WEBVTT NOTE This file was exported by MacCaption version 7.0.11 to comply with the WebVTT specification dated March 23, 2013. 00:00:00.667 --> 00:00:02.936 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% male announcer: The following program is sponsored by friends 00:00:02.936 --> 00:00:05.939 align:start line:85% position:44% size:78% of Life Outreach International. 00:00:06.707 --> 00:00:08.675 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% announcer: Coming up, Anne Graham Lotz 00:00:08.675 --> 00:00:10.978 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. 00:00:10.978 --> 00:00:13.280 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright: You know, we're never just thrown 00:00:13.280 --> 00:00:16.283 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% difficulty and God is just like, "Oh, let's just try that," but 00:00:16.283 --> 00:00:19.553 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% there's always a reason for what he's allowing in our lives, and 00:00:19.553 --> 00:00:21.488 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% it's important for us to see that. 00:00:21.488 --> 00:00:23.457 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Anne Graham Lotz: Bad things happen to people that God loves, 00:00:23.457 --> 00:00:26.426 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% and I think sometimes when bad things happen you think God's 00:00:26.426 --> 00:00:28.128 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% not pleased, he's angry, he's punishing me, I did 00:00:28.128 --> 00:00:29.630 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% something wrong. 00:00:29.630 --> 00:00:31.398 align:start line:69% position:50% size:75% But that's not necessarily so. 00:00:31.398 --> 00:00:33.500 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% God allows bad things to happen to us, 00:00:33.500 --> 00:00:36.036 align:start line:69% position:50% size:45% but he's not going to leave us there. 00:00:36.036 --> 00:00:46.046 align:start line:85% position:48% size:18% [music] 00:00:46.046 --> 00:00:53.720 align:start line:85% position:48% size:18% [music] 00:00:53.720 --> 00:00:55.055 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% Randy Robison: Welcome to "Life Today." 00:00:55.055 --> 00:00:57.758 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I'm Randy Robison. Great to have you with us today. 00:00:57.758 --> 00:00:59.126 align:start line:63% position:48% size:43% Blynda Lane joins me again today. 00:00:59.126 --> 00:01:00.460 align:start line:69% position:50% size:50% How are you, Blynda? 00:01:00.460 --> 00:01:01.795 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% Blynda Lane: Good, I'm really good. 00:01:01.795 --> 00:01:03.130 align:start line:69% position:47% size:63% This is a really fun day. 00:01:03.130 --> 00:01:04.464 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% Randy: This is--it is. 00:01:04.464 --> 00:01:05.799 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% We have some wonderful guests today. 00:01:05.799 --> 00:01:08.769 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is with us, as well as her mother Anne 00:01:08.769 --> 00:01:10.704 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% Graham Lotz, and they have written a new book. 00:01:10.704 --> 00:01:12.072 align:start line:69% position:48% size:23% Go ahead. 00:01:12.072 --> 00:01:13.407 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% Blynda: Oh, well, I was gonna say, I have to 00:01:13.407 --> 00:01:14.775 align:start line:69% position:48% size:48% interrupt because-- 00:01:14.775 --> 00:01:16.109 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% Randy: You have to interrupt, I know. 00:01:16.109 --> 00:01:17.444 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% Here we go. 00:01:17.444 --> 00:01:18.946 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Blynda: Okay, only because it's not often that the guests are 00:01:18.946 --> 00:01:21.515 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% actually like decades-long friends, but Rachel-Ruth and I 00:01:21.515 --> 00:01:25.118 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% were in college together, so it's so fun to have you here. 00:01:25.118 --> 00:01:26.486 align:start line:69% position:48% size:43% Like, I'm gonna-- 00:01:26.486 --> 00:01:27.821 align:start line:69% position:50% size:61% Randy: Not just college. 00:01:27.821 --> 00:01:29.189 align:start line:69% position:50% size:65% Blynda: Oh, in a sorority. 00:01:29.189 --> 00:01:31.858 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Yeah, when Randy goes--he goes, "Why am I not surprised?" 00:01:31.858 --> 00:01:34.261 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% But I mean, like, I have to--I'll be professional, you 00:01:34.261 --> 00:01:36.797 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% know, today, except what I really wanna be is like... 00:01:36.797 --> 00:01:39.499 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% [laughing excitedly] Ahh! 00:01:39.499 --> 00:01:40.834 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% Anne: Which you did in the green room. 00:01:40.834 --> 00:01:43.937 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% Blynda: Which I did in the green room, I did. 00:01:43.937 --> 00:01:46.073 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Randy: But this is good, because as much fun as you guys are 00:01:46.073 --> 00:01:49.543 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% having, and I'm glad you're having fun, this is a pretty 00:01:49.543 --> 00:01:54.548 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% serious topic, because the title of the book is "God Won't Leave 00:01:54.548 --> 00:01:56.249 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% You There." 00:01:56.249 --> 00:01:58.685 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And now, that's gonna hit some people, I know, because you're 00:01:58.685 --> 00:02:01.955 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% in a position right now where you're like, "Am I ever going to 00:02:01.955 --> 00:02:04.424 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% get out of this, and why am I here? 00:02:04.424 --> 00:02:06.693 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% And is there purpose in this suffering?" 00:02:06.693 --> 00:02:08.128 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% So this is gonna be important for some people. 00:02:08.128 --> 00:02:10.664 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% So, welcome. Great to see both of you today. 00:02:10.664 --> 00:02:12.366 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% Rachel-Ruth: Thanks for having us. 00:02:12.366 --> 00:02:16.036 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Randy: And let's get right into a little bit of the message and 00:02:16.036 --> 00:02:18.839 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% where this comes from and why it's important for people to 00:02:18.839 --> 00:02:20.173 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% hear today. 00:02:20.173 --> 00:02:22.009 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Anne: Well, you know, everybody that Rachel-Ruth and I know, 00:02:22.009 --> 00:02:25.278 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% just about without exception, is going through a hard time, and 00:02:25.278 --> 00:02:27.881 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% it's every level, every area of their lives. 00:02:27.881 --> 00:02:30.317 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% It could be financial, it can be marital, it can be with your 00:02:30.317 --> 00:02:32.586 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% children, it can be with your church, it can be with your 00:02:32.586 --> 00:02:34.087 align:start line:69% position:50% size:75% business, your broader family. 00:02:34.087 --> 00:02:37.024 align:start line:63% position:50% size:41% It's just people getting slammed. 00:02:37.024 --> 00:02:41.094 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And I think it's more difficult when you're slammed by people 00:02:41.094 --> 00:02:44.064 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% that you had trusted, whether it's in your church or within 00:02:44.064 --> 00:02:45.399 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% your own family. 00:02:45.399 --> 00:02:49.870 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And also it can hit you out of left field, just blindside you. 00:02:49.870 --> 00:02:53.573 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Just one moment to the next, you were healthy and the next moment 00:02:53.573 --> 00:02:55.575 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% you have a life-threatening disease. 00:02:55.575 --> 00:02:58.779 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% And so both of us have been through that ourselves. 00:02:58.779 --> 00:03:01.815 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% I found my husband that I've been married to for 49 years 00:03:01.815 --> 00:03:05.919 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% unresponsive in our pool, and three days later released him 00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:07.587 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% from life support and he went on to glory. 