Finding Strength in Life's Struggles Through Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Focus on the Positive

Life is filled with challenges and burdens, but our perspective can make a significant difference in how we navigate through them. Philippians 4:8b encourages us to think about things that are excellent or praiseworthy. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our mindset away from our burdens and find reasons to be grateful. This change in perspective can help us navigate through difficult times with a more hopeful outlook. When we deliberately choose to see the good, we invite God's peace into our hearts, which can sustain us through any storm. [36:10]

Philippians 4:8b (ESV): "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Reflection: What are three positive things in your life that you can focus on today, and how can you thank God for them?

Day 2: Determine the Purpose of Suffering

Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but it is not without purpose. Peter tells us that suffering makes us perfect, establishes, strengthens, and settles us. Understanding that our struggles are not in vain but are meant to mature and strengthen us can provide comfort and resilience. We must accept that some storms will last a while, but they are designed to make us stronger. By recognizing the purpose behind our suffering, we can endure with a sense of hope and trust in God's plan for our lives. [40:19]

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV): "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Reflection: Think about a recent struggle you have faced. How might God be using this experience to strengthen and mature you?

Day 3: Deliberate on God's Promises

Romans 15:4 reminds us that the scriptures were written for our learning, so that through patience and comfort, we might have hope. Deliberating on God's promises means taking time to reflect deeply on His word, allowing it to become a part of our mindset. This practice can provide us with the strength and assurance we need to face life's challenges. By immersing ourselves in God's promises, we can find the hope and encouragement necessary to persevere through difficult times. [43:16]

Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Reflection: What is one promise from God's Word that you can meditate on today to strengthen your faith?

Day 4: Encourage Others

2 Corinthians 1:4 teaches us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Our experiences and testimonies are not just for our benefit but are meant to help others who are going through similar struggles. By sharing our stories and the comfort we have received from God, we can be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. This act of encouragement not only helps others but also reinforces our own faith and trust in God's goodness. [45:24]

2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV): "Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Who in your life is currently struggling, and how can you offer them comfort and encouragement today?

Day 5: Persist Despite Challenges

Life is like a race where the goal is not to be the fastest or the strongest but to keep running. We must persist despite our challenges, just like the young swimmer who kept going even when he was behind. Our persistence and determination, fueled by our faith in God, will ultimately lead us to the finish line. By keeping our eyes on the goal and trusting in God's strength, we can overcome any obstacle and find joy in the journey. [31:42]

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing, and how can you rely on God's strength to persist through it?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. We are grateful to God and His Holy Spirit for allowing us to gather here today. Whether you're joining us in person or through social media, we welcome you and hope that today's service lifts your spirit and encourages you to continue trusting in Christ. Our God is an awesome God, worthy of all our praise. He woke us up this morning and gave us another opportunity to be in His house.

Today, we focus on overcoming the ups and downs of life, drawing from Psalms 55:22, which says, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Life is inherently difficult, but it can become easier when we shift our perspective. We often think that turning to God will immediately solve our problems, but even after doing everything right, we may still struggle. The key is not to expect a life free of burdens but to ask God to help us get through them.

Life is like a race where God doesn't care who runs the fastest or who is the strongest; He just wants us to keep running. We may not reach the finish line as quickly as others, but the goal is to keep moving forward. Just like a young swimmer who struggles but keeps going, we too must persist despite our challenges.

To navigate life's ups and downs, we must focus on the positive, determine the purpose of our struggles, deliberate on God's promises, and encourage others. Philippians 4:8b reminds us to think about things that are excellent or praiseworthy. Peter tells us that suffering has a purpose: it makes us perfect, establishes, strengthens, and settles us. We must deliberate on God's promises, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Finally, we are called to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:4.

By focusing on these principles, we can find peace and strength even in the midst of our struggles. Life will always have its ups and downs, but with God's help, we can overcome them.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Focus on the Positive: Philippians 4:8b encourages us to think about things that are excellent or praiseworthy. When we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our mindset away from our burdens and find reasons to be grateful. This change in perspective can help us navigate through difficult times with a more hopeful outlook. [36:10]
2. Determine the Purpose of Suffering: Peter tells us that suffering has a purpose. It makes us perfect, establishes, strengthens, and settles us. Understanding that our struggles are not in vain but are meant to mature and strengthen us can provide comfort and resilience. We must accept that some storms will last a while, but they are designed to make us stronger. [40:19]
3. Deliberate on God's Promises: Romans 15:4 reminds us that the scriptures were written for our learning, so that through patience and comfort, we might have hope. Deliberating on God's promises means taking time to reflect deeply on His word, allowing it to become a part of our mindset. This practice can provide us with the strength and assurance we need to face life's challenges. [43:16]
4. Encourage Others: 2 Corinthians 1:4 teaches us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Our experiences and testimonies are not just for our benefit but are meant to help others who are going through similar struggles. By sharing our stories and the comfort we have received from God, we can be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. [45:24]
5. Persist Despite Challenges: Life is like a race where the goal is not to be the fastest or the strongest but to keep running. We must persist despite our challenges, just like the young swimmer who kept going even when he was behind. Our persistence and determination, fueled by our faith in God, will ultimately lead us to the finish line. [31:42]
### [31:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:40] - Announcements and Gratitude
[13:01] - Upcoming Events and Encouragement
[14:24] - Sunday School and Ministry Plans
[15:52] - Choir and Worship Service Organization
[25:31] - Introduction to the Sermon
[27:34] - The Reality of Life's Struggles
[29:15] - Changing Our Perception of Life
[30:33] - Life as a Race
[31:42] - The Story of the Young Swimmer
[32:16] - Persistence and Joy in Reaching the Finish Line
[33:46] - Facing Challenges Without Intimidation
[35:02] - The End of Our Struggles
[36:10] - Discovering the Positive
[38:37] - Determining the Purpose of Suffering
[40:56] - Finding Rest in the Midst of Struggles
[43:16] - Deliberating on God's Promises
[45:24] - Encouraging Others
[47:07] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalms 55:22 instruct us to do with our burdens? How does it say God will respond? ([25:31])
According to Philippians 4:8b, what should we focus our thoughts on? ([36:10])
How does 2 Corinthians 1:4 describe the purpose of the comfort we receive from God? ([45:24])
What analogy did the pastor use to describe life and our journey through it? ([30:33])

