WEBVTT
00:00:13.599 --> 00:00:21.199
Not because we do not know what must be done, but because we are afraid of what we have how we do it.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:32.960
Yet when God is leading you, fear about the outcome must not keep you from making and taking the necessary steps.
00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:38.719
Good morning and welcome to this expression of igniting your day.
00:00:39.679 --> 00:00:44.399
You may be listening to me and facing a difficult and important decision.
00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:50.000
The circumstances surrounding this decision have made it complicated.
00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:57.200
You may be struggling to gather your thoughts or find the courage to move forward.
00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:03.119
You may be wondering what your life will look like after you make the decision.
00:01:10.560 --> 00:01:13.040
Better days are ahead of you.
00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:20.879
What I'm sharing may not be entirely new, but it is important for this moment.
00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:33.680
When a decision must be made, you must make it, especially when you are convinced that it is the right decision for your life and that God is leading you.
00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:46.159
You may be afraid of the possible outcome, you may be wondering what will change, who will remain with you, or whether you will be able to cope afterward.
00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:55.840
I want to share four truths that can give you emotional and spiritual security as you make the decision.
00:01:56.319 --> 00:02:05.760
These truths helped me when I was struggling, and I believe the Holy Spirit is bringing them forward for someone today.
00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:13.439
Number one, your emotions are valid, and God is a safe place for them.
00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:21.199
The first thing you must understand is that your emotions are valid, and God is a safe place for your emotions.
00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:30.400
Psalm 62, verse 8 says, Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your heart before Him.
00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:33.520
God is a refuge for us.
00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:37.599
I do not know how you are feeling right now.
00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.599
I do not know what appears broken or shattered in your life.
00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:49.199
I do not know the depth of the disappointment, fear, confusion, or pain surrounding your decision.
00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:51.360
But your emotions are real.
00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:57.120
No one can deny that you feel what you feel.
00:02:57.439 --> 00:03:04.080
However, you must also know that God is a safe place for those emotions.
00:03:04.639 --> 00:03:08.080
No matter how you feel, God welcomes you.
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:11.120
His arms remain open to receive you.
00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:14.400
You do not have to hide your pain from him.
00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:20.879
Pretend that you are unaffected or approach him as though you have everything together.
00:03:21.199 --> 00:03:21.520
No.
00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:37.280
Hebrews chapter 4, verse 15 says, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted, like as we are, yet without sin.
00:03:38.319 --> 00:04:00.240
Jesus is not unfamiliar with the human weaknesses, he is not unable to sympathize with your struggles, he understands the weight of temptation, he understands pressure, he understands grief, he understands rejection, he understands loneliness, and he understands pain.
00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:06.319
Therefore, no matter how you feel right now, you still have a home in Jesus.
00:04:06.639 --> 00:04:17.439
You can pour out your heart before him, you can tell him exactly where it hurts, you can acknowledge your fear without allowing that fear to lead you to sin.
00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:23.680
Your emotions are valid, but they do not have to become your master.
00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:26.560
Bring them into the presence of God.
00:04:26.879 --> 00:04:35.519
Allow him to comfort you, allow him to steady your heart, allow him to guide your response.
00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:44.480
So before making that decision, remember this God is a safe place for everything you are feeling.
00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:51.040
Number two, the outcome of your decision will not change God's love for you.
00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:54.879
Yes, that's the second truth.
00:04:55.199 --> 00:05:01.360
Whatever the outcome of your decision may be, it will not change how much God loves you.
00:05:02.079 --> 00:05:09.439
You may need to make a decision, but fear of making a mistake has left you paralyzed.
00:05:09.839 --> 00:05:17.360
Perhaps you are afraid that if the decision does not produce the outcome you expect, you will disappoint God or lose his favor.
00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:34.720
But please understand this whatever the decision looks like, whether the decision appears to work well or not, its outcome does not edit, alter, diminish, corrupt, or erase God's love for you.
00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:38.720
Knowing this gives you emotional security in decision making.
