father,forgivethem.Theyhavenoideawhattheyaredoing.”Hewasn’tonlytalkingaboutthepeoplewhohaddonealltheseterriblethingstoHim;Hewastalkingaboutyou.YouhavenoideawhatyouaredoingapartfromGod.

OursinsbroughtJesustothecross,andHiscrossaccomplishedsomethingthatnoothercrossdid—Hepaidthedebtformysinsandyoursins.Inallthatpainandsuffering,Heforgaveyouandme.Hewashumbleandloving.NowHeisaskingyoutobecomelikeHim,toendure

hardshipandtobehumbled.ToshowHisloveandforgivenesstoothersthewayHehasshownittoyou.

Comedownoffyourhighhorseanddoagoodjobfortherude,harshemployerGodledyoutoserve.Bakeacasseroleforyoursickneighborwhoneverhasagoodwordforyouoryourfamily.ForgiveeveryonewhodoesanythingtooffendyoujustasJesusforgaveyou—thatisthekeytogettingthroughthePotter’sprocess.Soherewego!

1.Thepotterdigstheclayoutoftheground.Thisissuchagreatpictureofbeingbornagainspiritually.TheFatherreachesintothekingdomofdarkness,gathersusupinallourselfishnessandsin,forgivesus,andplacesusinHiskingdomoflightandlovetobemoldedandformedintoHismasterpiece.

2.Thepottersoakstheclayinwatertomakeitpliableandflexible.WhatdoesGoddowhenHesavesus?HeimmediatelybeginstosoakusinHistruthandlovesoHecantransformusandmoldusintowhoHecreatedustobe.Thisisasweettimeformostbelievers.Somecallitthehoneymoonperiod.TheFatherislayingafoundationofloveandtruththatwillstandthroughallthestormsaheadofus.

3.Whentheclayisready,thepotterbeginstosmiteitandworkit.I’mconvincedthisislikegoodcoaching.Likeacoach,Godbringsdisciplineintoourlivesforourowngood.I’msureyouwouldagreethattohaveachampionshipteam,youmustfirsthaveachampionshipcoach!

Godisinthebusinessofgettingyouandkeepingyouinshapeinsideandout—andHedoesthatthroughtheauthoritiesHebringsintoyourlife.Sometimesyoudon’tlikethat.YoufeellikethoseHewantsyoutoserveareunjust,unfair,andoftenunworthytoleadyouandguideyou.Butagoodcoachwilluseauthoritytoteachyouwhatyouneedtolearn,likepatience,faithfulness,honesty,andhowtocontrolyourmouth.Sothenexttimeyouarehavingproblemswithsomeoneatwork,considerthepossibilitythatitmaybeGodtryingtobuildHischaracterinyou.

4.Afterthepottersmitesandworkstheclay,hepushesathin

wireintoit.Bythistimetheclayisjustabiglump,butithasbeenthroughalot.Itthinksit’sabigshotbecauseithasbeensmackedandkneaded.Ithasdumpedsomeoldideasandembracedsometruth,anditisalotmoreknowledgeableandflexible.Itthinksithasarrived.Ithasnot.

Asthepotterbegantopushathinwireintotheclay,Iaskedhim,“Whyareyoudoingthat?”

Hereplied,“BecausewhenIputthepotinthefurnace,ifIdon’tgetouteveryairbubble,thepotwillcrackorexplode.”

Isn’tthatjustlikeGod,proddingandpokingourimperfections?Heknowsthatifwedon’tbecomepeopleofintegrity,disciplinedandcommitted,wearegoingtocrackandexplodewhenthingsgettough.Heistryingtotransformusinside,topurifyourthoughtsandbreakopeneveryairpocketofimmoralityorstinginessorself-promotion.Heknowsthatthesearetheinnerweaknessesthatcancometothesurfaceandtearourlivesapartasweachieveourpurpose—orabortourpurposealtogether.

WhenHepushesHiswireoftruthintoyourinnerbeing,Hewillpokeeveryareaofyourlife.HisWordwillchallengeyouaboutgossip,aboutyourphysicalfitness,aboutracismandprejudice,aboutbeingacomplainer,aboutbadhabitsandaddictions,andcertainlyaboutanythingimmoralorillegalthatyouhavebeeninto.ThiswillrevealyourlevelofcommitmenttotheLordandHisplanforyourlife.

Toomanyofusrunforthesprint,thinkingwecangetawaywithonegreatvictorythatwilllastalifetime.Weconqueroneareaofourlivesandthinkwehavearrived.ButGoddesignedlifeasamarathon.Heisintolong-distancerunningthatcoverseverymileofthetrackinHisdesign.IttakescommitmentandendurancetorunHisracewell!

WhenIwasnineteen,IdecidedtoserveGod.Italkedwithoneofmysistersaboutmydecision,andsheasked,“WhattypeofChristiandoyouwanttobe?Whattypeofleaderdoyouwanttobe?Doyouwantto

trainforthehighschoolteamorfortheOlympics?”Isaid,“Whatdoyoumean?”Shesaid,“IknewagirlwhowonasilvermedalintheOlympics.

Shehadtogiveitherlife.Atfiveinthemorning,sixdaysaweek,whileotherpeopleweresleeping,shewasswimming.SoifyouwanttotrainfortheOlympicsintherealmoftheSpirit,you’regoingtohavetogiveityourlife.”

Ichosetogiveitmylife,andIhaveneverregrettedit.However,therehavebeentimeswhenGod’spokingandproddingwerereallyunpleasant,becauseHewasexposingallthefaultsandweaknessesIwastryingtohide!ThemoreIyieldedtoHim,thebetterIgot.

5.Afterbeingstruck,worked,prodded,andpoked,thepotterputstheclayonthewheel.Nowthepotterbeginstoshapetheclay.Heputsitonhispotter’swheelandbeginstoturnthewheel.Headdsmorewaterasneededandmoldstheclaywithhishandsasitturns.Heissmoothingtheroughedgesashebringsforthitsshapeandform.

AsourPotterbeginsturningusonHiswheel,revealingallourgiftsandtalents,wesay,“Lookatme!I’mreallysomething!”Theangelsprobablyhavetheirarmscrossedandareshakingtheirheads,“That’soneofthebiggestlumpswe’veeverseen!”

OurPottermoldsuswithHishands,urgingustocomeinlinewithHisdesignforourlife.Everynowandthenwefeelapinchhereoranudgethere.“Ouch!”Wedon’tlikethat,dowe?Butnothinggoodhappenswithoutself-discipline.Somepeoplewanttoowntheirowncompany,buttheycan’tkeeptheircarclean.ThePotterteachesthemthatthedisciplinetheygaininkeepingtheircarcleanwillbethedisciplinethatseesthemthroughhardeconomictimesintheirbusiness.

6.Thepottersetsthepotonashelftoharden.Thisiswherewegettoughinagoodwayorabadway.Duringtimesofbeingrejected,unnoticed,unsuccessful,orsimplybeingsetaside,wewilleitherbecomebitterorbetter.ThisiswhatIcalltheJohntheBaptistphaseofthe

process.WhenJesuscameonthescene,Johnwasthefamousone.NooneknewJesus,buttheyallhadheardofJohn.Hewastherockstarofthedesert!SuddenlyJesusshowedup,andJohnsaid,“Hemustincrease,butImustdecrease”(John3:30nkjv).JohncouldsaythisbecauseheunderstoodtheweightofwhatJesuswasabouttodoforhimandfortheworld.

Youhavealwaysbeenthecenterofyourworlduptothistime.Evenwhenyougotsaveditwasallaboutyou—whatyouweredoingforGod,whatGodwasdoingforyou.Nowyouareontheshelf.Thereisnobodyaroundtoboastto,nobodywantstohearwhat’sgoingonwithyouexceptafewdiehardfriends,andthePotterseemstohaveturnedHisbackonyou.That’sbecauseHewantsyoutoseewhatismostimportant.HeisformingJesusinyou.It’snotaboutyouanymore.YoumustdecreasesoHecanincrease.

Youareontheshelfflippingburgers,whenyouwanttobeachefinafive-starrestaurant.Youareontheshelfindebt,whenyouknowyoubelongonWallStreetdoingbigdeals.Youareontheshelfsingle,whenyouknowyoushouldbemarried,havetwochildren,andadognamedRalph.ThePotterhaspresentedyouwithachoice.Youcanbecomebitteraboutthisturnofevents,oryoucanbecomehumbleandobedientlikeJesus.

Shelftimeisawaitingperiod,andwaitingisanecessarypartofGod’sprocess.MosesspentfortyyearsonthebacksideofthedesertbeforehecametoleadthechildrenofIsraeloutofEgypt(Acts7:23-30).TheapostlePaulspentfourteenyearsinthewildernessgettingSauloutofPaul(Galatians1:17,2:1)beforeHewasfullyreceivedbythechurchinJerusalem.Allworld-changersgothroughshelftime,evenJesus.Hedidn’tbeginhisministryonEarthuntilhewasthirtyyearsold(Luke3:23).

Wedostrangethingsontheshelf.Wegetlonelyandcry,“Yoo-hoo!God!Didyouforgetaboutme?Doesn’tanybodyknowI’mhere?”

Wegetfrustratedandcomplain,“Idon’tknowwhyIhavetostay

here.Ialreadyknowhowtoflipburgers.I’vedoneitamilliontimes.Thisisn’tfair.WhenisGodgoingtousemygiftsandtalentstothefullest?”

Wegetjealousofanyoneelsewhoseemstobemovingonwiththeirlives,saying,“Idon’tknowwhyshegotthatpromotion.EverybodyknowsIhavemoreexperiencethanshedoes.Whodidshebrownnose?”

Sometimeswehopofftheshelfonlytogobackonitbecausewehaven’tlearnedthepatience,perseverance,andhumilityweneededtolearn.ThePotterputsthepotontheshelfforareason,andonlyHeknowswhenitisreadytobetakendown;sodon’ttakeyourselfdown!

Whenareyoufinishedwiththeshelftest?WhenthehumilityandcompassionofJesushavebeenformedinyou.Youareyieldedandopen.YouwillserveGodanywhereanddoanythingforHim.IfHewantsyoutofeedhungrychildreninAppalachiainsteadofbeingachefinafive-starrestaurant,youwilldoit.Whensomeoneneedshelpyousay,“Iwillhelpyou.Tellmewhattodo.”You’refinishedwiththeshelftestwhenallthekickingandscreaminghasleftyou,andyouhavelearnedtoovercomeyourprideandself-centeredness.

WhenJesusisformedinyou,youarereadyforyourcomeback.7.Thepottertakesthepotofftheshelfandglazesit.Whenyou

realizeitisallaboutJesusandnotaboutyou,Godtakesyouofftheshelfandthenontoplacesyoucouldneverhavegottentoonyourown.Networking,motivationalseminars,designerclothes,andamakeoverwillnevertakeyoutotheseplaces.Suddenlyyoufindyourselfowningyourownfranchise,presidentofthecompany,livinginabig,newhouse.Insideyouknowthetruth:Goddidthis.Youwereincapableofputtingthisglazeonyourself.Youalsoknowthattheglazeisnotinwhatyoudoorwhatyouhave;theglazeisHisglory.ItisHisanointingandfavorrestinguponyourlife.ItHischaracterandpowercomingthroughayieldedvesselwholovesthePottermorethanlife.

WhatyouareabouttofindoutisthatthePotterputsthatglazeon

thepotforareason:thepotmustbeglazedtoshinethroughthefireofthekiln.Youareabouttogotowarlikeneverbefore,andyouneedtheshieldoffaithtogetthroughit.EverythingthePotterhasdoneuptonowhasbeentoprepareyouforthefire,sothatyoucanendureit,getthefullbenefitofit,andcomeoutmorebeautifulandmoreresilientthaneverbefore.

8.Thepotterputsthepotinthekilntobefired.Akilnisanextremelyhotfurnace.Yourkilnisabattlefieldoffire.Youhavetodealwithallkindsofcrazypeopleandhorrendoussituations.Nowyouunderstandthattheauthoritiesandcoachesandteachersyouhadthroughtheyearsweren’tasunjust,unfair,andunworthyasyouthought!Youhavesteppedintotheirshoes,andtheviewisquitedifferentfromwhereyouwerebefore.Theresponsibilitiesaregreater,thelossesaremoredevastating,andthelivesofmorethanjustyouareontheline.

It’slikeachampionshipboxingmatch.Youhavehadfightsbefore,butneveragainstthisgreatofanopponent.Youhavetrained,youhavestudiedyouradversary,butnowit’stimetogetintheringandseewhatyouaremadeof.Thereyouare,standingface-to-facewiththeenemy,andyoufeelfrightenedandalone.Butifyouglancebackatyourcorner,youwillseeyournumberonesupporter,yourCornerman.

Inboxing,thecornermanisthefighter’scoach.Hestaysoutsidethecombatareaduringthefight,butisalwaysclosebysohecaninstructandencouragehisfighter.That’showJesushandlesuswhenweareinthe“furnace.”Heassistsusfromtheside,tellingus,“Don’tquit!Youcandoit!Punchhimhere.Hithimthere!Youdidn’ttrainthishardtobebeaten!”

InthefiresoflifeyoufindoutwhyyouneededtheglazeofGod!Thehigherthecall,thehotterthefire.IfyouhavesubmittedtothePottereverystepoftheway,youmaybeoverwhelmedbythefireyouarefacing,butyouwillnotbeovercomebyit!Youknowwhopreparedyou,andHeisrighttherewithyou.HemadeyouandHewillsustainyouineverythingHehascalledyoutodo.IlikehowTheMessageputsitin

Ephesians2:7-10:NowGodhasuswherehewantsus,withallthetimeinthis

worldandthenexttoshowergraceandkindnessuponusinChristJesus.Savingisallhisidea,andallhiswork.Allwedoistrusthimenoughtolethimdoit.It'sGod'sgiftfromstarttofinish!Wedon'tplaythemajorrole.Ifwedid,we'dprobablygoaroundbraggingthatwe'ddonethewholething!No,weneithermakenorsaveourselves.Goddoesboththemakingandsaving.HecreateseachofusbyChristJesustojoinhimintheworkhedoes,thegoodworkhehasgottenreadyforustodo,workwehadbetterbedoing.

9.Thepotterremovesthepotfromthekilnandallowsittocool.Theremaybeseveralglazesandseveraltripstothekilnbeforethepothasthestrengthandshinetosatisfythepotter,andanyonewhohaslovedandservedGodforlongknowsthatthereismorethanonebattletofight,morethanonesetbacktostrugglethrough,andmorethanonecomeback.Thatiswhyyouareamasterpieceinmotion.Youwillnotstoplearning,growing,andaccomplishingwhattheMasterPotterhasdestinedforyoutoaccomplishuntilyouleavethislifeandwalkrightintoHeaven.

10.Thepotterputsthepotondisplay.Thepotterknowswhenthepotisreadytobeadmired,respected,andsoughtafter—orcriticizedandnotappreciatedbecauseitissounique!Likewise,Godknowswhenyouwillbeabletohandlethecriticismandpraiseofpeople,thewhispersoftheenemythatyouaresogreatorsoworthless,andthetemptationtobelieveeverythingyouhear!

YouwillfindthatifyousubmittedtoGod’sprocessinyoursetback,whenyoucomebackyouwillbefilledwithHiminsteadofyourself.Thismeansyouwillkeepyourheadandheartintherightplacewhetherpeopleareforyouoragainstyou.YouknowWhomadeyouandWhosustainsyou.YouareGod’sworkofart,createdtodothegoodworksHedesignedforyoutodo.

ThePotteraloneknowsthegreatvalueandworthofhis

masterpiece.Atthispointintheprocessyoustillarenotperfect,butyouarealot

better!Throughsetbacksandcomebacks,youhavedevelopedadeeper,moreintimaterelationshipwithGod.HisWordisaliveinyouandHisSpiritshinesbrightlythroughyou.Praying,hearingHisinstructions,andobeyingHisinstructionsarenowawayoflife.

Therearestilltimesofconfrontingyourprideandselfcenteredness,ofputtingdownandovercomingoldhabitsandwrongthinking,butyouarenowfullyfiredandglazed.YouarewhattheBiblecallsavesselofhonor,onewhobearsthecharacterandpowerofJesusineverythingyoudo.Youarenottooproudtoadmitwhenyoumessuporarewrong.Whenpeoplecomplimentandpraiseyou,youremainhumbleanddon’tgetthebighead;andwhenyouarecriticizedyou,humblytakeittotheLord.Hemaychangeyou,butHewillnotcrushyou;andHewillalwaysaffirmyou.

Godknowswhatitisgoingtotaketogetthegreatestresults.Heseesyourpast,yourpresent,andyourfuture.HehasaremarkabledesignforyourlifeandallyouneedtodoissubmittoHisgentlehands.ItisatthatmomentyoubecomeHismasterpieceinmotion.

Chapter8:LeavingaLegacy“Whyisgettingupandmovingthroughasetbacksohard?I’m

tryingtodoeverythingIhavebeenreadinginthisbook,butitseemslikeforeverystepItakeforwardIgetshovedbackaboutfivesteps.It’sfrustrating,andsometimesIwonderifit’sworthit.”

Thereisaverygoodreasonwhyyouareintheheatofabattleforyourcomeback.It’snotjustaboutyou.

“Right,Iknow.It’saboutGod’splanofchanginglives.”That’strue,andI’mgladyouknowthatnow!Butthereismore.Itis

alsoaboutwhatyoucarryinyou.YoucarrygenerationsofpeoplewhowillservetheLordandkicktheenemyoutoffamilies,communities,andevennations.Thereisalotatstakehere.Therearegenerationsatstake.Thechildrenyouhavenaturallyandthechildrenyouinfluencespirituallywillcarryyourvisionforrisingupfromanysetbacktoobtainacomeback—andthatmeanstheenemycan’tstopyouorgenerationstocome!

RaisingUpChampionsIfmymotherhadgivenupasshewasraisingfivechildrenonher

own,shewouldhaveputa“giveup”spiritinallofherchildren.Ifyourchildrenseeyougivingupinthemidstofasetback,theywilladoptaspiritoffailureinsteadofaspiritofovercomingadversity.Ontheotherhand,iftheyseeyoufightthrougheveryobstacleanddifficulty,youwilltrainagenerationofchampionswhowillsay,“Myfatherdidn’tgiveup,mymotherdidn’tgiveup,andIwon’teither.”

It’suptoourgenerationtobeapositiveexampleandtoencouragethenextgeneration.Godwantsouryoungpeopletobeanexampleduringtheiryouthinareasoflifewherewemissedit.Ourchildrendon’thavetohavedrinkingproblems.Theydon’thavetogothroughdivorceorlive

defeatedlives.Youcanbetheonetostirthemup,shakethemup,andtellthemthereisachampioninsideofthemjustwaitingtocomeout.TellthemGodhasaplanfortheirlives,andtheyaredestinedtodogreaterthingsthanweeverthoughtofdoing.

“Well,whataboutme?Nooneinmyfamilyeveramountedtoanything.Ineversawmydaddyormymamagetupfromanythingbutahangover,andthentheyjustwentoutandgothighagain.”

Youcanstillmakeit!Youcandecidetobetherolemodelandreverseyourwholegenerationalpatternfromabadonetoagoodone.Somepeoplejustneedtobeencouraged,andI’mencouragingyourightnow.SomeofthegreatestmenandwomenintheBiblejustneededencouragementtodoincrediblethingsandchangehistory.Forexample,GodsentawomannamedDeborahtohelpamannamedBarakfulfillhisdestiny(Judges4-5).Barak’snamemeanslightning—swift,dynamic,andpowerful—buthewasactingthecompleteopposite.Hewasscaredofhisownshadow.

Deborahcametohimandsaid,“Barak,GodwantsyoutodefeattheCanaanitearmy.”

Baraksaid,“Idon’tthinkso.I’mafraid.”Inallfairness,Barakhadareasontobeafraid.TheCanaaniteslovedtocutfolks’armsandlegsoffandthenburnthemalive!

Deborahsaid,“Don’tworry;God’sgoingtobewithyou,andHehasgivenmeHissurefireplantodefeattheenemy.”

Baraksaid,“Idon’tcare.I’mjustnotintothisatall.”Deborahkeptcoming,“ThenwhydidGodtellmetocomegetyou?

Don’tyouseethatHemadeyoutodothis?Havealittlefaith,Barak!Godwouldn’taskyoutodothisifHedidn’tintendonseeingyouthroughit.It’stimeyougotoutthereandfoundoutjustwhoyouareandwhoGodis.”

Baraksaid,“Well,ifyou’llgowithme,I’llgo.”Obviouslyhehadn’theardofmalechauvinism—orelsehedidn’tthinkshewouldbe

stupidenoughtoactuallygoalong!Deborahcouldhavesaid,“Whataloser,”andwalkedaway;butshe

sawBarakthroughGod’seyes.Shesawhimasahistory-maker.That’sthewayweneedtoseeourchildrenandgrandchildren,especiallywhentheysayanddostupidthings!Whoknowswhattheirdestinymaybe.WemayhaveanotherBillyGrahamorDr.Schweitzerlivinginourhouse.

DeborahandBarakgatheredanarmyandthenwalkedfivemilestofighttheCanaanitearmy.Icanjustimaginewhatthatjourneywaslike.Shewasaclassywoman,dressedinherdesignerdressandshoes.She’sgotherGuccibagoverhershoulderandadonkeycarryingherLouisVuittonluggage.Thefirstmile,shebreaksaheeloffhershoe.Bythesecondmile,herhairhaslostitsbounceandshe’swonderingwhatshe’sdoingwithaguywhohasnoideawhoheis.

TherewassomethingDeborahknewthatnooneelsemighthaveknown,however,anditmadeallherstruggleswithBarakworthit.SheknewwhatGodcoulddoinsomeone’slifeiftheyletHim,andsheknewwhatGodwantedtodowiththeCanaanites!AllsheandBarakhadtodowasfollowGod’splan,andnotonlywouldtheysavetheirneighborhood,butalsotheywouldfreethewholenationofIsraelfromtheCanaanites’harshrule.

Attheendofthisfive-milejourney,amiraclehappened.Baraksuddenlygotfiredup,heandtheIsraelitearmyattackedtheCanaanites,andtheytotallywhippedthem!Hebecameachampionandwasevenwrittenupinthe“Who’sWhoofFaith”intheeleventhchapterofHebrews,verse32.

ThePowerofYourWordsYouask,“Whatdidthatwomansaytothatman?Imean,fivemiles

wasalongjourneyinthosedays,andyouknowshemusthavebenthisear!”

Ibelieveeverystepoftheway,DeborahbombardedBarakwithlife-

changingwordsthatbuiltuphisfaithinGodandGod’sabilitytousehim.Herconversationwentsomethinglikethis.“C’mon,youweren’tcalledlightningfornothing!Don’tyouknowGodtoldyourdaddyandmamatonameyouthat?WiththeMostHighGodbackingyou,youcannotlose!Actlikethechampionyouare!Stiryourselfup!Wakeyourselfup!DowhatGodcalledyoutodo!IknowthatallyouneedtodoishavefaithinGod,andyou’vegotwhatittakestodowhatHesays!”

LikeBarakintheBible,manypeoplearejustoneconversationawayfromgreatness.Hereisagreatpoemthatillustratesthistruth.

Ifachildliveswithcriticism,helearnstocondemn.Ifachildliveswithhostility,helearnstofight.Ifachildliveswith

ridicule,helearnstobeshy.Ifachildliveswithshame,helearnstofeelguilty.Ifachildliveswithtolerance,helearnstobepatient.Ifachildliveswithencouragement,helearnsconfidence.Ifachildliveswithpraise,helearnstoappreciate.Ifachildliveswithfairness,helearnsjustice.Ifachildliveswithsecurity,helearnstohavefaith.Ifachildliveswithapproval,helearnstolikehimself.Ifachildliveswithacceptanceandfriendship,Helearnstofindloveintheworld.

—AmandaCater1

Whatwordsdoourchildrenorgrandchildrenhear?Ouryoungpeoplecanhavemoreconfidenceandsustainedmomentumifwehelpthemup,stirthemup,andtellthemtheycanmakeit.WecanraisethemupknowingthatGodlovesthem,thatHehasagreatplanfortheirlives,andHewillenablethemtofulfillit.

Ididsomeresearchonpeoplewhodidgreatthingsatayoungage.

AlexandertheGreatconqueredtheworldattwenty-three.CharlesDickenswroteThePickwickPapersattwenty-fourandtheclassicOliverTwistattwenty-five.FrancisofAssisiwastwentyfivewhenhefoundedtheFranciscanorder.BillyGrahamwasthirty-onewhenhepreachedtheLosAngelescrusadethatshookthecityandlaunchedhisinternationalministry.

IbelieveGodhasdestinedsomeofourchildrentodogreatthingsearlyintheirlives,andweneedtobeprayingforourkids.HewantsustobeginraisingupgenerationaftergenerationofyouthwhohaveapassionfortheirpurposeandtheGodwhogavethemtheirpurpose.Insteadofblamingsomeoneorsomethingelsefortheirsetbacksandexpectingahandout,theywillreachfortheRefugeandgetahandup!

