Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks! I am so thrilled that you've joined me today. Do me a favor, strap on your seatbelt. We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you this is the day that the Lord has made. He has given it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice with a great joy. It is to be with you today. Today we're going to talk about how to survive the unexpected challenges of life, how to survive the unexpected challenges of life. Maybe you find yourself right now in a season that was unexpected, uninvited, unwanted. A challenge that is stretching and testing your faith. Maybe you find yourself in territory you never imagined. Maybe even questioning God. How does this fit with your purpose and your plan for my life, Lord? That doesn't seem to make sense. It doesn't seem to conform to what I perceived to be your will for my life, for our family, maybe for the church. If you find yourself in that type of season, just know you tuned in to the right program. Today we want to share a little bit about how to survive the unexpected challenges of life. As always, I want to take your call and be your prayer partner today. It's such a joy to be able to, uh, to share these moments together. The phone number is 87756758775483675. Again 5675. You give us a call if we can be an encouragement to you. Well, every topic has a birthplace in the origin. And so this topic is not randomly picked, nor is it haphazard. It actually comes from the current season of life that I find myself in, that my family finds itself in. And so I want to start this program by giving you an update, an update in many ways that I didn't plan or anticipate giving. But it's amazing how life can come at you fast and things can change pretty quickly. It was a few months ago that one of our daughters began to experience some pain, some abdominal pain, and my wife and I thought maybe it was something simple. Uh, we took her to the doctor, to the hospital, and it was one of those, um, One of those moments where you go in, for one thing, but they end up discovering something else. Uh, and so we went in and we, uh, my daughter rather went in and, uh, the doctors discovered that there was some abnormal abnormalities that she was facing, in particular blood count and some other areas associated with that. Um, I'm being vague intentionally for a reason, and I'll share a little bit more specifically as the program goes on. Uh, but that led to a series of doctors testing and visits that ultimately led to a pretty serious and significant, uh, diagnoses of, uh, sickness that my daughter finds herself in at this point, and a journey that we never thought that we would be on. And so, as we have tried our best to learn new medical terms and, and build relationships with a whole cadre of medical professionals that are now a part of our life for the foreseeable future. As we are walking this unexpected health journey and trying to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus through the unexpected challenges of life, I find my heart torn. To be honest with you. My heart is torn because I absolutely love this part of of my day in many ways. Uh, coming behind this microphone like I've been able to do for the past ten years and, um, sharing these moments with you day after day, this hour that we have carved out with one another, uh, has been such a joy in my life, and I hope it's been a joy in your life as well. Um, but I'm I'm pretty clear on what the priorities of my life, the anchors of my life have been. Uh, you often will hear people say, well, it's faith, and then family, and then other things fall after that. And sometimes that can be cliche, but it really has been the anchor of my life to make sure that, um, I'm. I'm putting God first in all things. Uh, can't compromise. None of us can compromise our relationship with the Lord. Because if we get shipwrecked, we're no good for anyone else. Um, but falling second to that is my family. I love my family. I love my wife. I'm so grateful to be able to be married to my best friend, a woman that to this day, I respect and admire, um, more than any other woman I know, and that's saying a lot because I know some pretty incredible women, but none like my wife. She is strong and brave and smart and sweet and and I'm grateful to be on this journey with her. And we love our children. Children are the test of your faith. God gives them to you, to to sanctify you, and to help you to grow and mature in Jesus. My mom has a saying. She says, God gives you some kids to keep you praying and some kids to keep you praising. And that's true depending on where you're at in the journey. Every parent knows some kids will keep you praising, some kids will keep you on your knees, but all of them are in your heart. And and and in this season where we find our daughter needs us in a way that is more than what she's ever needed us before, in many ways. Um, I am pretty clear that I need to pay special attention to my family. I need to shepherd my family. Well, I need to lead my family well through this season again of unexpected and unknown challenges. And so all of that has led to a decision that's been made for me to take a temporary leave of absence from the program. Um, there's no scandal here. There's no controversy, there's no sin involved. And I'm grateful for that. I don't take that for granted, because I do recognize that it's the Lord that keeps us. We don't keep ourselves. It's Christ and His mercy and grace that preserves our heart, our lives, our testimonies, our families. And it's also for those who have fallen. It's also his grace that does restore us and give us chance after chance after chance. But in this in this particular scenario, it really is all driven by the very clear commands that God gives us in Scripture, um, that we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church, that we're to raise our children in the fear and the admonition of the Lord, that we're to model for them. Um, what a life of faith is supposed to look like, that we're supposed to train them up in the way they should go, and when they're older, they won't depart from it. You know, when your kids look back on various seasons of life, um, the one thing that you hope for is that they'll look back on it and say, when things were at their worst, my dad, my mom were at their best that they were there. And, uh, you know, and I know that parenting is not a story of perfection. Not for any of us. All of us know what it's like to miss the mark or fall short. Um, but I desperately want to be found faithful. Not only in the Lord's eyes. I certainly want to be found faithful in the Lord's eyes, but I want to be found faithful in the eyes of my family and my children. Those who are closest to me. So I'm going to be finishing out this week. And Moody has been so gracious. I can't say enough about the family that Moody is to me. I absolutely love this family. Um, six years ago now, when we tragically and unexpectedly lost our oldest son, um, Chris, when he passed away. Um, the Moody family just wrapped their arms around us. Um, many of you poured out prayer requests for us. Uh, emailed. Um, some of you shared your own stories of pain, and it was, um. Man, it was really, really powerful to receive your ministry. And so now I'm going to ask for you to do that again. I'm hoping that this, uh, this, uh, leave of absence won't be long, but we do need to make sure that we're getting a firm foundation laid in our family around treatment plans and doctor's appointments and testing and all these things that have to happen. I need to make space to be able to, again, be present and to lead. Well. Um, but I'm looking forward to coming back and and being with you. And the one thing that I want you to know is that while I'm away on this leave of absence, there is a great team of folks that will make sure that every day the mission of equipped is still being lived out. You know, our conviction to equip you to live, share and defend your faith, to make sure that we're talking about the rapidly changing culture that we're in. in light of the constantly faithful truth of God's Word. And when I started this program, it was really driven by this quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Matter of fact, the day of observance of his life is coming up around the corner. But he was famous in his book, Strength to Love. To say what the world needs is tough minded, tender hearted Christians, those who can think critically and live compassionately. These are the type of men and women that God will use to change the world. I was convinced of that then, and a decade later, I'm still convinced of that. That what we need to be the best thing we can be for this world right now is tough minded and tender hearted. And so for a short season, I'm going to step away and focus on family things and then hopefully come back with renewed vigor and energy and and focus. But today I wanted to share it with you because in many ways, God has placed us in one another's life to walk this journey together. But I also want this to be a day of ministry because I know, like me, many of you are facing unexpected challenges. Things that you didn't even anticipate were possible or or certainly didn't fall asleep one night thinking you'd wake up the next morning to news that was heart wrenching, or news that would be devastating to you. But yet that's where you find yourself. Maybe a spouse who betrayed trust, or maybe looking at a job that's been lost after years of investing your time, talent and treasure in it. Or maybe finding yourself on Like Like Us, a parenting journey that stretching your faith that's causing you to make choices Places that aren't easy to make. Wherever you find yourself at today, we're going to navigate through it together. I'm going to share with you some things today that the Lord has taught me, in hopes that it will be a blessing to you and an encouragement to you. And again, I would love, love, love to pray with you. So we're going to take a short break and then we'll come back and and I'll take your calls and we'll look, as always to God's Word. Phone number 8775675. That's (877) 548-3675. You can also go on social media 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Available to you right now. Facebook and Twitter at equip radio at equip radio. Don't go anywhere. I think your heart is going to be encouraged. Praise God he is Emmanuel. He is God with us. We'll be right back with more of equip right after this. Our complex world often leaves us searching for ways to strengthen our connection and achieve our dreams. Nothing opens doors like please. Nothing builds bridges like things. Nothing mends fences like sorry and please sorry. Thanks. Mark Batterson offers a compelling look at how these powerful words can transform relationships and careers. You can get your copy today by going to equip radio.org or calling 808 644 4144. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. How do we survive the unexpected challenges of life? That's what we're talking about today. Phone number (877) 548-3675. We'd love to pray with you also. We'd love to hear your stories. For those of you who find yourself on the other side of it to say, hey, I know what it's like to walk through these dark nights of the soul. I know what it's like to come through the valley of the shadow of death. I also know what it's like to thrive, to find purpose, to see God's grace on the other side. Uh, what was it that allowed you to not only survive, but thrive even in the midst? If we could speak so boldly, even in the midst of your challenges, even in the midst of the most challenging season of your life, for some of you, you can say those were some of the sweetest moments with the Lord. God moved in such special ways. What was it that God did? Phone number (877) 548-3675. We're going to go to the phone lines in just a moment, but I'd be remiss if I didn't say thank you to those of you who are supporting the program. Thank you to Deborah in Illinois. Thanks so much to Mary in Florida and to our newest Equipper. Newest addition to the Equip family, Eric in Crown Point, Indiana. Welcome, sir. So grateful for you. Here's the goal, friends. We are about $5,700 away from our budgeted goal for this month. And so if God has spoken to your heart, this program has been a blessing and encouragement to you. If you've been ministered to by our guest and resources, can you stand with us with your most generous gift as we start a new calendar year of equip? The phone number to support the program 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or it might be easier for you to go to go to equip radio. Let's go to the phone lines. Edward is listening in Cleveland, Ohio. Hey, Edward, thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you, brother?