00:03:07.587 --> 00:03:11.558 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% That just--never had a chance to say goodbye, he was just gone. 00:03:11.558 --> 00:03:15.362 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And then three years later my father was having breakfast, 00:03:15.362 --> 00:03:16.696 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% and he was gone. 00:03:16.696 --> 00:03:19.699 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And six months after that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. 00:03:19.699 --> 00:03:23.870 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Nobody in my family's had breast cancer, I mean, or cancer, and 00:03:23.870 --> 00:03:28.875 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% just from one moment to the next, your life is not upended 00:03:28.875 --> 00:03:30.410 align:start line:69% position:50% size:65% but just rocked, you know? 00:03:30.410 --> 00:03:33.847 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And so, and Rachel-Ruth has had the same, and she can tell you 00:03:33.847 --> 00:03:40.020 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% about hers, but God was there with me, and at the sense, like 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:42.789 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% when I was diagnosed with cancer, I had that sense that he 00:03:42.789 --> 00:03:47.294 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% had a purpose for me in it, and I wanted people to know that bad 00:03:47.294 --> 00:03:49.129 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% things happen to people that God loves. 00:03:49.129 --> 00:03:51.465 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And I think sometimes when bad things happen you think God's 00:03:51.465 --> 00:03:54.234 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% not pleased, he's angry, he's punishing me, I did something 00:03:54.234 --> 00:03:56.870 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% wrong, but that's not necessarily so. 00:03:56.870 --> 00:03:59.940 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% You could do everything right and then have something slam 00:03:59.940 --> 00:04:03.143 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% you, but God was with me all through that. 00:04:03.143 --> 00:04:04.945 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% He's guided me and he has brought me through. 00:04:04.945 --> 00:04:08.248 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I'm seven years out of the breast cancer, and you never get 00:04:08.248 --> 00:04:11.818 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% over losing your spouse, but I know I'll see him in heaven. 00:04:11.818 --> 00:04:14.821 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Randy: And Rachel-Ruth, as she alluded to you, you've faced 00:04:14.821 --> 00:04:16.156 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% some things too. 00:04:16.156 --> 00:04:20.427 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Rachel-Ruth: Yes, yeah, so four years ago I had two rare heart 00:04:20.427 --> 00:04:23.296 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% attacks called spontaneous coronary artery dissection. 00:04:23.296 --> 00:04:26.600 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% I had gone in for a routine stress test that was a disaster 00:04:26.600 --> 00:04:28.902 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% and walked out, and I was like, "I think I pulled some 00:04:28.902 --> 00:04:30.270 align:start line:69% position:50% size:35% chest muscle." 00:04:30.270 --> 00:04:32.038 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% I don't know what happened, I was crying and had passed out a 00:04:32.038 --> 00:04:33.373 align:start line:69% position:48% size:33% couple times. 00:04:33.373 --> 00:04:36.877 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And four days later went to the hospital and they said it was a 00:04:36.877 --> 00:04:40.147 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% SCAD, it was a first SCAD heart attack where your, you know, 00:04:40.147 --> 00:04:42.883 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% artery shreds in your heart. 00:04:42.883 --> 00:04:45.418 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% And then the next day I had a way worse one. 00:04:45.418 --> 00:04:46.786 align:start line:69% position:50% size:31% I was dying. 00:04:46.786 --> 00:04:50.123 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I mean, Mom and my sister were in the room and praying over me, 00:04:50.123 --> 00:04:52.993 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% and God brought me back, miraculously, and then went to 00:04:52.993 --> 00:04:54.861 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% the OR, they put stents in my heart. 00:04:54.861 --> 00:04:59.032 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% But then it left me for three years after that with just chest 00:04:59.032 --> 00:05:04.504 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% pain, heart pain, in and out of the ER, and so my life did turn 00:05:04.504 --> 00:05:08.275 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% upside-down in a second, because I was fit, I was healthy, you 00:05:08.275 --> 00:05:13.146 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% know, with my girls, doing all this stuff, and then my 00:05:13.146 --> 00:05:14.514 align:start line:69% position:48% size:33% life changed. 00:05:14.514 --> 00:05:16.650 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% And it won't be the same, I mean, it is just, you know, 00:05:16.650 --> 00:05:18.018 align:start line:69% position:48% size:38% it's different. 00:05:18.018 --> 00:05:20.954 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% But God had a purpose in it, and just like Joseph, I think that's 00:05:20.954 --> 00:05:24.624 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% the thing that's so amazing, is that Joseph's life turned 00:05:24.624 --> 00:05:28.261 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% upside-down, and then he's on a route he's never dreamed of for 00:05:28.261 --> 00:05:29.629 align:start line:69% position:48% size:23% his life. 00:05:29.629 --> 00:05:31.364 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% I mean, he had probably all these other plans, and then all 00:05:31.364 --> 00:05:34.701 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% of a sudden he ends up in Egypt as a slave and then on to 00:05:34.701 --> 00:05:38.538 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% prison, but God had a purpose in his suffering. 00:05:38.538 --> 00:05:42.676 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And God, in my suffering, was really taking me to a deeper 00:05:42.676 --> 00:05:45.245 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% level of trusting him. 00:05:45.245 --> 00:05:47.747 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% And so there's always a reason, you know? 00:05:47.747 --> 00:05:51.451 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% We're never just thrown difficulty and God's just like, 00:05:51.451 --> 00:05:54.487 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% "Oh, let's just try that," but there's always a reason for what 00:05:54.487 --> 00:05:56.790 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% he's allowing in our lives, and it's important for us to 00:05:56.790 --> 00:05:58.124 align:start line:69% position:48% size:23% see that. 00:05:58.124 --> 00:05:59.459 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% Blynda: So, how do you do that, though? 00:05:59.459 --> 00:06:01.661 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% Because, you know, I know that it can be good to hear, 00:06:01.661 --> 00:06:04.264 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% "God's in control, God's got this," you know, 00:06:04.264 --> 00:06:06.199 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% "he cares for you, he loves you." 00:06:06.199 --> 00:06:10.036 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% But how do you walk that out, when all of a sudden your life 00:06:10.036 --> 00:06:13.640 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% is completely altered by losing your spouse, and now as a 00:06:13.640 --> 00:06:16.743 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% healthy young woman you now have to think about caring for 00:06:16.743 --> 00:06:21.681 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% yourself in a way you never did, and God is with you, and that's 00:06:21.681 --> 00:06:25.218 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% beautiful, but how do you, every day, find the faith to 00:06:25.218 --> 00:06:26.553 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% keep going? 