But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philipians 3:13-14
Don’t be a prisoner of past:
- Failures
- Hurts
- Victories
- Disasters
Live today in:
- Hope
- Strength
- Illumination Ps 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp…
- Focus Luke 9:62 No one who puts their hand to the plough and looks back…
Perseverance in the midst of suffering
We will face hardships.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1: 2-5
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1
Don’t let go of your pursuit of Holiness in suffering. In your hurt, don’t say things that you will regret later on
Be holy for I am Holy
1 Peter 1:16
NIV
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
MSG
So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
Patience in the midst of suffering
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:7-8
- God’s timing is perfect
- God is sovereign
- God’s purposes are perfect
- Trust Him with all your heart – Proverbs 3: 3-6
Praise in the midst of suffering.
Bring a sacrifice of praise.
Psalm 116:17
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
John 4:24
Praise brings strength
“Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.”
Psalm 8:2 NKJV
- Praise silences the enemy-all the lies whispered in your ears. For the believer, it is the only way the devil can oppress.
- Praise activates deliverance.
Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.
2 Chronicles 20-23
Peace in the midst of suffering.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
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