I'm Still Standing

Devotional

Day 1: Standing Through Trials: The Power of Testimony

Every believer has a story of endurance, a testimony that speaks to the faithfulness of God through every trial and hardship. Like Paul, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, betrayal, and danger on every side, we too can look back and see how God’s hand has kept us standing when we should have fallen. Our testimony is not about boasting in our own strength, but about declaring the goodness and sustaining power of God who brings us through the valleys and storms. When you wave your hand or lift your voice in praise, it’s not for show—it’s because you know what God has done for you, and you’re still standing because of it. [01:11:56]

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (ESV)
"Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure."

Reflection: What is one specific trial from your past where you can now see God’s hand sustaining you, and how can you share that testimony to encourage someone else today?

Day 2: Joy That Endures: Rejoicing Beyond Circumstances

True joy is not rooted in circumstances, possessions, or the approval of others, but in the unchanging love and presence of God. Even when Paul faced danger, hunger, and betrayal, he declared that he still had joy—not because life was easy, but because his joy came from the Lord. This joy is deep, resilient, and unshakeable, allowing you to praise God whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley. No matter what you face today, remember that your joy is a gift from God that the world cannot take away. [01:16:26]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
"Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to choose God’s joy over your circumstances, and how can you express that joy in a tangible way today?

Day 3: Grace That Sustains: God’s Strength in Our Weakness

God’s grace is the reason we are still standing, even when life gives us thorns that won’t go away. Paul pleaded with God to remove his thorn, but God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It is not our own strength, wisdom, or ability that keeps us, but the unmerited favor of God that upholds us when we are weak, frustrated, or weary. When you feel like you can’t go on, remember that God’s grace is enough, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness. [01:27:30]

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: What is the “thorn” in your life that you wish God would remove, and how can you lean into His grace and trust His strength in that area today?

Day 4: Identity in Christ: Knowing Who You Are in God

No matter what others say about you, your true identity is found in who you are in God. Paul faced criticism, doubt, and even attacks on his calling, but he stood firm because he knew he was a servant of Christ, shaped by God’s hand through every trial. You are not defined by your past, your failures, or the opinions of others, but by the love and purpose God has placed on your life. Stand confidently in your identity as a child of God, and let nothing shake your assurance of who you are in Him. [01:07:26]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Where are you allowing the voices of others to define your worth, and how can you reaffirm your identity in Christ today through prayer or declaration?

Day 5: Persevering Together: The Strength of Community and Prayer

We are not called to stand alone; God gives us the gift of community and the power of prayer to help us persevere. The call to “pray for you” is repeated again and again, reminding us that we are to lift one another up, especially in seasons of trial, sickness, or need. When we pray for each other, we share in each other’s burdens and become channels of God’s strength and encouragement. Today, let’s commit to being a community that stands together, prays for one another, and trusts God to bring us through. [45:42]

James 5:16 (ESV)
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally pray for today, and how can you let them know you are standing with them in faith?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and moments when it feels like everything is working against us. Yet, through it all, there is a reason we are still standing. From humble beginnings, learning to make do with what little we had, to facing personal and national crises, the journey has not been easy. But survival is not just about getting by—it’s about recognizing the hand of God that has sustained us through every trial, every disappointment, and every season of lack.

Paul’s story, as he writes to the church at Corinth, is a mirror for our own lives. Corinth was a place of temptation, distraction, and struggle, much like the world we live in today. The believers there wrestled with their faith, their identity, and the pull of their past. Paul, too, faced criticism and misunderstanding, not just from outsiders but from those within the church. Yet, he stood firm—not because of his own strength, but because of his testimony, his joy, and above all, God’s grace.

Testimony is not just a story of survival; it is a declaration of God’s faithfulness. Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, betrayal, and danger from every side, but he never lost sight of the fact that God was with him. His scars became proof of God’s sustaining power. Likewise, our own stories—marked by hardship, loss, and even the betrayal of those closest to us—are transformed into testimonies when we recognize God’s hand at work.

