This is an expression of praise, not a victory lap. God’s work in our lives demands testimony. – What did we learn? – How did we fail? – What was the purpose? – How can this apply to you?

My Story…

Preparation – Unity – Snares Pride Self Reliance – My “Go To” Man Jim??? God???

3 Deadly “D”s – Despair – Depression – Despondent All because… – Tantrum

We must never put our dreams or desired goals as God’s purpose for us. His purpose is that I depend on Him and His power now. It is the process, not the end, which is glorifying to God.

– How long I was there… Process only begun…but was willing to walk it… – Who led me out… Christian sympathy Jim tried… The meaning of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not the answer. – What happened after I “got up” and started walking… Open Door

God is not expecting a big thing from me, instead only being willing to come.

Forgive Me – Self Pity I am disloyal when I do not recognize that God had ordered a particular set of circumstances. No complaining from me, and no explanation needed from Him. Let not your heart be troubled is a command, not a suggestion. Heal…ME – Purpose of Life – My prayer becomes that my desire would conform to His will and purpose for my life.

Obey Him – Trust Let actual circumstances be what they may. I have no business with where He engineers my circumstances. Keep recognizing Jesus. Maintain complete reliance on Him. Trust God as if everything depended on Him, and work as if everything depended on us. Thank Him

The first thing God does is to get us to a place where we do not care what becomes of us individually, as long as He gets His way for the purpose of His redemption. Through heartbreaks, God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son and says, “Enter into fellowship with Me, arise and shine.” If through a broken heart, God can bring His purpose to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.

What When Where How …for breakfast, lunch and dinner… …sometimes… …for a long time…

Faith is unwavering trust in God; trust that never dreams that He will not stand by us. Faith is the unbreakable confidence in the personality of God, not in His power. Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.

LUST – Kill it with FIRE Yield Worship Trust – Eyes and Ears Spiritual Leakage: Turning from total reliance on God to reliance on world opinion or tangible evidence. Faith is believing despite the evidence. Kill it with FIRE – Renew, renew, renew

Flabby Faith – Life – Fatigue – Blessings Kill it with FIRE- – Monitor Mood » Resting in the Lord does not depend on external circumstances, but on my relationship with God. – “Momentary” Strength » God never gives strength for tomorrow, or even for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. – Circumstances » Jesus loves me when I am dirty and He loves me too much to leave me that way. Compulsion – Kill it with FIRE Motivation check

Healing of… – Faith View of God – Family My current circumstances are not as important as what I do with them. – Me God, Life, Future… – Delight going through problems, because He is beside me and knows all about it, and I get to see how He unravels it.

Mountain Ranges – Can you see it? Mountain Tops – Can you hear it? Mountain Walks – Can you taste it? Mountain Muscles – Can you feel it?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Realignment of Desires Instinct to Fix Fatigue Fielding the Help of Others

Learning to Surrender Discovering True Purpose (Coworker) Gaining Contentment Learning My Place

This story is not ABOUT healing. Faith’s healing is but the most recent of many miracles God has worked in this circumstance. BUT…

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:14-16

It became clear to us that everything in our lives had led up to and prepared us for this trial. In retrospect, God’s hand and power has been so evident. We’ve grown to expect it going forward. God is preparing us for our next trial. What is your next mountain?

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28