Well. Hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equip with Chris Brooks! I am so thrilled that you've joined me today. Do me a favor, strap on your seatbelt. We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always with the lens of the biblical worldview on. But before we do that, let me remind you this is the day that the Lord has made. He has given it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice with a great joy. It is to be with you today. Today we're going to talk about how to survive the unexpected challenges of life, how to survive the unexpected challenges of life. Maybe you find yourself right now in a season that was unexpected, uninvited, unwanted. A challenge that is stretching and testing your faith. Maybe you find yourself in territory you never imagined. Maybe even questioning God. How does this fit with your purpose and your plan for my life, Lord? That doesn't seem to make sense. It doesn't seem to conform to what I perceived to be your will for my life, for our family, maybe for the church. If you find yourself in that type of season, just know you tuned in to the right program. Today we want to share a little bit about how to survive the unexpected challenges of life. As always, I want to take your call and be your prayer partner today. It's such a joy to be able to, uh, to share these moments together. The phone number is 87756758775483675. Again 5675. You give us a call if we can be an encouragement to you. Well, every topic has a birthplace in the origin. And so this topic is not randomly picked, nor is it haphazard. It actually comes from the current season of life that I find myself in, that my family finds itself in. And so I want to start this program by giving you an update, an update in many ways that I didn't plan or anticipate giving. But it's amazing how life can come at you fast and things can change pretty quickly. It was a few months ago that one of our daughters began to experience some pain, some abdominal pain, and my wife and I thought maybe it was something simple. Uh, we took her to the doctor, to the hospital, and it was one of those, um, One of those moments where you go in, for one thing, but they end up discovering something else. Uh, and so we went in and we, uh, my daughter rather went in and, uh, the doctors discovered that there was some abnormal abnormalities that she was facing, in particular blood count and some other areas associated with that. Um, I'm being vague intentionally for a reason, and I'll share a little bit more specifically as the program goes on. Uh, but that led to a series of doctors testing and visits that ultimately led to a pretty serious and significant, uh, diagnoses of, uh, sickness that my daughter finds herself in at this point, and a journey that we never thought that we would be on. And so, as we have tried our best to learn new medical terms and, and build relationships with a whole cadre of medical professionals that are now a part of our life for the foreseeable future. As we are walking this unexpected health journey and trying to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus through the unexpected challenges of life, I find my heart torn. To be honest with you. My heart is torn because I absolutely love this part of of my day in many ways. Uh, coming behind this microphone like I've been able to do for the past ten years and, um, sharing these moments with you day after day, this hour that we have carved out with one another, uh, has been such a joy in my life, and I hope it's been a joy in your life as well. Um, but I'm I'm pretty clear on what the priorities of my life, the anchors of my life have been. Uh, you often will hear people say, well, it's faith, and then family, and then other things fall after that. And sometimes that can be cliche, but it really has been the anchor of my life to make sure that, um, I'm. I'm putting God first in all things. Uh, can't compromise. None of us can compromise our relationship with the Lord. Because if we get shipwrecked, we're no good for anyone else. Um, but falling second to that is my family. I love my family. I love my wife. I'm so grateful to be able to be married to my best friend, a woman that to this day, I respect and admire, um, more than any other woman I know, and that's saying a lot because I know some pretty incredible women, but none like my wife. She is strong and brave and smart and sweet and and I'm grateful to be on this journey with her. And we love our children. Children are the test of your faith. God gives them to you, to to sanctify you, and to help you to grow and mature in Jesus. My mom has a saying. She says, God gives you some kids to keep you praying and some kids to keep you praising. And that's true depending on where you're at in the journey. Every parent knows some kids will keep you praising, some kids will keep you on your knees, but all of them are in your heart. And and and in this season where we find our daughter needs us in a way that is more than what she's ever needed us before, in many ways. Um, I am pretty clear that I need to pay special attention to my family. I need to shepherd my family. Well, I need to lead my family well through this season again of unexpected and unknown challenges. And so all of that has led to a decision that's been made for me to take a temporary leave of absence from the program. Um, there's no scandal here. There's no controversy, there's no sin involved. And I'm grateful for that. I don't take that for granted, because I do recognize that it's the Lord that keeps us. We don't keep ourselves. It's Christ and His mercy and grace that preserves our heart, our lives, our testimonies, our families. And it's also for those who have fallen. It's also his grace that does restore us and give us chance after chance after chance. But in this in this particular scenario, it really is all driven by the very clear commands that God gives us in Scripture, um, that we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church, that we're to raise our children in the fear and the admonition of the Lord, that we're to model for them. Um, what a life of faith is supposed to look like, that we're supposed to train them up in the way they should go, and when they're older, they won't depart from it. You know, when your kids look back on various seasons of life, um, the one thing that you hope for is that they'll look back on it and say, when things were at their worst, my dad, my mom were at their best that they were there. And, uh, you know, and I know that parenting is not a story of perfection. Not for any of us. All of us know what it's like to miss the mark or fall short. Um, but I desperately want to be found faithful. Not only in the Lord's eyes. I certainly want to be found faithful in the Lord's eyes, but I want to be found faithful in the eyes of my family and my children. Those who are closest to me. So I'm going to be finishing out this week. And Moody has been so gracious. I can't say enough about the family that Moody is to me. I absolutely love this family. Um, six years ago now, when we tragically and unexpectedly lost our oldest son, um, Chris, when he passed away. Um, the Moody family just wrapped their arms around us. Um, many of you poured out prayer requests for us. Uh, emailed. Um, some of you shared your own stories of pain, and it was, um. Man, it was really, really powerful to receive your ministry. And so now I'm going to ask for you to do that again. I'm hoping that this, uh, this, uh, leave of absence won't be long, but we do need to make sure that we're getting a firm foundation laid in our family around treatment plans and doctor's appointments and testing and all these things that have to happen. I need to make space to be able to, again, be present and to lead. Well. Um, but I'm looking forward to coming back and and being with you. And the one thing that I want you to know is that while I'm away on this leave of absence, there is a great team of folks that will make sure that every day the mission of equipped is still being lived out. You know, our conviction to equip you to live, share and defend your faith, to make sure that we're talking about the rapidly changing culture that we're in. in light of the constantly faithful truth of God's Word. And when I started this program, it was really driven by this quote by Martin Luther King Jr. Matter of fact, the day of observance of his life is coming up around the corner. But he was famous in his book, Strength to Love. To say what the world needs is tough minded, tender hearted Christians, those who can think critically and live compassionately. These are the type of men and women that God will use to change the world. I was convinced of that then, and a decade later, I'm still convinced of that. That what we need to be the best thing we can be for this world right now is tough minded and tender hearted. And so for a short season, I'm going to step away and focus on family things and then hopefully come back with renewed vigor and energy and and focus. But today I wanted to share it with you because in many ways, God has placed us in one another's life to walk this journey together. But I also want this to be a day of ministry because I know, like me, many of you are facing unexpected challenges. Things that you didn't even anticipate were possible or or certainly didn't fall asleep one night thinking you'd wake up the next morning to news that was heart wrenching, or news that would be devastating to you. But yet that's where you find yourself. Maybe a spouse who betrayed trust, or maybe looking at a job that's been lost after years of investing your time, talent and treasure in it. Or maybe finding yourself on Like Like Us, a parenting journey that stretching your faith that's causing you to make choices Places that aren't easy to make. Wherever you find yourself at today, we're going to navigate through it together. I'm going to share with you some things today that the Lord has taught me, in hopes that it will be a blessing to you and an encouragement to you. And again, I would love, love, love to pray with you. So we're going to take a short break and then we'll come back and and I'll take your calls and we'll look, as always to God's Word. Phone number 8775675. That's (877) 548-3675. You can also go on social media 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Available to you right now. Facebook and Twitter at equip radio at equip radio. Don't go anywhere. I think your heart is going to be encouraged. Praise God he is Emmanuel. He is God with us. We'll be right back with more of equip right after this. Our complex world often leaves us searching for ways to strengthen our connection and achieve our dreams. Nothing opens doors like please. Nothing builds bridges like things. Nothing mends fences like sorry and please sorry. Thanks. Mark Batterson offers a compelling look at how these powerful words can transform relationships and careers. You can get your copy today by going to equip radio.org or calling 808 644 4144. Welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. How do we survive the unexpected challenges of life? That's what we're talking about today. Phone number (877) 548-3675. We'd love to pray with you also. We'd love to hear your stories. For those of you who find yourself on the other side of it to say, hey, I know what it's like to walk through these dark nights of the soul. I know what it's like to come through the valley of the shadow of death. I also know what it's like to thrive, to find purpose, to see God's grace on the other side. Uh, what was it that allowed you to not only survive, but thrive even in the midst? If we could speak so boldly, even in the midst of your challenges, even in the midst of the most challenging season of your life, for some of you, you can say those were some of the sweetest moments with the Lord. God moved in such special ways. What was it that God did? Phone number (877) 548-3675. We're going to go to the phone lines in just a moment, but I'd be remiss if I didn't say thank you to those of you who are supporting the program. Thank you to Deborah in Illinois. Thanks so much to Mary in Florida and to our newest Equipper. Newest addition to the Equip family, Eric in Crown Point, Indiana. Welcome, sir. So grateful for you. Here's the goal, friends. We are about $5,700 away from our budgeted goal for this month. And so if God has spoken to your heart, this program has been a blessing and encouragement to you. If you've been ministered to by our guest and resources, can you stand with us with your most generous gift as we start a new calendar year of equip? The phone number to support the program 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Or it might be easier for you to go to go to equip radio. Let's go to the phone lines. Edward is listening in Cleveland, Ohio. Hey, Edward, thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you, brother?