00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:42.480
You already know that God is a safe place for your emotions.
00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:49.279
Now you must also know that the result of your decision cannot erode God's love for you.
00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:53.040
Romans chapter 8, verse 38 to 39.
00:05:53.279 --> 00:06:14.720
It says, For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, no things present, no things to come, no height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:18.800
My brother, my sister, you are eternally loved.
00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:27.519
Whether in your estimation the decision turns out well or does not unfold as expected, God will not stop loving you.
00:06:27.839 --> 00:06:34.879
The outcome cannot reduce the size, the quality, the depth or dimensions of his love.
00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.199
He loved you before you were born.
00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:41.120
He loved you before you possessed any ability to perform.
00:06:41.279 --> 00:06:45.199
Therefore, your performance cannot become the foundation of that love.
00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:52.079
This does not mean that our decisions do not have consequences or that wisdom is unnecessary.
00:06:52.319 --> 00:07:00.560
It means that your identity and security in God are not built upon your ability to produce a perfect outcome.
00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:10.800
Ephesians chapter 3, verse 18 to 19 speaks of knowing the breadth, the length, the depth, and height of the love of Christ.
00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:14.399
A love that surpasses human understanding.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:27.839
My friends, God's love is greater than your fears, it is greater than your uncertainty, it is greater than the possibility of an imperfect outcome.
00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:32.560
You must pray, seek wisdom, examine your motives and obey God.
00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:36.079
But you should not make decisions from a place of terror.
00:07:36.319 --> 00:07:41.360
No, as though one wrong outcome will make God abandon you.
00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:42.319
No, sir.
00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:43.199
No ma.
00:07:43.600 --> 00:07:46.560
As you move forward, hold on to this truth.
00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:52.319
Whatever happens after the decision, you remain loved by God.
00:07:53.199 --> 00:08:00.480
Number three, taking sides with God outweighs a numerical disadvantage.
00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:07.439
The third truth is that taking sides with God outweighs any numerical disadvantage.
00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:12.959
One reason you may be hesitating is that you are afraid of standing alone.
00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:20.000
Perhaps you have compared the number of people supporting you with the number standing on the other side.
00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:26.319
You may be wondering whether anyone will remain with you after you make the decision.
00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:31.120
You may be afraid that loneliness will follow your obedience.
00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:52.240
But when you are certain that God has inspired the decision, when you have prayed, when you have sought his direction and become convinced that this is the step he is asking you to take, then standing with God outweighs the disadvantage of having fewer people around you.
00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:57.679
Romans chapter 8, verse 31 says, What shall we then say to these things?
00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:02.240
If God be for us, who can be against us?
00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:17.200
The emphasis is not that no one will oppose you, opposition may come, people may disagree with you, some may even misunderstand your motives, others may distance themselves from you.
00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:26.320
The point is that no opposition can ultimately overpower the purpose of God when He is truly for you.
00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:31.679
Nobody has what it takes to defeat what God has determined to sustain.
00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:37.519
Therefore, do not allow numbers alone to determine whether you will obey God.
00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:48.080
The majority is not always a confirmation of divine direction, and being in the minority does not necessarily mean you are wrong.
00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:52.639
The essential question is not how many people are standing with me.
00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:56.320
The essential question is, am I standing with God?
00:09:56.799 --> 00:10:02.639
My friends, taking sides with God outweighs numerical disadvantage.
00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:10.879
If the decision is truly God inspired, do not let the fear of standing alone prevent you from making it.
00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:17.519
Number four, the people you fear leaving behind are not beyond God's care.
00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.360
Oh, yes.
00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:28.960
The people you believe you may live alone are not truly alone, and they will never be beyond the reach of God's care.
00:10:29.519 --> 00:10:35.600
You may be struggling to make a necessary decision because you are worried about someone else.
00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:39.919
You may be thinking, What will happen to him if I leave?
00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:41.919
What will happen to her?