ThosewhobelievethepromisesofGod,whosubmitthemselvestotheMasterPotter,whoaredeterminedtoleavealegacyforthenextgeneration,won’tstrikeoutorsitout—andneitherwilltheirchildrenandtheirchildren’schildren.Theywillknowthepoweroftheirwords,andtheywillbeawalkingencouragementtoeveryonetheyknow.Theywillreachoutonemoretimetothosewhohavegivenupandgivenout.Theywillgiveitallthey’vegotandkeepgoing.Afterall,thenexttimetheyhitthatwall,itmaycomedown!

TheLawofReproductionIwaswalkingthroughthestreetsofLondonwhenIsawamanwalk

outofarestaurant,andhewalkedjustlikeaduck.Histoespointedout,andhetookshortlittlestepsthatmadehimappeartobewaddling.Hiswifeandkidswalkedoutoftherestaurantbehindhim.Thosetwokidslookedexactlyliketheirdad,andtheywalkedlikeduckstoo.That’stheLawofReproduction.Alotofthemannerismsandidiosyncrasieswehave,wegotfromourparents,whointurngotthemfromtheirparents.

IhaveafishingbuddyfromTexarkana,Texas,whosenecktwitches.Wewerefishingforbassonetime,andhekepttwitching.FinallyIsaid

tohim,“Doyouneedmetoprayforyourneck?”Hesaid,“Idon’thaveanythingwrongwithmyneck.”Isaid,“Butyoukeepmovingitallthetime.”Hesaid,“Myfathermovedhisnecklikethis.”Isaid,“Forreal?”Hesaid,“Yeah,mygrandfatherdidtoo.”Therewasn’tanythingwrongwithhisneck,butfrombeingaround

hisdad,hepickedupthehabitoftwitchinghisneck.BecauseoftheLawofReproduction,youbecomelikethepeopleyouspendtimewith,forgoodorforbad.Thatiswhyyouneedtochooseyourfriendswisely.Nomatterwhatkindoffamilyyougrewupin,youcanbecomethepersonyouwerecreatedtobe.Lookaroundforthepeopleyouwanttobelikeandintroduceyourself.Strikeupafriendshipwiththemifpossible.GotoworkforthemiftheLordleadsyou.

Weallhaveheardtheoldsaying,“Onebadapplespoilsthewholebarrel,”butwehavetorememberthattheoppositeisalsotrue.Ifwehangaroundpeoplewhohavea“nevergiveup”attitude,wewillbegintoadoptthatsamecharactertrait.Ifweworkforandhangaroundthosewithvisionandintegrity,wewillpursueourlife’sworkwithcreativityandhonesty.

WalktheTalkTheapostlePaulhadafightingspiritanda“nevergiveup”attitude.

Hewasshipwrecked,stonedandleftfordead,bittenbyasnake,andthrowninadarkdungeon.Hewaswhippedthirty-ninetimesandstilldidn’tgiveup.Youmightask,“Howcouldhegothroughallthatandstillkeepon?Wheredidhelearnthatkindofbulldogtenacity?”

OneoftheplaceshegotitwasfromamannamedStephen,amightymanofGodandafollowerofJesusyoucanreadaboutinActs,chapters6and7.WitnesseswerebribedtolieandfalselyaccuseStephenof

blasphemy.Acrowdgatheredandbecamesoincensed,theydraggedhimoutsidethecityandstonedhim.Anaveragestoningwouldtakeanywherefromseventoninehoursbecausetheytooktheirtimeusingbigrocks.Theywouldstartbybreakingallthetoes,thenthefeet,thentheanklesandsoon.Itwasaslow,torturousdeath.

NowyourememberthatPaulwasnotalwaysthegreatapostle.BeforehisDamascusRoadexperience,hewasSaulofTarsus,whoterrorizedChristians.ItjustsohappenedthatSaulwastherewhenStephenwasstoned.TheBiblesays,“Meanwhile,thewitnesseslaidtheirclothesatthefeetofayoungmannamedSaul”(Acts7:58).HestoodbyandwatchedStephenenduretheslow,agonizingstoning.

Saul(Paul)alsosawthatStephenneverbackedofffromhistestimony,nordidhegetmadatGodforallowingthistohappentohim.Infact,inthefaceofacruelandpainfuldeath,Stephen’sfaceshownashelookeduptoHeavenandaskedtheFathertoforgivethosewhowerestoninghim.Doesthissoundfamiliar?Jesusdidthesamethingonthecross.

Stephenwalkedinfaithandloveeventhroughhisdeath.Henevergaveup,andhewasapowerfulinfluenceonSaul.Refusingtogiveupinthemidstofthestorm,SaulsawStephenwalkhistalk.IfStephenhadbackeddown,SaulmightneverhavebecometheapostlePaul.AndI’msurethatwhentheHolySpiritmovedPaultowriteverseslikePhilippians4:13nkjv,“IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhostrengthensme,”and1Corinthians13,thewell-knownlovechapter,PaulrememberedStephen’sshiningface.

It’seasytobeagoodexamplewheneverythingisgoingwell,andyoucantalkalldayandallnightaboutwhatyoubelieveandhowpeopleoughttolive;butwhenthefireburns,howdoyoureact?Thewayyouactandthechoicesyoumakeinfluenceeveryonearoundyou,eventhoseyouleastexpecttoinfluence.Youmaynotbeawareofwhoiswatchingyou,andonlyyearslaterhearoftheimpactyouhadontheirlife.

TheLawofReproductionishowthethinking,speech,andbehavior

offuturegenerationsareformed.Someoneisalwayswatchingandwaitingforyoutobreakthroughthesetbackyouarein,observinghowyoufightforyourcomebackandthengobeyondit.StephenhadwatchedJesus,andthenSaul(Paul)watchedStephen.Later,TimothyandTitusandotherswouldwatchPaul.Whatwillthenextgenerationseeinyou?Whatdothepeoplearoundyouseeinyou?

Itmightbesomethingasseeminglyinsignificantasprayingoveramealatarestaurant,butwhenyoubowyourheadtopray,youdon’tknowhowmanyothersintherestaurantseeyouandareremindedtobethankfulforwhatGodgivestothem.Itmayevenstimulateaconversationwithsomeonesittingnearby,someonewhoneedsawordofencouragementatthatmomentintheirlives.Theyknowtheycantrustyoubecauseyouareshowingwhatyoubelieve.Youdon’tjusttalkaboutit;youliveit.

Ifwewantthenextgenerationofbelieversnottocowerorbackdown,tofightfortheircomebacks,tocovereachother’sweaknessesandlifteachotherup,andtostandstronginthemidstofcrisis,thenweneedtoshowthemhowit’sdone!Weneedtowalkthetalk.Iswhatwesaywebelievewhatthepeopleinourlivesseeusliving?

WhatIsYourLegacy?Whatsortoflegacyareyouleavingforyourchildren,your

children’schildren,yourrelatives,thedriverwhocussesyououtinthegrocerystoreparkinglot,thebosswhoblamesyouforhismistakes,ortheco-workerwholiestogetthepromotionyou’vebeenwaitingfor?Areyoudemonstratingthat“nevergiveup”attitudeinthefaceofdisappointment,loss,orpain?Maybeyouaregoingthroughillness,thelossofalovedone,orthepainofdivorce.Whateveritis,rememberthepowerofyourinfluence.Someoneisalwayswatchingyou.Ifyoucan’tdoanythingelse,youcanleavealegacyofa“nevergiveup”attitude.

ThereisalwayshopewhenyouknowandhavefaithinGod.

Declareoutloud,“Iwillliveagoodlife,regardlessofsetbacks!IwillobtainthepromisesGodhasgivenme.IwilllivebywhatGodsaysandnotbywhatIsee.IwillhavefaithinHim,andIwon’tevergiveup!”

Itisimportanttoholdontothosewordsinthemidstofsetbacks.Why?Becausemanytimesasetbackismostdifficultwhenyouarerightontheedgeofyourbreakthrough.That’swhentheenemytriestoshakeyouandeverythingaroundyou.Hewantstostopyoubecauseifhecanstopyou,hecanstopthosecomingafteryou.Hewantsyourchildrentoseeyoufail.Heknowsthatifyoumakeit,yoursuccesswillfillthemwithhopeandafaithfilledmomentumthatanythingispossible.

Hangonnomatterhowitlooksorhowyoufeel.TheBiblegivesyouafantasticpromisewhenyouarefightingforyourcomeback:“Letusnotbecomewearyindoinggood,foratthepropertimewewillreapaharvestifwedonotgiveup”(Galatians6:9).Thatpromiseistoyou,yourchildren,andyourchildren’schildren.

Chapter9:YourFatherWhenyoubecomeabelieverinJesusChrist,youbecomeasonor

daughterofGod.Peoplesayallthetime,“We’reallchildrenofGod,”butthatisreallynottrue.Yes,Godloveseveryone.WeknowthisbecauseHesentJesustodieforallofus.AndHeisdoingeverythingHecantohelpeachperson;butonlythosewhosurrendertheirlivestoJesusbecomeHisactualchildren.TheBiblesaysthat’swhenHeadoptsus,andnothingcanseparateusfromHimafterthat(Ephesians1:5,Romans8:39).

Ifyouhaven’teverthoughtaboutitbefore,youneedtoconsiderthekindofspiritualfatherGodis.Ifyouhadagoodnaturalfather,youmightrelatetoHimeasier;butevenifyouhadareallybadnaturalfatherorstepfather,youcangetpastthatbecauseGodwillhelpyoutoseewhoHereallyis.ThenyoucanbegintotrustHimandevenloveHimback.

“WhyareyouspendingallthistimetalkingaboutGodbeingmyFather?Imean,whatdifferencedoesitmake?I’mtryingtogetmycomebackhere!”

ItisimportantforyoutoknowandtrustGodyourFatherbecauseHeistheonewhohasplannedandpreparedyourcomeback.WhenyouseehowmuchHelovesyouandbegintotrustHimforthecomebackHehasforyou,youwillaccelerateyourcomeback.Infact,I’mgoingtotellyouastorythatillustratesthisperfectly.

ABadDecisionAgoodandwealthymanhadtwosons.Theoldestwasacollege

footballstar,whograduatedfromcollegewithtophonorsandjoinedthefamilyfirm.Heworkedhardtoliveuptothefinereputationestablishedbyhisfatherandgrandfatherbeforehim.Theyoungersonwasjusttheoppositeofhisbrother.Hejustwantedtopartyanddidn’twanttowork,soheaskedhisfatherforthemoneyhewouldinherituponhisfather’sdeath.

Nowyoumustunderstandthatinthisfamily’sculture,askingforyourinheritancebeforethedeathofyourfatherwasahugeinsult.Itshowedgreatdisrespect.Literally,itwassaying,“Dad,youaredeadtomenow,sojustgivememyinheritance.”Thatishowselfishandinsensitivethissonwas.Hedishonoredhisfathertogetwhathewanted.Nevertheless,thefathergavethesonwhatheaskedforandwatchedhimdriveawayinhishot,redPorsche.

Iwantyoutonoticerightawaythatevenwhenhissondishonoredhimandmadeaterribledecision,thefatherstillhonoredtheson’sdecision.ThatisthewayyourheavenlyFatheris.Hecontinuestoloveusandrespectusevenwhenwedon’tacknowledgeHeexistsandwemakeverybaddecisions.Hewilldoanythingtohelpus,butHerespectsourrighttolockHimoutofourlives.

YourFatherneverforcesHiswillorHiswayuponyou.Herespectsyou.

DowntheSlipperySlopeLifeinthebigcitywaseverythingthesonhopeditwouldbe—one

bigpartyafteranother.Herentedaspaciousluxuryapartmentintheartistdistrictandimmediatelybecameapartofthewealthyin-crowdthatstayedupallnightandsleptitoffallday.Therewerelavishgatheringswithalltheliquor,drugs,andwomenhewanted.Hewaslivinginthefastlane.Nothingwasoutsideofhisgrasp.Hestartedexperimentingwithdrugs,andbeforeheknewit,hewashookedoncrack.Hishabitbecamemoreandmoreexpensive,andhisinheritancewasdecreasingrapidly.

Heneededmoremoney,sohewrotetohisfatherthathehadachancetodoaninternshipwithaninternationalcorporation.Heconvincedhisfathertogivehimhisshareofstockfromthefamilyfirmtofinancegettinghisfuturecareerestablished.Hisfathercashedinthestockandsenthimthemoneywithhisblessings.

Theyoungmanliveditupwithhisnew“friends,”supportinghis

ownhabitandoftentheirsaswell.Withinashorttimehehadgonethroughallofhismoney.HesoldhisPorscheandpawnedhisjewelry.Hisso-called‘friends’droppedoutofsightwhenthemoneyranoutandhelosthisposhapartment.Hewassostrungouthecouldn’tholdajobevenifhecouldgethired,andhemovedintoacrackhouse,sellingdrugstogetby.

Bythistime,theyoungman’sbodywasthinandwasted.Hishairandbeardwerelongandstringy,andhisclothesweredirtyandragged.Anyonewhomethimonthestreetwouldnothaverecognizedhimasthebrightyoungmanwhohadlefthomewearingdesignerclothesanddrivingaredsportscar.

TheFaceofanAngelSpeaksOnedaytheyoungmansoldsomeblackherointoabeautiful

teenagegirl.Sheremindedhimofagirlhehaddatedinhighschool,someonehereallycaredabout.Thenextdayhewaswanderingthestreets,lookingforpossiblebuyers,whenheglancedatanewsstand.Therewasthesamegirl.Herpicturewasonthefrontpageofanewspaper.Shewasafamouslawyer’sdaughterandhaddiedofanoverdose.Herface,smilinglikeanangel,penetratedthehardshellofhisheart,andheweptasherealizedhehadcontributedtoherdeath.

Hecouldnottakehiseyesoffofher.Shewassoaliveandfullofpromise—butnowgoneforever.Herealizedhowlowhehadsunk.Eveninthewasted,confusedstatehewasin,hesuddenlyhadaclear,precisepictureofhimself.Hesawthefutilityanddevastationofhislife.Hehadlosteverythingbecauseofhisself-centerednessandarrogance.Worsethanthat,hehadbroughtdeathinsteadoflifetothosearoundhim.

Stillrivetedtothepictureonthefrontpageofthatnewspaper,heknewhehadtogetoutofthecrackhouseandgohome.Hethought,Myfather’semployeesearnagoodliving,andhereishissonlivinginthispigpenofacrackhouse.I’llgobackandaskmyfathertoforgiveme.I

knowI’mnotworthytobecalledhisson,butmaybehewillhiremetoworkforhim.Evenifit’sjustaminimumwagejobandIsleepinthebarn,atleastIwillbeabletoprovideformyneedsandliveacleanlife.

IntheBible,Godisgoodtorevealhowsinworks.InHebrews11:25Hesaysthatsinisgreatforaseason.Initially,sinisverypleasant.Youthink,Thisisgreat!Nothingbadishappeningtome.MyparentsandallthoseChristiansdidn’tknowwhattheyweretalkingabout.Thenslowlybutsurely,sinhooksyou.Youthinkeitheryouaregettingawaywithitorallyouhadheardaboutitbeingevilanddestructivewasalie.Butthedayalwayscomeswhentheenemy,whohasbeenorchestratingthewholesituation,beginstopulltherugoutfromunderneathyou.Heproceedstodestroyyouwiththeverythingthatgaveyoupleasureinthebeginning.

Theson’swildself-indulgencehadworkedforawhile,andhethoughthewasinfullcontrolofhislife;butnowhesawthetruth.Hisprideandselfishnesshadputhiminthehandsofhisworstspiritualenemies.Hehadhitbottom,thefinalsetbackaftermanysetbacks,andheknewhehadtochange.Godusedthefaceofanangeltospeaktohiminhisdarkest,mosthopelessandhelplesshour.Eventhen,Hewasreachingouttohim.

“IthoughtyousaidGodwouldn’tpushHimselfonanyone,thatHerespectedthedecisionsofpeople?HowdidHehavetherighttousethepictureofthatgirltoinfluencethisguy?”

Hewasgiventhatrightbytheprayersoftheboy’sfather!Allthistimehisfatherhadnevergivenuponhim.Heneverstoppedlovinghim,evenwhenhereceivedreportsfromgoodfriendsinthebigcitythathissonwaswastinghislifeandlyingtohimaboutwhathewasdoing.Heneverquitbelievinghissonwouldcometohissensesandcomehometohim!

TheFirstGoodDecisionThisyoungmanwassmartenoughtorealizehewasintheworstand

finalsetback.Ifhedidn’tchangedirectionandchangehislife,hewoulddie.Somehowhehadtomovetowardhiscomeback,andheknewthathiscomebackwasthesameasreturningtohisfather.Hethought,“IknowI’vemessedupbigtime,andIcan’tgobacktothepositionIleft.I’mnolongeranheir,butI’llbesatisfiedwithjustbeingmyfather’sslave.”

Thatiswhattheenemyalwaystellsusinasetback,especiallyonewecausedourselves.Hesays,“You’reafailure,andyou’llneverbewhatyouthoughtyouweregoingtobe.Infact,youcan’tevenreturntowhereyouwerebeforeyoufellintothispit.It’soverforyou.Justgetwhateverjobyoucanget,dothebestyoucan,andatleastyouwillhavesomethingtoeattherestofyourlife.”Inthisway,theenemymaylosealittlecontroloveryou,buthekeepsyoudown.

Theenemyisaliarandalwayshasbeen.Nomatterhowfaryou’vefallen,thepromisesofGodforyourlifearestillinplay.IknowthisbecauseGodsaysitinHisWord(1John1:9),andIhaveexperienceditmanytimes!Godisbigenoughtochangethedirectionofyourlifesothatyoucanstillhitthebull’s-eyeHeordainedyoutohit.Ifyouwilltakeresponsibilityforyourbaddecisions,foryoursinsandmistakes,andthenturnfromthem,Healwaysforgivesandcleansyouupinsideandoutside.Healwayshasacomebackforyou!

Sothiswaywardyoungmanmadehiswaybacktohisfather.Dressedinrags,smellinglikeasewer,unshavenandunclean,heturnedontothebeautiful,tree-lineddrivewaythatledtohisfather’shouse.Thensomethingtotallyunexpectedhappened.Hesawhisfatherrunningtowardhim,asfastasamanthatagecouldrun,armsopenwide,tearsstreamingdownhisface.

Beforethesoncouldtakeitallin,hewaswrappedinhisfather’sstrongandlovingarms,hiswarmtearsbathinghisfaceashekissedhim.Finally,hisfathermanagedtosay,“Ihavemissedyousomuch.I’msogladyou’reback.Here,putonmycoat,andletmeputmyringonyourfinger.”Afterdoingthesethings,thefatherhuggedandkissedhimagainandlaughed,“Come!Let’sgocelebrate!”

Thefactthatthefatherclothedhissonwithhiscoatishighlysignificant.Hewantedtoputhissonunderhisprotectionandcoverhimwithhisloveandforgivenessbeforehepresentedhimtoanyoneelse.ThisisjustlikeourFather!Heisgraciousandkind.Heneverberatesusorshamesusforwhatwe’vedone,evenwhenwehavecommittedterriblesinsagainstHim.Hedoesnotdenyanything;Heforgiveseverything.Thereisabigdifference!

Stunnedbyhisfather’sshowofloveandforgiveness,theson’sfeetwerenailedtotheground.Whenhedidn’tmoveforward,hisfatherturnedandasked,“What’sthematter?”

Barelyabletowhisperwithheadbowed,theboychokedonhiswords.“Dad,I’vebeensobad.YouhavenoideatheterriblethingsIhavedone.Ibroughtshameonyouandourentirefamily.Ithrewawayeverythingyougaveme.Inallthis,Ihavedishonoredyouandamnotworthytobeyourson.Youshouldnotbearoundme,andIdon’tdeservetobetreatedlikethis.Justgivemeajob.I’lldoanythingyouask.Youdon’tneedtobenicetome.”

Thefather’seyesgrewintense.Heraisedhisson’sloweredheadandmadehimlookhimintheeye.“Youaremyson.Nothingyoudowillevermakemestoplovingyouandwantingtheverybestforyou.Yes,youhavemadesomebaddecisionsand,nodoubt,youwillhavesomeconsequencestoendure.Maybeweallwill.Butwewillgothroughittogether.”Hepausedandputhishandsonhisson’sshoulders.

“Youhavecomehomeadifferentperson.Youleftafoolishboy;youhavecomehomeawiser,kinderman.Itismydeepestdesire,anditwouldgivemethegreatestpleasuretorestoreyouandtoseeyouflourishasmyson.Please,comeandcelebratethisnewdaywithme.”

Whenthesonchosetogohometoberestoredbyhisfatherandtoreachhisfullpotentialashisson,hemadethefirstgooddecisionofhislife.Itjusthappenedtobethebestdecisionofhislife.

HonorforShame

Thefather’sservantswerealsoinshockwhentheysawthefatherandson,armsaroundeachother,walkinguptothehouse.Whenthefathertoldthemtogetoutthesteakstogrillandmakealltheboy’sfavoritesidedishesanddesserts,theywereprobablyshakingtheirheadssaying,“Man,doesheknowwhathe’sdoing?Maybehedoesn’trealizehissonlivesintheworstcrackhouseinthecityandhangsoutwithsomereallybadfolk.Ormaybehe’sindenial.Afterall,he’sbeenplanningthisthingforalongtime.”

Youdon’tjustthrowtogetherafabulouscelebrationfeastinanhour.Whenoneofmystaffgotmarried,theplanningabsorbedafullyear.Iheardthebride-to-bediscusseverydetail.“I’mgoingtowalkdownthataisle,thetrainofmygownisgoingtobeflowing,we’regoingtoplaythatBebeWinans’song,thelittlegirlsaregoingtothrowrosepetalsontheaisle,andhe’sgoingtocomeinfromthesideallhandsomeinhistux….”Onextremelyimportantoccasions,everydetailisimportant—anditwastothatfathertoo.

Thatwaywardson’scomebackwasplannedwayinadvance.Thefatherhadbeenwatchingandplanningforhisson’scomeback

fromthemomentheleft.That’swhyhesawthesonwhenheturnedintothedriveway.Whenherantohimandembracedhim,hedidn’tlookattheoutwardappearance;helookedthroughtheboy’seyes,sawachangedheart,andknewthetimeforcelebrationhadcome.Hissonwasreadytoexchangehisshameforthefather’shonor.

Ifyoucangetthistruthestablishedinyourmindandheart,youwillsaveyourselfalotofgriefandneedlessanxietyasyoumovefromyoursetbacktoyourcomebackandbeyond:Theenemygivesyouthoughtscondemningyouandshamingyouforyoursin,mistake,fault,orweakness;theFathergivesyouhopeandstrengthtoturn,learn,andovercomewhateveritisthathassetyouback.

I’mnotsayingGodisindenialoveryourproblemsandissues!Heknowswhattheyareandhowtheytrapyoubetterthanyoudo;butHis

focusisontransformation,reformation,andrestorationtomoveyouforward.Heneverusescondemnationtomotivateyououtofasetback.Hesimplygivesyoutheunderstandingofwhatyouhavethought,said,anddonewrong.ThenHewaitsforyoutodecide.YouwilleithergotoHimtogetthingsstraightorgooutandtrytofixyourselfandyoursituationonyourown.Ifyouaresmart,likethesoninourstory,youwillruntotheFatheranddoitHisway!

TheFather’sComebackThestoryIjusttoldisbaseduponthestorymostpeoplerefertoas

“TheProdigalSon,”whichJesustoldinLuke15:11-32.Jesuswantsustoknowthatnomatterhowlowwesinkinlife,theFatherhasacomebackpreparedforus;andHe’lldoitagainandagainifweneedHimto.JesusknowsthedepthoftheFather’sloveforus,andHewantsustoknowthatlovealso.Thetruthis,wereallyaren’tgoingtomakeit,andwearen’tgoingtobehappyorfulfillourpurposeinlife,withoutacceptingtheFather’sloveforus.

HewillsendpeopletocrossourpathstoblessusandrevealHisloveandcareforus.I’vehadpeoplecometomeandsay,“Idon’tknowwhy,butIreallywanttogiveyouthis$10,000.”Iknewimmediatelywhohadgiventhemthatdesire!That’smyDaddyshowingmehowmuchHelovesmebysendingpeopletohelpmedowhatHe’scalledmetodo.

TheFatheralsogentlyleadsyoutoandthroughyourcomebackandbeyond.HerearesomestepsyouwillhavetogothroughtogetwhereHewantsyoutogo:

StepOne:Getridofyourfailurementality.Inthestoryoftheprodigalson,thesonwentbacktohisfather,draggingalltheshameanddisgracealongwithhim,preparedtobegforamenialjob.Thisyoungmanexpectedhisfathertoreactaccordingtoafailurementality,keepingarecordofallhiswrongs.Hewouldhavecountedhimselfluckytogetahandshakefromhim.Hewaspreparedforthe“look.”YouknowwhatI’m

talkingabout.Youmusthavegottenthe“look”fromyourparentswhenyouweregrowingup.Theydidn’thavetosayaword;youjustknewfromtheirexpressionthatyouwereintrouble.Hewasreadytohear:“Youdon’tknowwhatyoudidtoyourmother!Wecouldn’tsleepfornights.You’vewreckedourfamily’snameandfinereputation.Howcouldyoudothisafterallwe’vedoneforyou?”

Thefathershockedthesonwithasetbackmentality.Failuresays,“It’sover.Youractionsproveyouarebadandwillneveramounttoanything.”Setbacksays,“It’snotoveruntilyouquit.Youcanchangeontheinsideandmakeacomebackontheoutside.”Asetbackisnotapermanentthing.Thefathersawhissonasachampionwhohadjustlostamajorrace;hedidn’tseehimasaloserwhoshouldneverrunagain.Thatisthedifferencebetweenviewingyourselfasafailureinsteadofseeingyoursituationasasetback.