Hey, Chris. How are you, sir? I'm doing well. Thank you for taking my call. Um, I will be praying for your, uh, situation. Thanks for being so transparent with us, sir. I'll be praying for you, brother. Uh, so really quickly, the situation that my wife and I unexpectedly have found ourselves in. We have seven children, all of whom we've homeschooled, trying to raise them up. You know, much like what you said earlier in the way that they should go. All the things, you know. Not perfectly right, obviously, but, you know, with all of our power and energy and we find ourselves in this season, Chris, where our two of our adult children now who have moved on have, uh, decided to disconnect all communication with my wife and I, uh, and, you know, I hear about it from other people. We see it on television, read books, but you never think it would befall your home. And here we are. Confused, right? And bewildered. Right. How did we get here? So we've been here now a few months, going through this travailing praying about it and just, uh, just kind of, you know, I've talked to some folks about it and, you know, you get varying, uh, degrees of of counsel. But anyway, here's here we are. We still have, uh, small children at home, but we're walking through all of this, right? And just find it tough. Right? So never thought we'd be here.

Hey, Chris. How are you, sir? I'm doing well. Thank you for taking my call. Um, I will be praying for your, uh, situation. Thanks for being so transparent with us, sir. I'll be praying for you, brother. Uh, so really quickly, the situation that my wife and I unexpectedly have found ourselves in. We have seven children, all of whom we've homeschooled, trying to raise them up. You know, much like what you said earlier in the way that they should go. All the things, you know. Not perfectly right, obviously, but, you know, with all of our power and energy and we find ourselves in this season, Chris, where our two of our adult children now who have moved on have, uh, decided to disconnect all communication with my wife and I, uh, and, you know, I hear about it from other people. We see it on television, read books, but you never think it would befall your home. And here we are. Confused, right? And bewildered. Right. How did we get here? So we've been here now a few months, going through this travailing praying about it and just, uh, just kind of, you know, I've talked to some folks about it and, you know, you get varying, uh, degrees of of counsel. But anyway, here's here we are. We still have, uh, small children at home, but we're walking through all of this, right? And just find it tough. Right? So never thought we'd be here.

