You're Not Suffering. Here's What's Really Happening. episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 23, 2026 · 59 MIN

You're Not Suffering. Here's What's Really Happening.

from APOC Ministry · host Eric Thomas Ph.D.

You've been calling it suffering. You've been calling it surrender. Pastor Eric Thomas says it's neither — and what's actually happening might be the most important thing you hear all year. In Part 3 of the Royal Airlines series, Pastor ET delivers a message that will challenge everything you thought you knew about obedience, people pleasing, and following God's plan. Using the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15, he exposes the real reason most Christians stay stuck — not confusion, not weakness, but two competing wills. Yours and God's. If you've ever people-pleased your way out of a blessing, let people's voices drown out God's direction, or found yourself wondering why obedience and people pleasing feel identical — this message is for you. The flight plan is already written. The question is whether you'll follow it. In this message you'll discover: Why "surrender" isn't a real problem — and what the real issue actually is The dangerous difference between people pleasing and true obedience to God How to stop people pleasing when it feels like the right thing to do What King Saul's biggest mistake reveals about our own relationship with God A practical tool to help you know whether you're obeying God or just people pleasing Why people pleasing is actually hurting the people you're trying to help CHAPTERS: Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome: The Gift of Today 00:02:23 There's No Such Thing as Suffering or Surrender 00:05:30 Surrender Only Exists When There's Conflict 00:06:55 You Want to Quit, God Says Stay 00:08:38 You Want Revenge, God Says Forgive 00:10:43 You Want Comfort, God Wants You to Grow 00:12:27 Your Will Versus His Will: The Real Battle 00:15:41 God Doesn't Pay You to Think or Feel 00:16:01 First Samuel 15: When You Were Little in Your Own Sight 00:17:26 The Command: Destroy Everything, No Exceptions 00:21:18 The People Made Me Do It: Saul's Excuse 00:22:25 When God Gives, He Also Gives Instructions 00:24:19 Rebellion Is as the Sin of Witchcraft 00:36:56 You Only Destroyed the Bad Stuff 00:41:49 To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice 00:46:07 False Repentance: Honor Me Before the People 00:49:34 What Surrender Really Looks Like 00:51:43 Five Wills That Fight Against God's Will 00:52:09 Prayer for Men: Use Your Influence for God's Will 00:54:21 Prayer for Women: Support the Will of God 00:56:00 Prayer for Children: Stop Following the Internet 00:58:11 Next Steps: Connect, Give, and Share ✅ Subscribe and turn on notifications — new messages every Saturday: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRzMQFmplNd4-H1X5bj1jA?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/apocministry_/ 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/apoc-ministry/id1448489948 🎧 Stream on Spotify: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7MSRcKb31rzblPxPpvM5WF?si=5541166622814a17 💛 Support the Mission If today's message moved you, consider partnering with A Place of Change Ministry. Your generosity fuels our weekly services, community outreach, and our ability to reach people around the world through this channel. Every gift — no matter the size — makes a difference. 👉 Give at: apocministry.org/give About A Place of Change Ministry (APOC) A Place of Change Ministry is a church community in Grand Ledge, Michigan, committed to helping people love God, grow in faith, and serve others. We believe the church isn't just a building — it's a movement. Join us live every Saturday at 11 AM ET, right here on YouTube. 📱 Download the APOC App: Search "APOC Ministry" in your app store 🌐 Website: apocministry.org

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 23, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

You're Not Suffering. Here's What's Really Happening.

0:00 59:19

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Word Online: Series 7 - The Transfiguration & the end of the Galilean ministry Word Online There is a dramatic change in the life of Jesus as this point. He takes his disciples away for a private time together which leads to the amazing event of the Transfiguration. This is a turning point. The Galilean ministry is at an end. Jesus is going to leave Galilee and head south towards Jerusalem for the final and much shorter part of his ministry which will lead ultimately to his death and resurrection. Faith & Fitness with Michele Sotak Michele Sotak Michele does ministry work at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago and is a master fitness trainer to other trainers, and trainer to pro-athletes and priests. Connection Church Duncan ccduncan Bringing the teaching ministry of Connection Church Duncan to wherever you are! Simpli Disciple Nathan Martinez Are you ready to grow your skills and confidence in practical disciple making and training so you can live out your faith and impact others? Each week I reveal my best tips, strategies, and teachings that I’ve learned over years of Christian ministry both in the U.S. and overseas to share Jesus with individuals and lead Christians in the faith. Teaching followers of Jesus simple repeatable ways to make and train disciples through evangelism, leadership, spiritual growth, encouragement, and personal development, I’m all about simplifying discipleship and multiplying impact to those you reach and teach in your community, church, and beyond. - Simpli Disciple breaks it all down with a new episode each and every week! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of APOC Ministry?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

When was this APOC Ministry episode published?

This episode was published on March 23, 2026.

Can I download this APOC Ministry episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!