Likethefatherinthestory,yourFathermakesadistinctionbetweenyouandyouractions.Hewillneverstamp“failure”onyourforeheadbecauseHeseesyouasamasterpieceinmotion.Youmayhaveaseriesofbadsetbacks,butifyoujustkeepmovinginHisdirectionHewillsupernaturallyenableyoutoovercomeyourpastandsucceedinlife.

EvenbeforeAdamandEveatethatforbiddenfruit,ourFatherhadasetbackmentality.Theirsinwasdevastating,butHewouldhavethelastword!ThroughJesus,HeextendsHismercyandgracetousnomatterhowbadweact.HecleansusupandrestoresuswhenweturnbacktoHim,andthencallsforacelebration.Godlovestoparty,andHiscomebackpartiesarebetterthananySuperBowlpartyyou’veeverattended!

StepTwo:Blastthroughsurvivalmodeintocomebackmode.Thesonwasinsurvivalmodewhenhereturnedtohisfather’shouse.Hewasdowntothebarebasics:food,water,shelter,andafewclothes.Hewaspreparingtodoanykindofjobtoobtainthebarebasics,buthisfatherhadsomethingentirelydifferentinmind.

CoachVinceLombardiwaslikethat.Hetookateamoflosersand

turnedthemintochampionsbytreatingthemwithrespect.Hebelievedthatifyoutreatpeoplelikewinners,theywillactlikewinners.HeblastedtheGreenBayPackersoutofsurvivalmodeintoacomebackmodebytrainingthemasthoughtheywerealreadychampions.That’swhattheFatherdoes.

ThemomentyoutakeresponsibilityforyourselfandyoursituationandturntoGod,youmayhaveaperiodoftimewhereyouareconcernedjustaboutthebarebasics;butthatisnotthefullcomebackGodhasplannedforyou.HewantsyoutomovebeyondthattobecomeallHecreatedyoutobe.YourFatherwantsyoutodomorethansurvive;Hewantsyoutothrive.HewantstomakeyouintothechampionHecreatedyoutobe.

StepThree:WritedownthepromisesGodhasgiventoyou.Ifyouhaven’twrittendownpromisesthataddressyourneedsanddreams,youwon’tbeabletorememberthemwhenyouareinthebattleforyourcomeback.WritethemdownandreadthemoverandoversoyouwillrememberwhyGodputyouonthisplanet.Itwillputthatbulldogfaithandnever-quitfightintoyouwhencircumstancesarethedarkest.

StepFour:Bewareofdreamthievesandsendthempacking.Theenemyisaliarandathief,andhewillsendpeopletodistractyouandcreatecircumstancestodragyoudown.Hetriestopickyourpocketsandstealyourdreamsanywayhecan.Hedoesn’tlikeyoubecauseyouhavewhathehasalwayswanted:ruleontheEarth.Soifhe’sbeenattackingyoulately,getridofhim.Youdothisbysimplysaying,“InJesus’name,getout!”

OneofthegreatthingsaboutbeingachildofGodandamemberofthebodyofChrististhatJesusgaveusHisauthorityovertheenemy.HetoldustoexerciseHisauthoritybyusingHisname.Sowhenyousensesomethingevilisconfusingyou,distractingyou,annoyingyou,orcausingyouphysicalpain,stopandtellittogetoutofyourlife“inJesus’name.”YouareyourFather’schild,andtheenemyhasnolegalrightswithyou.Don’tlethimhinderyouordistractyoufromgettingyour

comeback!StepFive:ExpecttoobtainwhatGodhaspromisedyou.My

naturalfatherdiedinacaraccidentwhenIwastenyearsold.Mymothersoonworkedtwoshiftsinadonutshop.Shepaidhertithesandgaveofferingstoseveralministries,believingGodwouldgetheroutofherdifficultfinancialsituation.Itwastough,butnomatterhowbadthingswere,sheneverletherexpectationlevelfall.SheknewtheFatherwouldtakecareofHischildren.

SheraisedallfourofuskidsinthethingsofGodandtaughtushowtoserveHim.ShestoodonHispromisesintheBibleandwalkedhertalk.Threeofusarenowinfull-timeministry,slappingtheenemyupsidetheheadeverychanceweget.IthankGodshenevergaveup.Shedidn’tjustsurvive;sheovercame;andGodexceededherexpectations.Helikestodothat!

Whileyouarefightingforyourcomeback,thecircumstancesmaynotlooklikewhatGodhaspromisedwillevercometopass.Youmightnotfeeltooblessedfromtimetotime.Youmaylookatyourbankaccount,anditreallydoesn’tlookblessed!ButI’mtellingyou,believethepromisesGodhasgivenyouandexpectthemtocometopass.WhenGodsays,“Iwill…,”youcanbankonit!

LevelsofFaithTohavegreatexpectationsandhope,youmusthavefaithinthe

Father,whohaspreparedyourcomebackandsupernaturallyenablesyoutoobtainit.YoumustacceptHisloveforyoubecausetheBiblesaysthatfaithworksbylove(Galatians5:6).Thatmakessense.Ifyoudon’tbelieveGodlovesyou,whywouldyoueverbelieveHewoulddoanythingforyou?IfyoubelieveHelovesyou,thenyouwillbelieveHewillmoveHeavenandEarthtogetyouwhereyouneedtogo.

TheBiblespeaksoffivedifferentlevelsoffaith:weakfaith,littlefaith,growingfaith,strongfaith,andgreatfaith.

•Abrahamdidnothaveweakfaith.EventhoughhisbodywasoldandSarahhadbeenunabletobearchildren,hedidnotwaverinhisexpectationthatGodwoulddowhatHepromisedbygivinghimason(Romans4:18-20).

•Jesusspoketothedisciplesoftheirlittlefaith,whentheyawakenedHimintheboattocalmtheragingstorm(Matthew8:26).

•PaulwrotetotheThessaloniansabouttheirgrowingfaith(2Thessalonians1:3).

•AbrahamhadstrongfaithandwasfullypersuadedGodwasabletodowhatHepromised(Romans4:21).

•Jesusspokeofthecenturionsoldier’sgreatfaithwhenheaskedJesustohealhisservant(Matthew8:5-13).

Anyonewhoworksoutknowsthatbuildingmusclesrequirespersistentstretchingandpushingtohigherlevels.That’sexactlyhowyoubuildyourfaith.IbelieveIhavebeendoingfaithexerciseswithoutevenknowingit.Istartedbackinthe1980swithweakfaith,thenImovedtolittlefaith.Inthe1990s,Ibeganexercisingmyfaithmusclesandmyfaithgrew.Inthemid1990s,Iwaspushingforthingsthatrequiredstrongfaith.Now,inthenewmillennium,Irealizeitisgoingtotakegreatfaithformetocontinuetomoveforward.

IrememberwhenitwashardformetobelieveGodforathousanddollarstogooverseas.ThenIhadtohavefaithfortwothousand,thententhousand.Istartedexercisingmyfaithmuscles,seeingmyselfpreachingtotenthousand,thentwenty,thenthirty,andonupintothehundredsofthousands.Isawmyselfpreachingallovertheworld,andeverythingIwasseeingbegantohappen.NowIhavefaithforhalfamilliondollarswhenitisneededtodosomethingforGod.

WhatIhavelearnedthroughtheyearsisreallyfunny.ThemoreIseemyselfasGod’slittlechild,thegreatermyfaithgrows.

LikeaChild

Lifestartsoutwithashout.Thinkaboutit.Youcameoutofyourmother’swombshouting!Babieslearntocrywhentheyarehungryorwetorhurting.Toddlersshoutandlaughwhentheyplaytogether.Kidsrunupthesteps,flingopenthedoor,andshouttoMomafterplayingoutsideorwhentheycomehomefromschool.

Westartoutlivinglifefullofdreams,hopes,andexpectations.Wehaveasenseofpurposeandimportance.WelookaroundandjustknowthatwehaveaFatherGodwholovesusandhasagreatlifepreparedforus.WhatI’mdescribingischildlikefaith.ThisisthekindoffaithwemusthaveintheFather,evenwhenwebecomeold.JesussaidthateverythingaboutHimandHiskingdomwasdependantuponbeinglikeachildwholovesandtruststheFather.

Andhesaid:"Itellyouthetruth,unlessyouchangeandbecomelikelittlechildren,youwillneverenterthekingdomofheaven.Therefore,whoeverhumbleshimselflikethischildisthegreatestinthekingdomofheaven.”—Matthew18:3-4

Considerthis:InaperfectworldsuchasHeaven,theFatherisaperfectfather.Heistheperfectcombinationofjusticeandlove;accountabilityandmercy;responsibilityandfaith;knowledgeandcreativity;orderanddiversity.HisholycharacterandHissovereignpowermerityourhumble,childlikefaith.Andreally,thatisallHeasksofyou.WhenyouhumblytrustHimforeverything,youliterallygiveHimpermissiontodoanything.

YourcomebackdependsuponcominghometoyourFather.AcceptHisloveandforgiveness.AllowHimtorestoreyou,celebrateyou,andtransformyousothatyouwon’thavetogothroughthissetbackagain.Andremember,nomatterwhathappens,Heisthereforyou!

Chapter10:SingingintheDark“ThatlastchapterwasgreatifI’minasetbackIcausedmyself,but

whataboutthetimeswhenI’mjustmindingmyownbusiness,doingtherightthing,andsomeoneblindsidesme?Where’smylovingheavenlyFatherwhenthathappens?”

He’swhereveryouwantHimtobe.Thefatherinthestoryoftheprodigalsonwasalwaysthere,waiting

forthesontoturntohim.YourheavenlyFatherisalwaysthere,waitingforyoutocometoHiminyourheart.Hedidn’tcauseyoursetback,butHegetsblamedforallkindsofthingsHedidn’thaveanythingtodowith!Whetheryourbestfriendbetrayedyouorahailstormdestroyedyourcar,Heistheretohelpyougetthroughit.He’sthegoodguy,andthatiswhatyouwillseemoreandmoreasyouturntoHimandspendtimewithHim.

SomethingamazinghappenstoyouwhenyouspendtimewithGod.BeingwithHimmakesyouabetterperson.It’slikebeinginloveforthefirsttime.SuddenlyyouseeyourselfthroughtheeyesofSomeonewhorespectsyouandadoresyou.Youdaretobelieveyouarethewonderfulpersontheybelieveyouare,andyouactlikeit.Inahumanromance,thiscanbepurefantasy;butwithGoditisalwaysthetruth.Heneverlies,andHeshowsyouexactlywhoyouareandwhatyoucanbecome.What’smore,Helikesyou!That’swhyyourrelationshipwithHimisthekeytoyourcomeback.

Myfatherandmotherhadfivechildren,andIloveditwhenmydadgotwithmeone-on-one.He’dtakemetoLittleLeaguepractice,lookmeintheeye,andsay,“Timmy,you’regoingtobesomeonespecial,”or,“Timmy,you’reachampion.”IlovedthosetimesalonewithmydadbecausehemademefeelgoodaboutmyselfandwhatIwascapableofbeing.

Someofusgetsobusymakingthingshappen,earningadegree,dating,gettingmarried,buyingahouse,losingweight,playingwiththe

dog,climbingthecorporateladder,andevenservingGod,thatwedon’ttaketimeforGod.Weareslidingandglidingthroughlife,butHe’stryingtogetsomeone-on-onetimewithus.Afterall,HecreatedustohavearelationshipwithHim.

It’sgreattoberemindedofwhatisreallyimportantinlife.Sometimesweareremindedbytimesofsheerjoyandsometimesbytragedy.It’seasytobegratefulforthejoyfultimesandlovetheFatherforthem,butintimesofdeepsorrowitcanbedifficult.WethinkHehasforsakenus,butHeisrightthere,waitingforustoletHimintoourhurtandpainsoHecancomfortandhealus.HeiswaitingforustoletHimtakeusoutofoursetbackintothecomebackHe’spreparedforus.

TheDarknessDescendsWhenIwasalittlekidchasingtheicecreamtruck,flyingmykite,

andoccasionallygettinginfightswithmyneighbors,Ineverknewlifecouldhavesomanystrangeturns.Everythingwasgoinggreat,andthen,overnight,everythingwentdark.Myfamilyexperiencedtwoeventsthatdidn’tjustrocktheboat;theywereliketwodepthcharges,andwefeltlikeweweresinking.

MyfatherdiedsuddenlywhenIwasten,atoughageforaboytolosehisdad.Justthreeyearslater,acallcamethatmysisterhadbeeninaterriblecaraccident.WewenttoModesto,California,toprayforher.Shewasinacomaforeightdaysandthendied.Everybodyinthefamilywasdevastated.Somebeganmessingupbigtime,butIwatchedmymothercontinuetobelieveandtrustGod.SheheldontoHimfordearlife,knowingHewasheronlyhope.

Althoughherworldhadbeenplungedintodarknessandsheexperiencedtwoterriblesetbacksrightafteranother,mymothercontinuedtopraiseGod.AsshepraisedHimandtrustedHim,Hefilledherwithasupernaturalstrengthtoraiseusandtodowhatwasneededtoprovideforus.Hisloveignitedherlove,whichgaveherthefaithand

couragetocomebackagainstallodds.Later,whenIwasincollege,somefriendsaskedmeifIwantedto

goseeamanbythenameofPaulYonggiCho.WehoppedintomyHondaCivicanddrovefourhourstohearthisman.Hehadhadtuberculosisasateenager,wasmiraculouslyhealed,andwasnowthepastorofthelargestchurchintheworld,whichwasinSeoul,Korea.InbrokenEnglishhesaid,“YoumustbelievetheLord.”InhimIsawanotherexampleofsomeonewhopraisedGodinthedarknessandwashealed.HewentfromsetbacktocomebackandbeyondbecausehebelievedGodovereverythinghewasexperiencing.

Whenthedarknessdescends,youhaveachoice:Youcanwallowingriefandself-pity,blameGod,andbecomeself-destructive;oryoucanturntoGod,letHimmendyourbrokenheart,andexchangeyourgriefforhopeandyourself-pityforfaith.Ifyouchoosethelatter,youcanaskHimtoshowyouthenextsteptotake.ThenHewillsupernaturallyenableyoutobegintomoveforwardagain.

Don’tmisunderstandme.Whenyoulosesomeoneyoulove,youneedtogothroughthenormalgrievingprocess.Youcan’tholdsorrowinside.YoumustreleaseitandgiveittotheLord.YoumustallowHimtobeyourRefuge.Youmustalsoallowotherstocomfortyouandhelpyoumovethroughtheprocessofgrieving.ThenyoumustmoveforwardwithGod.Itisunhealthytoletgrieftakeoveryourlife.ThisisallowingasetbacktoovertakeyouandrobyouofthecomebackGodhasforyou.

WhenyoudecidetopraiseGodandtrustHiminyourdarkesthour,Hewillturnthelightsonagain.Hewillalsogiveyouanidea.

AGodIdeaIsSoMuchBetterThereisadifferencebetweenagoodideaandaGodidea.Good

ideascomefromthemindofahumanbeing;GodideascomefromthemindoftheCreatoroftheUniverse.Goodideasmightcometopassifweworkonthem;GodideaswillcertainlycometopassifwedothingsHis

way.People’sgoodideasaredependantuponhumanknowledgeandstrength;God’sideasaredependantupondivinerevelationandpower.

ThereisagreatstoryabouttheapostlePaulandhispreachingpartner,Silas,inthebookofActs,chapter16.PaulwantedtopreachinAsia,butGodsaid,“That’sagoodidea,butit’snotMyidea.”AsPaulandSilascontinuedontheirmissionaryjourney,everywheretheywentGodsaid,“No.That’sagoodidea,butit’snotMyidea.”

PaulandSilasknewthatiftheydidwhattheythoughtwasagoodidea,theywouldbeproceedingintheirownwisdomandpower.TheywantedGod’ssupernaturalwisdomandpowertoseethemthroughwhatevertheydid,sotheywaitedforHisidea.TheyknewHewouldonlybackHisidea.

Itwasn’tlongbeforePaulhadavisionofamancallingthemtocometoMacedonia.HeknewthatwasaGodidea.ImmediatelyheandSilassetoutforPhilippi,theforemostcityinMacedonia.Afterbeingthereforseveraldays,PaulmetawomanbythenameofLydia,awealthymerchantintheimport/exportbusiness.ShewasthefirstpersontoopenherhearttotheGoodNewsthatJesushadcometorestoreustotheFather.Sheandherhouseholdgotbaptized,andsheinvitedPaulandSilastostayinherhome.ShestartedhavingmeetingsthereandtoldeveryoneshemethowJesushadchangedherlife.

AsPaulandSilaswalkedaboutthecity,aservantgirlkeptharassingtheminastrangeway.ShewascryingoutthatPaulandSilaswereservantsoftheMostHighGod,heretotellthemthewaytobesaved.Whatshewassayingwasokay,butthewayshewassayingitwasdrawingattentiontoPaulandSilas,nottoJesus.Paulsmelledarat,andafterthreedayshegotGod’swisdomonit:thegirlwasdemonpossessed.Theenemywasusingflatterytodistractthem!

ImmediatelyPaulcastthedemonoutofthegirl.Allthesaintswererelievedandrejoicedthatthegirlwassavedandsetfree.PaulandSilaswerefeelinggood.God’sideatocometoPhilippiwasbeingbackedupbyHissupernaturalwisdomandpowertobringthiscitytoJesus.

Unfortunately,theenemydidn’ttakethisdefeatlyingdown,andeventswereabouttotakeanunexpectedturn.PaulandSilaswereabouttohaveamajorsetback.

ARomans8:28MindsetTheservantgirl’smasterswerefuriousbecausePaulhitthemin

theirpocketbook.Theywereusingthedemon-possessedgirlasafortune-teller.Peoplepaidgoodmoneytohearwhatthedemonwastellingthemthroughthegirl.Whenthedemonwasgone,shecouldn’ttellthemanything.TheydraggedPaulandSilasbeforeajudge,accusedthemofruiningtheirbusiness,andincitedthecrowdagainstthem.ThejudgeorderedPaulandSilastobestrippedandbeaten.

NowwhosentPaultoPhilippi?Nothismother-in-laworhisfinancialadvisor!ItwasGod.That’sright.InthemiddleofaGodidea,allhellcanstillcomeagainstyoubecausethedevilhatesitwhenyoudoGod’swill.Why?PeoplebecomeChristians,andhisdemonsgetkickedoutofthosetheyhaveenjoyedpossessing.IwantyoutoknowthatjustbecauseyouarefollowingGod’splanandpurpose,yourlifewillnotbeperfect.Infact,that’swhenthebattlegetsmoreintense.

Beforeyougetallfreakedout,Iwantyoutothinkaboutsomethingforaminute.Godwantstoblessyouanduseyoutodogreatthings,buttheenemywantstodestroyyouanduseyoutodestroyeveryoneandeverythingaroundyou.ThereisgoingtobeabattleuntilJesuscomesbackandkicksthedevilofftheplanetforgood.Inthemeantime,youneedtofacefactsandhavefaithintheGodwhoisfargreaterthanyourenemy.Insteadofgettingdiscouragedanddepressed,youneedtolookforwardtoallthemiraclesandsignsandwondersGodwilldowhenevertheenemytriestotakeyouout!

ThisiswhatIcallaRomans8:28mindset.Romans8:28says,“AndweknowthatinallthingsGodworksforthegoodofthosewholovehim,whohavebeencalledaccordingtohispurpose.”WhenyouactonaGod

ideaandarecommittedtodothingsHisway,whenyoutrustHim,Hewilltaketheworstsetbacksandturnthemintogloriouscomebacks.ARomans8:28mindsetisbelievingthatnomatterwhathappens,Godwilluseitforyourgood—andthegoodofeveryonearoundyou.

That’sthemindsetPaulandSilashadwhenawholecityturnedagainstthemandthingswentfrombadtoworse.Notonlyweretheybeatenuntiltheirbackswereraw,buttheywerechainedtoawallinthedeepest,darkestdungeon.Bigratsprobablyranaroundtheirfeet,whichwereinstocks,stretchingthemtothepointofalmostbreakingtheirpelvicbones.

Thephysicalpainandtormentmusthavebeenexcruciating,buttherewasalsothementalandemotionalanguishofknowingwhatGodhadsentthemtodoandnotbeingabletodoit.ItisinsetbackslikethesethatwedecidetoeitherfeelsorryforourselvesandgiveuporbelieveGodmeantitwhenHewroteRomans8:28tous.

SingingHisPraisesWheneverythingthatcouldgowrongwentwrong,PaulandSilas

begantopray,andthatmakessense.WhenyouarestandingonthedeckofthesinkingTitanic,agoodprayerlike,“Jesus!!!”isagoodresponse!TheycouldhavecussedGodoutandsentafaxtotheotherdisciples,saying,“It’sjustnotworthit,thisbusinessofservingGod,”buttheyprayedinstead.

PaulandSilashadaRomans8:28mindsetandbelievednomatterwhathappenedtothem,Godwouldturnittotheirgood;sotheirprayermusthavebeensomethinglike:“Thankyou,Lord,forbeingwithus,forstrengtheningus,andforturningthiswholesituationaroundsothatwewillbefreetopreachtheGospelandleadmorepeopletoYou.”

HowdoIknowtheyhadthismindsetandprayedthisprayer?Aftertheyprayedtheydidsomethingthatseemstotallyoutrageous.TheybegantosingpraisestoGod!Theysangpraisesongsthroughtheirpain,

theirfear,theiranguish,theiranger,theirdiscouragement—andallthedarknessthatsurroundedtheminthenaturalrealmandinthespiritrealm.TheywerepraisingGodinadvanceforansweringtheirprayer.

Let’sgetreal.Mostofuswouldn’treactthatway.Morethanlikelywewouldcry,“God,ImusthavemissedYouonthisone.Getmeouttaheeere!”Youcanreallytellwhatsomebodyisallaboutwhentheyarepressedbeyondthelimitsoftheirpatienceandendurance.Whatisinsideofthemwillcomeout.PaulandSilaswerepressed,andtheysangpraisetoGod.Thatsaysalotaboutwhatwasinthem—alotofJesus!

I’llbehonest.WhenIfirststartedservingGod,that’snothowIresponded.WhenIwasinBibleschool,IstudiedtheBibleandprayedalot,butI’dgothroughseasonsofreallymessingup.I’dbedoingreallygreatandthenjustgetstupid.CanyouidentifywithwhatI’msaying?I’dbestudying,praying,andbelievingGodforbigthings;andthennobodywouldinvitemetopreach.Iwascalledtobeapreacherandnoonewouldinviteme.

IrememberonenightIwassomad,IdecidedIwasgoingtoquittheministry.IwasdrivingaroundlisteningtoTeddyPendergrass,“TurnOfftheLights,”whenIdecided,“I’mnotgoingtobeapreacher.I’mgoingtobeaTeddyPendergrass.”Whenlittlekidsdon’tgettheirway,theythrowatantrum.That’swhatIwasdoing.Ididn’tgettopreachsoIwasactingup.IneverwouldhavemadeitinthedarkdungeonofPhilippi!

PaulandSilaswerepressedandyettheyjustkeptpraising.Canyouhearthebeat?Theywererappin’forJesus,“It’sstillgonnawork.It’sstillgonnawork.”Andtheotherprisonersheardthem.Somebodyisalwayswatchingyourlife!

“Suddenly”isGod’sStyleWhenmidnightcameandPaulandSilasweresingingaway,

suddenlyanearthquakeshookthewholeprison.GodalwaysshowsupwhenyoupraiseandworshipHim,especiallywhenyouarecarryingout

Hisidea.Often,Hedoesthingssuddenly.That’sHisstyle.Ilikewhatthelate,greatpreacherE.V.Hillsaidaboutthis:“Ibelievetheangelswereenjoyingthesongandstompingtheirfeettothebeat,anditcausedanearthquake!”

Whentheearthquakehit,allthedoorsintheprisonopenedandeveryprisoner’schainsfelloff.PaulandSilashadpraisedGod,andtheirpraisesloosedeverybodyaroundthem.Theirsingingcreatedasupernaturalatmosphereoffreedomthatwassopowerfuleventhedoorshadtoopenandthechainshadtocomeundone!

Ifwegetloosedfromchainsoffearandangerandpovertyandsickness,thenwecanlooseourfamilyandthosearoundus.Itonlytakesonetogetoutofthedungeonandhelptherest.That’swhatPaulandSilasdid.Justassuddenlyasthedoorsopenedandthechainsfelloff,thejailerwokeupandassumedalltheprisonershadfled.Hedrewhisswordtokillhimselfratherthanfacedeathatthehandsofhissuperiorsforlosingtheprisoners.Paulknewthisandimmediatelycalledout,“Don'tharmyourself!Weareallhere!”

Thejailerheardthem,calledforalight,andrandowntothedungeon.HefellatthefeetofPaulandSilasandasked,“WhatmustIdotobesaved?”(Acts16:30).

Paulsaid,“BelieveintheLordJesus,andyouwillbesaved—andyourhousehold”(Acts16:31).Thejailerandhisentirehouseholdweresavedandbaptizedthatverynight.IwouldcallthataRomans8:28moment!