Yeah. Yeah. Well, first off, thank you for being transparent and for for giving the call and just for being a man who who trusts in God. Um, I think, you know, we all know as parents that parenting has chapters, right? And, um, and one of the things that all of us would be wise to try our best not to do is to think that our present moment is the final chapter of the story. Um, I'm hopeful that we're that God has more chapters ahead for your journey with you and your children. But this is a tough chapter. There's no way around it. This is a tough chapter. I also want to just say this. Um, I know it helps me, even though it doesn't change things, to know that, um, we're not unique in our struggles. And what I mean by that is what you just described to me, unfortunately, sadly, is becoming more and more common. Uh, in this generation, kids who are cutting off parents. And I think the source of it is, is that, um, we live in a grievance culture right now, a culture that is encouraging, uh, a generation, instead of taking ownership and responsibility for, uh, shortcomings or failures or mistakes, uh, there's somebody to blame. The government's to blame. Corporate America is to blame. The church is to blame. Your parents are to blame. And unfortunately, that's kind of the cultural waters that our kids are swimming in. And for a lot of them, it's impacting the way they think and the way that they're relating to parents. And so now a generation is being taught, oh, my problem is mom and dad and I need to cut them off. And a lot of parents that are listening to me right now have been cut off by kids or grandkids. And you're like, what did I do wrong? Maybe I wasn't perfect, but I tried my best to raise them well and to love them well. I know that I put my blood, sweat and tears into parenting, and none of us are insulated from the possibility of this. So it is really good that you gave us a call. I just want to say two things to you, and then I want to pray for you. And before I pray for Edward, maybe you're listening. You say, that is my situation, Chris. What you just described is exactly where I'm at. We'd love to pray for you as well. (877) 548-3675. Not a coincidence that you tuned in Today. Edward, the two things I just want to say to you is this is you talked about those parents who have been through this. Um, if you have those people in your life, man, cling to them, talk with them. Certainly don't journey through it by yourself. So I would say this is one of those moments where Christian community really, really pays off. This is why the local church is so important. You guys who listen to equip, you know, I'm really big on the local local church because life is way too hard to walk through it without a Savior and without a spiritual family. Secondly, it's really important that you keep your eyes fixed on the promises of God in Scripture. You got to keep coming back to that truth. That's why I'm grateful for resources like Rob Reno. I want to just mention Rob and Amy Reno, Visionary Family Ministries. I love them and they've written so much about how to really walk your family through restoration and to get your family aligned with God's ways, will and word. And really to see beauty come from ashes. So keep your eyes fixed on the promises of God. This is when you lean into your faith. Keep loving them, even in spite of what they may be doing to you. And as hard as it may be, pray that your heart will not become so bitter that when reconciliation happens, you won't be open to it. Pray that God will keep your heart soft and tender towards your children. Father, thank you so very much for the gift of children. But we admit parenting is hard. God, you know this. It can break our hearts sometimes. And Lord Edward finds himself and his wife find themselves in a place where they never thought they'd be. But Lord, help them to know that they're not alone. That you're with them. Show them mercy. So show them grace. Bring restoration. Uh, Lord your God of miracles. But now we're praying for a family miracle that you would intervene. And we trust you for it. In Jesus name, amen and amen. God bless you. Edward. Thanks for calling, Aurora. We're going to go to you. I hope I pronounced that right. In Naples, Florida. Did I pronounce that right or did I do it wrong?

Yeah. Yeah. Well, first off, thank you for being transparent and for for giving the call and just for being a man who who trusts in God. Um, I think, you know, we all know as parents that parenting has chapters, right? And, um, and one of the things that all of us would be wise to try our best not to do is to think that our present moment is the final chapter of the story. Um, I'm hopeful that we're that God has more chapters ahead for your journey with you and your children. But this is a tough chapter. There's no way around it. This is a tough chapter. I also want to just say this. Um, I know it helps me, even though it doesn't change things, to know that, um, we're not unique in our struggles. And what I mean by that is what you just described to me, unfortunately, sadly, is becoming more and more common. Uh, in this generation, kids who are cutting off parents. And I think the source of it is, is that, um, we live in a grievance culture right now, a culture that is encouraging, uh, a generation, instead of taking ownership and responsibility for, uh, shortcomings or failures or mistakes, uh, there's somebody to blame. The government's to blame. Corporate America is to blame. The church is to blame. Your parents are to blame. And unfortunately, that's kind of the cultural waters that our kids are swimming in. And for a lot of them, it's impacting the way they think and the way that they're relating to parents. And so now a generation is being taught, oh, my problem is mom and dad and I need to cut them off. And a lot of parents that are listening to me right now have been cut off by kids or grandkids. And you're like, what did I do wrong? Maybe I wasn't perfect, but I tried my best to raise them well and to love them well. I know that I put my blood, sweat and tears into parenting, and none of us are insulated from the possibility of this. So it is really good that you gave us a call. I just want to say two things to you, and then I want to pray for you. And before I pray for Edward, maybe you're listening. You say, that is my situation, Chris. What you just described is exactly where I'm at. We'd love to pray for you as well. (877) 548-3675. Not a coincidence that you tuned in Today. Edward, the two things I just want to say to you is this is you talked about those parents who have been through this. Um, if you have those people in your life, man, cling to them, talk with them. Certainly don't journey through it by yourself. So I would say this is one of those moments where Christian community really, really pays off. This is why the local church is so important. You guys who listen to equip, you know, I'm really big on the local local church because life is way too hard to walk through it without a Savior and without a spiritual family. Secondly, it's really important that you keep your eyes fixed on the promises of God in Scripture. You got to keep coming back to that truth. That's why I'm grateful for resources like Rob Reno. I want to just mention Rob and Amy Reno, Visionary Family Ministries. I love them and they've written so much about how to really walk your family through restoration and to get your family aligned with God's ways, will and word. And really to see beauty come from ashes. So keep your eyes fixed on the promises of God. This is when you lean into your faith. Keep loving them, even in spite of what they may be doing to you. And as hard as it may be, pray that your heart will not become so bitter that when reconciliation happens, you won't be open to it. Pray that God will keep your heart soft and tender towards your children. Father, thank you so very much for the gift of children. But we admit parenting is hard. God, you know this. It can break our hearts sometimes. And Lord Edward finds himself and his wife find themselves in a place where they never thought they'd be. But Lord, help them to know that they're not alone. That you're with them. Show them mercy. So show them grace. Bring restoration. Uh, Lord your God of miracles. But now we're praying for a family miracle that you would intervene. And we trust you for it. In Jesus name, amen and amen. God bless you. Edward. Thanks for calling, Aurora. We're going to go to you. I hope I pronounced that right. In Naples, Florida. Did I pronounce that right or did I do it wrong?

I'm sorry, I didn't hear. I didn't hear what you said.

I'm sorry, I didn't hear. I didn't hear what you said.

Aurora, is that it?

Aurora, is that it?

Yes. All right. Some people say aurea. Some people say aurea.

Yes. All right. Some people say aurea. Some people say aurea.

Well, thanks for calling. How can I pray for you, Chris?

Well, thanks for calling. How can I pray for you, Chris?

Um, what's your daughter's name?

Um, what's your daughter's name?

Uh, I have three girls. I have Zoe, Sophia and Christiana. Please pray for all three.

Uh, I have three girls. I have Zoe, Sophia and Christiana. Please pray for all three.

Okay. What's the first one?

Okay. What's the first one?

Zoe. Zoe, Sophia and Christiana. Sophia and Christine, and they do have. For those who are wondering, they have daddy wrapped around their finger.

Zoe. Zoe, Sophia and Christiana. Sophia and Christine, and they do have. For those who are wondering, they have daddy wrapped around their finger.

That's a good thing. Chris. That's a good thing.

That's a good thing. Chris. That's a good thing.

Chris, I just want to encourage you. We will be praying for her. You know, we have an awesome God who does miracles. I will be 82 years old this year and I have a lot of health issues also. So I need a lot of prayer also. But I just want to encourage you that we will be praying for your.

Chris, I just want to encourage you. We will be praying for her. You know, we have an awesome God who does miracles. I will be 82 years old this year and I have a lot of health issues also. So I need a lot of prayer also. But I just want to encourage you that we will be praying for your.