00:06:26.553 --> 00:06:27.921 align:start line:69% position:47% size:63% What is that grounded in? 00:06:27.921 --> 00:06:30.857 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Rachel-Ruth: Yeah, well, it's in my faith in Jesus, and I think, 00:06:30.857 --> 00:06:33.593 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% you know, after those heart attacks, a couple weeks later, 00:06:33.593 --> 00:06:38.898 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% the Lord gave me a promise in my devotions, and it said, "You 00:06:38.898 --> 00:06:40.467 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% will not go that way again," that was the verse, 00:06:40.467 --> 00:06:41.801 align:start line:69% position:48% size:48% "You will not go--" 00:06:41.801 --> 00:06:43.470 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And so I knew--you know when you feel like the Lord's 00:06:43.470 --> 00:06:45.105 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% speaking to you, and your heart starts beating faster 00:06:45.105 --> 00:06:46.573 align:start line:69% position:47% size:63% and you're just like, ah! 00:06:46.573 --> 00:06:49.743 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And I knew God was telling me I wouldn't have it happen again, 00:06:49.743 --> 00:06:54.281 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% and then it's a matter of am I gonna trust him at his Word? 00:06:54.281 --> 00:06:56.082 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% No matter what the doctors are telling me, no matter how 00:06:56.082 --> 00:06:57.417 align:start line:69% position:48% size:18% I feel. 00:06:57.417 --> 00:06:59.019 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Because every time I went to the ER they'd send me home, 00:06:59.019 --> 00:07:00.353 align:start line:69% position:50% size:45% "No, you're okay." 00:07:00.353 --> 00:07:05.358 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And so God's kept his Word to me, and I think we rely on 00:07:05.358 --> 00:07:06.693 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% God's Word. 00:07:06.693 --> 00:07:09.195 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% We have to be in the Bible reading it, listening to him, 00:07:09.195 --> 00:07:13.667 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% praying, having other people pray with you and for you, and 00:07:13.667 --> 00:07:16.202 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% then it's just a matter of making the choice, of 00:07:16.202 --> 00:07:17.537 align:start line:69% position:48% size:33% trusting him. 00:07:17.537 --> 00:07:19.306 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% Am I gonna choose to trust him, or am I gonna choose to 00:07:19.306 --> 00:07:20.674 align:start line:69% position:50% size:31% grow bitter? 00:07:20.674 --> 00:07:22.809 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% And Joseph, he's the perfect example. 00:07:22.809 --> 00:07:25.612 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% He did not get bitter with all that happened. 00:07:25.612 --> 00:07:28.048 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% I mean, he could have just been like, "Forget you, Potiphar," 00:07:28.048 --> 00:07:32.118 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% you know, "I'm gonna sabotage your house," and he didn't. 00:07:32.118 --> 00:07:36.923 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% He didn't turn on God, he trusted him, and look at how God 00:07:36.923 --> 00:07:40.060 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% used somebody who just submitted to God's plan for his life, so. 00:07:40.060 --> 00:07:43.430 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Anne: And I think there are two things also that Joseph did. 00:07:43.430 --> 00:07:46.900 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% One, God gave him dreams when he was a teenager back in his 00:07:46.900 --> 00:07:49.669 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% father's house, and in that day that would have been God's Word 00:07:49.669 --> 00:07:51.037 align:start line:69% position:48% size:18% to him. 00:07:51.037 --> 00:07:55.108 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And so you feel like he was falling back on God's Word, so 00:07:55.108 --> 00:07:58.778 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% what Rachel-Ruth was saying is a key, when you have suffering and 00:07:58.778 --> 00:08:01.481 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% you feel like, you know, you've been thrown a curveball, ask God 00:08:01.481 --> 00:08:02.849 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% to give you a promise. 00:08:02.849 --> 00:08:06.586 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Ask him to speak to you from his Word, and it's important that 00:08:06.586 --> 00:08:08.555 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% you have a relationship with God. 00:08:08.555 --> 00:08:11.324 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% So don't wait until you have a crisis and then develop your 00:08:11.324 --> 00:08:12.959 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% relationship with him. 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:16.429 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Right now, if you haven't done that, tell God you're sorry for 00:08:16.429 --> 00:08:19.632 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% the wrong things you've done, you are willing to turn away 00:08:19.632 --> 00:08:22.235 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% from them, you believe Jesus died on the cross to take away 00:08:22.235 --> 00:08:23.603 align:start line:69% position:48% size:23% your sin. 00:08:23.603 --> 00:08:25.572 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% You ask him to be your Savior and forgive you, cleanse you 00:08:25.572 --> 00:08:28.375 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% with his blood, receive the eternal life that he offers, 00:08:28.375 --> 00:08:30.910 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% which is not only heaven when you die, but a right 00:08:30.910 --> 00:08:33.680 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% relationship with him now, and then invite him to come into 00:08:33.680 --> 00:08:35.014 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% your heart. 00:08:35.014 --> 00:08:37.417 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% So you establish that relationship with him, and then 00:08:37.417 --> 00:08:40.120 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% he is in control of your life, and you develop that 00:08:40.120 --> 00:08:42.722 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% relationship every day through prayer, Bible reading, 00:08:42.722 --> 00:08:44.057 align:start line:69% position:47% size:58% fellowship with others. 00:08:44.057 --> 00:08:46.292 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% And then as you grow in your faith, you're ready. 00:08:46.292 --> 00:08:50.463 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I think he times the things that hit us for what he knows we can 00:08:50.463 --> 00:08:53.633 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% take in our faith, and one thing that Joseph did also, getting 00:08:53.633 --> 00:08:56.236 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% back to your question, he thought about others. 00:08:56.236 --> 00:08:59.639 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% So when he suffered and he was in prison and he was enslaved, 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:02.442 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% he wasn't so self-focused that he couldn't be aware of the 00:09:02.442 --> 00:09:05.545 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% butler, the baker, the other people, and it's a beautiful 00:09:05.545 --> 00:09:07.680 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% picture of Jesus on the cross, you know? 00:09:07.680 --> 00:09:10.250 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% When he was on there and he, "Father, forgive them, they 00:09:10.250 --> 00:09:12.752 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% don't know what they're doing," and then when he's hanging 00:09:12.752 --> 00:09:16.156 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% there, he forgave the thief next to him, he took care of his 00:09:16.156 --> 00:09:19.726 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% mother, and so he shows us how you can overcome suffering. 00:09:19.726 --> 00:09:23.530 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% Don't be so self-focused and pitying yourself to the point 00:09:23.530 --> 00:09:27.767 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% that you spiral downward, but that you lift up your eyes and 00:09:27.767 --> 00:09:30.737 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% you see somebody else that you can help, and that helps relieve 00:09:30.737 --> 00:09:33.273 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% you of the suffering you're experiencing. 00:09:33.273 --> 00:09:35.708 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% So Joseph was an incredible example of that. 00:09:35.708 --> 00:09:38.278 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Blynda: Okay, where he's also a really good example--this is a 00:09:38.278 --> 00:09:44.150 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% hard one for me, Randy, is he had to do a lot of forgiving. 00:09:44.150 --> 00:09:47.754 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% So it wasn't just choosing to not be bitter, but I can imagine 00:09:47.754 --> 00:09:52.091 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% when he's in that prison cell that he could ruminate on all 00:09:52.091 --> 00:09:54.694 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% the ways that people have done him wrong. 