Suddenlytherewasanearthquake.Suddenlythedoorsflewopen.Suddenlythechainsfelloffandthestockscameundone.Suddenlythejailor,hisfamily,andallhisservantshadfaithinJesusandmadeHimtheirRefuge—justbecausePaulandSilashadpraisedGod.Andthen,thenextday,suddenlythemagistratesofthetowndiscoveredPaulwasaRomancitizenandknewtheywereinbigtroubleforthewaytheyhadtreatedhim.Suddenly,heandSilaswerefreetogo.TheystoppedatLydia’shousetosaygood-byeandencouragethesaints,andthenthey

wereontothenextGodidea.

ALetterofEncouragementScholarsbelievethejailorwasthefirstpastorofthechurchin

Philippi.NodoubthewasatLydia’shousewhenPaulandSilassaidgood-byeandcontinuedmeetingwiththeotherbelieversthere.HewastaughtbyLuke,thephysician,andthenmadeseniorpastorofthePhilippians.Later,PaulwrotealettertothePhilippians,andthatletterisatremendousencouragementtoallbelievers—eventoday.

Watchingafootballgameontelevision,Isawadefensivebackinterceptapassandrunfortyyardstomakeatouchdown.Hehadatowelhangingfromhispantswithsomethingwrittenonit.Oneannouncersaid,“There’ssomethingwrittenonhistowel.”Thenanotherannouncerreadittothecrowd,“Philippians4:13,IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhostrengthensme.”Thecrowdwentwildoverthetouchdown,andIwentwildoverwhatwaswrittenonthattowelbecauseIneededtohearthosewordsthatday!ThosewordswerewrittentomefrommyFather.HeusedPaul,butIrecognizedHisvoice.

IfPaulandSilashadgivenupandhadrunawayatthefirstsignoftroubleinPhilippi,scaredofthatdemon-possessedgirlandwhatmighthappeniftheycastthedemonout,thentheremayneverhavebeenayoungmanmakingatouchdownwithPhilippians4:13writtenonhistoweltwothousandyearslater.Hemightneverhavemadethetouchdown,andhemightneverhavebeenawitnesstothepowerofpraisingGodinallthings.

Throughitall,inthedepthsofhisspiritPaulbelieved,Godisable.Hecanstilldoit.It’sgoingtobeallright.Hewilltakethissetbackandmakeamiraculouscomebackoutofit!

Letmetellyousomethingaboutlife:You’regoingtoletyourselfdown,andpeoplearegoingtoputyoudownandletyoudown,butGodisabletohelpyoubackup—ifyoukeeptherightattitudeandbelieve.Have

faith.KeepaRomans8:28attitude.Youaresaying,“IbelieveGodovermycircumstances.IbelieveGodovermyownstupidity.IbelieveGodovereverythingIam.EvenifI’maknuckleheadsometimes,Godisn’taknucklehead!Hecantransformmythinkingandenablemetoriseabovemymistakesandsetbacks.”

ThePayoffinDarkTimesInthemidstofthedarkness,inthetimesofgreatestpain,oftenthat

iswhenwegainourgreatestrevelationsofGodandHisloveforus.Davidwrotehisgreatestpsalmsinthemidstofhisdeepestpain.Paulwrotemostofhislettersfromprison.

WhenPaulbecameaChristian,theotherdisciplesdidn’twanttohangoutwithhim.Theyrejectedhimbecausetheydidn’ttrusthim.Sowheredidhego?HewenttoArabia.That’sthedesert,thewilderness.Whenpeoplerejectyouanddon’tunderstandyou,youreachapointwhereyoudon’tknowwhotocall,whattodo,orwheretogo.Whenyoucan’tgoforward,backward,orsidewaystogetoutofwhereyouare;youhavetogoup,andthat’swhereyoubumpintoGod.It’sinthosewhere-can-I-go-but-GodexperiencesthatHegetsyoualltoHimselfandyouhearHimmostclearly.

TheBiblesaysthatPaulwasintheArabianDesertforfourteenyears!Whatwashedoingallthattime?HewasservinginthechurchesthereandbeingtaughtbyJesus(Galatians1:12,2:1).Hedidn’tgetitsecondhandfromPeterortherestoftheapostles.Hegotitdirectlyfromthetop.Ibelieveyoucanliveagoodlifebasedonsecondhandrevelation,buttoliveaGodlifeyoumusthavefirsthandrevelation.That’showyoureallygettoknowHim;andknowingHimrevealswhoyouareinawaythatstickswithyouforever.

CarlLewishadarevelationthathewasagreatrunner.Heknewhewascreatedtorunfastandtowin.Hewassoconfidentthatpeoplethoughthewascocky,butheworkedhardandtrainedhard.Hewassoset

onwinning,hedidn’tevenlookforanybodyelseintheraceandwasfamousforthewayhethrewouthischest,flewacrossthefinishline,andwentlookingforthegoldmedal.

WhenyouhavearevelationrightfromGodthatyouareawinnerwhoisdestinedtoaccomplishcertainthings,thedarktimesofpainandsuffering,ofwaitingandwatching,oftrainingandlearning—aretimeswhenyoucanpraiseHimandenjoyHispresenceinyourlife.Furthermore,whenyougetoutofthatdarktimeandtheenemyistheretotryandstopyoufromdoingwhatyouknowyouwereborntodo,youarenotgoingtobackdown,giveup,orsingtheblues.YouaregoingtocontinuetosingpraisestotheGodofyourcomeback!

IrememberthepainandlonelinessIfeltwhenmydaddiedandagainwhenmysisterdied,butItookrefugeintheRefuge.IdiscoveredthatwhenIforcedmyselftopraiseandworshipHim,Hecomfortedme.Hestrengthenedme.AndHegavemeideas.Hetoldmethenextsteptotake.Yes,thereweretimeswhenIranfromHimandmessedupwhatHewantedtodoinmylife,butIhavealwaysreturnedtoHimformycomeback.Today,Idon’teverwanttoleaveHimagain.IwanttolivemylifewithHim,praisingHimforallHehasdone,allHeisdoing,andallHeisgoingtodo.

IhavelearnedthatwhenthelastthingIwanttodoispraiseGod,that’swhenIneedtopraiseHim.Yousee,somethinghappenswhenyoupraiseGod.HecomesonthesceneandinvadesyourspacewithHispeaceandpower.Itisspiritual,butitistangible.DavidknewthiswhenhewrotePsalm22:3.HesaidGodliterallyinhabitedhispraises—andHe’sstilldoingittoday!

Whenyouhitasetbackandthingsgetreallydark,praisetheonlyOnewhocangiveyoupeaceandshowyouthewayout.

LettherighteousrejoiceintheLORDandtakerefugeinhim;letalltheuprightinheartpraisehim!

—Psalm64:10

Chapter 11: Becoming God'sChampion

“YousaidthatIshouldberealistic.Well,Iambeingrealistic,anditdoesn’tlookgood.Therearesomanyproblems!I’mwonderingifeverythingI’mdoingisworthit.Imean,beingrealistic,itlookslikethereisnowayIcandothis.”

Therearetwotypesofrealists:unbelievingrealistsandbelievingrealists.Unbelievingrealistslookatthefactsandtheinformationavailabletothemandmakedecisionsbasedonwhattheyknowbynaturalmeans.Theymakechoicesbaseduponhumanthoughtandnaturaldata.BelievingrealistsarecalledbelieversbecausetheybelievewhatGodpromisedthemoveranythingtheyencounterinthenaturalrealmoflife.Theydon’tdenythecircumstances;theybelieveGodcanchangethecircumstances,usethecircumstancestotheiradvantage,orovercomethecircumstancesaltogether.TheymakedecisionsbaseduponwhatGodhassaidtothemdeepintheirhearts,whichisdivinerevelation.

Whendivinerevelation,oraGodidea,overridesyourhumanthinkingandknowledge,yourfaithinGodreleasesHimtoperformmiraclesinyourlife,miraclesofallshapesandsizes.I’mallforeducationandtraininginthefieldsyouarecalledtomaster,butyouhadbetterhaveadivinerevelation,anunderstandingfromGodthatthisisHiswillandwayforyou.Thereasonisbecausewhenallhellbreaksloose,youhavetoknowdeepinyourheartthatHesentyouintothatmess!IfHesentyouin,Hewillgetyouout.Remember,Hehasalreadypreparedacomebackforwhateversetbackyouencounter.

Giants,Grasshoppers,andGodWhenGodusedMosestoleadthepeopleofIsraeloutofEgypt,He

promisedthemanewland.ItwasaGodidea.Infact,thePromisedLand

wasthelandHehadgiventotheirancestorAbraham.Hegaveittohimandtoallhisdescendants.AfterthemiraculoustrekthroughthepartedRedSea,GodbroughtthemstraighttotheborderofthePromisedLandandsaid,“Thisisit!Checkitout.”(SeeNumbers13.)

ItwasneveraquestionofwhetherornotthepeopleofIsrealcouldpossesstheland;itwasjustamatterofsurveyingwhatwasthereandwhattheyneededtodotopossessit.Likeaprouddadwhohasspentallnightputtingtogetherhiskid’sfirstbicycle,Godwantedthemtoseehowbountifulandbeautifultheirlandwas.HewantedthemtoseeeverythingHehadpreparedforthem.

Moseschosetwelvementoexploretheland.Hesaid,“Walkthroughthelandandseewhatitislike.Isthesoilfertileordoesitneedwork?Bringbackwhateverfruitsandvegetablesarethere.Andfindoutwhatkindofpeoplelivethereandhowmanythereare.Dotheyliveinfortifiedandarmedcities?Wewanttoknowexactlywhatweareupagainst,ifanything.”

Moseswasabelievingrealist.HeacteduponGod’sideatocheckouttheland,believingGodwoulddeliverwhatHehadpromised.ThetwelvemendidwhatMosestoldthemtodoandreturnedcarryinghugebasketsoffruit.TheyconfirmedthatwhatGodhadpromisedwastrue.Thelandwasbeautifulandrichwithfood.Theyalsoreportedthatthecitieswereverylargeandheavilyfortified,andthepeoplelivinginthelandwerepowerful.AmongthemwerethedescendantsofAnak,oldenemiesofIsraelwhoweregiants.

Nowwearegoingtoseewhoaretheunbelievingrealistsandwhoarethebelievingrealists.Withouteventhinking,Caleb(oneofthetwelvespies)spokehisheart:“Weshouldgoupandtakepossessionoftheland,forwecancertainlydoit”(Numbers13:30).BothCalebandJoshuabelievedwhatGodhadpromised:thelandwastheirs.Ifthelandwastheirs,andGodhadgivenittothem,Hewouldseethattheypossessedit—giantsandall.

Thentheothertenspiesargued,“"Wecan'tattackthosepeople;they

arestrongerthanweare…Weseemedlikegrasshoppersinourowneyes,andwelookedthesametothem”(Numbers13:31,33).Theywentsofarastosaythatnotonlydidtheyfeellikegrasshoppers,buttheyweresurethegiantssawthemasgrasshoppers.Howdidtheyknowthis?TheybelievedwhattheysawanddiscountedwhatGodhadsaid.

Whenthespiesgavetheirreports,CalebandJoshuaweretheonlybelievingrealists.Theydidn’tdenytherewerechallengesahead,buttheyalsoknewGodwasbiggerandHispromiseandpowerweregreaterthananythingtheyfaced.Afterall,HehadjustpartedtheRedSeaforthem!Unfortunately,thepeoplewentwiththetenunbelievingrealists.Basically,theyfreakedoutoverthegiantsandadoptedthegrasshoppermentality.Asaresult,GodpostponedIsraeltakingthelandforfortyyears,untilthatgenerationdied.NoneofthosewhoadoptedthegrasshoppermentalityenteredthePromisedLand!

Whatisreallyinterestingaboutthisisthatfortyyearslater,whenIsraelwentintotakethePromisedLand,oneoftheinhabitantstoldJoshua,“Wewerescaredstiffofyouguys!WehadheardhowyourGodhadfreedyoufromPharaoh,partedtheRedSea,anddoneallthesemiraclestogetyouhere.Wefigureditwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeyoutookover.IdecidedalongtimeagothatIwantedtobeonthesideofyouandyourGod!”(SeeJoshua2:9-13.)

ThelessonlearnedhereisthatwhenGodgivesyouapromise,don’tbackoffofit,regardlessofthecircumstances.WhenyouarefacinggiantsandallyouhaveisapromisefromGod,rememberthatthegrasshoppermentalitywillabortGod’scomeback.Youmustslayanysignofagrasshoppermentalityifyouwanttomoveoutofyoursetbackintoyourcomeback.

SlaytheGrasshopperMentalityThetenIsraelitespiessawnothingbutdefeatbecausetheyhada

grasshoppermentality.Theysawthemselvesasgrasshoppersand

believed(mistakenly)thatthegiantsandallthepeopleinthePromisedLanddidtoo.Itwastrue,thegiantshadanastyreputationandthecitiesweregreatandfortified;butIsraelandherGodalsohadareputationthatprecededthem,andeventhegiantswereterrifiedofthem!

CalebandJoshuadidn’tknowthattheinhabitantsofthePromisedLandwereafraidofthepeopleofIsrael,buttheyknewwhatnooneelseknew:Theydidn’tlooklikegrasshoppersinGod’seyes,andHisweretheonlyeyesthatcounted.TheyknewthisbecausetheybelievedHispromiseoverwhattheyfaced.ThegrasshoppermentalitybelievesGodissmallandweakandunabletohelp.TheygrasshoppermentalitycanalsobelieveGodisablebutnotwillingtohelp.Theysaysthingslike,“WhywouldGodbebotheredwiththeproblemsoflittle,’oleme?He’sgottheuniversetorun.”Precisely!HelpingHispeopleisrunningtheuniverse!

Thetenlookedlikegrasshoppersintheirowneyes.Itwastheirownperception,andhumanperceptioncanbedeceiving.Unfortunately,itisalawthatyouwillgetwhatyoubelieve,say,andactupon.Remembertheoldsaying,“Whatyouseeiswhatyouget”?It’sanoldsayingbecauseitisabiblicalprinciplethatalwaysholdstrue.Ifyouseeyourselfasaloserandsayyouarealoser,that’swhatyouwillbe.Again,thegrasshoppermentalitywillkillyourdreamsandthedestinyGodhasforyou.

Doyourememberthecowardlylioninthemovie,TheWizardofOz?Everyoneknewhewasalion,buthedidn’thaveacluehewasalion.Hewasafraidbecausehedidn’tknowwhohereallywas.Don’tbelikethecowardlylion.Godseesyouasachampionbecausehemadeyoutobeachampion.Thatisthereality.Yourenemyknowsyouareachampion,sohedoeseverythinghecantoconvinceyouthatyouaren’t!

UntilyouslaythegrasshoppermentalityandbelieveGod’spromiseisgreaterthanyourcircumstances,untilyouseeyourselfasHischampionandbegintospeakandactlikethechampionHemadeyoutobe,youwillallowthegiantstostealeverythingHehasforyou,includingyourcomeback.

DealingWithGiantsOvertheyearsIhaveidentifiedthreemajorgiantsthatwefaceina

setback.Theyencourageyoutohaveagrasshoppermentality.Thesebigguyssitoneverypromise,vision,anddreamGodhasgivenyouanddareyoutoknockthemoff.Unfortunately,manypeopleneverdoknockthemoff,ortheyneverknockoffallofthem.Theyjustdealwithoneortwoandlettheotherone(s)stealtheirlifefromthem.ThesethreegiantshavebeenstealingpromisesfromGod’speopleforthousandsofyears,andtheyarejustaspowerfultodayastheywereinthedaysofMoses.

Giant#1—FearThefirstgiantisfear.Fearalmostdefeatedthecowardlylion.Fear

diddefeatthepeopleofIsraelwhobelievedthetenspiesinsteadofJoshuaandCaleb.Fearisanemotionofalarmandagitationcausedbytheexpectationorrealizationofdanger.HaveyoueverheardfeardefinedasFalseEvidenceAppearingReal?IfGodcallsyoutodosomethinggreat,agiantfearalwaysattacksyou.

Thisgiantwillsitonyourshoulderandwhisperallkindsof“Whatifs”inyourear.Itwillputpicturesofcalamity,tragedy,andfailureinyourhead.Fearisoneoftheenemy’sbesttools,andthereisonlyonewaytodefeatit:Throwoutthenegativeandscarywhatifs,thoughts,andpicturesandreplacethemwithwhatGodhassaidtoyou.ItmightbeaverseofScripturethatyoureadanditjustleapedintoyourheartorsomethingtheSpiritofGodtoldyouyearsagoandyouknowitistrue.

Holdontothetruth!KeepyourfocusandfaithonGod.AllowHispeaceandsovereignpowertodriveoutallfear.

Giant#2—DoubtThesecondgiantisdoubt.Doubtmeanstobeundecidedorskeptical

aboutsomething.It’salackofconviction.It’sbeingdouble-minded.Oneminuteyou’reup,thenextminuteyou’redown.Yousay,“Well,I’mprettysureitwillwork,butI’mnottoosure.”Doubtisacrackinyour

faith.Youhaven’treallydecidedyoutrustGod100percent.YoustillthinkHemaynotcomethroughforyou.

Thereisonlyonewaytodealwithdoubt.Youstopitatthethoughtlevel.ThemomentyouhaveapictureinyourmindoranideafloatsthroughthatiscontrarytowhatGodhaspromisedyou,youthrowitout!ThenyoufillyourmindwithpicturesandideasthatillustratewhatHehaspromisedandwilldo.YouturnyourfocusuponwhatHehasgivenyoutodorightnowanddoit.

Ifyoudon’tcatchdoubtinyourmind,youwillhearitcomingoutofyourmouth!Thenyouneedtosay,“OhGod,forgiveme,”anddeclarethetruth,whichiswhatHehassaidtoyou.Whenyouthinkandspeakwordsoffaith,youwillcloseupanygapsofdoubtthathavecreptin.

Giant#3—UnbeliefThethirdgiantisunbelief,whichobviouslymeansnottobelieve.

Withdoubt,youbelievebuthaveaholeinthatbelief.Withunbelief,yousimplydonotbelieve.Tobelievemeanstoplacecompletetrustinorconfidenceinsomeoneorsomething,sowhenyouhaveunbelief,youaresaying,“Ijustdon’tbelieveGodwilldowhatHesaidHewoulddo.”

Letmeaskyouthis.Ifyoudon’tbelieveGodwilldowhathesaysHewilldo,whodoyoubelieve?Thereareonlythreechoicesleft:yourself,anotherhumanbeing,ortheenemy.Thinkaboutit.Youknowtheenemyisaliarandonlywantstohurtyou.Youknowyouarenot100percenttrustworthy;infact,nohumanbeingis100percentfaithfultoeverythingtheysay.Whodoyouknowwhois?Godistheonlyone.

Togetridofunbelief,youhavetobuildyourfaithinGod;andluckyforyou,HetoldyouinHisWordhowtodothat!Romans10:17saysthatfaithtakesholdofyourlifeandbanishesallunbeliefby“hearing”theWordofGod.“Hearing”meanstohearinyourheart.Yourearsdon’tjustphysicallyhearandyoureyesdon’tjustphysicallyseethewords,butthewordsgodeepintoyourheartandbecomeapartofyou.God’swordsareseedsthatcanonlyproducefaithinHimthatHewilldowhatHe

promisedtodo.Didyouknowthatwordsareseedsplantedinyourmindandheart?

Seedswillalwaysproduceaftertheirownkind,justlikeinthenaturalworld.Ifyouplantacornseed,youaregoingtogetaharvestofcorn,notpotatoes.Inthesameway,ifyouhearyourfriendssayyouwillneveramounttoanything,thoseseedswillproduceinsecurityandself-hatred.That’swhyyouhavetobecarefulwhatyouhearandsee.Dothewordsyouhearandseeproducefaithorfear,hopeordiscouragement,loveorhate,andsoon?

ThewordsGodwrotetoyouintheBiblearesupernaturallychargedtoproducefaithinHimandHispromisestoyou.HiswordscarrydivineDNAandmiraculouslytransformyourmindtothinklikeHimandactlikeHim.UnbeliefinyourheartsimplymeltsawayinthefaceofthesupernaturalpowerbehindGod’sWord.There’saversethatreallysaysitall.Hebrews4:12nltsays,“ThewordofGodisaliveandpowerful.”

Todefeatallofthegiants—fear,doubt,andunbelief—justgetintheBible.Findatranslationthatiseasyforyoutoreadandunderstand.Readit.Studyit.Meditateonitduringyourday.Insteadofworryingaboutthestockmarketoryourkid’sgradesorwhetherornotyou’regoingtobelaidoff,thinkabouttheversesyoureadthatmorning.Measureallthingsinyourlifebyit.Letitbeyourstandardandyourguideinyourwalkoffaith.Thenyouwillbeabelievingrealistandslaythegrasshoppermentalityanditsgiants.

Ifyoulooktootherpeople,evenotherChristians,foryourstandardoffaith,youwillfluctuatefromdaytoday;butifyoumeasureyourselfbyGod’sWord,youwillbuildyourfaithinHimmoreandmoreeachday.Youwillseethatyourgiantsoffear,doubt,andunbeliefaresmallandimpotentwhentheyareputupagainstHimandHisloveforyou.

DoyourememberthefirstU.S.OlympicbasketballDreamTeam?ItwascomprisedofNBAgreatsMichaelJordan,MagicJohnson,LarryBird,CharlesBarkley,DavidRobinson,PatrickEwing,ScottiePippen,ClydeDrexler,KarlMalone,JohnStockton,ChrisMullin,andChristian

Laettner—probablyoneofthemostprestigiouslistsinbasketballhistory.TheywentintotheOlympicsknowingtheyhadthebestteamintheworld.Theycouldwhipeverybody,andtheydid!Therewasnofear,nodoubt,andnounbeliefinthoseboys.Theydidn’tlookattheotherteamsandfeellikegrasshoppers;theyknewwhotheywereandwhattheycoulddo.

YouarepartofGod’sDreamTeam!NowI’mnottalkingaboutbeingarrogant,obnoxious,andself-centered;I’mtalkingabouthavingarealisticunderstandingthatyouareHischild,Helovesyou,andHewillmoveHeavenandEarthtoseethatyouareprotectedandhaveeverythingyouneedtosucceed.I’mtalkingaboutknowingwhoyouareandwhatyoucandothroughJesusChristwhostrengthensyou.Thatwaswhatwaswrittenonthetowelofthatfootballplayer,anditwasthetruth!

WhyYouNeedTruthIfyoudon’thaveGod’struthonamatteroranissue,thenyouwon’t

beabletoovercomeyoursetbacksandgettoHiscomeback.I’lltellyouwhy.OnlyHistruthisgoingtoholdyousteadyandkeepyoustrongwhenyouencounterthegiantsandaretemptedtoseeyourselfasagrasshopper.

EverytimeyouhaveaGodidea,someoneorsomethingwillchallengeyourmissiontocarryitout.Youcan’tavoidthis,butGodwillalwaysbeyourstrengthtoovercomeit.Expecttheoppositionandprepareyourselfforit.ManypeoplewhohaveaGodideanevergetthroughtheopposition,andtheyneverfulfilltheirpurposeordestinybecausetheythoughtitwouldjustbeawalkinthepark.Theydidn’tknowtheyweregoingtohavetofighttheirwayoutofsetbackstocomebackandgobeyond.

WhenyouactonaGodidea,acceptthatyouaregoingtohavetofaceanddobattlewithsomeoldenemiesandsomenewenemies.MostoftheIsraelitesthoughtthatoncetheywereoutofPharaoh’sterritoryandintothePromisedLand,everythingwouldbeperfect.Theythoughtthey

wouldjustmarchinandhaveagreatlife.Letmetellyousomething.Godgivesyouthesight,theright,andthemighttodogreatthings,butyouhavetodevelopthefight!

Theonlywayyouaregoingtobeabletofightyourwaythroughandtakeyourpromisedlandisbyknowingthetruthandnotbudgingfromit.It’snotenoughjusttoknowwhatGodsaid;youmustbelieveit,liveit,andrefusetobackoffofit.ThetwelvementhatwentintospyoutthePromisedLandwerethebestIsraelhadtooffer.AllofthemknewthepromiseGodhadmadetothem,butonlytwo,JoshuaandCaleb,stuckwithit.TheychoseGod’struthoverhumanopinionandnaturalcircumstances.That’sthefightyouhavetowininordertogetyourcomeback.

Becarefulwithwhomyouchoosetoassociate.Don’tspendtimewithnegativepeople.Itrubsoff.Theirwordswillkillyourfaith.IfGodgivesyoutheideaofsellingrealestate,theywillsay,“Youcan’tsellhousesinthisarea.Thisisaverydepressedcommunity.”IfGodgivesyouthedesiretomovetoLosAngeles,theywillsay,“ThereisahugefaultrunningthroughthereandonedaythewholestateofCaliforniaisgoingtocollapseintotheocean.”Doesn’tthatsoundjustlikethetenunbelievingspies?

Isn’titamazingthatwhenyoufaceoppositiontoaGodidea,theenemysays,“Thisistheworstproblemyouhaveeverfaced.Youcan’tdothis.”Don’tbuyintohislie!Nomatterhowimpossiblethecircumstancesappeartobe,Godhaspreparedaway.Hewillnottellyoutoaccomplishsomethingwithoutgivingyouthemeanstodoit.