Daughter and she.

Daughter and she.

Belongs to the Lord. She is in God's hands.

Belongs to the Lord. She is in God's hands.

Thank you so much. What a blessing. You know that's a gift. That's a gift to me, to my wife who's listening today. Um, we are so, so grateful. And, you know, you need some intercessors in your life who love Jesus. I was talking to our church family this weekend. I said, you know, one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me and some of you will be able to relate is being able to simply listen to people pray who are close to God. And if you've ever experienced that, what it's like to just simply listen to people pray who are close to God, you know what a blessing that is. I've been blessed to hear many great sermons, and I thank God for each one. I've heard more lectures than I care to remember, and I appreciate each prof who gave them. But there is something uniquely powerful about hearing a person pray who is close to God. So thank you Ria, for that beautiful, beautiful gift and for all of you who are praying for us and our family. Thank you. We're going to take a break, but today we are one family, and maybe you find yourself much like us, going through an unexpected season of challenge. You're not alone. He is with you even in the valley. I'd love to pray for you. And if you survived? If you've come through, if you've seen some of your greatest moments with God in the midst of your valley, we want to hear from you as well. 877. Live six. Seven. Five. That's (877) 548-3675. Stick and stay. Much more to come. Next up on equipped with Chris Brooks. Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks. So grateful for you tuning in today. In many ways today is a very special program. It is special for me and I hope for you as well. For those of you who are just tuning in. Today we're talking about how to navigate through and survive and thrive Drive through the unexpected challenges of life. I share with you that recently, one of our daughters was diagnosed with a pretty serious illness that we find ourselves now having to readjust our entire lives around to provide support and care for her. And we're so grateful for the medical team that God has given. Thank God for those who are called by God into the field of medicine. If that's you. Praise God for you. See that as just as much ministry as the pastor who preaches the sermon on Sunday. All of life is God's mission field. And so wherever he's called you engineering the classroom, government medicine see it as your call of service. But we're grateful for the medical team. But the demands of this diagnosis and the treatment that now she's going to be going through, all of these things require attention and focus for me and my wife. And so I have been granted by Moody Radio a season off, uh, and a an absence, a season of, uh, stepping away temporarily, uh, from the program. You're going to still hear equip every day. It's going to be great hosts every day. But I want to take a temporary leave of absence so that I can focus on what matters most. And that is making sure my own soul is healthy and well. I never want to be a story of reproach, and I know how easy it is to neglect your own soul, and then to look up and see Satan has won. So I want to avoid that. So I want to take time to care for my own soul. I want to make sure that I'm leading my family well. And so I do. I ask for your prayers for me, for my wife, for our kids. Um, but I would also recognize that today, like me, many of you are finding yourself in similar moments. And I want you to know that God is faithful. He is faithful. He is so good to us. I'm telling you, I, I think, like many of you, I can tell you of moments that I never thought I would survive. Um, many of you know, we, uh, had to bury our oldest son back in 2019. As a parent, that is one of those moments that you think to yourself. I can't even imagine it. And I don't think I could survive it. But I will tell you on the other side of it that it was it was painful. It was devastating. But but God sustained us by his grace. And and I know this. He's no respecter of persons. The Bible says that what he did for us, he'll do for anyone who trusts in him. So today, we just love to pray for you. Uh 877548 3675. If you find yourself facing an unexpected season of challenge, know that what is a surprise to us is never a surprise to God. Let's go to Colleen. Hey, Colleen. Thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you today?

Thank you so much. What a blessing. You know that's a gift. That's a gift to me, to my wife who's listening today. Um, we are so, so grateful. And, you know, you need some intercessors in your life who love Jesus. I was talking to our church family this weekend. I said, you know, one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to me and some of you will be able to relate is being able to simply listen to people pray who are close to God. And if you've ever experienced that, what it's like to just simply listen to people pray who are close to God, you know what a blessing that is. I've been blessed to hear many great sermons, and I thank God for each one. I've heard more lectures than I care to remember, and I appreciate each prof who gave them. But there is something uniquely powerful about hearing a person pray who is close to God. So thank you Ria, for that beautiful, beautiful gift and for all of you who are praying for us and our family. Thank you. We're going to take a break, but today we are one family, and maybe you find yourself much like us, going through an unexpected season of challenge. You're not alone. He is with you even in the valley. I'd love to pray for you. And if you survived? If you've come through, if you've seen some of your greatest moments with God in the midst of your valley, we want to hear from you as well. 877. Live six. Seven. Five. That's (877) 548-3675. Stick and stay. Much more to come. Next up on equipped with Chris Brooks. Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks. So grateful for you tuning in today. In many ways today is a very special program. It is special for me and I hope for you as well. For those of you who are just tuning in. Today we're talking about how to navigate through and survive and thrive Drive through the unexpected challenges of life. I share with you that recently, one of our daughters was diagnosed with a pretty serious illness that we find ourselves now having to readjust our entire lives around to provide support and care for her. And we're so grateful for the medical team that God has given. Thank God for those who are called by God into the field of medicine. If that's you. Praise God for you. See that as just as much ministry as the pastor who preaches the sermon on Sunday. All of life is God's mission field. And so wherever he's called you engineering the classroom, government medicine see it as your call of service. But we're grateful for the medical team. But the demands of this diagnosis and the treatment that now she's going to be going through, all of these things require attention and focus for me and my wife. And so I have been granted by Moody Radio a season off, uh, and a an absence, a season of, uh, stepping away temporarily, uh, from the program. You're going to still hear equip every day. It's going to be great hosts every day. But I want to take a temporary leave of absence so that I can focus on what matters most. And that is making sure my own soul is healthy and well. I never want to be a story of reproach, and I know how easy it is to neglect your own soul, and then to look up and see Satan has won. So I want to avoid that. So I want to take time to care for my own soul. I want to make sure that I'm leading my family well. And so I do. I ask for your prayers for me, for my wife, for our kids. Um, but I would also recognize that today, like me, many of you are finding yourself in similar moments. And I want you to know that God is faithful. He is faithful. He is so good to us. I'm telling you, I, I think, like many of you, I can tell you of moments that I never thought I would survive. Um, many of you know, we, uh, had to bury our oldest son back in 2019. As a parent, that is one of those moments that you think to yourself. I can't even imagine it. And I don't think I could survive it. But I will tell you on the other side of it that it was it was painful. It was devastating. But but God sustained us by his grace. And and I know this. He's no respecter of persons. The Bible says that what he did for us, he'll do for anyone who trusts in him. So today, we just love to pray for you. Uh 877548 3675. If you find yourself facing an unexpected season of challenge, know that what is a surprise to us is never a surprise to God. Let's go to Colleen. Hey, Colleen. Thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you today?

Thank you. Well, I mainly called to encourage you. I, I related that, um, our family is in the same place you are right now. Um, we're about in the middle. Um, of this process with our oldest daughter and to his adult daughter. But, um, it affects the whole family, and the whole family has drawn together, and they, um, they asked how they could help, and and we're driving about 150 miles to get to medical services. We live in Montana, but it's kind of out in the rural country, and they've just come to bat and they've, um, to accept people when they offer help. I just encourage you to do that. It's made our our road less bumpy.