00:09:54.694 --> 00:09:57.630 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% And you speak a little bit about that in the book. 00:09:57.630 --> 00:10:02.602 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% How do you, if you are wanting to walk with the Lord and you're 00:10:02.602 --> 00:10:07.340 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% wanting to to fulfill the purpose God has for you, yet you 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:10.243 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% struggle with letting go of forgiveness, maybe even 00:10:10.243 --> 00:10:12.212 align:start line:63% position:48% size:43% reconciliation, the idea of that? 00:10:12.212 --> 00:10:15.882 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Rachel-Ruth: Yeah, I mean, I think we've, like you said, we 00:10:15.882 --> 00:10:19.219 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% all have situations where we've had to forgive greatly, or where 00:10:19.219 --> 00:10:23.756 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% we need to forgive somebody, and it's not easy because we 00:10:23.756 --> 00:10:26.392 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% wouldn't forgive them if they hadn't done something that 00:10:26.392 --> 00:10:27.760 align:start line:69% position:48% size:38% really hurt us. 00:10:27.760 --> 00:10:32.432 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And so I think Joseph's example is just mind-blowing. 00:10:32.432 --> 00:10:36.870 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I mean, just both of us were in tears writing it, thinking about 00:10:36.870 --> 00:10:40.039 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Joseph, and when those brothers end up walking in after all 00:10:40.039 --> 00:10:44.310 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% those years and he sees them, he could have had them killed, he 00:10:44.310 --> 00:10:46.246 align:start line:69% position:44% size:78% could have sent them to prison. 00:10:46.246 --> 00:10:49.115 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% But he chose to forgive them over and over and over again, 00:10:49.115 --> 00:10:55.054 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% and I think God used him so greatly because he was so 00:10:55.054 --> 00:10:57.323 align:start line:69% position:50% size:81% forgiving and so focused on God. 00:10:57.323 --> 00:10:59.859 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% No matter how lowly his position, how great his 00:10:59.859 --> 00:11:02.161 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% position, it was all about the Lord. 00:11:02.161 --> 00:11:06.466 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% And so, when we have people that we have to forgive, it is a 00:11:06.466 --> 00:11:10.270 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% choice, and if we don't, it will harm our bodies. 00:11:10.270 --> 00:11:13.773 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% Like, it will hurt us, and it actually does more harm to us 00:11:13.773 --> 00:11:15.108 align:start line:69% position:50% size:81% than the other person, you know? 00:11:15.108 --> 00:11:18.678 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% But Joseph, I mean, look at how God used him in such a powerful 00:11:18.678 --> 00:11:21.714 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% way, and the Lord wants to use us, you know, in that way. 00:11:21.714 --> 00:11:24.817 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% And if we hold on to that unforgiveness, we could be 00:11:24.817 --> 00:11:27.153 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% missing out on something God has great for us. 00:11:27.153 --> 00:11:30.924 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Anne: And I've said before, if you refuse to forgive the other 00:11:30.924 --> 00:11:33.593 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% person, it's like drinking the poison hoping they'll die, you 00:11:33.593 --> 00:11:35.562 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% know, because like you said, it really hurts yourself. 00:11:35.562 --> 00:11:39.532 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And so forgiveness is a choice, and you choose to forgive not 00:11:39.532 --> 00:11:42.235 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% because that person deserves it, which I know they don't, you 00:11:42.235 --> 00:11:45.038 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% know, if they've hurt you that way, but you choose to forgive 00:11:45.038 --> 00:11:47.140 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% because God in Christ has forgiven us. 00:11:47.140 --> 00:11:50.710 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And so your decision to forgive that person becomes an act 00:11:50.710 --> 00:11:52.078 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% of worship. 00:11:52.078 --> 00:11:54.781 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% And so you're just saying, "God, I love you and I thank you for 00:11:54.781 --> 00:11:58.051 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% your forgiveness, and therefore I forgive this person." 00:11:58.051 --> 00:12:00.219 align:start line:69% position:50% size:81% Reconciliation takes two people. 00:12:00.219 --> 00:12:04.023 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% So you see Joseph going through that, almost like he's playing a 00:12:04.023 --> 00:12:05.758 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% game, you know, where he sends them off and then they find the 00:12:05.758 --> 00:12:07.493 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% cup and then he sends them off and they bring back 00:12:07.493 --> 00:12:08.828 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% another brother. 00:12:08.828 --> 00:12:11.998 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% But he was bringing them to the point they would admit and 00:12:11.998 --> 00:12:15.568 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% recognize their sin, that he was reawakening the guilt within 00:12:15.568 --> 00:12:18.538 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% them so that they could confess it and want to make it right, 00:12:18.538 --> 00:12:21.674 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% and then they were ready for reconciliation. 00:12:21.674 --> 00:12:24.844 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% So it's not something you--you can't reconcile with somebody 00:12:24.844 --> 00:12:27.747 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% who's not willing to meet you in that forgiveness. 00:12:27.747 --> 00:12:30.083 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% You can forgive, but-- 00:12:30.083 --> 00:12:32.885 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Blynda: But I always love that part where, in my mind how I see 00:12:32.885 --> 00:12:35.688 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% it playing out is like, Joseph has to kind of excuse himself 00:12:35.688 --> 00:12:39.659 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% and just have a moment where he just weeps, because it's that 00:12:39.659 --> 00:12:44.063 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% moment of I can have this reconciliation with my family if 00:12:44.063 --> 00:12:46.633 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% I choose it, but I've been done so wrong. 00:12:46.633 --> 00:12:47.967 align:start line:69% position:50% size:41% This is painful. 00:12:47.967 --> 00:12:49.435 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% Anne: It shows you how bad it hurt all those years. 00:12:49.435 --> 00:12:51.070 align:start line:69% position:50% size:75% That was almost like 30 years. 00:12:51.070 --> 00:12:55.241 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% And so, even though he forgave and did everything right, he was 00:12:55.241 --> 00:12:58.177 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% still deeply hurt 30 years later, you know? 00:12:58.177 --> 00:13:01.047 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Randy: You know what's also interesting about that is that 00:13:01.047 --> 00:13:04.150 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% he had that dream from God about who God wanted him to be, that 00:13:04.150 --> 00:13:05.752 align:start line:69% position:50% size:50% great leader, right? 00:13:05.752 --> 00:13:08.821 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% The unforgiveness would have stopped him from being able to 00:13:08.821 --> 00:13:11.691 align:start line:69% position:45% size:73% fulfill that God-given dream. 00:13:11.691 --> 00:13:14.193 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% And so as hard as that is sometimes, I think we have to go 00:13:14.193 --> 00:13:19.966 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% back to, you know, our calling, our purpose, and even broadly, 00:13:19.966 --> 00:13:22.835 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% is who God wants us to be, and say, you know what? 00:13:22.835 --> 00:13:26.072 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I'm not gonna let unforgiveness, as justified as it may feel, 00:13:26.072 --> 00:13:29.242 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% I'm not gonna let it get in the way of who God wants me to be. 00:13:29.242 --> 00:13:31.310 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% So, I mean, beautiful lessons all the way around. 00:13:31.310 --> 00:13:34.681 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% I do wanna go back to one thing, though, and so for people that 00:13:34.681 --> 00:13:39.819 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% don't know the story of Joseph, it starts with his brothers, 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:43.656 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% after that dream, with some jealousy. 