ContendforthePromiseIwanttogiveyouathree-wayremedytokickgiantsoffyour

promise.1.Youmusthaveproperknowledge.2.Youmusthaveproperrelationship.

3.Youmusthaveproperexperience.Knowledgebringsthingsintotherightperspective.Whenyouare

fightingagiantyouhavetobeknowledgeableaboutthesituationinordertobringitintoperspectiveandeliminatethefear,doubt,andunbelief.Inthemilitaryitissaidyoumustknowtheenemyinordertoprepareawinningbattlestrategy.Thisistrueinspiritualbattlesaswell.TheBiblesaysinHosea4:6thatGod’speoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge.

Someofthethingswefearreallyaren’tthatscaryafterwegettherightknowledge,relationship,andexperience.IfoundthatoutwhenaministerfriendofmineaskedmetogowithhimforaweektoCalgaryinAlberta,Canada,tospendsometimeprayingandseekingtheLord.Isaid,“Okay,thatsoundsgreat.”

Thenhesaid,“I’mgoingtotakemybowandarrow,andIwanttobuyyouone.”

Isaid,“I’mnotreallyintobowsandarrows.I’mfromthecity.”Hesaid,“Comeon,it’sfun,greatrecreation.”Soheboughtmea

bowandsomearrowsandpaidforlessonsonhowtoshootatatarget.Isaid,“Fine,I’llgoshootatatarget.”Thisguywasabitofacomedianandtwodaysbeforethetriphe

said,“Nowlisten.We’regoingbearhuntingwithbowsandarrows.”Isaid,“Well,forgetyou!I’mnotgoingbearhuntingwithanybow

andarrow.I’mafraidofbears!Idon’tevenliketogotothezoo.”Hesaid,“It’stoolate.Thetripisalreadypaidfor.Tim,youneed

someadventureinyourlife.You’realwayscaughtupinhelpingeverybodyelse,thisisgoingtobegoodforyou.”

WhatcouldIdo?Isaid,“Okay,I’llgoandshoottargets.MaybeonetimeI’llgoouttherewithyou,buthuntingbearsisnotforme.Iwanttogofishingorsomethingelse.”

WearrivedinCanadaandIdiscoveredhehadfoundoutmysizeandboughtmeacompletecamouflageoutfit.ThenhetoldmeIhadtopaint

myface.Canyoupicturethat?ThentheguidesknewIwasnogreathunter.TheylaughedandteasedmeabouthowafraidIwasofbears.Allnightaroundthecampfire,theytoldstoriesaboutbearattacks.Theysaidbearscanrunfasterthanhorsesandclimbtrees.Itwasbearnight.

IwassofreakedoutIcouldn’tsleep.EverytimeIheardthetentmove,Iwouldstartpraying,“OhJesus.”Thenextmorningwewereupatthecrackofdawn,whichwasfinewithmesinceIhadn’tsleptawinkanyway.Wewereeachassignedahuntingguide.Minewastheyoungestinthegroup,twenty-two-years-old,chewingtobaccoandspitting.Iwasnotexcitedaboutthisexcursion!IdecidedmoneytalkssoIsaidtomyguide,“I’llpayyouextramoney.Thisisjustbetweenyouandme.Don’ttakemearoundanybears.Doyouunderstand?Idon’twanttoseeanybears.”

Hesaid,“Okay.I’lltakeyoutoanareawherewehaven’tseenanybearsforweeks.JustdowhatIsay’causethey’realreadyteasingyou.”

Ifyou’veneverbeenonabearhuntletmeenlightenyouastohowthisworks.Theytakeyououtinthewoods,andyouhavetoclimbuponthisthingcalledatreestand.Thentheyputoutbaitabouttwentyyardsawayandcoveritwithbranches.Theythrowoutsomedonutswithsyruptotrytolurethebear.

Mytrustedguidetookmetomytreestandandsaid,“Don’tworryaboutanything.Youain’tgonnaseenobear.”

IwasfeelinggoodasIclimbeduponthetreestand.Ihadonmyboots,mycamouflagesuit,andmygreenhat.Myfacewaspainteduprealgood.Thenmyguidetoldmetorubthisscentonsothebearcouldn’tsmellme.Itwasmadewithfoxurineandcameinatube.ThatiswhereIdrewtheline.Thiscityslickerwasn’tabouttoputthaton!

Iwasallsettleddowninthetree,andallofasuddenIheard,“Blaaaa,Koahhhh!”TherewasGentleBenintheflesh.Thisbearwastearingthroughthewoodscrushingeverythinginhispath.I’veneverbeensoscaredinmylife.Ihadonlybeenshootingabowandarrowfor

twodays.Idon’tlikeheights.Idon’tlikethewilderness.Idon’tlikebears.Iwasshakingsohardmyteethwerechattering.Iwasthinkingaboutwhatthoseguyssaid,“They’llclimbtrees,ripyourfaceoff,andchaseyoudownifyoutrytorun.”Mylifewaspassingbeforemyeyes.Iwasfinishedforsure.

Thebearcamecloser.Hewassniffingtheair.Ithought,Whydidn’tIputonthatfoxurine?HewassniffingtheairandIknewhesmelledme.Hesawme,eventhoughItriedtohidebehindalittlebranchofthetree.IprayedlikeIhadneverprayedbefore.

Whenhestooduponhishindpaws,IgotsoscaredIhonestlythought,I’mgoingtojumpoutofthistreeandjustlethimkillmequickly.Iwasstaringdownthethroatofabigbearwithonlyabowandarrow.Nogun,noknife.Honestly,itwastorment.

Thisbearwassmart.That’showhegotsobigbecausenoonehadgottenhimyet.Helookedforthedonuts,makingsurehisbodywasshieldedfromwhereIwas.Hewaswatchingmethewholetime.Hegothimselfaglazeddonut,staringatmeashelickedhischops.Hegobbleddownhisdonutandtookoffcrashingthroughthewoodsdowntowardtheriver.

Ibreathedasighofrelief,“Thankyou,God.”Thenbackhecameformorefood.Thistimehewasreallygrowlingandsnarling—notagoodsign.Hewasmad.Hewasagitated.Andthenmytraininginthetruthkickedin.ThegoodseedIhadplantedallthoseyearscameupfast!

IwasexperiencingtheworstfearIhadeverknown,butsuddenlytheknowledgeIhadlearnedsurfacedinmymind.Themanwhohadgivenmethebowandarrowlessonshadsaid,“You’resuchabadshot,I’mgoingtogiveyouthisvideoonwheretoshootabear,andhowtoknowwhatishappeninginthemindofabear.”Iwatchedthatvideooverandoveragain.Nowthatvaluableknowledgewasgoingtokeepmefromperishing!

IgotmadbecauseIwasshakinglikealeaf.Irememberedwhatthe

mansaidinthevideo.Hesaid,“Whenyouhuntabear,don’thititinthefoot,you’lljustaggravatehim.Don’thititintheheadorthebuttocks,oryou’lljustmakehimmad.Tryyourbesttomaneuveryourselftogetagoodshotatthevitals.Hititrightinthechest.”

Thisbearhadbeenworkingmeoverforalmostahalfhour.Icouldn’ttakeitanylonger.Hegaveagreatgrowlandmadethemistakeofstretchinguptoofar.Iknewitwasnoworneverandshotanarrowtowardhischest.Itmissed,butthebearfiguredoutsomeonewasshootingathimandranoffintothewoods.

Idon’tbelieveinkillinganimalsforsport,andIwillnevergobearhuntingagain,butIdobelieveinstayingaliveifadangerousanimalattacks!Whentheguidefoundme,IwishIcouldhavejumpeddownandstruttedmystuff,butIwasstillshakingbecauseIthoughtthebearwouldbringhisfamilyback.BeingfromthestreetsofLA,Iknewthebigbeargangwascomingbacktohelptheircousinfinishmeoff!

CourageUnderFireTheknowledgeIgainedfromthevideo,therelationshipsIhadwith

myinstructorandmyguide,andpastexperiencesofGoddeliveringmefromdanger—thesearethethingsthatsavedmylifethatdayinthewoods.

Alotofpeoplebelievethatiftheyareafraid,thenfearhasovercomethemandtheyarecowards.Thatisjustwhatthedevilwantsthemtobelieve!Thetruthis,itwasnormalformetobeafraidofthatbear,butultimatelyIdidn’tallowmyfear,anydoubts,orunbelieftorulemythoughtsoractions.Iprayed,Itookappropriateaction,andIwasokayintheend.Thinkaboutthis.Couragedoesn’thappenwithoutfear,doubt,andunbelief;courageovercomesallofthesethingstogetthejobdone.

Howdoweknockofffearordoubtorunbelief?SimplefaithinGod.Atthatmomentinthetreestand,myfaithinGodwasthebottomline.IrealizedHehadseentoitthatIhadtheproperknowledge,Hehad

putmeinproperrelationships,andIrememberedallthetimesHehadkeptmealiveinthepast.Hedidn’tputmeinthewoodstoleavemeandletabeargetme,andHewon’tdropyouinthewatertoletyoudrown.Hewon’tliftyouuptoletyoudown.WhenyoutrulyknowHim,youcantrustHim—evenwhenyourbodyisshakingsobadyourteethfeelliketheyaregoingtofallout!

IrememberedthatbeforeDavidfacedGoliath,hehadkilledalionandabearwithhisbarehandstoprotectthesheephewaswatching.Youcanreadaboutthisin1Samuel17:31-37.That’swhyheshowednofearofthegiant.HeknewthatifGodhadgivenhimvictoryoveralionandabear,HewouldcertainlygivehimvictoryoveragiantthatwastryingtodestroyHispeople.

Iwaswithapastorwhowasbuildingalarge4,500-seatchurch.Theywerehalfwayintothebuildingprojectbutthemoneywasn’tcomingin.Hesaidtome,“EverytimeIdrivebythatchurch,it’slikethebuildingyells,‘Iwillneverbebuilt!’Ifinallyrealizeditwasthevoiceoftheenemy.”

Yourgiantswillshoutatyoutoo.“You’llneverloseweight!Godisgoingtomakeyoustaysingleandalonetherestofyourlife!Youdon’thavethefaithtobehealed!Yourkidsaregoingtostaymessedup!Yeah,Godhelpedothersoutoftheirsetbacks,butyouaretoofargone!”

Godisbiggerthananygiantorsetback,andifyoujusthavethecouragetostickwithHim,He’llgetyouthroughit.Whenthegiantsarescreamingyourworstfears,justkeepshoutingback,“Godisgreater!Hewillseemethroughthis!IcandoallthingsthroughJesuswhostrengthensme,andthatincludesgettingoutofthismess!”

StayclosetoGod,theFatherwholovesyouandwillseeyouthroughanyproblem.BycallingonHimandimmersingyourselfinHisWord,whichisthetruth,youwillslaythegrasshoppermentalityandthegiantsoffear,doubt,andunbelief.YouwillbelikeJoshuaandCaleb,marchingintoyourpromisedlandasGod’schampion.

Chapter12:DesperateFaithWhenIwasupinthattreestand,facingahugebearthatwantedto

havemefordinner,Igotdesperate!Therewasonlyonenamethatwascomingoutofmymouth,andthatwas“Jesus!”Desperatecircumstancestriggerdesperatefaith.Whenyourunoutofrope,youwillgrabontowhateverfaithyouhave.Youcometotheveryendofyourselfandyourhumanabilitiesandresources—andthatisagoodthing.

“What!Youhavetheaudacitytotellme,whenI’mtootiredtoeventreadwateranymore,I’mdrowningandgaspingforbreath,thatthat’sagoodthing?Idon’tthinkso!”

Hearmeout.SometimesyouhavetogettotheendofyourselfandgiveuptryingtofixyourlifebeforeGodcanfixyou.Aslongasyouareflailingaroundinthewater,tryingtosaveyourselffromdrowning,Hecan’tgonearyou;butonceyouletgoandsurrendertoHim,Hecanreachdownandpullyouout.

WhenIwasalittlekid,Istruggledinschool.MyteachersaidIwasthebiggestclownshehadeverhadinclass,andmyreadingskillswereespeciallybad.IhadADHDandmasscreativitymixedwithSlurpiesandredlicorice.Losingmydadmadethingsworse,butmymotherkepttellingme,“Youcanmakeit!”

Iknowmymotherwasdesperate.Hersonwasanaccidenthappeningallovertheplace,andsheneededhelp.HerdesperatefaithcriedouttoGodforhelp,andHeansweredherprayers.Aboutthetimemydaddied,IhadaLittleLeaguecoachnamedRonTrejo.Ineededamaninmylifetobelieveinme,andCoachTrejotoldme,“Tim,you’vegotchampionshipqualities,butyouhaveabadattitudeandabadtemper.You’vegottostopcussingeverybodyoutifyou’regoingtobethepersonIknowyoucanbe.”

Ihadasimmeringrageinsideme,butIwasencouragedbywhatmycoachwastellingme.Hecontinuedtobelieveinmeandremainedinmy

lifeevenafterIlefthisteam.Intomyteenageyears,CoachTrejokeptcomingbythehousetomakesureIwasokay.Hetouchedmylifeinapowerfulway,taughtmediscipline,andhelpedchangemefromafrightened,angryboytoamoreconfident,compassionateyoungman.

Fifteenyearslater,Iwasabletoreturnthegreatgiftofencouragementhehadgivenme.Ilookedoutmywindowandsawhimwalkingacrossthestreettowardmyoffice.Hetoldmehewasfacingadesperatesituation.Itwasmyturntosaytohim,“Youcanmakeit!Don’ttakeastepback.Youcangetupfromthatsituationandgoforward.Getuponemoretime.Comeon,it’sinsideofyou.”Hedidn’tstepback;hecamebackandcoachedmoreteamstowinnumeroustitles.

FaithGraspsMiraclesWhatisamiracle?It’ssomethingwecannotexplaininnatural

terms.It’ssomethingweknownohumanbeingdidorcoulddo.It’sbeyondourabilitiesoritoverridesthelawsofnature.Sotheonlywaywearegoingtohaveamiracleisifwhatweneedisbeyondourabilityorthenaturalcourseofthings.That’sascaryplacetobe,anditmakesusdesperate.Isn’titinterestingthatGodisoftenthelastresortwhenthingsgetbad?

WecanlearnagreatdealfromawomanintheBiblewhodemonstrateddesperatefaithinthebookofMark,chapter5.Shehadbeenbleedingformorethantwelveyearsandhadexhaustedbothherstrengthandfinancesseekinghelpfromthemedicalcommunity.Noonecouldhelpher.Shewasconsidereduncleananduntouchableaccordingtothelawsofherculture.

ShewassickandtiredofbeingsickandtiredwhensheheardaboutJesus.SomepeoplesaidHewastheSonofGod.SheheardHewouldtouchpeopleandtheywouldgetwell.SheheardHehadevenraisedsomeonefromthedead.Surely,ifshecouldjusttouchHisclothes,shewouldbehealed.Hewasherlasthope.ShewouldtouchHimandbe

healed—ordietrying,becausethelawsofherpeoplesaidshewasuncleanandcouldn’ttouchanyone.Shemightbestonediftheycaughthertouchinganyone.

WhenshefoundJesus,thecrowdsurroundingHimwasoverwhelming.ItlookedasthoughshewouldneverbeabletomovecloseenoughtotouchHim,butshedidn’tletthatstopher.Shedidwhatshehadtodo.Shedroppedtoherhandsandkneesandstartedcrawlingthroughthedust,dirt,anddonkeydung.Allshecouldseeweresandalsanddirtyfeet,butshedidn’tgiveup.Shekeptsaying,“Iwilllivelifeagain.Iwillbeawifetomyhusbandagain.Iwillbehealed.”ImaginehowshefeltwhenshesawthehemofJesus’robe.ThereHewas,rightinfrontofher,andsoshereachedoutandgrabbedholdofHisclothes.

TheBiblesaysthecrowedwaspressingJesusoneverysideasHemadehiswayalongthestreet.Thatmadeitveryslowgoing!Therewashardlyroomtobreathe.SuddenlyHestoppedandsaid,“Whotouchedme?”

Jesus’disciplesthoughtHehadlostitbecausethereweresomanypeoplearoundHim.Theysaid,“Everyoneistouchingyou!”

Hesaid,“It’sadifferentkindoftouch.IfelthealingpowergooutofMe.”

Thewomanhadn’teventouchedJesus’skin,butHehadfelthertouch.Itwasthesupernaturaltouchofdesperatefaith.Shestood,completelywholeforthefirsttimeintwelveyears,andadmittedshewastheone.Hesaid,“Woman,yourfaithhasmadeyouwhole.”

Thiswomandidfourimportantthings:1.SheheardaboutJesus.2.ShebelievedJesuswastheSonofGodwhocoulddomiracles.3.Shesaidinherheart,“IfIcanjustgettoHim,Iwillbehealed.”4.Sheputactiontowhatshebelieved,feettoherfaith,andfought

forhercomeback.

He’sStillDoingMiraclesTodaywearesosophisticatedandwell-educatedthattoomany

people—evenmostChristians—don’tbelieveGoddoesmiraclesanymore.Somepeopledon’tevenbelieveinGod.Thatisreallysad!ButIbelieveGodknowsthatandisjustwaitingforustogetinadesperatesituation,whereonlyHissupernaturalinterventionwillmakethingsright.ThenHecanproveagainthatHenotonlyexistsbutHecaresdeeplyabouteveryaspectofourlives.

ThiswasbroughthometomeafewyearsbackwhenImetalittleseven-year-oldboy.Hehadreachedapointofdesperationandheardaboutme.LikethewomanwhowasbleedingheardofJesusanddecidedtogettoHim,thislittleboydecidedhewasgoingtogettoTimStorey.Ihadjustfinishedspeakingatachurchandwasinabackroomwhentheybroughthimtome.Ifoundoutlaterhehadhadtofighttogetthere.

Hehadtoldtheushers,“ImusttalktoTimStoreyrightnow.”Theysaid,“He’stootired.He’sbeenprayingforpeopleallnight.

Youshouldhavecomeupduringtheprayertime.”Heinsisted,“No,ImusttalktoTimStoreyalone!”Oneoftheusherscameintotheroomandtoldmetherewasalittle

boywhowantedtoseeme.Isaiditwasokay,andincamethislittleguy.Hesaid,“Hey,heart-to-hearttalkbetweenmeandyou.”

Isaid,“Okay,”andaskedeveryonetogiveussomespace.Hesaid,“You’regonnahealme,’causeIgotaproblem.”Isaid,“Okay.”Heleanedrealcloseandwhispered,“Justbetweenmeandyou,Iwet

thebed.”Isaid,“Youknoweverybody’sdoneit.”Hesaid,“Butitmessesmeup,man.Ican’tgotoBoyScoutsorto

LittleLeaguesleepovers.So,goaheadandhealme.”Iprayedforhimandsenthimonhisway.

Sometimelater,Iwaspreachingatanotherchurchinthesamecity.Walkingthroughthecrowd,Ifeltsomebodyyankingonmyjacket.Ilookedaroundandsawalittleboystandingthere.Hesaid,“Hey,I’mtheguyyouprayedfor,”andnamedhischurch.Iseesomanypeople,Ididn’trememberhim.Hesaid,“Rememberwhatmyproblemwas?”

Isaid,“Helpmeout.”Withaslamdunkmotionhesmiledbroadlyandyelled,“Nomore

wetsheets!”Jesussaidwecouldlearnalotfromchildren,andwecanlearnalot

fromthislittleboy.Heheardaboutamanwhoprayedforpeopleandtheygotwell.Hebelievedwhatheheard,andthenheacteduponwhathebelieved.Fortunately,hebelievedandacteduponwhatwastrue.WhenIprayinthenameofJesusandreleasemyfaith,Hehealsthem.He’sstilldoingittodayjustlikeHediditwhenHewalkedtheEarthwithus.

Thereareotherthingskidsarehearingtodaythatarenotthetruth,andthatiscausingthemtogetintoalotoftrouble.IbelieveitistimeforusasChristianstogetsomedesperatefaiththatwillleadtomiraclesthatwillrevealthatJesusisstilltheway,thetruth,andthelife.Therearealotofcounterfeitspiritualleadersoutthere,saying,“Followme!Icanturnyourdesperatesituationaround!”Theydon’tleadpeopletoeternalfreedomandpeace;whattheyoffermaylookokayatfirst,butultimatelytheyleadthemintheoppositedirection.

IthankGodthatlittleboyheardaboutme,someonewhofollowsJesus,sothatIcouldshowhimthewaytolifenotdeathinhisdesperatesituation.

WhoLeadsYou?Myfavoritemiraclestoryofalltimeisaboutachildhoodfriend

namedMikey.EveryneighborhoodhasaMikey.HewasnineandIwaseight.Hecametomeandsaid,“Timmy,we’regonnaplayhide-and-seekinthesewersunderneaththerichneighborhoods.”

Isaid,“Thatdoesn’tsoundtoocool.”Hesaid,“No,it’sgreatfun.Wegetflashlightsandit’srealdark,just

rightforhideandseek.”Isaid,“Youallgoahead.”Yousee,Iwasacleanfreak,and

trampingthroughastinky,dirtysewerwasnotmyideaofafuntime.Theytookoffandcamebackallmuddy,smellinghorrible,butthey

hadhadthetimeoftheirlives.Thenexttime,IagreedtogoalongwithMikeyandaboutsevenotherguysourage.

Whenyou’rethatage,youdon’treadtheLATimesorwatchtheweatherchanneltoseewhattheweatherwillbethatday.Besidesthat,whenyouaredowninthesewer,youdon’tknowwhenitstartstorain.Soweweredowninthesewerhavingablastplayinghide-and-seekwhenitbegantorain.InCaliforniaitdoesn’tjustrain,itpours.Suddenly,wenoticedthatthewaterlevelwasrisingwherewewerehiding.

Incaseyouhaveneverhadthepleasureofbeinginasewer,letmeexplain.Therearedifferentsizedrums,butthebesthidingplaceswereinthesmallerones.Wehadlittleguyshidinginthesesmallerdrumswhenthewaterstartedtorise.Wethoughtweweregoingtodrownforsurebecausethedrumswouldfillupcompletely.

Westartedrunningtowardthelargerdrums,screamingandcrying,droppingourbigflashlightsalongtheway.Itwascompletechaos,andIrealizedweweretotallylost.Iwasexperiencingsomedesperatefaith!ThenIrealizedthatweneededMikey.Isaid,“Waitaminute.Where’sMikey?WegottafindMikey.”

Mikeylovedthosesewersandknewthemlikethebackofhishand.HewastheSewerKing.Justthen,heappeared.Iyelled,“OkayMikey,leadusoutofhere!”QuicklyIlinedupallthekids,onebehindtheother.Eachoneheldontothebeltoftheoneinfrontofhim,andMikeywasin

frontofallofus.Mikeystartedrunningwitheverythinghehadthroughtherising

water.Wewereholdingonfordearlifetothekidinfrontofus.Wewentleft.Thewaterwascomingupfasttheretoo.Thenwewentright.Althoughitwasstillscary,weknewMikeyknewexactlywherehewasgoing.

Notonekidstoppedandasked,“Areyousureyouknowwhichwayyou’regoing?”Whenyouaredesperate,youlookforthepersonwhoknowsthewayout.Weneededsomeonetoleadusoutofthestormsewers.Weneededsomeonewhohadanswers.So,Mikeyledusthroughthemazeofthesewersystem.

Animportantdetailtoknowinexploringthesewersystemiswhichmanholeyoushouldpopopentogetout.Ifyoucomeoutofthewrongone,youwillgetyourheadcutoff.Mikeyknewtherightmanholetogoto.Thewaterwascominguphigherandhigherwhenhestopped,climbedupaladder,andpoppedoffamanholecover.Onebyonewescrambledupafterhimandcameouttothestreet.Wecollapsedonthepavement,tryingtocatchourbreath.AllofusweresafebecauseMikeywastheSewerKing.Inthatplaceofdesperation,welookedforsomeonewhoknewtheway.

It’sinterestingthatwhenJesusannouncedwhoHewas,Hesaid,“Iamtheway.”Heknowsthewayoutofanyseweryouarein.Whetheryouclimbedintoitthroughyourownbaddecisions,fellintoitbyaccident,orsomeonepushedyouin—Hecaresaboutyouandwantstoleadyouout.Infact,Hedoessomeofhisgreatestmiraclesleadingusoutoffilthy,stinkingsewers!

Whenyouareinadesperatesituation,desperatefaithhasawayofblowingtheceilingoffyourexpectations.SuddenlynothingisimpossibleforGod,andyourememberthatHeisinthemiracleworkingbusiness.Youthinktoyourself:IfHecouldmakeHeavenandEarth,Hecanfindmeajob.IfHecouldparttheRedSeaandbringthechildrenofIsraeltothePromisedLand,HecanbringmetothepersonIwillspendtherestof

mylifewith.IfHehasnumberedeveryhaironmyhead,Heknowswhat’swrongwithmybodyandhowtofixit.Hecandoanything!IthinkI’llletHimleadme.

ItHadtoBeGod!LeeIacocca,formerpresidentandCEOofChrysler,invitedmeto

hishomefordinneroneevening.Afterdinnerwesatinthelivingroomandhesaid,“Mr.Storey,tellmethesecretofyoursuccess.”

Alittlenervousabouthowtorespond,theonlyreplythatwascompletelytruthfulwas,“IthadtobeGod.”