Thank you. Well, I mainly called to encourage you. I, I related that, um, our family is in the same place you are right now. Um, we're about in the middle. Um, of this process with our oldest daughter and to his adult daughter. But, um, it affects the whole family, and the whole family has drawn together, and they, um, they asked how they could help, and and we're driving about 150 miles to get to medical services. We live in Montana, but it's kind of out in the rural country, and they've just come to bat and they've, um, to accept people when they offer help. I just encourage you to do that. It's made our our road less bumpy.

First off, Colleen, thank you so much. You know, God is so amazing because the two things you just mentioned, I gotta be honest with you, those are the two hardest for me. One is receiving help. It is not easy to receive help. And you know, I naturally my wife. We love to serve. We love to give, we love to support others. But you're certainly right. I find myself in this season far more vulnerable, far more needy, in need of help. And and even moments like this are difficult. So I want to say thank you for reminding me of that. Secondly, I thank you for reminding me of the blessing of my family. And I do want to say to my family, my mom, my dad who are listening right now. I have been blessed with such incredible parents. They have been just a rock. A rock for us. My siblings. Our extended family. We got a family. Everybody serving Jesus. And so it is such a great thing to know that when you share the news you didn't think you'd share. When you share that some unexpected challenges stepped into your life, you know you immediately have half a dozen, a dozen prayer partners that are going to be praying for you. And so, Colleen, what a sweet, sweet call. And I just want you to know, God used you to encourage my heart today. And I don't think it's just me. I think it's others as well. But the Bible has a promise, Colleen. And and it's that the one who refreshes others shall themselves be refreshed as well. And so I'm going to pray for you, father. Lord, I thank you for Colleen and her family. Even in the countryside of Montana, you see them. And, Lord, you know the challenges. You know the needs. I pray that by your supernatural grace, goodness and mercy, that you would intervene and that you would bless. Bless with healing. Yes, but bless over and above with joy unspeakable, with strength unimaginable with your provision. Supernaturally pour out your grace. We pray in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Thank you, Colleen, for calling. I want to go to rod, who's listening in Chicago, Illinois. Hey, rod, thank you so much for listening, brother. How can I pray for you today?

First off, Colleen, thank you so much. You know, God is so amazing because the two things you just mentioned, I gotta be honest with you, those are the two hardest for me. One is receiving help. It is not easy to receive help. And you know, I naturally my wife. We love to serve. We love to give, we love to support others. But you're certainly right. I find myself in this season far more vulnerable, far more needy, in need of help. And and even moments like this are difficult. So I want to say thank you for reminding me of that. Secondly, I thank you for reminding me of the blessing of my family. And I do want to say to my family, my mom, my dad who are listening right now. I have been blessed with such incredible parents. They have been just a rock. A rock for us. My siblings. Our extended family. We got a family. Everybody serving Jesus. And so it is such a great thing to know that when you share the news you didn't think you'd share. When you share that some unexpected challenges stepped into your life, you know you immediately have half a dozen, a dozen prayer partners that are going to be praying for you. And so, Colleen, what a sweet, sweet call. And I just want you to know, God used you to encourage my heart today. And I don't think it's just me. I think it's others as well. But the Bible has a promise, Colleen. And and it's that the one who refreshes others shall themselves be refreshed as well. And so I'm going to pray for you, father. Lord, I thank you for Colleen and her family. Even in the countryside of Montana, you see them. And, Lord, you know the challenges. You know the needs. I pray that by your supernatural grace, goodness and mercy, that you would intervene and that you would bless. Bless with healing. Yes, but bless over and above with joy unspeakable, with strength unimaginable with your provision. Supernaturally pour out your grace. We pray in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Thank you, Colleen, for calling. I want to go to rod, who's listening in Chicago, Illinois. Hey, rod, thank you so much for listening, brother. How can I pray for you today?

Yes, you can, but first let me just send forth a word of encouragement and and and praise and prayer for you and the situation that you and your wife and family are Experiencing praying to God that it would be a very short season. And during this time, that your daughter will make a complete and full recovery and asking God to continue to strengthen you during this time. Uh, before I move on, I want to preface my conversation by saying what I'm going through. I pray that nobody would ever have to go through this to any extent, but I know there are people out there about three going on three years ago to be marched three years. My wife. It's the strangest thing all of a sudden came down with a condition called schizophrenia. Mhm. And, um, these past three years have been very, very arduous and draining on me, on her, even though I don't think she doesn't know that she has a condition. And, um, the situation has gotten to a point where I'm just so tired. She's been remanded on several occasions over these three years to, uh, mental facilities. Uh, don't want to name them. And, um, even as recently as, uh, a month or so ago, they found a wandering the streets is about 130 in the morning up near Northwestern Memorial. The Chicago police are just so, so helpful. Took her in to northwestern Northwestern Memorial to be evaluated and then had her transferred to another mental facility. They can only keep her for a certain amount of days. And the situation is with the schizophrenia is unless a person does something to harm themselves or harm others after being evaluated by a psychiatrist, they really can't hold them. They can't be forced to take what's called psychotropic medication unless they do something harmful or it's ordered by a judge. So my heart is just so, so tired. She gets up all during the morning, all during the night, goes out, leaves the doors open, has a elucidations and delusions about things. And every day I try to release 5 or 10 healing streams into the atmosphere. Because I know that God can heal the mind as well as the body, but I'm just so drained at this time and I'm praying that something will will happen.

Yes, you can, but first let me just send forth a word of encouragement and and and praise and prayer for you and the situation that you and your wife and family are Experiencing praying to God that it would be a very short season. And during this time, that your daughter will make a complete and full recovery and asking God to continue to strengthen you during this time. Uh, before I move on, I want to preface my conversation by saying what I'm going through. I pray that nobody would ever have to go through this to any extent, but I know there are people out there about three going on three years ago to be marched three years. My wife. It's the strangest thing all of a sudden came down with a condition called schizophrenia. Mhm. And, um, these past three years have been very, very arduous and draining on me, on her, even though I don't think she doesn't know that she has a condition. And, um, the situation has gotten to a point where I'm just so tired. She's been remanded on several occasions over these three years to, uh, mental facilities. Uh, don't want to name them. And, um, even as recently as, uh, a month or so ago, they found a wandering the streets is about 130 in the morning up near Northwestern Memorial. The Chicago police are just so, so helpful. Took her in to northwestern Northwestern Memorial to be evaluated and then had her transferred to another mental facility. They can only keep her for a certain amount of days. And the situation is with the schizophrenia is unless a person does something to harm themselves or harm others after being evaluated by a psychiatrist, they really can't hold them. They can't be forced to take what's called psychotropic medication unless they do something harmful or it's ordered by a judge. So my heart is just so, so tired. She gets up all during the morning, all during the night, goes out, leaves the doors open, has a elucidations and delusions about things. And every day I try to release 5 or 10 healing streams into the atmosphere. Because I know that God can heal the mind as well as the body, but I'm just so drained at this time and I'm praying that something will will happen.