00:13:43.656 --> 00:13:46.693 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% It's not their plan, you know, for their younger brother to be 00:13:46.693 --> 00:13:50.897 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% lord over them in the, you know, social sense. 00:13:50.897 --> 00:13:54.600 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% So they dig a pit and they throw him in that pit, right? 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:58.071 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% Then he's sold into slavery and he goes to Egypt. 00:13:58.071 --> 00:14:02.308 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% The title of your book, "God Won't Leave You There," those 00:14:02.308 --> 00:14:06.245 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% pits that we get into, they're sometimes dug by someone else. 00:14:06.245 --> 00:14:09.515 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% I know in my situation, I'm usually the digger of the pit 00:14:09.515 --> 00:14:10.883 align:start line:69% position:48% size:48% that I'm in, right? 00:14:10.883 --> 00:14:13.653 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% And so I really deserve it, you know? 00:14:13.653 --> 00:14:15.755 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% So somebody else can put us there, we can put our own 00:14:15.755 --> 00:14:17.123 align:start line:69% position:48% size:33% selves there. 00:14:17.123 --> 00:14:21.828 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Sometimes life is just the pits, you know, we all say sometimes. 00:14:21.828 --> 00:14:28.401 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Where do you get that promise that God won't leave you there? 00:14:28.401 --> 00:14:30.470 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% Anne: Because that's his nature. 00:14:30.470 --> 00:14:33.072 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% If you're his child, if you belong to him, like when 00:14:33.072 --> 00:14:35.341 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Rachel-Ruth was little and she was growing up, if she was 00:14:35.341 --> 00:14:38.811 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% playing with the neighborhood friends and they got into a 00:14:38.811 --> 00:14:41.347 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% situation, I would send the neighborhood kids back to their 00:14:41.347 --> 00:14:43.082 align:start line:69% position:50% size:75% parents, I'd take care of her. 00:14:43.082 --> 00:14:46.586 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And so when you put your faith in Jesus and you're born again 00:14:46.586 --> 00:14:49.922 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% into God's family, God takes responsibility for you. 00:14:49.922 --> 00:14:54.427 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% And so when you're thrown into a pit, and we've all been there, 00:14:54.427 --> 00:14:57.730 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% or dug one for somebody else, but God still, as Rachel-Ruth 00:14:57.730 --> 00:15:01.234 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% has already said, God has a plan and purpose for everything. 00:15:01.234 --> 00:15:03.536 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer and the 00:15:03.536 --> 00:15:05.905 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% radiologist came and he brought me a box of Kleenex and he 00:15:05.905 --> 00:15:08.407 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% said--you know, and I didn't weep. 00:15:08.407 --> 00:15:10.209 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% I knew God was in control, you know. 00:15:10.209 --> 00:15:13.546 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% That was a surprise for me, I mean, it was a shock, but not 00:15:13.546 --> 00:15:14.881 align:start line:69% position:50% size:21% for God. 00:15:14.881 --> 00:15:17.884 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% You know, God is the one who has a plan and purpose for my life. 00:15:17.884 --> 00:15:21.087 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And so whatever he allows to come into my life comes through 00:15:21.087 --> 00:15:22.455 align:start line:69% position:50% size:31% Jesus first. 00:15:22.455 --> 00:15:23.790 align:start line:69% position:48% size:38% He's my shield. 00:15:23.790 --> 00:15:25.658 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And then if he's allowed it to come into my life, then I know 00:15:25.658 --> 00:15:26.993 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% it's for a plan and purpose. 00:15:26.993 --> 00:15:29.195 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Now, I love the fact, and if I can just say this, at the Last 00:15:29.195 --> 00:15:34.133 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Supper, when Jesus was, you know, conducting that with his 00:15:34.133 --> 00:15:37.837 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% disciples, and he took the cup that represented his blood, and 00:15:37.837 --> 00:15:40.439 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% the worst the devil could do to him. 00:15:40.439 --> 00:15:42.542 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% And he gave thanks for it, you know? 00:15:42.542 --> 00:15:46.612 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% And it's a powerful moment because he knew the cup that 00:15:46.612 --> 00:15:49.482 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% represented his blood, the torture, the crucifixion, the 00:15:49.482 --> 00:15:52.819 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% death on the cross, he took it from his Father's hand. 00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:56.055 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% So God allows bad things to happen to us, but he's not going 00:15:56.055 --> 00:15:57.390 align:start line:69% position:50% size:45% to leave us there. 00:15:57.390 --> 00:15:59.725 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% Three days after that, God raised him from the dead. 00:15:59.725 --> 00:16:02.762 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% So he didn't leave him on the cross, he didn't leave him in 00:16:02.762 --> 00:16:04.797 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% the tomb, he raised him from the dead. 00:16:04.797 --> 00:16:09.068 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And so even if the hard thing lasts our entire lifetime, this 00:16:09.068 --> 00:16:10.603 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% life is temporary compared to eternity. 00:16:10.603 --> 00:16:14.140 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And when we step into eternity, God's going to take us to be 00:16:14.140 --> 00:16:16.475 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% with him forever in our heavenly home, so he's not going to leave 00:16:16.475 --> 00:16:19.846 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% us in this life forever, and he's not going to leave us in 00:16:19.846 --> 00:16:21.214 align:start line:69% position:48% size:23% that pit. 00:16:21.214 --> 00:16:22.849 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Rachel-Ruth: And sometimes, if I can just add, sometimes it is 00:16:22.849 --> 00:16:24.217 align:start line:69% position:48% size:38% long-suffering. 00:16:24.217 --> 00:16:26.152 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% I mean, it's just suffering long, and that was 14 years 00:16:26.152 --> 00:16:29.488 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% basically for Joseph, and sometimes it's a lot longer than 00:16:29.488 --> 00:16:30.857 align:start line:69% position:47% size:53% that for some people. 00:16:30.857 --> 00:16:33.025 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% I have people I'm praying for that have been suffering with 00:16:33.025 --> 00:16:36.762 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% health issues for longer than that, and we just have to hang 00:16:36.762 --> 00:16:39.332 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% in there, because there's always hope in the Lord. 00:16:39.332 --> 00:16:42.535 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% And we live in a fallen world, we live in a sinful world where 00:16:42.535 --> 00:16:45.004 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% it stinks, a lot of times, you know? 00:16:45.004 --> 00:16:48.407 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% But we just have to always trust in the goodness of God that he 00:16:48.407 --> 00:16:52.078 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% has a purpose and a plan for everything we're going through, 00:16:52.078 --> 00:16:56.716 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% and that one day, like Mom said, this is such a blip compared to 00:16:56.716 --> 00:17:00.720 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% eternity, that all that will wash away and this is almost 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:03.055 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% like a boot camp, you know, before we get to heaven to what 00:17:03.055 --> 00:17:06.125 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% we're really gonna be doing. 