ThatdinnerandconversationwasaGodideathatopenedthedoorforustobecomefriends.Thiswasamiracletome.Ihadadesperatefaithtomeetpeoplewhohadchangedtheworld,whowerehistorymakers,andGodmovedtofulfillthatdream.

Youcanlivean“ithadtobeGod”lifeaswell.Onedayyourfamilycouldberestoredandhealthyrelationshipsestablished.Peoplewhoknewyouinthepastwouldaskhowyoudidit.Theonlythingyoucansayaboutamiraclelikethatis,“IthadtobeGod.”Youcouldgetajob,getonepromotionafteranother,andeventuallymoveoutofgangterritoryintoaniceneighborhood.Wheneveranyoneisamazedatyourtestimony,youonlycansay,“IthadtobeGod.”

TheplacesGodcantakeyouandthepeopleHecanconnectyoutoareunlimitedwhenyouoperateinadesperatefaiththatknowsnolimitations.DesperatefaithmakesyoutotallyopentoGodideas,nomatterhowridiculoustheymayseem,andGodideasalwaysinvolveHissupernaturalworking.ThereisnoceilingtowhatHecando.

InMark,chapter2,thereisastorythatdramaticallyillustrateswhatGoddoeswiththe“ceilingsoflimitation”weplaceonourlives.FourfriendsofaparalyzedmanwantedtobringtheirfriendtoJesussohecouldbehealed,butthehousewhereJesuswasspeakingwaspacked.Theycouldn’tgetin,buttheyhadaGodidea.

Theycarriedtheirfriendonastretcheruptotheroofofthehouseandproceededtocutaholeintheceiling.TheytiedropestothefourcornersofthestretcherandloweredtheirfriendthroughtheceilingandintotheroomuntilhewaslyingatthefeetofJesus.Thesefourmenhadnoceilingontheirfaith,andneitherwillyouifyouhaveaGodidea!Asaresult,theirfriendwalkedoutofthathousecompletelyhealed.

Whenpeopleaskedthehealedmanabouthismiracle,I’msurehelookedathisfourfriendsandshookhishead.Heknewtheywerenotthebrightestbulbsinthelamp,buttheyhadhadsomedesperatefaithandGodhadgiventhemanidea.Themanknewhowpermanenthisparalysishadbeen.Theonlythinghecouldsaywas,“IthadtobeGod.”

TheBiblesaysinPsalm78thatwemusttelltheyoungergenerationsaboutthemiracle-workingpowerofGodortheywillbecomestubbornandrebellious.Isn’tthatwhatweareseeinginAmericatoday?Youngpeoplearestubbornandrebelliousbecausetheyhavelosthopeintheirtomorrows.Theyarebeingtaughtaboutrightandwrong,goodandevil,andsupernaturalpowerbyHarryPotterinsteadofMoses,David,Paul,andJesus.

That’swhywemustdemonstratehowonlyGodbringsusoutofoursetbacksintoourcomebacksandbeyond.Healoneistheonewhoreallycares,reallyknows,andreallyshows!Whetheritisahugemiracleliketheparalyzedmanbeinghealedorasmallmiraclelikegettingagreatparkingspaceatthegrocerystore,don’tforgettotellthetruth:“IthadtobeGod!”

JumptheFactsMostChristiansgettooboggeddownwiththecircumstancesoftheir

lives.TheyneedtolearnhowtojumpthefactswithaGodidea.AGodideawillalwaysjumpthefactsbecausetheonlywayyoucancarryoutaGodideaistohavedesperatefaiththatHewillperformmiraclestogetyouwhereyouneedtogo.Heplansitthatway!Hewantstoworkwith

you.HowdoyouthinkDanielfeltwhenhewasstaringatadozenhungry

lionsthathadbeeneatingpeopleforbreakfast,lunch,anddinner(Daniel6)?HehadtojumpthefactsandbelieveGodwouldshuttheirmouthssohecouldlivetofulfillhispurpose.ThatstoryisprobablyoneofthemostfamousintheBibleandhasbeentoldoverandoverforthousandsofyearstogivepeoplehopeindesperatesituations.

GodisthesametodayasHewasinthedaysofDaniel.Irecentlyreadaboutayoungwomanwhoseentirelifehasbeenjumpingthefacts.AimeeMullinsisabeautiful,energetic,athleteandfashionmodel.Shehasblastedthroughmanmadeceilingstodotheimpossibleallherlife.Sheisadoubleamputeewhosays,“Thetruthis,I’msortofluckytohavethisbody,becauseitforcedmetofindmystrengthandbeautywithin.So,ifIdon’tturnmylegsintoabigthing,othersdon’teither.AndifIletthemseewhoIaminsideaswellasoutside,hopefullytheylikemeforme.”1

Aimeewasbornwithadeformitythatcouldhavekeptherboundtoawheelchair.Thefibula,oneofthemajorweight-bearingbonesinthelowerleg,wasmissinginbothofherlegs.Withgreatcourage,herparentsmadeadecisionwhenshewasonlyoneyearoldtoamputateherlegssoshecouldbefittedwithprostheses.Aimeeliterallytookherdisabilitiesinstrideandwaswalkingbythetimeshewastwo.Shenowhasfourdifferentpairsoflegs:oneforeverydayuse,oneforswimming,aspecialgraphitepairforrunning,andaspecialcosmeticpairforlooks.

Aimeesays,“Idecidedatanearlyagetotransformanysetbacksintostrengthsandtacklethemhead-on.”That’sexactlywhatshehasdone.Inherchildhoodtherewasnothingherbrothersdidthatshewouldn’ttryandmaster.Sheswam,playedsoccer,skied,andhadherownpaperroute.Shedeliveredpapersonherbicycleeachmorning.IncollegeshecompetedonaDivision1trackteamwithable-bodiedathletes.ShebecameanavidrunnerandholdstwoworldrecordsintheParalympics(athleteswithdisabilities)despitethefactthatadouble-amputee’sbody

requiresthreetimesasmuchenergyand40percentmoreoxygenasaregularbodyduringstrenuousexercise.

Aimeenevertriestohidewhosheisorthefactthatsheisanamputee.Wearingshortsorminiskirtsdoesn’tbotherheratall.Sheuseseveryopportunitytohelpotherslearntobecomfortablewithherdisabilities.Shehasco-foundedHOPE(HelpingOtherPeopleExcel),anonprofitorganizationthatprovidestrainingfordisabledathletes,andhasplanstohelpamputeesgetartificiallimbs.Shesays,“Letmebetheonewhochangesfearintounderstandingandmakespeoplecomfortablewithamputees.Whoknows?Maybe,littlebylittle,Icanchangetheworld.”

AimeeMullins’dreamtobeafashionmodelwasnotjusttoshowherprettyface.Shewantedtodorunwayshowsandphotospreadsinordertoredefinewhat“beautiful”reallymeant—andshesucceeded.Sheexplainsitthisway,“AsamodelIcanconfrontsociety’semphasisonphysicalperfectionandsay,‘Hey,lookatme.YouthinkI’mhot,butguesswhat?Ihaveartificiallegs!’Thereisnoidealbody.Mineisveryimperfect,andIcan’tchangethat—butIcanstillbeattractive.Confidenceisthesexiestthingawomancanhave.It’smuchsexierthananybodypart.”

Aimeenotonlyenteredtheworldofmodeling,butactingaswell.Andin1999shewasnamedoneofPeoplemagazine’sfiftymostbeautifulpeople.Shedoesn’tdenythefactthatsheisanamputee;shehasjumpedthatfactwithapositive,unbeatableattitude—andalotofGodideas.Sheissowingseedsofgreatnessintootherpeople’slivesandgainsgreatjoyandsatisfactionfromit.

WhenAimee’sparentsheldtheirbabygirlintheirarmsforthefirsttime,theyknewtheirlittlegirlwouldbeconfinedtoawheelchairtherestofherlife.TheirdesperatefaithopenedtheirmindstoaGodidea,whichledtoanentirelydifferentlifefortheirdaughter.Theyjumpedthefacts,andthentheirdaughtermadejumpingoverfactsawayoflife!

ShiftYourDishIwasatafriend’shousetowatchafootballgame.Helivesoutin

thecountryandhadjustboughtanewsatellitedish.Hewasexcitedandcouldn’twaittoshowittome.Hesaid,“Tim,watchthis.WhereverIshiftthedish,that’swhatIpickup.IcanwatchgamesontheEastcoast,intheMidwest,oranywhere.”

Itstruckmethatthatiswhatweneedtodo.Weneedtoshiftourdishtowhatwewanttopickup.Wecanshiftourdishtothe,“AllThingsAreMiserable”Stuck-in-a-SetbackNetwork;orwecanshiftourdishtothe“AllThingsArePossible”MiracleNetwork.WhenweshiftourdishtohearandseewhatGodissayinganddoing,wegetamiraclemindsetthatunderstandsthevalueandpowerofdesperatefaithinaGodwhocares.

WhenBillMcCartneywasgettingthevisionforPromiseKeepers,hewouldoftensay,“Imaybecrazy,butIseestadiumsfilledwithmen.”HewashavingaGodidea,andhehadtoraisetheceilingofhisexpectations,getsomedesperatefaith,andstepoutintotheunknown.

IfyouhaveneverheardofPromiseKeepers,ithasbecomeoneofthemostinfluentialChristianmen’sorganizationsinthenation.Stadiumsthatseat50,000havebeenpackedoutwithmenwhoholdhandsinprayer,weep,hug,andencourageeachother.Throughthisorganization,menaresteppingintotheirrightfulplaceasleadersintheirhomes,andtheirfamiliesarebeingrestored.Nowit’sspreadingaroundtheworld.I’veheardmentalkingaboutPromiseKeepersinSweden,Norway,andEngland.Ittakesamiraclemindsetanddesperatefaithtoaccomplishsomethingthispowerful.

LetHimRearrangetheFurnitureIfGodisspeakingtoyouaboutsomethingthatseemsridiculousor

crazy,don’twalktheotherway.Shiftyourdishandjumpthefacts.

You’vegotamiracleinthemaking.Startactingandlivinglikethechampionyouare,thepersonHecreatedyoutobe.

WhenGodcalledmeintothehealingministry,Ihadneverseenanybodyhealed.Healsosaid,“You’regoingtotravelaroundtheworld,”andatthattimeIhadn’ttraveledeightymilesawayfromhome!Ihadtoraisetheroofonmyexpectations.IhadtoletGodrearrangemysurroundingsandmyrelationships.ItwasjustlikewhenImovedintoanewhouse,andIhadtofindanewwaytoarrangemyfurniture.SometimesIhadtobuynewfurniture.Godwasstretchingmeanddesperatefaithgrewinme.

TopursuetheministryHehadcalledmeto,Ihadtobringpeopleintomylifewhohadamiraclementality.TodayIstillpurposelygetaroundpeoplewhowillstretchmeandfireupmyfaithformiracles.

Godisstretchingyourightnowasyoureadthisbook.Ihopeyouarehavingsomedesperatefaithjusttobelievewhatyouarereading!IprayforthatbecausedesperatefaithiswhatisgoingtoopenupyourmindandheartforanoutrageousGodideaandallthemiraclesHewantstodoinyou,foryou,andthroughyoutomakethatideaareality.DesperatefaithfuelstheGodideas—bigandsmall—thatwilltakeyououtofyoursetbackintoyourcomebackandbeyond.

Chapter13:It'sStillGoingtoBeAllRight

“RightnowIwouldreallyliketobelieveit'sstillgoingtobeallright,butsomethinghashappenedIneverthoughtwouldhappen.IcamebackfromamajorsetbackanddideverythingIcouldtokeepfromhavinganotherone.Iwentbeyondmycomebacktobiggerandbetterthings.Allofasudden,IfindmyselfinthishorriblesituationandIrealizeImadesomemorebaddecisions.Iknowyousaidthatsetbacksarepartoflife,especiallyifyouaretryingtodosomethingreallygood,butIneverthoughtIwouldwindupinthetoiletagain!Ijustdon’tseehowthingscanget‘allright’again.”

Letmebeginbytellingyouatruestorythatwassoimportant,allthegospelwritersincludeditintheirbooks.ItisfoundinMatthew26,Mark14,Luke22,andJohn18.Afterthree-anda-halfyearsoffollowingJesus,Peterwasaseasonedaveteran.Greatthingswerehappening.Hewaspreaching,praying,healingthesick,andcastingoutdemons.Hewasfeelingprettyconfidentabouthimself,maybeevenalittlecocky.Ithadtakenalotoffaithtoputdownhisfishingnetsandbecomea“fisherofmen,”butthatleapoffaithhadreallypaidoff.NowmostpeopleknewthatSimonPeter,theroughanduneducatedfisherman,wastheMessiah’sright-handman.

SimonPeterdidn’tknowthatabigdoseofrealitywasjustonthehorizon.Jesussawitcomingandwarnedhim.Hesaid,“Simon,stayonyourtoes.Satanhastriedhisbesttoseparateallofyoufromme,likechafffromwheat.Simon,I’veprayedforyouinparticularthatyounotgiveinorgiveout.Whenyouhavecomethroughthetimeoftesting,turntoyourcompanionsandgivethemafreshstart”(Luke22:31msg).

PeterrespondedlikelittleArnolddidontheTVshow,DifferentStrokes,saying,“Whatchyoutalkin’’bout!”Peterwasrugged,strong-willed,passionate,expressive,andoverconfident.Heneverdidanything

halfway.Hewasfeelinggood.Hewaslivinglarge.SowhenJesussaidSatanwasgoingtocomeafterhim,Petersaid,“Don’tworryaboutme.Maybe‘doubting’Thomasorthatcrybaby,John—andIsawJudasstealingfromthemoneybag.Hemightdoit.ButI’llneverletYoudown.”Peter’sprideandarrogancegotinthewayofhearingwhatJesuswastryingtotellhim.

Jesustriedagain,“I’msorrytohavetotellyouthis,Peter,butbeforetheroostercrowsyouwillhavethreetimesdeniedthatyouknowme”(Luke22:34msg).

LaterthateveningsoldierscametoarrestJesus,andwhatdidPeterdo?Hedrewhisswordandcutofftherightearoftheservantofthechiefpriest.Jesusreachedoutandputtheman’searbackon.Don’tyouwonderwhatthesoldiersthoughtwhentheysawthatmiracle,orwhattheytalkedaboutlaterthatnight?

Atleastforthatmoment,PeterwasaloyalfollowerofJesus.AsthesoldierstookJesusaway,however,Peterfollowedatadistance.Youdon’tbackslideovernight,youdon’tgainweightinonemeal,andyoudon’tcommitadulteryorrobabankonawhim.Ittakestime.Certainwrongthoughtprocessesmustbeinplace.

Peterhadalwaysbeeninthemiddleofthingsandoutinfront,butsuddenlyhewasfollowingatadistance.Beforethatnightwasover,hehaddeniedthreetimesthatheknewhisbelovedfriendandmaster,Jesus.Whentheroostercrowed,hewasvehementlycussinganddenyinghewaspartofJesus’group.JustatthatmomentJesuslookeddirectlyatPeter,asiftosay,“Iknowyoufailed,butit’sstillgoingtobeallright.”AtthatmomentPeterrealizedwhathehaddone,andhewentoutsideandweptbitterly.

Peterwentfromfeelinggoodtofeelingashamed.Hewasconfused,guilty,shocked,andcaughtinthegripofhopelessness.That’swhatcanhappeninlife.Youfindyourselfinasituationyouneverthoughtyoucouldbein.Sometimes,youhavebeentherebeforeandthoughtyouwouldnevercometothatplaceagain.I’mheretotellyouthatitdoesn’t

matter.It’sstillgoingtobeallrightifyouwillruntotheRefuge.

Jesus’ComebackReleasesAnyComebackPeterwasinamajorsetback.Hethoughthehaddonesomething

unforgiveable.Whathedidn’trealize(becausehedidn’tbelievewhatJesussaidearlier)wasthatJesuswasalsoinamajorsetback.(SeeMatthew27-28,Mark15-16,Luke23-24,John19-20.)Hewasarrested,beaten,andaccusedbyHisownpeople;thenHewasturnedovertothedreadedRomangovernor,whowhippedHimandorderedHimtobecrucified.

Hangingonthecross,Jesusforgaveeveryoneanddied.HewasburiedinatombthatwassealedandputunderRomanguard.Iwouldsaythatbeingdeadandhavingyourtombsealedandheavilyguardedwasaprettybigsetback,wouldn’tyou?EvenHoudinicouldn’tgetoutofthisone!ButonthethirddayafterHisburial,thegreatestcomebackinhistoryoccurred.Jesusrosefromthedead—andthatsameresurrectionpoweriswhatmakeseverycomebackweneedpossible.

MaryMagdaleneandotherwomenwenttothetombtoanointJesus’bodywithoilsandspices,butwhentheygottheretheyfoundthelargestonehadbeenrolledawayfromthedoor.Anangelsaid,“Don’tbealarmed.YouarelookingforJesustheNazarene,whowascrucified.Hehasrisen!Heisnothere.Seetheplacewheretheylaidhim.Butgo,tellhisdisciplesandPeter”(Mark16:6-7,italicsmine).

ThisistheonlytimeinScripturewhereJesusactuallysinglesoutonepersonfromHisteamoftwelve.WeknowJesushadPeteronHismindbeforeHewasarrested,butfromthisweseeHehadPeteronHismindonthecross(whenHeforgaveallofus),whileHewasinthegrave,andafterHerosefromthedead.HewantedtobesurePeterkneweverythingwasallright.Hewantedtoremovethatlookoffailurefromhisface.

Thefacetellseverythingaboutaperson.Itisamirrorofyour

feelingsoremotions.Youcanputmakeuponyourface.Youcanhavelayersburnedoffwithacidoralaser.Youcanhaveafaceliftorhaveyourlipsinjected.However,whatyouarefeelingwillstillshowonyourface.Ifyouareguilty,it’sonyourface.Ifyouaresinning,it’sonyourface.Ifyouarefullofshame,it’sonyourface.Peter’sfacewastotallyfallenashehidinshame.

SuddenlyMaryMagdaleneburstintothedisciples’hidingplaceandcried,“He’salive!Jesusisalive!He’srisenjustlikeHesaidHewould!”

Godhasawayofshockingusoutofoursetbackssometimes,andPeterinstantlyactedlikehimself.Withoutaword,heboltedoutofthehidingplaceandranwithJohntothetomb.PeterranrightinandfoundJesus’burialclothesandnothingelse.SuddenlysomeofthethingsJesushadsaidcamebacktohim,andaglimmerofhopecameintohisheart,IfJesuscancomebackfromthis,maybeHecanbringmebackfromwhatIhavedone.

Neverunderestimatethepowerofaglimmerofhope!Hopeleadstodesperatefaith,whichleadstoamiracle.Afewdayslater,Peterwaswakingupinhisfishingboat(John21).Heandsomeoftheotherdiscipleshadfishedallnightandcomeupwithnothing.Suddenlysomeguyonthebeachstartedyelling,“Throwyournetontherightside!”

Sincetheyhadnothingtolose,Peterandtheothersdidastheyweretold.Beforetheygotthenetsentirelyinthewater,fishwerejumpingintothem.That’swhenthelightbulbwentoninJohn’sheart.Thishadhappenedtothembefore,andJesushadbeentheonewhohadtoldthemtocasttheirnetswhentheyhadfishedallnightandcaughtnothing.Johncried,“ItistheLord!”

WithoutanotherthoughtPeterdoveintothewaterandswamtoshoreasfastashecould.InminuteshestooddrippingwetinfrontofJesus.ThenherememberedhowhehaddeniedHim,andhedroppedhisgazetoHisfeet.Heturnedandlookedtoseethefishingboatscomingtoshoreandrantohelpthem.

Afteragreatbreakfastoffreshfish,JesustookPeteraside.InwhatwasprobablytheconversationofPeter’slife,JesustoldhimwhatHewantedhimtodoandevenhowhewoulddieinservinghim.Petercameback.HecamebacktoJesusandwentontopreachthefirstgospelmessageontheDayofPentecost,thedaytheChurchofJesusChristwasborn.Jesus’comebackreleasedPeter’scomeback,andJesus’comebackreleasesallthecomebacksyouneedtoo.

JesusOnlyWritesHappyEndingsIwastakingmychildrentoamovieonce,andmydaughtersaid,

“I’mnotgoingtoevengoinunlessthisonehasahappyending.Thelastoneyoutookmetoaboutthegorillasdidn’thaveahappyending.Thisonebetterhaveahappyending!”Weallwanttoknoweverythingisgoingtoturnoutallright.AmIgoingtomeetmygoals?Willmymarriagebreakoutofthisrut?WillIlosethisweight?Willweeverpayoffthesedebts?

JesustookPeter’ssetbackandcomebackpersonally,andHetakesyourspersonallytoo.HeknowsyouwantahappyendingbecauseHeputthatdesireinyou.Heistheauthorofthebookthatiscalledyou,andHewantstogiveyouahappyending.Infact,Hedoesn’tknowanyotherway!That’swhytheycalltheGospeltheGoodNews.JesushasbroughtnothingbutGoodNews,andeventheprophesiesofwarsandfamineandearthquakesultimatelyendwithanewHeavenandanewEarththatareperfect.

IfwestickwithJesus,wewillfacesomesetbacksinourshortlives,andsomeofuswillbeshockedatthestuffwegothrough,butoureternallifethatlastsforever—nowaycanourmindsgetaroundthat!Itwillbeabsolutelythemostperfect,happyending.Itwillbesomethingwecan’tevenimagine.Inthemeantime,wecanlookforwardtoHimmakingeverythingallrightagainandagaininthislife.WhatHedidforPeterHeisstilldoingforustoday.

Iwastwenty-twoyearsold,preachingattheCityChurchinStockholm,Sweden,whenanoldercoupleinvitedmetocometotheirhomeinasmallvillageforarest.IwastiredandwelcomedtimeinalittlevillageabouteighthoursfromStockholm.

WhenIarrived,Isettledintomyroomintheircozyhomeanddecidedtotakeanap.InmysleepIheardavoicesay,“Getup,getonabicycle,andride.You’regoingtohelpsomeone.”IwrestledwiththatvoiceforawhilebecauseIwantedtosleep,butIknewitwasGodandforcedmyselftogetup.

Iaskedtheladywhoownedthehome,“Doyouhaveabicycle?”Shesaid,“Wehaveabicycle,butitisasmallbicycleforayoung

person.”Isaid,“Youdon’thaveabiggerbicycle?”Shesaid,“No,onlythelittleone.Whydoyouneedabicycle?”Isaid,“I’dliketogoforaride.”Shelaughed,“Oh,youcannotgetonthisbicycle.It’stoolittle.”Iheardthevoiceagain,“Getonthebikeandride.”Isaid,“Ohno,Ilikelittlebicycles,”whileIwasthinking,God,why

couldn’tYougetmeabiggerbikeoramotorcycle?!Ifinallyconvincedhertolendmethebike,climbedonit,and

starteddownawindingroadtoanunknowndestination.God’smanofpower!Mykneeswerealmosthittingmychin.ThefrontwheelwaswobblingbackandforthasItriedtokeepmybalance.AsImovedslowlyalong,however,IhadtheimpressionIwassupposedtogotoalake.

Isawsomepeopleandstopped.Iaskedthem,“Doyouhavealakearoundhere?”

Theylookedatmefunnybutsaid,“Ohyes,wehavealake.Yougoleft.”

Iignoredtheirstaresandfollowedtheirdirectionstothesmalllake.

AssoonasIstoppedtorest,Iheardavoicecallout,“Hey,you!AreyoufromAmerica?”

Iyelledback,“Yes!”Ayoungmanmotionedformetocomearoundtotheothersideof

thelake.AsIgotcloser,Isawhehadlonghairandalongearringineachear.Hesaid,“Heyman.Youlikerock’nroll?”

Iwasthinking,God,Youwokemeupforthis?IwasalittlecrankywhenIanswered,“No.Idon’tlikerock’nroll.”

Hesaid,“Ido.I’marock’nrollkindofguy.IlovetheRollingStones.”

NowIthoughtmaybeitwasn’tGodIhadheard.MaybeitwasallthatsausageIhadhadfordinnerlastnight.

Hesaid,“Whatareyoudoinghereinthisdeadvillage,man?”“I’mhereresting.”Heasked,“Whatdoyoudo?”Myattitudewasgoingdownhillfast,andrathersarcasticallyIsaid,

“I’maminister.Youknow,abringerofGoodNews.”That’swhenhescreamed,“Ahhhh!”Isaid,“What’syourproblem?”Hesaid,“I’mabackslidder.”Ireallydidn’tcarebynowandcorrectedhim,“Abackslider.”Hesaid,“Yeah.Well,I’madrugaddict.IusedtoserveGod.”Isaid,“Well,I’mapreacher.”ThenIbegantotalktohim,andasI

talked,Godbegantogetmyattention.Hispowerbegantoflowthroughme,andIwassuddenlygrateful.MyattitudewaschangedwhenIaskedhim,“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”

Hesaid,“Iwanta,IwantacomebacktoJesus.”Isawthislittlechainaroundhisneckinsidehisshirtandsaid,“Let

meseewhat’sinthere.”Hepulleditout,anditwasanupsidedowncross,whichisasataniccross.Isaid,“Getridofthat,”andheimmediatelythrewitinthelake.Thenhethrewhisbeerandcigarettesinthetrashcanandgotdownonhiskneeswithoutmeevenaskinghimtodoit.Igotoffmylittlebike,laidmyhandsonhim,andbegantopray.TheresurrectingpowerofGodshookhim,andhebegantoweep.ThenIbegantoweep.Ididn’tcareifIwasridingakiddybike.Ididn’tcarewhatIlookedlike,howtiredIwas,orwhowasstaringatme.Jesuswasthere.