Well, first off, I want you to know that God loves you. I love you, brother. Uh, you're facing a a challenge that if a if someone isn't in that challenge, there's no way for them to be able to relate fully to what you're what you're going through. You mentioned I counted three times just in these few minutes of us talking how tired you are. Um, I want to offer some resources, but more than anything else, I wish. I wish I could just offer friendship. What you need more than anything else is just, um, uh, folks who can be an encouragement to your heart. Nobody's going to be able to fully carry this load with you, but. Christ. And it's not that people won't want to carry this load with you, but the load is so heavy that no one but the Lord is going to be able to fully carry it with you. But as the Bible tells us, the story of this paralyzed man who had four friends who lifted him up, they ripped out the roof, lowered him to Jesus so that he might be healed. None of those could have done it themselves. I'm so grateful that the Bible said there were four friends. We need that. You, rod, need those four friends. And so I'm going to pray that God will allow you to have that anchor, um, that God will allow you to be loved on well, by a local church. I'm also going to recommend a book that I know has been really helpful for me, in particular as it deals with mental illness. And it's by John Piper. Uh, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church or former pastor there is called when the darkness will not lift, when the darkness Will not lift. It's a really, really powerful book that John Piper wrote about his own journey with depression and and mental illness and and what God has done in he and his wife's life. And I hope that it will be an encouragement to you. But I want to pray with you, and I want you to know that Jesus is so by your side. He is so with you right now, brother, and let today be a reminder and an encouragement to you. Lord, you see rod. You see him, Lord. And I pray that you would be his sustainer, that his testimony would be. It's not by might, nor by power, but by your spirit. Oh Lord, I pray that he would not look to his own strength, but he would look to the hills, from which comes his help. His help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. So I pray for your sustaining grace and power in his life. And yes, we do pray that you will heal his bride either through your immediate intervention or maybe through the graces, the common graces of medicine and doctors and hospitals. But Lord, whatever it takes, provide relief. Give him strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. I ask it in Jesus name. Amen and amen. We're gonna take our final break of the day, friends. I'd love to share this moment with you. Thank you. For those of you who have called. We're going to get to as many calls as we can. Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. This daily program is fully devoted to coming alongside listeners like you, to give you the tools needed for a successful walk with God. As one of our loyal listeners, would you be willing to become an equipper? Your monthly contribution will be applied to equipping others all across the across the country. Plus, as an equipper, I'll send you regular emails that contain brief pastoral messages prepared just for you to become an equipper. Now call 888644 4144 or go online to equip radio.org. Hey there friends Chris Brooks here. You know, you may have recently heard me promoting our next program or even asking you to become a monthly partner. Folks that we call Equippers. But today I want to invite you to join something infinitely more important. Would you consider joining the family of God? You know, it may be possible that you've been listening to us talk about the Bible and the Christian life, but you've never really met Jesus personally. He longs to welcome you into his family and have a close relationship with you. You can surrender your life to him, accept his forgiveness, and start your journey with Jesus right now. I'd love to help you to take that first step. All you have to do is give me a call at 87754, eight, 36, 75. That's 87754. Eight. 36. 75. Eight. Seven. Seven. 675 is the number. We'll take your calls today. Um, let's go to Esther, who's listening in Tampa, Florida. Hey, Esther, thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you?

Well, first off, I want you to know that God loves you. I love you, brother. Uh, you're facing a a challenge that if a if someone isn't in that challenge, there's no way for them to be able to relate fully to what you're what you're going through. You mentioned I counted three times just in these few minutes of us talking how tired you are. Um, I want to offer some resources, but more than anything else, I wish. I wish I could just offer friendship. What you need more than anything else is just, um, uh, folks who can be an encouragement to your heart. Nobody's going to be able to fully carry this load with you, but. Christ. And it's not that people won't want to carry this load with you, but the load is so heavy that no one but the Lord is going to be able to fully carry it with you. But as the Bible tells us, the story of this paralyzed man who had four friends who lifted him up, they ripped out the roof, lowered him to Jesus so that he might be healed. None of those could have done it themselves. I'm so grateful that the Bible said there were four friends. We need that. You, rod, need those four friends. And so I'm going to pray that God will allow you to have that anchor, um, that God will allow you to be loved on well, by a local church. I'm also going to recommend a book that I know has been really helpful for me, in particular as it deals with mental illness. And it's by John Piper. Uh, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church or former pastor there is called when the darkness will not lift, when the darkness Will not lift. It's a really, really powerful book that John Piper wrote about his own journey with depression and and mental illness and and what God has done in he and his wife's life. And I hope that it will be an encouragement to you. But I want to pray with you, and I want you to know that Jesus is so by your side. He is so with you right now, brother, and let today be a reminder and an encouragement to you. Lord, you see rod. You see him, Lord. And I pray that you would be his sustainer, that his testimony would be. It's not by might, nor by power, but by your spirit. Oh Lord, I pray that he would not look to his own strength, but he would look to the hills, from which comes his help. His help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. So I pray for your sustaining grace and power in his life. And yes, we do pray that you will heal his bride either through your immediate intervention or maybe through the graces, the common graces of medicine and doctors and hospitals. But Lord, whatever it takes, provide relief. Give him strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. I ask it in Jesus name. Amen and amen. We're gonna take our final break of the day, friends. I'd love to share this moment with you. Thank you. For those of you who have called. We're going to get to as many calls as we can. Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. This daily program is fully devoted to coming alongside listeners like you, to give you the tools needed for a successful walk with God. As one of our loyal listeners, would you be willing to become an equipper? Your monthly contribution will be applied to equipping others all across the across the country. Plus, as an equipper, I'll send you regular emails that contain brief pastoral messages prepared just for you to become an equipper. Now call 888644 4144 or go online to equip radio.org. Hey there friends Chris Brooks here. You know, you may have recently heard me promoting our next program or even asking you to become a monthly partner. Folks that we call Equippers. But today I want to invite you to join something infinitely more important. Would you consider joining the family of God? You know, it may be possible that you've been listening to us talk about the Bible and the Christian life, but you've never really met Jesus personally. He longs to welcome you into his family and have a close relationship with you. You can surrender your life to him, accept his forgiveness, and start your journey with Jesus right now. I'd love to help you to take that first step. All you have to do is give me a call at 87754, eight, 36, 75. That's 87754. Eight. 36. 75. Eight. Seven. Seven. 675 is the number. We'll take your calls today. Um, let's go to Esther, who's listening in Tampa, Florida. Hey, Esther, thank you so much for listening to equip. How can I pray for you?

Hi. How are you?

Hi. How are you?

I'm doing well.

I'm doing well.

Um, first, I want to let you know that I'm sorry to hear about your situation, and I will also be praying about that. Thank you so much. I need prayer because, um, last year, November, um, my husband and I both celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. And two days later, he tells me that he had feelings for another woman.

Um, first, I want to let you know that I'm sorry to hear about your situation, and I will also be praying about that. Thank you so much. I need prayer because, um, last year, November, um, my husband and I both celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary. And two days later, he tells me that he had feelings for another woman.

Okay.

Okay.

So needless to say, that destroyed me. That put me in a position where I was like, oh my God, Lord, why? Why is this happening? Um, he's not serving the Lord. He backslid. And he's he's he's in this place where, um, he loves attention. And apparently the attention that I give him and my son gives him is not good enough for him. Yeah. And, you know, I'm grateful to God that, you know, nothing happened between him and that other lady. You know, um, it was just a lot of talking back and forth, and it never went beyond that. But still, I feel betrayed. Still I.

So needless to say, that destroyed me. That put me in a position where I was like, oh my God, Lord, why? Why is this happening? Um, he's not serving the Lord. He backslid. And he's he's he's in this place where, um, he loves attention. And apparently the attention that I give him and my son gives him is not good enough for him. Yeah. And, you know, I'm grateful to God that, you know, nothing happened between him and that other lady. You know, um, it was just a lot of talking back and forth, and it never went beyond that. But still, I feel betrayed. Still I.

Felt.

Felt.