00:10:42.240 --> 00:10:44.080
Will this person survive?
00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:45.600
Will they be lonely?
00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:47.919
Who will take care of them?
00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:52.399
Oh, compassion is important, we admit.
00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:57.840
But you see, we must not become careless about the welfare of others.
00:10:58.159 --> 00:11:00.159
Yes, we must not become careless.
00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:05.440
Let me say that ahead, but we must also recognize that we are not God.
00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:08.320
Yes, let me say it again.
00:11:08.639 --> 00:11:10.080
Compassion is important.
00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:17.200
We must not become careless about the welfare of others, but we must also recognize that we are not God.
00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:21.919
Nobody in this world is beyond the reach of God's care.
00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:29.679
Genesis chapter 21, verse 14 to 20 tells the story of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness.
00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:39.039
Abraham found the situation painful, but after God instructed and reassured him, Hargar and Ishmael departed.
00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:47.919
Eventually, their water was exhausted, their resources were depleted, and the situation appeared hopeless.
00:11:48.159 --> 00:11:51.919
Yet God had the voice of the child.
00:11:52.240 --> 00:12:02.240
Genesis chapter 21, verse 17 says, And God heard the voice of the Lord, and the angel of the Lord called to Hagar out of heaven.
00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:06.240
Friends, God heard Ishmael in the wilderness.
00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:10.639
Hagar and Ishmael had not traveled beyond God's reach.
00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:15.200
Their resources had ended, but God's care had not ended.
00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:20.960
Their human support appeared to be gone, but heaven had not abandoned them.
00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:30.799
This is important because you may be delaying an essential act of obedience because you believe another person's survival depends entirely upon you.
00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:32.080
That's a lie.
00:12:32.799 --> 00:12:37.039
But the same God who cares for you also cares for them.
00:12:37.600 --> 00:12:41.200
The same God who sees you also sees them.
00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:45.360
The same God who hears your prayers can hear their cries.
00:12:45.759 --> 00:12:49.840
You are not the only channel through which God can help another person.
00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:54.080
God may use you, but he is not limited to you.
00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:59.840
Therefore, do not carry a responsibility that God has not assigned to you.
00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:11.440
Do not remain in an unhealthy, disobedient, or destructive situation simply because you have concluded that another person cannot survive without you.
00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:13.600
Pray for them, I agree.
00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:15.919
Act with compassion, I agree.
00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:24.960
Fulfill every responsibility that God has genuinely given you, but do not assume the place of God in their lives.
00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:29.120
No one is beyond the reach of God's care.
00:13:30.320 --> 00:13:34.799
So if you have a decision to make, remember these four truths, my friends.
00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:39.679
First, your emotions are valid and God is a safe place for them.
00:13:39.919 --> 00:13:45.279
Second, the outcome of your decision will not change how much God loves you.
00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:50.720
Third, taking sides with God outweighs numerical disadvantage.
00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:57.679
And fourth, the people you fear leaving behind are not beyond the reach of God's care.
00:13:58.320 --> 00:14:09.200
These four truths are not an invitation to act carelessly, they are an invitation to make necessary decisions without being controlled by fear.
00:14:09.519 --> 00:14:11.919
Seek God sincerely, my friends.
00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:15.440
Yes, examine the decision carefully.
00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:18.480
Receive wise counsel where appropriate.
00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:22.960
Ensure that your motives and method agree with God's word.
00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:27.200
Then, when you have received clarity, move forward.
00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:32.799
Do not remain indefinitely in the place God is asking you to leave.
00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:38.159
Do not refuse to act simply because you cannot predict every consequence.
00:14:38.480 --> 00:14:47.120
Do not allow fear of loneliness, fear of failure, or fear of another person's future keep you from obedience.
00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:56.559
You may not know everything that will happen after the decision, but you can know the one who will remain with you through the outcome.
00:14:57.200 --> 00:15:00.000
I pray for you this morning, my friends.