Joy, too, is not dependent on circumstances. Paul’s joy was rooted in the Lord, not in the absence of trouble. Whether in abundance or in need, in health or in sickness, joy remained because it was anchored in God’s unchanging love. This joy is a quiet strength that allows us to keep moving forward, even when the world tries to pull us back.

But the greatest reason we are still standing is grace. God’s grace is not earned or deserved; it is freely given. Sometimes, God allows thorns in our lives—not to harm us, but to remind us that our strength comes from Him alone. In our weakness, His power is made perfect. We stand today not because we have avoided trouble, but because God’s grace has carried us through every storm, every valley, and every dark night.

Key Takeaways

1. Testimony is forged in adversity. The trials we endure—whether public or private—become the very evidence of God’s faithfulness in our lives. Our scars are not signs of defeat, but of survival and divine intervention. When we share our testimony, we declare that God’s hand has been upon us, even when others cannot see the battles we have fought. [69:47]
2. Joy is a choice rooted in God, not in circumstances. True joy persists through hardship, disappointment, and uncertainty because it is anchored in the unchanging character of God. Even when life is at its hardest, joy remains available to those who look beyond their situation and trust in God’s sustaining presence. [76:26]
3. Grace is the foundation of our endurance. God’s grace is not a reward for good behavior, but a gift that sustains us in our weakness. The thorns in our lives—those persistent struggles and frustrations—are reminders that our strength is not our own, but comes from the sufficiency of God’s grace. [87:30]
4. Identity in Christ is non-negotiable. Criticism and misunderstanding may come, even from those closest to us, but our identity as children of God cannot be shaken by the opinions of others. We must hold fast to who we are in Christ, refusing to let anyone or anything challenge the calling and purpose God has placed on our lives. [67:26]
5. Community and prayer are vital for perseverance. We are not meant to stand alone. The prayers we offer for one another, the encouragement we share, and the testimonies we hear all serve to strengthen our resolve. In seasons of weariness, it is the support of the community and the power of prayer that help us keep standing. [100:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:42] - Persistent Prayer and Intercession
[61:39] - Learning to Survive with Little
[64:06] - The Struggles of Corinth
[67:26] - Defending Your Identity in God
[69:08] - Paul’s Testimony of Endurance
[71:13] - Betrayal and Danger from Within
[73:24] - The Power of Testimony
[75:54] - Joy in the Midst of Trials
[81:16] - The Sufficiency of Grace
[83:03] - The Purpose of the Thorn
[85:26] - Praying Through the Pain
[87:30] - God’s Grace is Enough
[93:21] - Prayer for Strength to Stand
[100:22] - Community Announcements and Prayer Requests
[106:42] - Celebrating Survivors and Clergy
[113:10] - Offering and Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — > So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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## Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, what was the purpose of the “thorn in the flesh” that he experienced?
2. In the sermon, what are some of the hardships and dangers Paul lists as part of his testimony? ([01:09:47])
3. How does Paul describe the source of his joy, even in the midst of trials? ([01:16:26])
4. What does the sermon say about the role of community and prayer in helping us persevere? ([01:40:22])

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## Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul say God allowed the thorn in his flesh, and how does this challenge the idea that following God means a trouble-free life? ([01:23:03])
2. The sermon says, “Testimony is not just a story of survival; it is a declaration of God’s faithfulness.” What does it mean for our scars and struggles to become a testimony? ([01:09:47])
3. The pastor says, “Joy is a choice rooted in God, not in circumstances.” How does this perspective change the way someone might respond to disappointment or hardship? ([01:16:26])
4. The sermon emphasizes that “identity in Christ is non-negotiable.” Why is it important to hold onto our identity in Christ, especially when facing criticism or misunderstanding—even from those close to us? ([01:07:26])