Interpretation Questions

How might casting our burdens on the Lord, as mentioned in Psalms 55:22, change our approach to life's challenges? ([25:31])
Why is it important to focus on things that are excellent or praiseworthy, as stated in Philippians 4:8b? How can this shift in focus impact our daily lives? ([36:10])
In what ways can understanding the purpose of our suffering, as described in 1 Peter 5:10, provide us with strength and resilience? ([40:19])
How can the comfort we receive from God enable us to support and encourage others, according to 2 Corinthians 1:4? ([45:24])

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent burden you have faced. How did you handle it, and how might casting it upon the Lord have changed your experience? ([25:31])
Identify one positive aspect of your life that you can focus on this week. How can this focus help you navigate any current challenges? ([36:10])
Think about a time when you went through a difficult period. What purpose or growth did you see come from that experience? How can this perspective help you in future struggles? ([40:19])
Who in your life could benefit from the comfort and encouragement you have received from God? How can you reach out to them this week? ([45:24])
Consider the analogy of life as a race. What are some practical ways you can keep "running" even when you feel like you are falling behind? ([30:33])
How can you deliberately reflect on God's promises this week? Choose one promise from the Bible and meditate on it daily. ([43:16])
Share a personal testimony of how God has helped you through a tough time. How can sharing this story encourage someone else who is currently struggling? ([45:24])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Our God, He is an awesome God. He is worthy of all our praise. Amen. He woke us up this morning and gave us another opportunity, amen, to be in the house of the Lord. And I believe that if you let go, let loose, and let God, you'll feel better leaving than you were when you came." [05:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Life is difficult. Oh, yeah. I wish it was easier. But life is difficult. You just make sure that you get to the finish line. And each swimmer. I sat down at the garden and I looked and I went and I said, God, you showed. God was really speaking to me about this swimming thing." [32:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Paul is literally saying, watch this. That as believers, don't focus on the negative. Focus on the positive. You ever notice when you're going through, all your mind does is reminisce about all your other problems? You ever notice when you're dealing with a certain burden and Satan starts to allow your mind to go to hell? Your mind to reminisce about your other burdens or the things that you've been through in the past?" [37:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have to go through things sometimes. Just so that we can be a witness for Jesus Christ. How can you say he's a doctor in a sick. If you've never been sick. How can you say that he'll pick you up and turn you around. And place your feet on higher ground. If you've never been knocked down. How can you say that God will give you strength in a time of sorrow. If you've never felt like you've lost all strength." [46:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You just got to keep on swimming. You may not be able to swim like somebody else. You may not be strong as somebody else. But you just make sure you keep on swimming. And the attitude that that little white boy had. That little white boy was so happy when he got to the finish line. I was glad he got there. Not because we had to wait about ten minutes. But that little boy was happy. He was so excited. He said, Mama, Daddy. Daddy, I did it. I made it." [32:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "My brothers and sisters, I don't know amen about you but one thing have you ever been or is or have been going through hard times life had become so difficult until you really could not figure out how to sustain your insanity you decided to do what the preacher preached about I heard pastor bad said well if you're going through you want life to become much easier then sometimes it's good to read and study the word of god you turn to the word of god You read the word of God, you're figuring, okay, if I do what the preacher said I do, it'll make life much easier and allow me to still be able to sleep at night. And then you discover that you still can't sleep." [27:34] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And I stop by here with my brother and sister to let you know today that this life that we live. It is hard and it would never be easy, but it can be easier. And we have to make up in our mind that we cannot worry about how to just get through or that God will remove the mountain of God, will remove the burden. And we have to learn how to say, God, just get me through this. And God will get you through it. And tomorrow, you all get up and say, God, I wish I didn't have. I don't have the burden, the problem that I have, but all I need you to do, I'm not going to complain about the burdens of life. I just want you to help me get through it." [29:15] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Determine the purpose. Everything that we are going through. And here's what I like about God is because we have a personal relationship with God. Most of the time, whenever April is upset with me, most of the time she let me know why she mad. Won't y'all say amen? God will speak to you and he will help you to understand the purpose for everything that you go through. And you've got to determine the purpose. Notice what Peter said. He said, but the God of all grace. Who has called us unto his eternal glory. Watch this. By Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a while." [39:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Deliberate on the promises. See. A jury after they have heard all the evidence. They get the facts. They find out they got witnesses to testify. And then they go and they deliberate on the facts and the testimony of others. And as a result they form an opinion. What I'm trying to say. See. We have to deliberate on the promise of God. We have to go somewhere by ourselves and dwell on the facts. The facts here. That Jesus said I'll never leave you nor forsake you. The fact is that we got to dwell and deliberate knowing that God is all that I can do. All things through Christ that stretch to me." [44:04] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And Peter is saying after you've suffered a while. Make you perfect. That means that the storm will strengthen you. That everything you go through God is saying I'm not putting this on you to pull you down. I'm putting this on you to make you stronger. He said after you've suffered a while. Make you perfect. That means to mature as a result of your problems. And establish and strengthen. That means that I become stronger than I was before. And settle you." [40:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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