00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:18.879
Oh, I pray for you that beyond what you know now, the presence and the power of God will move into your space and touch you, strengthen you, and give you boldness in the name of Jesus.
00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:19.840
Amen.
00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:26.720
My dear friends, thank you once again for listening to this episode of Uniting Your Day.
00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:35.919
I pray for you once again that everywhere you go today and in everything you do, you'll enjoy the peace and favor of God in Jesus' name.
00:15:36.240 --> 00:15:38.399
Wish you an amazing day ahead.
00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:57.919
God bless you, but I'm not sure.
00:00:13.599 --> 00:00:21.199
Not because we do not know what must be done, but because we are afraid of what we have how we do it.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:32.960
Yet when God is leading you, fear about the outcome must not keep you from making and taking the necessary steps.
00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:38.719
Good morning and welcome to this expression of igniting your day.
00:00:39.679 --> 00:00:44.399
You may be listening to me and facing a difficult and important decision.
00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:50.000
The circumstances surrounding this decision have made it complicated.
00:00:50.560 --> 00:00:57.200
You may be struggling to gather your thoughts or find the courage to move forward.
00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:03.119
You may be wondering what your life will look like after you make the decision.
00:01:10.560 --> 00:01:13.040
Better days are ahead of you.
00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:20.879
What I'm sharing may not be entirely new, but it is important for this moment.
00:01:21.680 --> 00:01:33.680
When a decision must be made, you must make it, especially when you are convinced that it is the right decision for your life and that God is leading you.
00:01:34.719 --> 00:01:46.159
You may be afraid of the possible outcome, you may be wondering what will change, who will remain with you, or whether you will be able to cope afterward.
00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:55.840
I want to share four truths that can give you emotional and spiritual security as you make the decision.
00:01:56.319 --> 00:02:05.760
These truths helped me when I was struggling, and I believe the Holy Spirit is bringing them forward for someone today.
00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:13.439
Number one, your emotions are valid, and God is a safe place for them.
00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:21.199
The first thing you must understand is that your emotions are valid, and God is a safe place for your emotions.
00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:30.400
Psalm 62, verse 8 says, Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your heart before Him.
00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:33.520
God is a refuge for us.
00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:37.599
I do not know how you are feeling right now.
00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.599
I do not know what appears broken or shattered in your life.
00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:49.199
I do not know the depth of the disappointment, fear, confusion, or pain surrounding your decision.
00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:51.360
But your emotions are real.
00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:57.120
No one can deny that you feel what you feel.
00:02:57.439 --> 00:03:04.080
However, you must also know that God is a safe place for those emotions.
00:03:04.639 --> 00:03:08.080
No matter how you feel, God welcomes you.
00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:11.120
His arms remain open to receive you.
00:03:11.520 --> 00:03:14.400
You do not have to hide your pain from him.
00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:20.879
Pretend that you are unaffected or approach him as though you have everything together.
00:03:21.199 --> 00:03:21.520
No.
00:03:22.240 --> 00:03:37.280
Hebrews chapter 4, verse 15 says, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted, like as we are, yet without sin.
00:03:38.319 --> 00:04:00.240
Jesus is not unfamiliar with the human weaknesses, he is not unable to sympathize with your struggles, he understands the weight of temptation, he understands pressure, he understands grief, he understands rejection, he understands loneliness, and he understands pain.
00:04:00.800 --> 00:04:06.319
Therefore, no matter how you feel right now, you still have a home in Jesus.
00:04:06.639 --> 00:04:17.439
You can pour out your heart before him, you can tell him exactly where it hurts, you can acknowledge your fear without allowing that fear to lead you to sin.
00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:23.680
Your emotions are valid, but they do not have to become your master.
00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:26.560
Bring them into the presence of God.
00:04:26.879 --> 00:04:35.519
Allow him to comfort you, allow him to steady your heart, allow him to guide your response.
00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:44.480
So before making that decision, remember this God is a safe place for everything you are feeling.