00:17:06.125 --> 00:17:09.996 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% But Jesus comes alongside of us in our long-suffering and is 00:17:09.996 --> 00:17:12.398 align:start line:69% position:44% size:78% just the comforter, encourager. 00:17:12.398 --> 00:17:14.400 align:start line:63% position:50% size:45% I mean, he is just my best friend. 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:17.503 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% I just--I couldn't do the hard things I've been through 00:17:17.503 --> 00:17:18.871 align:start line:69% position:50% size:31% without him. 00:17:18.871 --> 00:17:21.874 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% And so if you're in the pit, just cling to the Lord. 00:17:21.874 --> 00:17:24.911 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Anne: And I think also, Joseph didn't waste that time. 00:17:24.911 --> 00:17:28.447 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% So when he was in Potiphar's house, he learned--you know he 00:17:28.447 --> 00:17:30.983 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% learned the Egyptian language, the culture, he learns to manage 00:17:30.983 --> 00:17:33.853 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% the house and the fields and all the things he'd have to 00:17:33.853 --> 00:17:35.187 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% know later. 00:17:35.187 --> 00:17:37.056 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% When he was in prison, he learned--because it was 00:17:37.056 --> 00:17:38.958 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Pharaoh's prison, so he would've learned something about 00:17:38.958 --> 00:17:41.761 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% Pharaoh's court and the political system, and all of 00:17:41.761 --> 00:17:44.063 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% those things prepared him then to be elevated to 00:17:44.063 --> 00:17:46.766 align:start line:69% position:46% size:68% second-in-command in Egypt. 00:17:46.766 --> 00:17:50.469 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% So if you're suffering in the pit and if God has put you in a 00:17:50.469 --> 00:17:52.305 align:start line:69% position:46% size:68% hard place, don't waste it. 00:17:52.305 --> 00:17:54.807 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% Look for what he's trying to teach you. 00:17:54.807 --> 00:17:56.242 align:start line:69% position:50% size:50% Ask him to show you. 00:17:56.242 --> 00:17:59.378 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% Maybe it's just to teach you patience or, you know, 00:17:59.378 --> 00:18:01.447 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% the long-suffering and just to trust him when you're suffering 00:18:01.447 --> 00:18:02.982 align:start line:69% position:50% size:31% a long time. 00:18:02.982 --> 00:18:06.452 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% But it's important not to just waste that time, and Joseph 00:18:06.452 --> 00:18:08.587 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% didn't, and he was ready when God took him out. 00:18:08.587 --> 00:18:11.757 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% And when you say 14 years of suffering, that was Potiphar's 00:18:11.757 --> 00:18:15.828 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% house in prison, but then it was another 7 years of prosperity 00:18:15.828 --> 00:18:19.265 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% that he ruled Egypt and then 7 years after that, so however 00:18:19.265 --> 00:18:21.801 align:start line:69% position:50% size:56% that--14 and 14 is 28? 00:18:21.801 --> 00:18:23.135 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% Randy: A lot of years, yeah. 00:18:23.135 --> 00:18:24.503 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% Anne: That's 28 years maybe before he was reconciled with 00:18:24.503 --> 00:18:25.871 align:start line:69% position:48% size:28% his family. 00:18:25.871 --> 00:18:27.206 align:start line:69% position:48% size:48% That's a long time. 00:18:27.206 --> 00:18:28.674 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Randy: Yeah, no, but I think it's very encouraging when you 00:18:28.674 --> 00:18:30.743 align:start line:63% position:46% size:68% say, when you find yourself in that pit, look for the 00:18:30.743 --> 00:18:34.213 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% opportunity, whatever there is, even growth, even letting 00:18:34.213 --> 00:18:36.849 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% patience be developed in you, long-suffering, because those 00:18:36.849 --> 00:18:38.384 align:start line:69% position:50% size:50% are godly qualities. 00:18:38.384 --> 00:18:43.189 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% Also look up, because if you just focus on yourself, that's 00:18:43.189 --> 00:18:44.790 align:start line:69% position:50% size:81% an isolated, lonely place to be. 00:18:44.790 --> 00:18:47.626 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Look up to where your help comes from, Scripture will tell us. 00:18:47.626 --> 00:18:52.231 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% But then also, look for opportunities to serve others, 00:18:52.231 --> 00:18:55.234 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% because again, it takes the focus off yourself, and when you 00:18:55.234 --> 00:18:57.303 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% need a blessing, you can be a blessing. 00:18:57.303 --> 00:18:58.637 align:start line:69% position:46% size:68% Anne: That's exactly right. 00:18:58.637 --> 00:19:02.375 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% Randy: Actually, right now we're in a situation where people need 00:19:02.375 --> 00:19:05.878 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% something desperately, and I know you might as well. 00:19:05.878 --> 00:19:10.182 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% But I would like you to take a look at a place where you can be 00:19:10.182 --> 00:19:12.551 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% an answer to someone's prayer, you can be a blessing to 00:19:12.551 --> 00:19:16.756 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% someone's life, you can fulfill that need right now. 00:19:16.756 --> 00:19:19.558 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% And today, if you would like to request a book for some 00:19:19.558 --> 00:19:22.395 align:start line:63% position:50% size:75% encouragement, you can request "God Won't Leave You There." 00:19:22.395 --> 00:19:23.763 align:start line:69% position:50% size:70% We'd love to send it to you. 00:19:23.763 --> 00:19:28.434 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% But most importantly, I want you to just look up a little bit and 00:19:28.434 --> 00:19:32.605 align:start line:63% position:50% size:61% look at this opportunity to bless someone today. 00:19:32.605 --> 00:19:35.674 align:start line:79% position:47% size:63% Peter Pretorius: You see the thinness of his hair. 00:19:35.674 --> 00:19:38.477 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Peter: You know, the Bible says, it's with the measure that 00:19:38.477 --> 00:19:39.812 align:start line:85% position:48% size:23% you give. 00:19:39.812 --> 00:19:43.215 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% James Robison: To me, the reward is seeing the lives saved, 00:19:43.215 --> 00:19:46.285 align:start line:79% position:50% size:56% seeing people learn about the love of God. 00:19:46.285 --> 00:19:49.889 align:start line:79% position:45% size:73% announcer: In the late 1980s, Peter and Ann Pretorius met 00:19:49.889 --> 00:19:53.793 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% James and Betty Robison of Life Outreach International, sparking 00:19:53.793 --> 00:19:57.630 align:start line:79% position:46% size:68% a lifelong partnership that started with feeding 5,000 00:19:57.630 --> 00:20:01.600 align:start line:79% position:45% size:73% starving children in war-torn Mozambique, to what is now 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:05.671 align:start line:79% position:47% size:63% 350,000 children a day in several countries on the 00:20:05.671 --> 00:20:08.741 align:start line:85% position:50% size:50% continent of Africa. 00:20:08.741 --> 00:20:11.977 align:start line:79% position:46% size:68% Today, the sons of Peter Pretorius and James Robison 00:20:11.977 --> 00:20:16.348 align:start line:79% position:45% size:73% continue this legacy, saving lives through Mission Feeding 00:20:16.348 --> 00:20:18.284 align:start line:85% position:44% size:78% and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:20:18.284 --> 00:20:20.653 align:start line:79% position:48% size:43% Isak Pretorius: Hallelujah, amen. 00:20:20.653 --> 00:20:24.723 align:start line:53% position:50% size:81% Randy: This, to me, is the model I wish everyone would adopt, and 00:20:24.723 --> 00:20:27.560 align:start line:53% position:50% size:61% of course the gospel be an essential part of it. 00:20:27.560 --> 00:20:33.332 align:start line:53% position:47% size:53% But this is salvation in every level. 00:20:33.332 --> 00:20:38.237 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Randy: All of this started decades ago with your father, my 00:20:38.237 --> 00:20:43.342 align:start line:79% position:50% size:75% father, seeing a need, and out of it, countless lives have 00:20:43.342 --> 00:20:45.544 align:start line:85% position:48% size:28% been saved. 