Theboygottohisfeetandsaid,“Now,wemusttellmymotherin-law.She’safraidofme.I’mmeantomywife.I’mabadman.Imeanreallybad.Imusttellherwhat’shappened.Thehouseisrightoverthere.”

Ihavepreachedinsomeofthegreatestchurchesintheworld,butwhathappenednextwasoneoftheall-timehighpointsofmyministry.ItshowedmehowmuchJesuscaresthatwegetahappyending.Nomatterwhatwehavedoneorhowmanytimeswefall,it’sstillgoingtobeallright!

Themother-in-lawtookonelookatmeandstartedscreaming,“TimStorey!TimStorey!TimStorey!”Ifrozeinmytracks.IwasayoungministerandnotmanypeopleknewwhoIwas.I’dneverbeeninthistown,whichwasaday’sdrivefromStockholmandthechurchwhereIhadpreached.

Theboyhuggedhiswife,huggedhismother-in-law,andtheywerealltalkinginSwedishandcrying.Theystartedtwirlingeachotheraroundinthelivingroom.Iwasstandingtheretryingtotakeitallin.Finally,themother-in-lawtoldmeinEnglish,“Thisiswhathappened.IwasvisitingmysisterinStockholmforafewdays.IwasatCityChurchsittinginthebackrowofthebalconywhenyouwerethere.AsyouwerepreachingIsaid,‘God,sendamanlikeTimStoreytosetmyson-in-lawfree.’”

Ifyouhaveeverbeenclosetoadrugaddict,andamean,abusiveoneatthat,youknowhowmuchyouneedamiracle.Onlydesperatefaith

comesthroughinasituationlikethat,andwhenthatboy’smother-in-lawprayed,IbelieveJesusheardandimmediatelywentintoaction.Hewhisperedtothatoldercoupletoinvitemeforarestintheirhome.Heinterruptedmynapandtoldmetogetonabikeandtakearide.Hetoldmetofindalake,andthenHegavemefavorwiththeyoungmanbecauseIwasayoungAmerican.

Jesusmadeallthishappentofreethatyoungmanfromdrugs,torestorehimtohisfamily,andtogiveyoungTimStoreyanotherexperienceprovingthatGodhasacomebackforeveryone,nomatterhowlowtheyhavesunkorhowmanytimestheyhavefallen.

YourChallengesGodknowsexactlywhereyouare,andHedoesn’tcareifit’sthe

third,fourth,oreightiethtimeyouhavefallendown.HecanliftyououtofyoursetbackjustlikeHeliftedPeterandthatyoungmaninSweden.Onceyoubelievethat,however,youshouldrealizethattherearegoingtobethoughtsandemotionsthatwillcomeagainstyoutotrytostopyou.

Threethingsthatwillsabotageyourcomebackareself-pity,pride,andcondemnation.Self-pitysays,“IfyouweregoingthroughwhatI’mgoingthrough,youwouldn’tbesingin’anddancin’either.”Self-pityisnursed,cursed,andrehearsedoverandover.Younurseitbyfeelingsorryforyourselfandthinkingpoorme.Self-pityisallaboutself.Youareelevatingyourselfaboveeveryoneelsebecausenobodysufferslikeyousuffer!

Thenyouuttercursesofself-pitybysayingthingslike,“Mywholefamilyarealcoholicsanddrugaddicts.Myfatherwasalwaysindebt.Mymotherwasalwayssick.Iwouldn’tbethiswayifitwasn’tforthem.It’salltheirfault.”Yourehearseself-pitybyplayingthevideosofpastmistakesoverandoverinyourmind.Themoreyouthinkaboutit,themoreyoufeelsorryforyourself.

Prideisalsowrappedupinself.MaybeyoucanrelatetoPeter,who

justcouldn’tbelievehewascapableofdenyingJesusandrunninglikeacoward.Hethoughthewasabovefear,betrayal,andself-centeredness.Hewassoquicktosay,“Notme!I’llneverdenyyou,Lord.”Itravelallovertheworld,andIcan’ttellyouhowmanytimesIhaveheardpeoplesay,“Ididn’tthinkIwoulddoitorevencoulddoit,butIdid.”

Godalwaystellsusthetruthaboutourselves,andHesaysthatweareallcapableofallkindsofterriblethings.

Ifweclaimthatwe’refreeofsin,we’reonlyfoolingourselves.Aclaimlikethatiserrantnonsense.Ontheotherhand,ifweadmitoursins—makeacleanbreastofthem—hewon’tletusdown;he’llbetruetohimself.He’llforgiveoursinsandpurgeusofallwrongdoing.

—1John1:8-9msgBequicktoadmitwhenyouarewrongandwhenyouhavesinned

againstGodandotherpeople.Anddon’teverbelieveyouareabovedoingitagain!Ifyouhavethisrealisticunderstandingofyourself,youwillstickclosetoJesus.It’swhenPeterlaggedbehindandhidthathefell.IfyoustayclosetoJesusandotherbelievers,youwillstayhumbleandpridewillnotholdyouback.Youwillalsostayfreeofcondemnation.Thisisagreattooloftheenemy,whowillsitonyourshoulderandtellyou,“You’vereallydoneitnow!Noonewillevertrustyouagain.Yourfamilydoesn’tevenbelievewhatyousay.There’snohopeandnofutureforyou.”

Doyouknowwhythatstatementisatotallie?ItisaliebecauseJesusforgiveseverything.Hedidn’tdieandshedHissinlessbloodsoyoucoulddrownincondemnationtherestofyourlife.HesacrificedHimselfforyousothatyoucouldbeforgivenandwalkfreeofyourpastsins—allofthem.

Everytimeyoumessup,I’msureyougothroughthecondemnationdirtylaundrylist:Icould’ve,should’ve,andifonlyIwould’ve.IfonlyI’dstayedincollege,Icould’vebeenadoctorbynow.Ishould’ve

listenedtomyparentsandmadebetterchoicesforfriends.IwishIwould’vestayedawayfromthosewildparties.

Justbecauseyouareinasetbackdoesn’tmeanyourdreamisdead!Youcanbeforgiven,getfreshinsight,andmoveforward—whichisyournextchallenge.Youhavegottoshowup!SupposePeterhadreceivedforgivenessanddecidedhewascontenttocatchfishtherestofhislife?Whatifhedidn’twanttotakethechancethathewouldfailJesusagain?Fishwereasurebet,sohewouldskiptheUpperRoom—andthenheneverwouldhavecomeback.ProofofPeter’scomebackwaswhenheshoweduptopreachthesermonofhislifeandledthreethousandJewstotheirMessiahontheDayofPentecost.

Evenwhenyou’reinthemiddleofasetbackanddon’tfeellikeit,forceyourselftogetoutofbed.Takeashower,brushyourteeth,putoncleanclothes,turnofftheTV,andtalktoJesus.AskHimwhatyouneedtodoatthatmomenttomovetowardyourcomeback.Itmightbesomethingassmallasmakingyourbedandcleaningyourroom,oritmightbesomethingbiglikebookingahotelforaconference.TakeadeepbreathandthankGodyou’realiveifnothingelseseemsright.Butgetup,showup,andcooperatewiththecomebackHehasforyou.

TurntheCornerYouneverknowwhatGodhasplannedforyoujustaroundthe

corner,soyouhavetoturnsomecornerstofindout.Acornermeansachangeofdirection.Everydayyoupasscornersaroundfurniture,alongcitystreets,inofficehallways,andeventakingawalkinthewoods.Afteryoumakeaturn,sometimesyouaregreetedwiththeunexpected.

That’swhathappenedtoMary.ShewasplanningherweddingtoJosephandwasexcitedtobeginanewlifewithhim.Hewasagoodman.ThentheangelGabrielshowedupandtoldher,“Mary,youneedtoturnacorner.”ThecornerMaryagreedtoturnchangedthelivesofeveryhumanbeing.Shewasayoungteenager,anobody,butGodchoseherto

bearHisSon.Whenyouareinasetback,turningacornercanbefrighteningor

exhilarating.Turningacornermightbringyoutomorepersecutionandridicule,oritmightbringyoutoanewjob,afunrelationship,oranopportunitytohelpsomeonewhoisinevenworseshapethanyouarein.Onethingiscertain:IfyouareturningthecornerGodwantsyoutoturn,nomatterwhatisontheothersideHewilluseitforyourgood.Hewilluseitforyourcomeback.

InJohn,chapter11,someofJesus’closestfriendswereaskedtoturnahardcorner,anditresultedinamajormiracle.Lazarusandhissisters,MaryandMartha,livedinBethany,justoutsideJerusalem,andJesuslovedtovisitthem.OnedaywhenJesuswasministeringinthewildernesswhereJohntheBaptistusedtobaptizepeopleintheJordanRiver,wordcametoHimthatLazaruswassickandonthevergeofdeath.Lazarus’sisterswantedHimtocomeimmediately.

JesussentwordthatLazarus’sicknesswouldnotendindeath.ThemessengerreturnedtoMaryandMarthasinging,“Igotafeelingeverything’sgonnabeallright!”I’msuretheythoughtJesuswouldarrivesoonafter,butLazarusdied,wasburied,andhadbeendeadfourdaysbeforeHegotthere!

Everyonewasgrievingandcrying,butJesushadareasonforwaiting.TheJewsbelievedthatthespiritofadeadpersonhoveredoverthegraveforthreedays,andinthatthreedayshemightcomeback.Afterthreedays,however,itwascompletelyimpossibleforsomeonetoberaisedfromthedead.

Isn’titjustlikeGodtowaituntilsomethingiscompletelyimpossibleinhumancultureandreasoningbeforeHebringsabreakthrough?ThemoreIwalkwithHim,themoreIunderstandthatwithGodit’snevertoolate.Nomatterwhathashappened,it’sstillgoingtobeallright.

JesusarrivedandsawMarthafirst.Shewasreallyangryandsaid,

“Ifyouhadbeenhereontime,Lazaruswouldn’tbedead!”Jesussaid,“Hewillriseagain,”andshethoughtHewasreferringto

thetimewhenalldeadsaintswouldberesurrected.ButJesuscontinued,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife.Hewhobelievesinmewilllive,eventhoughhedies;andwhoeverlivesandbelievesinmewillneverdie.Doyoubelievethis?”(John11:25,26).

Marthasuddenlycaughton!Sheturnedacornerinfaithandsaid,“Yes,Lord.”ShewenttogetMary,whowasstillhavingapityparty.MarymetJesuswiththesameaccusation,“Jesus,ifYouhadbeenhere,mybrotherwouldn’thavedied.”Thensomethingveryinterestinghappened.It’stheshortestverseintheBiblebutitisoneofthemostpowerful.Itsays,“Jesuswept”(John11:35).

EventhoughHeknewHewasgoingtoraiseLazarusfromthedead,JesusweptbecauseHefelttheirpain.Don’teverbuytheliethatGodhasforsakenyouandJesusisstandingthere,armsfolded,too“holy”and“together”tofeelwhatyouarefeeling.No!Heisrightintherewithyou!Heisholyandtogether,butHe’salsohuman.Heidentifieswithyou;andwhenyouunderstandthat,youcanidentifywithHim.Thatisturningabigcorner!

DespiteMary’sunbelief,MarthastillbelievedtheywereabouttoseetheresurrectionpowerofGodinaction.Sheturnedthatcorneroffaith—andtheydid!JesusraisedLazarusfromthedead.

IfJesuscanraisepeoplefromthedead,Hecanraiseyourdreamsfromthedead.It’sstillgoingtobeallright,nomatterwhatpeoplesayandnomatterwhatthecircumstances.ResurrectionpowerraisedLazarusfromthedead,raisedJesusfromthedead,madePeterintothegreatmanofGodweknowabouttoday,andrestoredanabusivedrugaddicttohisfamilyandhisrightmind.Thatsameresurrectionpowerisworkinginyourliferightnow.BelikeMarthaandjustbelieveit!Turnthecorner,andyouwillseethemiraclethatGodhaswaitingforyou.

Chapter14:YouCanBeGreat“Tobeblunt,fromwhatI’vebeenreading,IfeellikeifIdon’tdo

somethingreallybiginmylife,ifIdon’tbecomerichorfamousorboth,mylifewon’tcountformuch.Youtalkaboutthehistorymakerandworld-changer,andIjustdon’tidentifywiththatatall.MaybeIwouldhaveyearsago,whenIwasateenagerandthoughtIwouldbeIndianaJonesorLukeSkywalkeroneday,butmylifehasturnedoutcompletelydifferentfromwhatIthoughtitwouldbe.Mylifeisokay,butyouwouldn’twriteabookaboutitormakeamovieoutofitoranything.”

WhatyouaretalkingaboutiswhatIcalltheHollywoodmentality,andthatcanbegoodorbad.HollywoodhasprobablymademoreofanimpactongenerationsofyoungpeopleinAmericathananyotherindustry.Themovieswewatchaswegrowupsubtlydefinewhoweareandwhatweaspiretobeinlife.YouwatchedIndianaJonesandLukeSkywalkerandmaybeyouwantedtobeatopgunfighterpilot,aSWATteampoliceman,oranoceanicexplorer.Thepointis,thosecharactersinspiredyoutoliveaheroiclife.

Unfortunately,thereareotherkindsofmoviesthatinspiremuchlessheroiclives.SomekidsgothookedonvampiremoviesandhorrorflicksandgotintotheGothicmovement.Theirlivesbecamedarkshadows,justlikethefamoussoapoperayearsago,onlyit’snotfunny.SomeinmygenerationsawAnimalHouseandEasyRiderandmovedintotheworldofsexanddrugsandcompleteirresponsibility,thinkingthatwasthecoolthingtodo.Theirlivesweredefinedby,“Ifitfeelsgooddoit.”Theybecameparentsandnowtheydon’tunderstandwhytheirkidsareinandoutofdrugrehab,relationships,andjobs.

Throughtheyears,IhaveseenandtalkedtohundredsofyoungkidswhoarewalkingthestreetsofLAasprostitutesanddrugaddicts.TheycametoHollywoodtobecomerichandfamousinthemovies.Ifthereisanyplacethatillustratesthat“allthatglittersisnotgold,”itisHollywood!Unfortunately,therearestillsomanywhoarewaitingfor

theirbigbreak,andtheythinkthatonebigbreakisgoingtomaketheirlivesperfect.JusttalktosomeonelikeRobertDowneyJr.,andyouwillfindoutthatgettingthatbigbreakandbecomingrichandfamousdoesnotguaranteeselfrespect,satisfaction,orhappiness.ThengoontheInternetandlookuphowmanyyoung“stars”havediedofdrugoverdosesorsuicideinthelasttenyears.

“Okay,Iseeyourpoint,butwhataboutthosewhohavemadeitinthebusinessworldorineducationorsports?TherearealotofrichandfamouspeoplewhoarenotinHollywood.”

Youhavebeenbluntwithme,andnowI’mgoingtobebluntwithyou.Asawhole,oursocietyhasbecomecelebrityobsessed,andIbelievetheenemyisusingthattocausepeoplewhoaremakingadifferenceintheirworldtofeelliketheirlivesareinsignificant,unimportant,andevenworthless.Mostoftheworldneverheardofmymother,butshesuremadeallthedifferenceinthelivesofherchildren!Touskids,sheisaworld-changerandahistory-maker.Icangiveyousomanyexamplesofpeopleyouneverheardofwhohavemadeahugedifferenceinmylife.I’msureyoucanthinkofexamplesinyourlifeaswell.

Theworldismadeupofallkindsofpeople—tallandshort,chubbyandskinny,differentcolors,coolandnotsocool.Somearefamous,somearewealthy,andsomearepoorandunnoticed;butmostpeoplearerightinthemiddle.WhatIseeagainandagain,nomatterwhoItalktoandwhatkindoflifetheyhave,isthatthereisonethingallofusneed:arelationshipwiththeOnewhomadeusandunderstandsusbetterthananyoneelse.

TrueGreatnessLetmetellyouthebottomlineofallofthis:It’snotwhatpeople

sayaboutyouthatcounts;whenallissaidanddone,itiswhatGodsaysaboutyouthatcounts.Hehasdesignedlifesothatyourlifewillaffectothers,whetheryouthinkitdoesornot.Yourlifeislikethatstoneyou

throwinthepond.Whetheryouskipthatrockorjustthrowitasfarasyoucan,itwillsendoutripplesthatneverstopuntiltheyhittheshore.Eventheshoreisaffected!

Didyouknowthatevenifyouliveinacaveandnevertalktoanyone,youaresendingoutripplestothosewhoareconnectedtoyou?Whenyoudie,whatyouhavedoneonthisEarthwillstillaffectthegenerationsthatcomeafteryou,whethertheyareyourownchildrenandchildren’schildrenorsomeoneelse’s.Thereisnohumanbeingwhoeverlivedthatwasnotimportantandsignificant.Why?Godlovesusall.

GodhasputineachoneofusadesiretobegreatbecauseHeisgreat.WeareHiskids,sowearegoingtowanttobegreatlikeHim.Theproblemis,wehaveallowedtheworldtodefinegreatnesswhenonlyGodcan.Helovesusallbutmadeusunique.Helovesvariety,diversity,andcolor!Whatmakesmegreatisnotwhatmakesyougreat.YourgreatnesswillbeexpressedandrevealedasyoulivethelifeGodhasdestinedyoutolive.IfItrytolivemylifelikeyouliveyours,Iwillneverbegreat.

Whenpeoplegetcelebrityobsessed,theybuyintotheworld’sideaofwhatitmeanstobegreat.ThebusinessmancanthinkthatifheisnotlivinglikeDonaldTrump,heisnotsuccessful.ThehomemakerandmothercanthinkifsheisnotacombinationofMarthaStewartandMotherTeresa,sheisnotmakingadifference.ThebaseballplayerwhonevermakesittothemajorleaguesormakesitbutneverwinstheWorldSeriescanbelieveheisatotalfailure.

OneofthewaysItacklethishideousliethatmakespeoplebelieveandfeeltheyareunsuccessfulandinsignificantistobreakitdown.Lifeisnotaneither/orproposition.Youarenotalwayswonderfuloralwaysterrible.Youarenotborntobegreatorborntobeafailure.Lifeisalsonotbasedononebigbreak,andifyoudon’tgetthatbreak,yourlifehasnovalue.No!Lifeisaseriesofsetbacksandcomebacksthat,whenweletHim,Godwillusetomakeusintothepersonwewerecreatedtobeandaccomplishwhatwewerecreatedtodo.AnyonewhostickswithHimandfollowsthepathHedesignedforthemwillbecomegreat!

Beingonthenewsoranentertainmentshowdoesnotmakeyouahistory-makerandaworld-shaker;beingwhoyouwerecreatedtobeanddoingwhatyouwerecreatedtodomakesyougreat.

FollowtheYellowBrickRoadInTheWizardofOz,Dorothyislostinaforeignlandandthe

Munchkinswholivetheretellhershemustfollowtheyellowbrickroadtogetbackhome.TheyellowbrickroadwilltakehertotheWizard,whowilltellherhowtogohome.Thinkaboutit.WhatmadethatmovieinterestingwaseverythingDorothyexperiencedandallthecreaturesshemetwhileshetraveledthatroad.IfshehadgonestraightfromherhousetotheWizardandthenhome,therewouldhavebeennosetbacksandnocomebacks.It’sthesetbacksandcomebacksthatmakeourlivesunique,colorful,andworthliving.

It’sthesetbacksandcomebacksthatgiveustheopportunitytodevelopintothepersonwewerecreatedtobebyconnectingwiththepeoplearoundusintherightway.Dorothy’sbigaccomplishmentwasnotgettinghometoKansas.Shechangedherworldbystayingontheyellowbrickroadandhelpingeveryoneshemetasshetraveledthatroad.

Shegotsomeonewhodidn’tthinktheyhadabrainintheirheadtorealizetheywereathinker.Shehelpedapersonwhohadahard,rustedhearttofeelloveagain.Sheshowedacowardthathewasn’tacowardafterall.Andshelearnedagreatdealaboutherselfintheprocessofhelpingothersinherjourney.Shefoundoutthatthehomeshehadalwaysthoughttobecommonandunsophisticatedwasfilledwiththelove,security,andwisdomsheneeded.

Dorothyhadtostayontheyellowbrickroadforallthesethingstohappen,andwehavetostayonthepathGodhasforus.Thenwewillmeetthepeoplewhowillchangeourlivesforthebetter,whowillchallengeustogrowup,andwhowillencourageustobeourselvesandfulfillourpurpose.Thesearealsothepeoplewewillhelp,encourage,and

challengetogrowup.Wehavetocontendwithlifewhilewearelivingit,andfollowing

God’spathforusisn’talwayseasy!That’swhyGodlovestousetheleastlikelypeopletoperformgreatexploits.Itgivestherestofushopethatwecanreachourpotentialanddogreatthingstoo.Healsoassuresusthat“greatthings”isdifferentforeveryindividual.

Youmaybetravelingalong,waitingforyourbigbreakinlife,wonderingwhenitwillevercome.Youmaybejustsurvivingandgettingthroughanotherday.WhatI’mchallengingyoutodoistostoplookingforthatonebigbreakandrealizetherearealotofbreakscomingyourway.Stopjustsurvivingandbegintothriveintheplaceyoufindyourself.

Yourlifeisn’taboutabigbreak;it’saboutonesignificant,life-transformingstepatatime.

ThepathGodwantsyoutofollowisapathoffaithfulness,humility,andtrustinHimthatasyouprosperwhereyouareplanted,Hewillseetoitthatyouaccomplisheverythingyouhaveinyourhearttoaccomplish.JustlikeDorothy,youhavetofollowthepathtodiscoverallthethingsHewantsyoutodiscoveraboutyourself,aboutthosearoundyou,andabouttheworldyouareimpactingasyoumoveforward.

OnHispathforyou,youwillencountergoodandevil—inyourselfaswellasothers!AlsolikeDorothy,youwillhavetogetridoftheevilinyourself,prayforthosewhoareactingevilaroundyou,andneverstopmakingyourwayhomebydoingtherightthing.Ultimately,youwillbehomeforeverwithyourFatherinHeaven,aplacethatwillmaketheEmeraldCitylookshabby!Inthemeantime,youmustfollowthepathHehaslaidoutforyou.

BigWavesBeginWithaLittleShiftTheworldisexperiencinggreatearthquakestoday,andbeingraised

inCalifornia,Iknowaboutearthquakes!Theyarecausedbyasmallshift

deepwithintheEarth.Whatweareseeingmoreandmoretodayarethehugewavesthatareformedafterasmallshiftandearthquake.Eveninnature,Godrevealsthatthesmallestofactshasrippleeffectsinfarawayplacesandthroughtimeandgenerations.

InTheWizardofOz,DorothyhadtoovercomeherfearoftheWickedWitch,andeventuallysheinadvertentlydestroyedher.ThatonelittleactfreedtheentireLandofOzfromaterribleevilpresence.Nowlet’sgetreal.RememberAnanias?HewastheguyJesussenttotalktoSaulofTarsus,whobecametheapostlePaul.AtthetimeAnaniaswenttoseeSaul,however,SaulwasstillfamousforpersecutingandkillingChristians.Nobelieverintheirrightmindwouldhaveapproachedhim,butthatjusthappenedtobeoneofAnanias’bigassignmentsashefollowedthepathGodhadlaidoutforhim.

Ananiasisn’tfamoustoday.Hedoesn’tendupinHebrews,chapter11,wheremostofthegreatheroesofthefaitharenamed.Nobodymadeamovieabouthislife;butwhenheovercamehisfearandwenttoprayforSaulofTarsus,hechangedtheworld.Ananiasmadealittle,tinyshiftthatcausedanearthquakeofrevelationandsenttidalwavesofmiraclesaroundtheworldandtofuturegenerationsthroughtheactsandwritingsoftheapostlePaul.

NeverunderestimatethelittlethingsGodasksyoutodo!WhetheryouarethejanitorortheCEO,whetheryouarethe

groomsmanorthejockey,whetheryouareinthechorusortheleadinglady,knowthatifyouarefollowingthepathGodhaslaidoutforyou,youaremakinglittleshiftsthatareimpactingeveryonearoundyou.

Everylittlethingyoudoisjustassignificantasthebigthingsyoudo!

Helpsomeonewhereyouare,stiruptheirgift,andyoumaychangehistory.ThatyoungmanworkingbesideyouatthehardwarestoremaybethenextBillGatesorSallyRide.RememberwhenPaulandSilaswerelockedupinthedarkestdungeoninPhilippi?Theymadeasmallshift.

TheybegantoprayandpraiseGod,andaliteralearthquakeoccurred.AsaresultthejailercametoknowJesus,hisfamilyandservantscametoknowJesus,andtheirinfluenceinthecityofPhilippibroughtmanymoretoknowJesus.

WhenyoustepoutinfaithtoactonaGodidea,mightymiracleshappen!