Hurt. I felt like.

Hurt. I felt like.

I.

I.

Was stabbed not just in my back, but in my heart, in my mind, my emotions, every, every area of my life, you know? So we ended up selling the house. You know, we made up. We talked a lot. He admitted things to me about me that I was unaware of. He felt that I. He says to me, you're a good wife. He goes, I have no complaints about you in that aspect. You cook, you clean, you, you take care of me. You know you're always there for me. But apparently that wasn't enough for him.

Was stabbed not just in my back, but in my heart, in my mind, my emotions, every, every area of my life, you know? So we ended up selling the house. You know, we made up. We talked a lot. He admitted things to me about me that I was unaware of. He felt that I. He says to me, you're a good wife. He goes, I have no complaints about you in that aspect. You cook, you clean, you, you take care of me. You know you're always there for me. But apparently that wasn't enough for him.

So let me jump in. Let me let me just say this, Esther, because I've heard you mention this twice. Um, you are more than enough. And you need to know that. That the brokenness that is within your husband is not a reflection of your value. It's just a reality that every single one of us are broken. And when we get married, we marry somebody else who's on their journey. Um. I'm so sorry that you experienced this betrayal. I'm so grateful that God's grace intervened where the worst didn't happen. I'm going to pray today that God will bring your husband to repentance, that God will show him his sin and bring him to a place of heart change and transformation. You keep your eyes on Jesus, but you make sure your identity is in Christ and you remember you are more than enough. Father, I pray for pastor. Lord, we're not going to throw 38 years out the window. We're not going to let Satan have this victory. Father, we as a community, we just surround her in prayer. Pray that you would sustain her heart, but we pray that you would bring her husband to repentance to change that he would hate the sin that deceived him, and that you would win him back to yourself and then restore him back to his wife. Lord, do a miracle in their marriage. We pray comfort in Jesus name, Amen and amen. Esther, thank you so much for calling. We're going to keep praying for you. I'm going to take one more call. Jayden. Thank you, Jayden, for listening. How can I pray for you today?

So let me jump in. Let me let me just say this, Esther, because I've heard you mention this twice. Um, you are more than enough. And you need to know that. That the brokenness that is within your husband is not a reflection of your value. It's just a reality that every single one of us are broken. And when we get married, we marry somebody else who's on their journey. Um. I'm so sorry that you experienced this betrayal. I'm so grateful that God's grace intervened where the worst didn't happen. I'm going to pray today that God will bring your husband to repentance, that God will show him his sin and bring him to a place of heart change and transformation. You keep your eyes on Jesus, but you make sure your identity is in Christ and you remember you are more than enough. Father, I pray for pastor. Lord, we're not going to throw 38 years out the window. We're not going to let Satan have this victory. Father, we as a community, we just surround her in prayer. Pray that you would sustain her heart, but we pray that you would bring her husband to repentance to change that he would hate the sin that deceived him, and that you would win him back to yourself and then restore him back to his wife. Lord, do a miracle in their marriage. We pray comfort in Jesus name, Amen and amen. Esther, thank you so much for calling. We're going to keep praying for you. I'm going to take one more call. Jayden. Thank you, Jayden, for listening. How can I pray for you today?

Yeah. So, um, just to preface, I'm new to the faith. I gave my life to Christ, um, back in August.

Yeah. So, um, just to preface, I'm new to the faith. I gave my life to Christ, um, back in August.

That's awesome.

That's awesome.

And I guess I guess I had this, um, expectation from talking to others that have done so as well, um, through addiction and of it just being removed. The temptation is just being removed, um, instantaneously. Yeah. And that has not been the case with me. Um, the enemy has attacked harder and harder as the days go by. Yeah. Um, there are days that I do really struggle with it, and I give in to those temptations. And, um, when I do so, then I feel like I failed. And he's whispering in my ear that, you know, I'm I'm. I failed, and I can't do this. I can't I'm not good enough.

And I guess I guess I had this, um, expectation from talking to others that have done so as well, um, through addiction and of it just being removed. The temptation is just being removed, um, instantaneously. Yeah. And that has not been the case with me. Um, the enemy has attacked harder and harder as the days go by. Yeah. Um, there are days that I do really struggle with it, and I give in to those temptations. And, um, when I do so, then I feel like I failed. And he's whispering in my ear that, you know, I'm I'm. I failed, and I can't do this. I can't I'm not good enough.

Let me say this to you, Jayden. Let me say this to you. One of the things that we have to know to be true about God is that he knows all things. Do you believe that? That he knows all things.

Let me say this to you, Jayden. Let me say this to you. One of the things that we have to know to be true about God is that he knows all things. Do you believe that? That he knows all things.

Yeah.

Yeah.

All right. So that means that he knew every mistake you and I would make before we ever made it. And knowing all of that, he still chose to redeem you. He still chose to forgive you. He still chose to save you. So there's nothing you can do that would ever surprise him. He's not like the other people we know in our lives that experience life in time sequence. He knows the end from the beginning, so trust his love for you is rock solid. It'll never change. Now, every single one of us has to fight temptation. The most important thing is that you don't stop fighting. Victory is continuing to fight against temptation. So you stay in the fight. Make sure you keep yourself surrounded by people who are going to fight with you because you're not in this fight alone. So you need to make sure you're in a local church and you need to make sure in particular you have men around you. Now, the last thing I'm going to say to you, and then I'm going to going to pray. As time goes on, the fight gets easier. Doesn't mean that you have to stop fighting, because temptation will come in some form or fashion to all of us for the rest of our lives, but it won't always be this tough. It does get better, but keep walking with Jesus. I'm so proud of you, Jayden. You made the right decision to follow Jesus. Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing you've ever done. Don't turn back. Father, I pray that you would keep Jayden encouraged. Surround him with good and godly man and give him the victory over sin and Satan. In Jesus name, Amen and amen. Friends, thank you for your love. Thank you for your support. Please know I'm praying for you. Can't wait to work together again next time. Until then, remember equip with Chris Brooks is a production of Moody Radio, a ministry of Moody Bible Institute.

All right. So that means that he knew every mistake you and I would make before we ever made it. And knowing all of that, he still chose to redeem you. He still chose to forgive you. He still chose to save you. So there's nothing you can do that would ever surprise him. He's not like the other people we know in our lives that experience life in time sequence. He knows the end from the beginning, so trust his love for you is rock solid. It'll never change. Now, every single one of us has to fight temptation. The most important thing is that you don't stop fighting. Victory is continuing to fight against temptation. So you stay in the fight. Make sure you keep yourself surrounded by people who are going to fight with you because you're not in this fight alone. So you need to make sure you're in a local church and you need to make sure in particular you have men around you. Now, the last thing I'm going to say to you, and then I'm going to going to pray. As time goes on, the fight gets easier. Doesn't mean that you have to stop fighting, because temptation will come in some form or fashion to all of us for the rest of our lives, but it won't always be this tough. It does get better, but keep walking with Jesus. I'm so proud of you, Jayden. You made the right decision to follow Jesus. Falling in love with Jesus is the best thing you've ever done. Don't turn back. Father, I pray that you would keep Jayden encouraged. Surround him with good and godly man and give him the victory over sin and Satan. In Jesus name, Amen and amen. Friends, thank you for your love. Thank you for your support. Please know I'm praying for you. Can't wait to work together again next time. Until then, remember equip with Chris Brooks is a production of Moody Radio, a ministry of Moody Bible Institute.