00:20:45.544 --> 00:20:50.950 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Through the generations, Isak, I want us to expand, to continue, 00:20:50.950 --> 00:20:53.786 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% save even more lives, reach even more people with the gospel. 00:20:53.786 --> 00:20:56.055 align:start line:79% position:50% size:56% Will you stand with me if I stand with you? 00:20:56.055 --> 00:20:58.190 align:start line:79% position:50% size:70% Isak: If you will stand with us, we are here, we're gonna 00:20:58.190 --> 00:20:59.525 align:start line:85% position:50% size:21% do this. 00:20:59.525 --> 00:21:03.095 align:start line:79% position:50% size:75% Our commitment is there to not just continue the work, but to 00:21:03.095 --> 00:21:05.965 align:start line:79% position:47% size:63% do the work on a broader scale, on a deeper scale. 00:21:05.965 --> 00:21:07.299 align:start line:85% position:47% size:63% Randy: Where it's needed. 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.667 align:start line:85% position:50% size:70% They need it, they're dying. 00:21:08.667 --> 00:21:11.604 align:start line:79% position:45% size:73% Isak: Let's dream together of the day where we're not just 00:21:11.604 --> 00:21:14.373 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% saving lives, where we actually don't even have to do that 00:21:14.373 --> 00:21:17.042 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% anymore, because we've had the level of impact that we need to 00:21:17.042 --> 00:21:18.878 align:start line:85% position:47% size:58% have in our generation. 00:21:18.878 --> 00:21:21.213 align:start line:79% position:47% size:53% Randy: We're standing with each other. 00:21:21.213 --> 00:21:24.016 align:start line:79% position:50% size:70% Will you stand with us as we stand for these children? 00:21:29.755 --> 00:21:32.825 align:start line:79% position:50% size:81% Randy: You know, for so many years now we have made an impact 00:21:32.825 --> 00:21:36.495 align:start line:79% position:50% size:65% and we have saved lives, and we have changed lives. 00:21:36.495 --> 00:21:41.867 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% We have changed communities, countries even, and it's a huge 00:21:41.867 --> 00:21:45.337 align:start line:79% position:48% size:43% thing, but wow, it's a big thing. 00:21:45.337 --> 00:21:47.306 align:start line:79% position:50% size:65% It's an honor to be a part of this kind of thing. 00:21:47.306 --> 00:21:50.976 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% But it's only happened really for one reason, and that's you, 00:21:50.976 --> 00:21:53.112 align:start line:79% position:50% size:45% the viewer, have been a part of it. 00:21:53.112 --> 00:21:54.813 align:start line:85% position:46% size:68% And I've seen it for years. 00:21:54.813 --> 00:21:56.315 align:start line:79% position:50% size:45% What do you think when you see that? 00:21:56.315 --> 00:21:58.384 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% You're making--I know you're kind of watching my dad through 00:21:58.384 --> 00:21:59.852 align:start line:85% position:50% size:41% the generations. 00:21:59.852 --> 00:22:02.087 align:start line:79% position:50% size:75% Blynda: I love seeing the generations, but what it tells 00:22:02.087 --> 00:22:06.425 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% me is there's never a point where all the food is there and 00:22:06.425 --> 00:22:08.260 align:start line:85% position:47% size:63% now we can stop the work. 00:22:08.260 --> 00:22:12.364 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% It never stops, because there's new generations being born and 00:22:12.364 --> 00:22:13.766 align:start line:85% position:45% size:73% they all have the same needs. 00:22:13.766 --> 00:22:19.471 align:start line:79% position:44% size:78% So even though we can celebrate the decades that your dad and 00:22:19.471 --> 00:22:23.242 align:start line:79% position:50% size:70% your mom have been able to do this, it has to continue. 00:22:23.242 --> 00:22:26.645 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% We have to all continue banding together to do it for the work 00:22:26.645 --> 00:22:27.980 align:start line:63% position:50% size:31% to continue. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:30.282 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% Randy: Yes, absolutely, and you know, also there's seasonal 00:22:30.282 --> 00:22:31.650 align:start line:63% position:50% size:41% things in there. 00:22:31.650 --> 00:22:36.188 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% There are failed crops in areas, and that's not always the same. 00:22:36.188 --> 00:22:39.558 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% There's drought, or sometimes a flood will come in and destroy 00:22:39.558 --> 00:22:41.093 align:start line:63% position:48% size:18% a crop. 00:22:41.093 --> 00:22:46.765 align:start line:58% position:50% size:75% So the situations vary, and that's why when we say that we 00:22:46.765 --> 00:22:52.071 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% feed an average of 350,000 children every single day, only 00:22:52.071 --> 00:22:56.175 align:start line:58% position:50% size:75% because of you, the viewer who supports Mission Feeding, the 00:22:56.175 --> 00:22:59.478 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% numbers are a little fluid because we'll have success, and 00:22:59.478 --> 00:23:03.215 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% we'll be able to to move from an area that's been stabilized, and 00:23:03.215 --> 00:23:04.583 align:start line:63% position:50% size:16% we do. 00:23:04.583 --> 00:23:05.918 align:start line:63% position:50% size:56% Our goal is stability. 00:23:05.918 --> 00:23:07.820 align:start line:58% position:50% size:70% And then we'll go to another place where there's a more 00:23:07.820 --> 00:23:09.154 align:start line:63% position:50% size:31% urgent need. 00:23:09.154 --> 00:23:13.926 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% And because, as Isak said there, they're on the ground, and 00:23:13.926 --> 00:23:18.697 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% because we've been doing it for so long, we are able to go out 00:23:18.697 --> 00:23:23.435 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% quickly to the areas of need, if we have all the supplies that we 00:23:23.435 --> 00:23:28.274 align:start line:58% position:50% size:75% need, if we have all the funds that we need to continue the 00:23:28.274 --> 00:23:30.776 align:start line:58% position:50% size:56% Mission Feeding into these emergency areas. 00:23:30.776 --> 00:23:32.144 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% And don't forget the clinics. 00:23:32.144 --> 00:23:34.480 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% The clinics are so critical. 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:39.118 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% Unfortunately, when people don't have food and their children get 00:23:39.118 --> 00:23:42.254 align:start line:58% position:46% size:68% to a critical point, they have to come into a clinic. 00:23:42.254 --> 00:23:45.124 align:start line:58% position:48% size:48% We want the clinics to be stocked. 00:23:45.124 --> 00:23:49.295 align:start line:58% position:45% size:73% We want the staff to be there and ready and available. 00:23:49.295 --> 00:23:53.465 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% And again, you have saved so many lives as you have supported 00:23:53.465 --> 00:23:55.768 align:start line:63% position:44% size:78% Mission Feeding over the years. 00:23:55.768 --> 00:23:57.169 align:start line:63% position:48% size:38% Let's not stop. 00:23:57.169 --> 00:24:01.774 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% I would love to see it expand as the needs expand, but right now 00:24:01.774 --> 00:24:04.543 align:start line:58% position:46% size:68% we're coming to you saying, look, we need to continue. 00:24:04.543 --> 00:24:06.879 align:start line:63% position:45% size:73% We need to stock the clinics. 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:09.481 align:start line:58% position:47% size:53% We need to put the food onto the trucks. 00:24:09.481 --> 00:24:12.685 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% We need to get the food into the bowls, into the schools, into 00:24:12.685 --> 00:24:15.954 align:start line:58% position:50% size:75% the villages so these children can eat, they can have a hope 00:24:15.954 --> 00:24:17.289 align:start line:63% position:48% size:33% and a future. 00:24:17.289 --> 00:24:18.724 align:start line:63% position:50% size:50% Here's how we do it. 00:24:18.724 --> 00:24:25.097 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% Your gift of $30, $50, $100, it will help feed 3, 5, 10 children 00:24:25.097 --> 00:24:26.999 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% for the next several months. 00:24:26.999 --> 00:24:30.536 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% Some of you could give more, for example, $1,000 would help feed 00:24:30.536 --> 00:24:33.739 align:start line:58% position:47% size:53% 100 children, $2,000, 200 children. 00:24:33.739 --> 00:24:36.175 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% You can see the math. 00:24:36.175 --> 00:24:39.545 align:start line:58% position:45% size:73% The need is great, but the solution is right in front of 00:24:39.545 --> 00:24:42.881 align:start line:63% position:50% size:81% us, because the solution is you. 00:24:42.881 --> 00:24:44.717 align:start line:63% position:48% size:48% Will you go online? 