00:04:45.120 --> 00:04:51.040
Number two, the outcome of your decision will not change God's love for you.
00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:54.879
Yes, that's the second truth.
00:04:55.199 --> 00:05:01.360
Whatever the outcome of your decision may be, it will not change how much God loves you.
00:05:02.079 --> 00:05:09.439
You may need to make a decision, but fear of making a mistake has left you paralyzed.
00:05:09.839 --> 00:05:17.360
Perhaps you are afraid that if the decision does not produce the outcome you expect, you will disappoint God or lose his favor.
00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:34.720
But please understand this whatever the decision looks like, whether the decision appears to work well or not, its outcome does not edit, alter, diminish, corrupt, or erase God's love for you.
00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:38.720
Knowing this gives you emotional security in decision making.
00:05:39.040 --> 00:05:42.480
You already know that God is a safe place for your emotions.
00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:49.279
Now you must also know that the result of your decision cannot erode God's love for you.
00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:53.040
Romans chapter 8, verse 38 to 39.
00:05:53.279 --> 00:06:14.720
It says, For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, no things present, no things to come, no height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:18.800
My brother, my sister, you are eternally loved.
00:06:19.040 --> 00:06:27.519
Whether in your estimation the decision turns out well or does not unfold as expected, God will not stop loving you.
00:06:27.839 --> 00:06:34.879
The outcome cannot reduce the size, the quality, the depth or dimensions of his love.
00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.199
He loved you before you were born.
00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:41.120
He loved you before you possessed any ability to perform.
00:06:41.279 --> 00:06:45.199
Therefore, your performance cannot become the foundation of that love.
00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:52.079
This does not mean that our decisions do not have consequences or that wisdom is unnecessary.
00:06:52.319 --> 00:07:00.560
It means that your identity and security in God are not built upon your ability to produce a perfect outcome.
00:07:00.879 --> 00:07:10.800
Ephesians chapter 3, verse 18 to 19 speaks of knowing the breadth, the length, the depth, and height of the love of Christ.
00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:14.399
A love that surpasses human understanding.
00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:27.839
My friends, God's love is greater than your fears, it is greater than your uncertainty, it is greater than the possibility of an imperfect outcome.
00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:32.560
You must pray, seek wisdom, examine your motives and obey God.
00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:36.079
But you should not make decisions from a place of terror.
00:07:36.319 --> 00:07:41.360
No, as though one wrong outcome will make God abandon you.
00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:42.319
No, sir.
00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:43.199
No ma.
00:07:43.600 --> 00:07:46.560
As you move forward, hold on to this truth.
00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:52.319
Whatever happens after the decision, you remain loved by God.
00:07:53.199 --> 00:08:00.480
Number three, taking sides with God outweighs a numerical disadvantage.
00:08:00.879 --> 00:08:07.439
The third truth is that taking sides with God outweighs any numerical disadvantage.
00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:12.959
One reason you may be hesitating is that you are afraid of standing alone.
00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:20.000
Perhaps you have compared the number of people supporting you with the number standing on the other side.
00:08:20.240 --> 00:08:26.319
You may be wondering whether anyone will remain with you after you make the decision.
00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:31.120
You may be afraid that loneliness will follow your obedience.
00:08:31.439 --> 00:08:52.240
But when you are certain that God has inspired the decision, when you have prayed, when you have sought his direction and become convinced that this is the step he is asking you to take, then standing with God outweighs the disadvantage of having fewer people around you.
00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:57.679
Romans chapter 8, verse 31 says, What shall we then say to these things?
00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:02.240
If God be for us, who can be against us?
00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:17.200
The emphasis is not that no one will oppose you, opposition may come, people may disagree with you, some may even misunderstand your motives, others may distance themselves from you.
00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:26.320
The point is that no opposition can ultimately overpower the purpose of God when He is truly for you.
00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:31.679
Nobody has what it takes to defeat what God has determined to sustain.
00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:37.519
Therefore, do not allow numbers alone to determine whether you will obey God.