Toomanytimeswebecomeso“I”centered,waitingforourbigbreak,thatweareblindedtotheopportunitiesGodhasplacedrightinfrontofus.It’stimetothinkbiginsmallplaces.Whatyoumakehappenforsomeoneelse,Godwillmakehappenforyou.Whenyouopenadoorforsomeoneelsetosucceed,youareplantingaseedintoyourownsuccess.Thatseedwillgerminateandgrowwitheachwordofencouragement,witheachhelpinghandyouextend.Inotherwords,don’twaitforyourshiptocomeinifyouhaven’tsentsomeoneelse’sout!

SeveralyearsagomyfriendsVinceEvansandNapoleonMcCallum,whowereplayingfortheOaklandRaiders,said,“Tim,weneedtostartaBiblestudyfortheRaiders.”SowestartedoneonMondays.ThefirstMonday,sixteenguysshowedup,andtheydidn’tlookliketheywantedtobethere!Theirexpressionssaid,“Vincedraggedusinhere,solet’sgetthisoverwith.”

Isuckedinmygutanddecidedtoactlikeeveryonecouldn’twaittohearwhatIhadtosay.Ibegan,“Okay,everybodystandup.Thisisgoingtobegreat.”

Twoguysstood.Itookadeepbreathandcontinued,andthemoreItalkedthemoreI

feltthepresenceofGodonmeandonthem.Thenthingsbegantohappen.Thoseguyswhowouldn’tstandupthefirsttimewerestandingandclappingandcheering.Theydraggedtheirfriendstoournextmeeting.Beforelongwehadaboutthirtyplayersatthisnon-mandatoryBiblestudyonMondaymorning,andthewholeteambegantochange!

Itonlytakesonepersontomakeadifference.Justonelittleshift,an

earthquakeshakespeople,andatidalwaveofGod’sloveandpowerfallsonthem.Nowsaythisoutloud,“Ihappentobetheone!”Ifyouarewilling,Godcanuseyoutomakebigwaves.Youcanbegreat—whetherornotpeopleknowyourname!

TimingIsEverythingTherearedifferenttimesandseasonsinyourlife.Thereisaseason

forasetbackandaseasonforacomeback.Thereisatimeforgrievingandatimeforrejoicing;atimetoworkandtimetoplay.Lifeisliketheebbandflowofthetidesintheocean.Again,youarealwayschangingandmovingforwardifyouareonthepathGodhasforyou,butthereareprinciplesandtruthsthatneverchange.Hehasgivenyouthesetoholdyousteadyasyouexperienceallthedifferentseasonsofyourlife.

Thereisalsoatimetoplantandatimetoharvest.Youcannotgooutinthefieldsandpickanearofcornfivedaysafteryouplantthecornseed.YoumustgothroughtheGod-ordainedprocessofweeding,fertilizing,watering,andwaitingwhilethesunandalltheGod-ordainedelementsworktogrowthatcorntomaturity.

TherewasaguyintheBiblenamedJoseph(youcanreadhisstoryinGenesis,chapters37,39-45)whohadtwodreamswhenhewasateenager.Hisfamilycalledhim“TheDreamer,”buttheydidn’tmeanitinagoodway.Theywereangrybecausethesedreamsshowedthatonedaythewholefamily,evenhismotherandfather,wouldbowdowntoJoseph—andhewasoneoftheyoungestofthechildren!

UnfortunatelyforJoseph,hethoughttheseasonforhisdreamstocometopasswasrightaway,butthedreamsweresimplytheseedsforhisfuture.Godwasplantingthoseseedsinhisheart,butitwouldbealongtimeandhewouldgothroughalotofseasonsofgrowthbeforethosedreamswouldreachmaturity.

Josepheitherdidn’tknoworheforgotaboutGod’stiming.Whenhesharedthosedreamswithhisfamily,theythoughthewasaboastfullittle

brat.Hisbrothersthrewhiminapitandthensoldhimasaslavetoagroupofwanderingtraders.HeendedupinEgypt,aslavetoPotiphar,whowasawealthycaptaininPharaoh’sarmy.Itwasn’tlongbeforePotipharrecognizedGod’sfavoruponJoseph.HeknewthisbecauseJosephdideverythingwellandeverythinghedidturnedoutgreat,sohemadeJosephoverseerofhisentirehousehold.

OnethingyouaregoingtoseeagainandagainaboutJoseph:Eventhoughhewentthroughsometerriblesetbacks,healwayskepthisfaithinGodandworkedhardtocomeback.HenevergaveuponGodorthedreamsGodhadgivenhimasaboy.Hewentthroughmanysetbacksandcomebacksbeforethedreamscametopass—andbythenhewasmatureenoughtohandlehissuccess.

EverythingwasgoingwellatPotiphar’shouseuntilhiswifemadeasexualadvancetowardJoseph.Herefusedherandfled,whichreallymadehermad!HerangerlandedJosephinprison,falselyaccusedofattackingher.Again,theprisonwardensoonsawGod’sfavoronJosephashefaithfullycarriedoutsmalltasks.EventuallyhesetJosephinaplaceofgreatauthorityintheprison.

WhereverJosephwas,theLordpromotedhimbecausehekeptthefaithandwasfaithfultodoexcellentworkwhereverhewas.Hedidn’tbad-mouththoseheworkedfor,hedidn’tcomplainwhenthingswereunfairordifficult,andhedidn’ttrytogetaheadbyputtinganyoneelsedown.HejustservedeveryonelikehewasservingGodhimself.I’msurethiswasn’teasyattimes!Josephwasashumanasyouandme,butoverallhedidtherightthing.

Oneday,Pharaoh’sbakerandbutlerwerethrownintoprisonandplacedunderJoseph’ssupervision.Theyeachhadadream,andGodgaveJosephthemeaningforeachdream.JustasJosephhadtoldthem,thebakerwashangedbutthebutlerwasreleasedfromprisonandrestoredtohispositioninPharaoh’scourt.ThebutlerforgotaboutJosephuntiltwoyearslater,whenPharaohhadadream.NoneofPharaoh’smagiciansandholymencouldinterpretit,sothebutlerrecommendedJoseph.

Josephwasbroughtfromtheprison,cleanedup,andtakenbeforePharaohtointerprethisdream.HecontinuallygaveGodcreditforhisgift,soGodshowedJosephthemeaningofPharaoh’sdreamandJosephexplainedtoPharaohthattherewouldbesevenyearsofplentyandthensevenyearsoffamineintheland.GodthengaveJosephaplantoprepareforthetimeoffamine.

PharaohalsorecognizedtheSpiritofGodwasonJoseph,soheappointedhimtoruleoverhiskingdom.Hesaid,“OnlywithrespecttothethronewillIbegreaterthanyou”(Genesis41:40).

SuddenlyJosephhadallofEgyptbowingtohim,butwhatabouthisfamily?WhenthefaminehitIsrael,Joseph’sfathersenthisbrotherstoEgypttobuysupplies.TheybowedbeforeJoseph,notknowingwhohewas!ThenJosephgavethemsuppliesandhadthembringbackhisfatherandtheonebrotherwhowasn’twiththem.HewasabletosavetheirlivesbybringingthemtoEgypt.Bythistimehismotherwasdead,buteveryoneinthefamilybowedtoJoseph,andthedreamshehadhadasayoungmanwerefulfilled.

Josephwentfromthepit,totheprison,tothepalace,butwhereverhewasinhisjourneyheprosperedbecausehewasfaithfulandfulloffaith.HerespectedtheauthorityunderwhichhefoundhimselfandallowedtheSpiritofGodtoshineinhislife.Hekepthisattituderightanddidn’tseekvengeanceonthosewhocausedhimharm.Josephpouredhimselfintootherpeople’slives.Hewasamanofintegrityandpurpose,andGodusedhimtopreservehisfamily,thefamilythatwouldeventuallybringforththeMessiahJesus!

Thereisalwaysaprocesstogothroughbeforeadreamcomesintofullness,andthemoreyouareawareofGod’stiming,theeasiertheprocesswillbe.Thatprocessalwaysincludestestsandtrials,learningself-discipline,humility,andgrowinginwisdomanddiscernment.Thepit,theslavemaster,andtheprisonarealltraininggroundsforthepalace.

Tobegreat,youmustunderstandtheimportanceofGod’stiming.

GrowthandmaturityarenecessaryforyoutosuccessfullyhandlethecomebackGodhasforyou.Heknowstherighttimeforeverything.Heknowswhenyouwillbereadyandwhenyouwon’t.Youmaynotthinkyouarereadyattimes,butHewill.Sometimesyouwillthinkyouaremorethanready,andstillHeholdsyouback.Takeitfromsomeonewhohasexperiencedthisagainandagain—youcantrustHimtogetyoutotherightplaceattherighttime!

DiamondsinSouthAfricaIwasplayinggolfinSouthAfrica,whichisfamousforitsdiamond

fields,andIfounddiamondsinanunusualplace.YouhaveneverseenthediamondsglitterontheshoppingchannelsortheInternetsites,buttheyareshiningtheirlightinsignificantplacesnonetheless.

Asweplayedgolf,Ididn’tlikethewaytheblackcaddiesweretreated.Insteadofgettingalljudgmentalandcriticalofthosewhoweremistreatingthem,Idecidedtomotivatethecaddiestoriseaboveit.Oneofthem,namedSteven,wascomplaining.Isaid,“Steven,whoareyougoingtohelpbyfeelingsorryforyourself?”

Hesaid,“Well,that’seasyforyoutosay.You’refromAmerica.”Ianswered,“You’reprobablyright,butweneedtoprosperwherewe

areplantedrightnoworwearenevergoingtochangeoursituation.”Stevenwastotallyunkempt.HehadabigAfrowithgrassalloveritandhisclotheswereragged.Iknewthatifhedidn’tchangeontheinside,changingtheoutsidewouldn’thelphim;buthelpinghimtochangeontheoutsidewouldopenthedoorforthepowerfulmessageIhadforhimtochangehimontheinside.

Isaid,“Steven,I’mnotputtingyoudown,butwe’regoingtohavetodosomethingaboutyou.Whattimedoyougetofftomorrow?”Hetoldmewhattime,andImethimandsomeothersthenextday.Itookthemshoppingandboughtthemsomeniceclothesandshoes,gotthemhaircuts,andgavethemsomemotivationaltapesthattalkedaboutGod.

ThenIsaid,“Now,youguysaregoingtomakeashiftinthewayyouareliving,becauseifyoudon’tactright,yourchildrenarenotgoingtoactright,andthenyourchildren’schildrenaregoingtobemessedup.Butyouaregoingtomakesomelittlechangesthataregoingtocausesomebigturnaroundsforyourfamiliesandyourcommunity.”

IknewthatifIjustgavethemapeptalk,theywouldwritemeoff.TheonlywaytheywouldlistenisifIdidsomethingforthemthatshowedIreallycared.Ihadtoputmymoneywheremymouthwas.Thesecaddiescouldn’tbelievesomebodycaredenoughaboutthemtobuythemnewclothesandgetthemhaircuts.Theyweresoexcited.ThreedayslaterIwentbacktoplaygolf,andtheywerewearingtheirnewclothesandshoes.Theywerestruttin’aroundliketheyownedtheplace!

Thatwasseveralyearsago,andStevennowrunshisownbusiness.He’sstilllookingsharp,andthepeoplearoundhimarelookingsharp.Thatoneshoppingtripandthewordsofencouragementsharedgavehimanewstart,anewheart,andanewlifebecausesomeoneshowedconcernaboutayoungcaddie.Itonlytakesoneperson!Ishifted,heshifted,andsuddenlyanentirefamilymovedfrompovertytosecurity,fromcomplainingtobeingthankful,fromspinningtheirwheelstoracingdownthetrack.

That’showlittlepeoplemakebigwaves.Itdoesn’thappenbystandingaroundwaitingforthebigbreak.Ithappensbyputtingyourhopeandtrustinarelevant,reliable,credibleGod,becauseHehasyourfuturealreadyprepared.Ithappensbyreachingoutandhelpingsomebodyelseobtaintheirdream,byfindingandpolishingthosediamondsintherough.

GodLooksforaSmallFryDoyouknowhowIamusuallyintroducedtothefamouspeopleI

havehelpedthroughtheyears?It’sthenannyorthegardenerorthemaid.ThesearethepeoplewholoveJesusandservetheiremployerswell

becausethatisthesameasservingJesuswell.Everythingtheydo,theydoitliketheyweredoingitforJesus.Becausetheyservesowell,theiremployerslistenwhentheysay,“Youknow,Iknowaministerwhomighthelpyoutogetthroughthis.He’shelpedalotofpeopleyoumightknow.”

There’sastoryintheOldTestamentjustlikethis,foundinthebookof2Kings,chapter5,aboutamancalledNaaman.HewasthearmycommanderforthekingofSyria,andhegotleprosy.ItjustsohappenedthatoneofhisservantgirlswasfromIsrael.ShetoldNaamantherewasaprophetinIsraelnamedElisha,whocouldhealpeople.

Naamanknewthisservantgirlwashonest,sohewenttoIsraeltoseeElisha.Becausehewasabigshot,hewasfuriouswhenElishadidn’tcomeouttospeaktohimdirectly.Instead,ElishasentaservanttotellhimtodipintheJordanRiverseventimesandhewouldbehealed.Again,itwasNaaman’sservantswhoconvincedhimtoobeyElisha’sinstructions.WhenNaamanhumbledhimselfanddidwhathewastoldtodo,theleprosydisappeared.Asaresult,thismightySyrianwarriorchosetofollowtheonetrueGod,andhecarriedhisnewfaithbacktoSyria.

Onelittleservantgirlimpactedanation.

BeingGreatIsaChoiceThere’ssomethingaboutsetbacksthatmakeuswanttotakeitouton

everyonearoundus.Whenwefeelbad,wewanteveryoneelsetofeelbad.Thatisexactlytheoppositeofwhatweshouldbedoing.Togofromasetbacktoacomebackandbeyond,wehavetofindthepathGodhasforus,oratleastthefirststep,andtakeit.Wehavetolookbeyondourownsituationandrememberthatotherpeopleinourliveshaveproblemstoo.

Let’sgobackonceagaintoDorothyinTheWizardofOz.Sheheldontoherdog,Toto,becauseherepresentedeverythingshelovedandbelievedwasright.Shewasinaterriblesetback,butwhenshemettheScarecrow,theTinMan,andtheCowardlyLionshedidn’ttakeitouton

them.Shehelpedthem,andbyhelpingthemshemovedtowardbothhergoalandbecomingagreatheroine.

ThesearethethingsthatmakeDorothygreat:Shedecidedtocareforothersinthemidstofherownsetback,shechosetostayontheyellowbrickroaduntilshegothercomeback,andshewentbeyondhercomebackbychoosingtobeherself.Shedidn’ttrytobeanyoneelse.Shedidn’ttrytobethenextgoodwitchortrytotaketheWizard’splacewhenheturnedouttobelessthaneverybodysaidhewas.Andshewashonestaboutherownfearsandfaults.Intheend,shefoundpeaceinwhoshewasandwhatshewastodo.

TruegreatnessisknowingontheinsideofyouthatyouarebeingtruetowhoGodmadeyoutobeontheoutside.Icansenseifyouarefakingitordeceivingyourself,andsocanotherpeople.Youmaybethegreatestactorwhoeverlivedandcanplayanycharacteronthisplanet,butifyoucan’tbeyourselfyouwillneverbegreat.

TruegreatnesscomesfromtheinsidebecauseGodlivesinyou.Youaregoingtohavesetbacks,butGodhasacomebackforeach

one.Thenyoudecideifyouwanttoreallygobeyondthecomebackandbegreat.Youcanbegreat.YoucanservetheGodwhoblessesyouandguidesyouwithallyourheart,youcancareaboutothers,andyoucandaretobeyourself!

Chapter15:AFinalWordGodhasmarkedoutanadventureforyoucalledlife.Hedoesn’tcauseanythingbadtohappentoyou,butHeisthereto

miraculouslyseeyouthroughwhenitdoes.Heknowstheworldyouliveinisfilledwithpitfallsandevil,andHeknowsyouarenotperfectandcangetyourselfinabind.Heknowsyouaregoingtohavetogothroughsomedifficultandsometimestragicsituations.Therewillbesetbacks,buttheydon’thavetobethedeathofyourdreamsortheendofalifeworthliving.

Setbackscanbefrustrating,frightening,anddebilitating;butneverforgetthatyouhaveaRefuge!Attimestheroadyouarewalkingmayseemtoosteeptoclimb,tooslipperytomaintainyourfooting,ortoofartotravel;butHeisthere,andHealsowalkedanexcruciatinglypainfulroadtoaplacecalledCalvary.I’msurethereweremomentswhenHewonderedifHecouldtakethenextstep.WhentheynailedHimtothecross,Hehadtofightforeverybreath—especiallytheonethatsaid,“Father,forgivethem.”

YouhaveanAdvocate,aComforter,aMentor,aGuide,aTeacherandTrainerwhoknowsyourlifebetterthanyoudo,betterthanyourparentsorfriendsoranyotherhumanbeing.Hefeelsyourpainwhenyouarehurtanddanceswithjoywhenyouachievesuccess.He’swithyoueverystepoftheway,givingyouthestrengthandwisdomyouneedtotakethatnextstepoffaith.Sometimes,youcanactuallyfeelHimcarryingyouwhenyoucan’tgoanyfurtherandholdingyouwhenyourheartisshattered.

Heknowswhat’saheadofyouandcanprepareyouforwhat’scoming.Hemaytellyoutodosomecrazythingsyoudon’tunderstandandmaybewillnotunderstanduntilyougettoHeaven,butyouknowHeknowswhat’sbest.Helovesyouandalwayswantswhatisbestforyou.

AfterawhileofwalkingwithHim,youwillrealizewhatIhave

realized:Yourdestinationisnotonlyaplacebutanewwayoflookingatlife.YoucanembracetheadventureoffaithinsteadoffearingitbecauseHisloveforyouandHispowerthatworksonyourbehalfissomuchgreaterthananythingoranyonethattriestohurtorhinderyou.IlikethewaytheapostleJohnsaiditinhisfirstletter(1John4:4):“Theonewhoisinyouisgreaterthantheonewhoisintheworld.”

Youhaveanenemyinthisworld,andheisreal.Hispriorityistotrytopushyouoffyouryellowbrickroad,togetyoutogiveupbeforeyoucanhelpthepeopleyouaresupposedtohelp,discoverwhoyoureallyare,andreachyourdestination.ButyoualsohaveaGodwhoisgreaterthanlionsandtigersandbears—orwickedwitches(I’mserious)!Heisgreaterthananythingtheenemycanthrowatyou.IfyoucouldseehowHeisdefendingyouandkeepingyousafe,youwouldbeshocked.

ThereisashortstoryintheOldTestamentthatillustratesthisperfectly.TheprophetElisha’sservantgotuponemorningandwalkedouttofindanenemyarmyofthreethousandsurroundingElisha’shouseandtheentirecity.HepanickedandranintotellElisha,whojustyawnedandsaid,“Don’tbeafraid.Ourarmyisgreaterthantheirarmy.”AsElishaturnedovertogobacktosleep,heprayed,“God,pleaseopenhiseyes!”

TheservantfrownedatElishaandthengaspedatwhathesaw.“HelookedandsawthehillsfullofhorsesandchariotsoffireallaroundElisha”(2Kings6:17)!SurroundingtheenemyarmywastheangelichostofHeaven,farmorepowerfulthananyhumanarmy.That’swhatyouhavetorememberwhenlifefeelsliketwoagainstthreethousandtrainedkillers.Youhavetorememberthewholepicture,thespiritualreality:Therearemorewithyouthanwithyourenemies!

ThemoreyouwalkwithGod,themoreyouwillseeyourlifeandthelivesofothersthroughHiseyesofunconditionalloveandbenevolentpower.Nomatterwhatyouface,ifyourememberhowgreatHeisandhowmuchHecaresaboutyouandthosearoundyou,youwon’tallowyourcircumstancestoblindyoufromseeingHissupernaturalsolution.

IsiahRobertsonplayedfootballfortheLosAngelesRamsandtheBuffaloBills,andhewasasix-timeAllPro.Ithinkhewasoneofthegreatestlinebackersofalltime.WhenIwasakid,IlovedwatchingNumber58play.ThenalltheglitzandpoweroflivinginthefastlanetookIsiahfromthetoptothebottominlife.DrugsgotaholdonHimandhelosteverythinghehad.

Whenhehitbottom,alittlerayofhopehithim.HeknewitwastheGodhismotherhadtoldhimabout,andheturnedhislifeovertoHim.Gradually,onetinystepatatime,Isiahfoundhiswaybacktotheyellowbrickroad.Hewentfromhissetbacktoacomeback—andthen,becausehewasfinallybeingwhohewascreatedtobe,hewentbeyond.

Isiahbuiltadrugandalcoholrehabilitationhomeformen,andtheyhavegraduatedhundredsofyoungchampionsoutofthatplace.

Isiahwasneveralone.Whenhewasinthepit,hegrabbedholdofthehandofGod,letHimpullhimout,andhasneverletgo.Likesomanyofus,hecontinuestofacesetbacks,butwithneweyes.Helookstothecomebacks,knowingGodhasalreadyprepareditforhim.Andheisgoingbeyondbybecomingfullyhimself.

TheSongofLoveWhenmysonIsaiahwassmall,hereallylikedSonyPlayStation

games,especiallythefootballandbasketballgames.IhaveafriendwhoworksforSony,sohegavemethePlayStationgameswheneverhecould.Icamehomeonedaywithabagofnewgamesandsaid,“Isaiah,you’vebeenblessedagain!”

Hewassoexcited,hesaid,“Dad,what’dyouget?What’dyougetthistime?”

Isaid,“Oh,Ithinkthere’satleastoneblessinginthisbag.LetmejustseewhatI’vegot.”Althoughtherewereeightgamesinthebag,IactedlikeIonlyhadone,pulledoneout,andsaid,“Whoa,lookatthis.”

Isaiahjumpedupanddownyelling,“Cool,that’sjustwhatIwanted!”

Istrungoutthesuspense,slowlypullingoutonegameafteranother.Witheachgamehegotmoreandmoreexcited.Finallyheranaroundtheroominhispajamas,laughing,“No,no,no,no!That’stoomuch!Stop!That’stoomuch!”

That’sthewayyourheavenlyFatherwantstoblessyou!YouaretheloveofHislife,andHewantstogiveandgiveuntil

you’recrying,“Stop!Ican’ttaketheblessingsanymore!Idon’tevenknowhowtorespond!I’mnotusedtobeingthishappy!”Hewantstoblessyouinthesetback,giveyouamiraculouscomeback,andtakeyouwaybeyondanythingyoucanthinkorimagine.

TheLORDyourGodiswithyou,heismightytosave.hewilltakegreatdelightinyou,hewillquietyouwithhislove,hewillrejoiceoveryouwithsinging.

—Zephaniah3:17Imaginethat!GodissofilledwiththejoyofknowingyouthatHeis

composingsongsandsingingaboutyou!Heisalwayswithyou,Heisalwaysmovinginsupernatural,miraculouswaystosaveyoufromwhateverdifficultorperiloussituationyouarein.Helikesyoujustthewayyouare!AndHewillquietthestormsinyourlifewithHislove.ThisverseofScriptureisHispromiseforyoutoday.Hewilltakeyououtofyoursetback,intoyourcomeback,andbeyond.SograbontoHimanddon’tletgo!

AbouttheAuthorTimStoreyisanacclaimedspeaker,writer,andlifecoach.Heis

wellknownforhisradioandtelevisionbroadcastsandhasinspiredandmotivatedpeopleofallwalksoflife,fromentertainment-industryexecutives,celebrities,andathletestoadultsandchildreninthemostdeprivedneighborhoodsinthecountry.SincereceivinghisdoctorateofdivinityfromBethanyTheologicalSeminary,TimStoreyhasvisitedfifty-fivecountriesandspokentomillionsofpeople.Heistheauthorofseveralbooksandmonographs,notablyhis2008releaseUtmostLiving.TocontactTimStorey,write:StoreyDreams499N.CanonDr.,Suite400BeverlyHills,California90210www.timstoreyonline.com

Endnotes

Chapter11Definitionfor“momentum”foundat

http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/momentumWeb.26April2010.

Chapter41Reeve,Christopher.“ChristopherReeve’sDecision”Reader’s

Digest,July,1998,p.60-66.

Chapter61“AskArnold”Shwarzenegger.comn.d.Web26April2010.2Ross,Dena.“GeorgeForman’sSecoundChance”Beliefnet.comn.d.

Web.26April2010.

Chapter71Amos,Wally.TheFamousAmosStory:TheFaceThatLauncheda

ThousandChips.Doubleday,1983.

Chapter81Cater,Amanda.“IfaChild”Poemhunter.comn.d.Web27April

2010.

Chapter121Sherman,Elizabeth.“ConfidenceIstheSexiestThingaWoman

CanHave.”Parade,DallasMorningNewsMagazine,June21,1998.pp.11-12.

TableofContentsComeback&BeyondIntroductionChapter1:TheInnerCryforMoreChapter2:There'sGonnaBeaFightChapter3:Turn,Turn,TurnChapter4:GrowingPainsChapter5:StayingSteadyinUnsteadyTimesChapter6:YouWantMetoDoWhat?Chapter7:MasterpieceinMotionChapter8:LeavingaLegacyChapter9:YourFatherChapter10:SingingintheDarkChapter11:BecomingGod'sChampionChapter12:DesperateFaithChapter13:It'sStillGoingtoBeAllRightChapter14:YouCanBeGreatChapter15:AFinalWordAbouttheAuthorEndnotes