Thanks for this. Been walking through a very long season of debilitating depression and anxiety yet still I’m able to keep going. The only reason is God.
This morning’s message was deeply moving-it truly touched my heart. The idea of connecting the dots throughout the day and noticing those quiet reminders of God’s love and grace was just what I needed. Whether it’s seeing a glimpse of beauty, feeling grateful just to be here, or sharing a quiet moment with a friend, I feel inspired to keep my eyes open. It’s a powerful reminder that hope is always close, even in the hardest times, and that we’re never truly alone. Thank you for this beautiful message!
Next year will be 40 years since our 11 year old daughter went Home to be with the Lord from a car accident on our way to school. There has been so much God has shown me through the years but 3 things that God has firmly set in me. The first was when it first happened people would say to us - why you - why would God take your only child. Our response was - why not us - through our hearts broken into a million pieces. Then a few weeks later - with a great support system - I felt so alone and sitting by the phone cried out to God asking why it seemed nobody cared - why didn't anyone call. And very clearly He spoke and said it is good to have people but 'I am' the only one who can meet those deep needs. There have been hundreds of times through these years - through the pains and joys of life where I have been in amazement saying to myself in humility God you have taught me so many things of Yourself I would never have learned any other way. The loss will always be with us but our God never fails us. All praise to Him.
Heavenly Father, We lift up Linda, her family, and friends to You, knowing that Your love and grace are the truest comfort for their hearts. Wrap them in Your compassion, Lord, reminding them that Your hand is always extended, even in the moments of most profound sorrow. As they walk through life’s seasons, may they feel Your presence, knowing they are never alone. Draw them into community and fellowship where their hearts can find solace and strength, transforming their story into a testimony that gives others hope. As Linda and her family approach forty years since the loss of her precious daughter, we are grateful for all You have shown through their journey. From the pain of that day, You have brought lessons of humility, resilience, and the faith to say, “Why us?” You alone have met their deepest needs, teaching them things about Yourself they could never have learned otherwise. In their loss, You have remained unshakable. May each memory honor her legacy and bring praise to Your name as Your love continues to carry them forward. Lord, thank You for Your steadfastness in every step of this journey. All praise to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Oh Linda, thank you so much for sharing. So many people never recognize that point where the only option available is to trust God. What a beautiful testimony. - Rob
This was beautiful. Made me cry. I have experienced such pain (emotional, psychological) in the last few years that has threatened to kill me. Your description of knowing God propositionally or by acquaintance reminds me of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, chapter 2, in which a teacher has a boy named Bitzer give a definition of a horse to a little girl, whose father works with horses! Bitzer's definition is scientific: "quadruped, graminivorous, hard teeth, etc." But the little girl knows horses intimately and personally.
This text was beautifully explained. Today, and since my days at Willow Creek, I am in awe of John's knowledge of ancient history and how he brings it alive in his teaching to make us fully understand the meaning of the text. These are more than just words on a page. God is an awesome God!
Wow! This was an amazing “awakening” teaching. I’ve never heard these insights into pain, Job, or God’s extravagant generosity so clearly and tenderly taught. I too was moved deeply and want to lean into Him and His kingdom here and now. We taste John’s heart everyday, grateful for the feast he offers us which could possibly not have been. And there aren’t words to describe the joy of being in a community like the Withered Hand. Thank God for one and all.
Have spent the last 72 hours with a dear young lady, who was intent upon taking her life. I'm blessed to say that she is alive today & mostly with it. I plan to share this one with her today. TY😢🙏🏻🕊⚘️
John, thank you for an inspiring and moving message. This was so touching. I truly believe that we can’t fully understand God’s response to Job without considering Jesus words of Matthew 6: 28 - 30 about God lavishly clothing the vegetation with splendor greater than Solomon, only to have it last a day. Jesus was providing a lesson in God’s character to assure us that He will provide. God gives Job example after example of His beauty and generosity to, as Jesus did, point to a quality of the Father that should reassure us. While God never directly answers why Job was suffering in that address, He is assuring Job that whatever the reason it is in keeping with His character, which breathes love and joy. That should have been assurance enough, but on top of that we have the first two chapters that give us the privilege of seeing that which is invisible to our eyes, again proving that God provides far more than we need. What a privilege in having His beautiful word.