00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:48.080
The majority is not always a confirmation of divine direction, and being in the minority does not necessarily mean you are wrong.
00:09:48.399 --> 00:09:52.639
The essential question is not how many people are standing with me.
00:09:52.879 --> 00:09:56.320
The essential question is, am I standing with God?
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My friends, taking sides with God outweighs numerical disadvantage.
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If the decision is truly God inspired, do not let the fear of standing alone prevent you from making it.
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Number four, the people you fear leaving behind are not beyond God's care.
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Oh, yes.
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The people you believe you may live alone are not truly alone, and they will never be beyond the reach of God's care.
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You may be struggling to make a necessary decision because you are worried about someone else.
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You may be thinking, What will happen to him if I leave?
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What will happen to her?
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Will this person survive?
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Will they be lonely?
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Who will take care of them?
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Oh, compassion is important, we admit.
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But you see, we must not become careless about the welfare of others.
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Yes, we must not become careless.
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Let me say that ahead, but we must also recognize that we are not God.
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Yes, let me say it again.
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Compassion is important.
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We must not become careless about the welfare of others, but we must also recognize that we are not God.
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Nobody in this world is beyond the reach of God's care.
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Genesis chapter 21, verse 14 to 20 tells the story of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness.
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Abraham found the situation painful, but after God instructed and reassured him, Hargar and Ishmael departed.
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Eventually, their water was exhausted, their resources were depleted, and the situation appeared hopeless.
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Yet God had the voice of the child.
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Genesis chapter 21, verse 17 says, And God heard the voice of the Lord, and the angel of the Lord called to Hagar out of heaven.
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Friends, God heard Ishmael in the wilderness.
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Hagar and Ishmael had not traveled beyond God's reach.
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Their resources had ended, but God's care had not ended.
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Their human support appeared to be gone, but heaven had not abandoned them.
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This is important because you may be delaying an essential act of obedience because you believe another person's survival depends entirely upon you.
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That's a lie.
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But the same God who cares for you also cares for them.
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The same God who sees you also sees them.
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The same God who hears your prayers can hear their cries.
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You are not the only channel through which God can help another person.
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God may use you, but he is not limited to you.
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Therefore, do not carry a responsibility that God has not assigned to you.
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Do not remain in an unhealthy, disobedient, or destructive situation simply because you have concluded that another person cannot survive without you.
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Pray for them, I agree.
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Act with compassion, I agree.
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Fulfill every responsibility that God has genuinely given you, but do not assume the place of God in their lives.
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No one is beyond the reach of God's care.
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So if you have a decision to make, remember these four truths, my friends.
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First, your emotions are valid and God is a safe place for them.
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Second, the outcome of your decision will not change how much God loves you.
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Third, taking sides with God outweighs numerical disadvantage.
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And fourth, the people you fear leaving behind are not beyond the reach of God's care.
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These four truths are not an invitation to act carelessly, they are an invitation to make necessary decisions without being controlled by fear.
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Seek God sincerely, my friends.
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Yes, examine the decision carefully.
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Receive wise counsel where appropriate.
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Ensure that your motives and method agree with God's word.
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Then, when you have received clarity, move forward.
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Do not remain indefinitely in the place God is asking you to leave.
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Do not refuse to act simply because you cannot predict every consequence.
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Do not allow fear of loneliness, fear of failure, or fear of another person's future keep you from obedience.
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You may not know everything that will happen after the decision, but you can know the one who will remain with you through the outcome.
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I pray for you this morning, my friends.
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Oh, I pray for you that beyond what you know now, the presence and the power of God will move into your space and touch you, strengthen you, and give you boldness in the name of Jesus.
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Amen.
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My dear friends, thank you once again for listening to this episode of Uniting Your Day.
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I pray for you once again that everywhere you go today and in everything you do, you'll enjoy the peace and favor of God in Jesus' name.
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Wish you an amazing day ahead.
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God bless you, but I'm not sure.