00:24:44.717 --> 00:24:46.819 align:start line:63% position:50% size:70% Will you pick up that phone? 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:49.221 align:start line:58% position:50% size:45% Will you make the best gift you can? 00:24:49.221 --> 00:24:52.191 align:start line:58% position:50% size:50% I can promise you we will do our part. 00:24:52.191 --> 00:24:54.860 align:start line:58% position:45% size:73% The people on the ground, the missionaries there will do 00:24:54.860 --> 00:24:56.829 align:start line:63% position:48% size:28% their part. 00:24:56.829 --> 00:24:58.630 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% We need to come together. 00:24:58.630 --> 00:24:59.965 align:start line:63% position:48% size:43% Let's save lives. 00:24:59.965 --> 00:25:01.433 align:start line:63% position:47% size:58% Let's give them a hope. 00:25:01.433 --> 00:25:03.102 align:start line:63% position:47% size:63% Let's give them a future. 00:25:03.102 --> 00:25:05.371 align:start line:58% position:50% size:56% Let's tell them about the love of God, 00:25:05.371 --> 00:25:07.373 align:start line:63% position:50% size:65% and let's show it to them. 00:25:08.807 --> 00:25:11.777 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% announcer: Right now across the continent of Africa, children 00:25:11.777 --> 00:25:16.014 align:start line:10% position:50% size:70% are suffering, facing severe malnutrition and even death. 00:25:16.014 --> 00:25:19.151 align:start line:10% position:45% size:73% With food reserves critically depleted and many areas 00:25:19.151 --> 00:25:23.455 align:start line:10% position:50% size:81% experiencing devastating famine, we urgently need to replenish 00:25:23.455 --> 00:25:27.426 align:start line:10% position:50% size:70% supplies to keep feeding the 350,000 children who are 00:25:27.426 --> 00:25:29.795 align:start line:10% position:50% size:81% counting on us every single day. 00:25:29.795 --> 00:25:33.465 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% Through Life's Mission Feeding outreach, your gift of love can 00:25:33.465 --> 00:25:37.035 align:start line:10% position:45% size:73% be an answer to a prayer for a hurting and hungry child in 00:25:37.035 --> 00:25:38.537 align:start line:10% position:48% size:48% their time of need. 00:25:38.537 --> 00:25:43.942 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% Call now with your life-saving gift of $30, $50, or $100 to 00:25:43.942 --> 00:25:49.915 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% help feed and care for 3, 5, or 10 children for 3 full months. 00:25:49.915 --> 00:25:53.485 align:start line:10% position:50% size:81% With your gift, we'll send you "The Father's Heart" devotional. 00:25:53.485 --> 00:25:57.423 align:start line:10% position:50% size:81% Drawing from Scripture and his past, James Robison takes you on 00:25:57.423 --> 00:26:01.093 align:start line:10% position:50% size:70% a 90-day journey to help you experience a deeper, more 00:26:01.093 --> 00:26:04.663 align:start line:10% position:50% size:65% personal relationship with God as your loving Father. 00:26:04.663 --> 00:26:08.567 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% With your gift of $100 or more, you will receive the "Father's 00:26:08.567 --> 00:26:09.902 align:start line:10% position:50% size:35% Heart" bundle. 00:26:09.902 --> 00:26:13.372 align:start line:10% position:50% size:81% This stationery set paired with the devotional is a thoughtfully 00:26:13.372 --> 00:26:16.842 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% designed collection created to help you share encouragement, 00:26:16.842 --> 00:26:20.312 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% prayer, and the love of our Heavenly Father with those you 00:26:20.312 --> 00:26:21.680 align:start line:10% position:48% size:28% care about. 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:25.517 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% Finally, with your gift of $1,000 or more, which will help 00:26:25.517 --> 00:26:30.122 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% feed 100 children in desperate need, request Life's beautiful 00:26:30.122 --> 00:26:32.624 align:start line:10% position:50% size:50% bronze sculpture, "The Good Shepherd." 00:26:32.624 --> 00:26:38.864 align:start line:10% position:50% size:70% So please call, write, or make your gift online today. 00:26:38.864 --> 00:26:40.399 align:start line:10% position:46% size:68% Randy: What an opportunity. 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:43.936 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% You really can be a blessing to someone, and you can help save 00:26:43.936 --> 00:26:45.504 align:start line:10% position:50% size:45% lives today, so I hope you'll do it. 00:26:45.504 --> 00:26:48.106 align:start line:10% position:46% size:68% Go online, go to the phone, make the best gift you can. 00:26:48.106 --> 00:26:51.543 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% And if you would like that encouragement, you can request 00:26:51.543 --> 00:26:54.746 align:start line:10% position:47% size:53% this book, "God Won't Leave You There." 00:26:54.746 --> 00:26:56.181 align:start line:10% position:47% size:63% Blynda: And aren't we thankful for that, Randy? 00:26:56.181 --> 00:26:57.749 align:start line:58% position:50% size:70% Randy: Oh my goodness, I need to hear that every day. 00:26:57.749 --> 00:27:01.620 align:start line:58% position:50% size:81% Blynda: I know, God won't leave you in that pit, in that prison. 00:27:01.620 --> 00:27:04.723 align:start line:58% position:46% size:68% Rachel-Ruth and Anne, thank you so much for joining us. 00:27:04.723 --> 00:27:06.058 align:start line:58% position:48% size:48% Rachel-Ruth: Thanks for having us. 00:27:06.058 --> 00:27:08.794 align:start line:58% position:50% size:45% Blynda: Where can someone find more? 00:27:08.794 --> 00:27:10.128 align:start line:63% position:47% size:53% Are you on Instagram? 00:27:10.128 --> 00:27:11.497 align:start line:58% position:50% size:45% Are you--where can they find you? 00:27:11.497 --> 00:27:14.066 align:start line:53% position:47% size:63% Anne: annegrahamlotz.org, and then Rachel-- 00:27:14.066 --> 00:27:16.935 align:start line:53% position:50% size:81% Rachel-Ruth: Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is the Instagram, so, and 00:27:16.935 --> 00:27:19.238 align:start line:53% position:47% size:58% she's got an Instagram with her name, too, so. 00:27:19.238 --> 00:27:21.773 align:start line:53% position:44% size:78% Anne: And the website, you can find everything on the website. 00:27:21.773 --> 00:27:23.175 align:start line:53% position:50% size:50% Randy: Great, such great encouragement. 00:27:23.175 --> 00:27:24.576 align:start line:53% position:47% size:63% If you wanna follow them, we would encourage you 00:27:24.576 --> 00:27:27.012 align:start line:53% position:45% size:73% to follow them, and we'd love to see you again 00:27:27.012 --> 00:27:29.014 align:start line:58% position:44% size:78% next time here on "Life Today." 00:27:29.014 --> 00:27:32.751 align:start line:10% position:48% size:38% ♪ Oh, you can't hear me cry ♪ 00:27:32.751 --> 00:27:36.488 align:start line:10% position:47% size:63% ♪ See my dreams all die ♪ 00:27:36.488 --> 00:27:40.092 align:start line:10% position:48% size:43% ♪ From where you're standing ♪ 00:27:40.092 --> 00:27:42.494 align:start line:10% position:48% size:38% ♪ On your own ♪ 00:27:42.494 --> 00:27:49.334 align:start line:10% position:50% size:56% ♪ It's so quiet here, and I feel so cold ♪ 00:27:49.334 --> 00:27:55.774 align:start line:10% position:50% size:56% ♪ This house no longer feels like home ♪ 00:27:55.774 --> 00:27:58.944 align:start line:10% position:48% size:38% ♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh ♪ 00:27:58.944 --> 00:28:00.812 align:start line:10% position:50% size:41% ♪ Ooh-ooh-ooh ♪♪ 00:28:01.947 --> 00:28:04.283 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% announcer: Stay connected with "Life Today" through your 00:28:04.283 --> 00:28:05.651 align:start line:10% position:50% size:56% favorite social media. 00:28:05.651 --> 00:28:09.054 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% Get access to exclusive content and news with the "Life Today" 00:28:09.054 --> 00:28:11.056 align:start line:10% position:50% size:61% social media experience. 00:28:12.591 --> 00:28:14.893 align:start line:10% position:44% size:78% announcer: "Life Today" is made possible by the supporters of 00:28:14.893 --> 00:28:16.261 align:start line:10% position:50% size:70% Life Outreach International. 00:28:16.261 --> 00:28:18.297 align:start line:10% position:50% size:65% Your gift will be used exclusively for the exempt 00:28:18.297 --> 00:28:19.665 align:start line:10% position:48% size:43% purposes of Life. 00:28:19.665 --> 00:28:22.100 align:start line:10% position:50% size:75% The ministry features specific outreaches as examples of the 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:23.635 align:start line:10% position:50% size:50% programs it supports and conducts. 00:28:23.635 --> 00:28:25.737 align:start line:10% position:45% size:73% Gifts are considered to be without restriction as to use 00:28:25.737 --> 00:28:27.506 align:start line:10% position:50% size:61% unless explicitly stipulated by the donor. 00:28:27.506 --> 00:28:29.441 align:start line:10% position:48% size:48% The ministry is a member of the ECFA.