Pain and suffering tends to catapault me towards egocentrism. These teachings, invite heart wrenching transparency to share with others walking the same road. The comments open my eyes to pain and struggles beyond my own little world which helps to put my own into perspective. As much as I hurt, all around me are those equally hurting. Then I’m able to open myself to pray for and grieve the pain of others. in Gods wisdom and grace, somehow this helps me with my own.
good morning ☀️ I live with nerve pain similar to that of ghost pain of an amputee (due to a lil hole in my brain stem)~meds can’t dull the pain, so I live with it. Everyday I get to wake up is a great day for I know His grace is sufficient. I refused to let it stop me from living each day He gives me. Thank you Jesus for Job and your love through your word and Become New for breaking it down with answers to why and the how with God, especially at the perfect time, thank you, in Jesus name 🙏🏻💕🍃
Thanks for this. Been walking through a very long season of debilitating depression and anxiety yet still I’m able to keep going. The only reason is God.
Stay in community, don't isolate, we don't have to walk that path alone. I'm thankful for you, Andrea, thank you for following and sharing. - Rob
This morning’s message was deeply moving-it truly touched my heart. The idea of connecting the dots throughout the day and noticing those quiet reminders of God’s love and grace was just what I needed. Whether it’s seeing a glimpse of beauty, feeling grateful just to be here, or sharing a quiet moment with a friend, I feel inspired to keep my eyes open. It’s a powerful reminder that hope is always close, even in the hardest times, and that we’re never truly alone. Thank you for this beautiful message!
Well said, Bruce, thank you sir! - Rob
Next year will be 40 years since our 11 year old daughter went Home to be with the Lord from a car accident on our way to school. There has been so much God has shown me through the years but 3 things that God has firmly set in me. The first was when it first happened people would say to us - why you - why would God take your only child. Our response was - why not us - through our hearts broken into a million pieces. Then a few weeks later - with a great support system - I felt so alone and sitting by the phone cried out to God asking why it seemed nobody cared - why didn't anyone call. And very clearly He spoke and said it is good to have people but 'I am' the only one who can meet those deep needs. There have been hundreds of times through these years - through the pains and joys of life where I have been in amazement saying to myself in humility God you have taught me so many things of Yourself I would never have learned any other way. The loss will always be with us but our God never fails us. All praise to Him.
Yes 💗
Heavenly Father, We lift up Linda, her family, and friends to You, knowing that Your love and grace are the truest comfort for their hearts. Wrap them in Your compassion, Lord, reminding them that Your hand is always extended, even in the moments of most profound sorrow. As they walk through life’s seasons, may they feel Your presence, knowing they are never alone. Draw them into community and fellowship where their hearts can find solace and strength, transforming their story into a testimony that gives others hope.
As Linda and her family approach forty years since the loss of her precious daughter, we are grateful for all You have shown through their journey. From the pain of that day, You have brought lessons of humility, resilience, and the faith to say, “Why us?” You alone have met their deepest needs, teaching them things about Yourself they could never have learned otherwise. In their loss, You have remained unshakable. May each memory honor her legacy and bring praise to Your name as Your love continues to carry them forward. Lord, thank You for Your steadfastness in every step of this journey. All praise to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Oh Linda, thank you so much for sharing. So many people never recognize that point where the only option available is to trust God. What a beautiful testimony. - Rob
TRULY KNOWING a person has a depth beyond recognition! HALLELUJAH!
And AMEN! Thanks, Lindsay! - Rob
Just when I think that it can’t get any better, well, there was TODAY! WOW! Thank you John, thank you and God bless you.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
You are so welcome, Elia, thank you for joining us today! - Rob
This was beautiful. Made me cry. I have experienced such pain (emotional, psychological) in the last few years that has threatened to kill me. Your description of knowing God propositionally or by acquaintance reminds me of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, chapter 2, in which a teacher has a boy named Bitzer give a definition of a horse to a little girl, whose father works with horses! Bitzer's definition is scientific: "quadruped, graminivorous, hard teeth, etc." But the little girl knows horses intimately and personally.
I'm so glad it spoke to you today, Gail, thank you for sharing! - Rob
This text was beautifully explained. Today, and since my days at Willow Creek, I am in awe of John's knowledge of ancient history and how he brings it alive in his teaching to make us fully understand the meaning of the text. These are more than just words on a page. God is an awesome God!
I couldn't agree more, Pepper, thank you for joining us today! - Rob
Wow! This was an amazing “awakening” teaching. I’ve never heard these insights into pain, Job, or God’s extravagant generosity so clearly and tenderly taught. I too was moved deeply and want to lean into Him and His kingdom here and now. We taste John’s heart everyday, grateful for the feast he offers us which could possibly not have been. And there aren’t words to describe the joy of being in a community like the Withered Hand. Thank God for one and all.
Thank you, Patty, it's God's community! Thanks for watching today! - Rob
Thank God for God! Treasuring the goodness of God today - thank you!
You are so welcome. thank you for watching today, Susan, we re honored! - Rob
Have spent the last 72 hours with a dear young lady, who was intent upon taking her life. I'm blessed to say that she is alive today & mostly with it. I plan to share this one with her today. TY😢🙏🏻🕊⚘️
You are such a blessing, Jennie, thank you for being there! - Rob
Got me crying this morning. Great message and thank you. Love you guys. Don’t stop praying
And there is healing in tears! Thank you for watching today, Kelly! - Rob
Thank you! Praise God!!! So good! Strong men pressing into (rushing) the Kingdom.
Amen, Larry, thank you for watching today! - Rob
agree with Cinnabon comment, John...preach! Truly confirms the existence of God!!
Thanks, Ken, and you're correct.....except now you've re-planted that whole cinnabon craving back in my mind! - Rob
Wow! What a new and wonderful picture of God, creation, and His relationship with Job. Thank-you.
Glad you enjoyed it, Barb, thanks for sharing! - Rob
John, thank you for an inspiring and moving message. This was so touching. I truly believe that we can’t fully understand God’s response to Job without considering Jesus words of Matthew 6: 28 - 30 about God lavishly clothing the vegetation with splendor greater than Solomon, only to have it last a day. Jesus was providing a lesson in God’s character to assure us that He will provide. God gives Job example after example of His beauty and generosity to, as Jesus did, point to a quality of the Father that should reassure us. While God never directly answers why Job was suffering in that address, He is assuring Job that whatever the reason it is in keeping with His character, which breathes love and joy. That should have been assurance enough, but on top of that we have the first two chapters that give us the privilege of seeing that which is invisible to our eyes, again proving that God provides far more than we need. What a privilege in having His beautiful word.
Thank you for sharing, Nathaniel, you are so right! - Rob
Pain and suffering tends to catapault me towards egocentrism. These teachings, invite heart wrenching transparency to share with others walking the same road. The comments open my eyes to pain and struggles beyond my own little world which helps to put my own into perspective. As much as I hurt, all around me are those equally hurting. Then I’m able to open myself to pray for and grieve the pain of others. in Gods wisdom and grace, somehow this helps me with my own.
Thank you for sharing, Cindy, our perspective really does affect or view! - Rob
good morning ☀️ I live with nerve pain similar to that of ghost pain of an amputee (due to a lil hole in my brain stem)~meds can’t dull the pain, so I live with it.
Everyday I get to wake up is a great day for I know His grace is sufficient.
I refused to let it stop me from living each day He gives me.
Thank you Jesus for Job and your love through your word and Become New for breaking it down with answers to why and the how with God, especially at the perfect time, thank you, in Jesus name 🙏🏻💕🍃
That's beautiful, Elaine, thank you for sharing, I love your attitude! - Rob
Thanks for the wisdom today.
You are most welcome, Donald, thanks for watching today! - Rob
Thank you!
You're welcome, Jim. thank you for watching today! - Rob
❤
❤️ - Rob
It’s difficult to do that on a daily basis.
You're right, Suzanne, and still, we strive to. Thank for sharing! - Rob
Nice teaching... Maybe You dont have to be quite so close to the camera
Thanks for the tip