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## Application Questions

1. The sermon talks about “learning to survive with little.” Can you share a time when you had to make do with less than you wanted or needed? How did you see God’s hand at work in that season? ([01:01:39])
2. Paul’s scars and hardships became proof of God’s sustaining power. Is there a “scar” or difficult experience in your life that you now see as part of your testimony? How might sharing it encourage someone else? ([01:09:47])
3. The pastor says, “Joy is a choice rooted in God, not in circumstances.” What is one practical way you can choose joy this week, even if your situation doesn’t change? ([01:16:26])
4. The sermon says God sometimes allows “thorns” in our lives to remind us that our strength comes from Him. Is there a “thorn” or ongoing struggle you’re facing right now? How might God be using it to show you His grace? ([01:23:03])
5. When have you felt your identity in Christ was challenged by others’ opinions or criticism? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([01:07:26])
6. The sermon highlights the importance of community and prayer for perseverance. Who in your life can you pray for or encourage this week? How can you invite others to support you in prayer? ([01:40:22])
7. The pastor says, “We stand today not because we have avoided trouble, but because God’s grace has carried us through every storm.” Looking back, can you identify a specific moment when you realized it was God’s grace that kept you standing? ([01:27:30])

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Sermon Clips

Every time I make up my mind to get my life right, the world is trying to call me back to be who I used to be. Every time I make up in my mind that I’m going right this time, there’s always something trying to drag me back to my old self. But I came to a place where I’m not going back to who I used to be. The world can call all it wants to, but I’ve made up in my mind this time, I’m not going back to who I used to be. [01:05:37] (24 seconds) #NoReturnToOldSelf

Paul said, before you challenge who I am in God, you got to understand my testimony. He said, five times I received from the hands of the Jews, the 40 lashes, less one. Let me tell you that in this time, if you got 40 lashes, it was a death sentence. So Paul said, five times I was near death, but I’m still standing. Five times they tried to take me out, but I’m still standing. He said, three times I was beaten with rods, but here I am, I’m still standing. One time I was stoned, stoned so bad they drug me out of town, thinking I was dead, but I’m still standing. [01:09:47] (45 seconds) #TestimonyBeforeJudgment

I’ve been in frequent journeys and I’ve been in danger from rivers and danger from robbers, danger even from my own people, that my own people tried to come after me, that I thought they were in my corner, but really they were snakes in the grass, and I tried, even my own people, that should have been there to encourage me, were the very ones trying to take my legs out from underneath me. My very own people that should have been there, walking by my side, were too busy walking behind me with a knife in their hand, smiling in my face, all the while trying to take my place. [01:10:42] (43 seconds) #StillStandingAgainstAllOdds

I wonder, is there anybody here that can say Paul is not by himself? I’ve been through so much, but here I am, I’m still standing. I’m standing, I’m standing because I have a testimony. I’m standing because I can testify that even when false brothers did me wrong, God’s hand was on my life, that even when my own people tried to take me out, here I am because God has been good to me. [01:11:50] (32 seconds) #FaithOverFalsehood

If you see me shout, I ain’t trying to be cute. I’ve got a testimony. If you see me take a lap, don’t look at me. I’m not trying to be cute. I’m not trying to be cute. I’m not trying to be cute. It’s because I’ve got a testimony that I’m still standing. I shouldn’t even be here today. I should be dead and gone, sleeping in my grave, but I’ve got a testimony that God has been good to me, and because God has been good to me, he’s kept me through danger, seen and unseen. [01:13:22] (34 seconds) #TestimonyNotCuteness

Paul said, I still got joy that it don’t make a difference what you tried to do to me, that I still have joy because my joy does not come from what I go through. My joy doesn’t come from when I’m having a good day or a bad day. If God woke me up this morning, then guess what, baby? I got joy. I got joy because my joy doesn’t come from things. And my joy doesn’t come from people. My joy comes from the Lord who keeps on keeping me. [01:16:22] (34 seconds) #JoyComesFromTheLord

Paul said, to keep me from being conceited. To keep me from getting a big head. To keep me from thinking it was all about me. There was a thorn in my flesh. A messenger from Satan that was sent to harass me. That God put a thorn in my flesh. A messenger from Satan to continue to harass me. Because of everything that I’ve been through. God had to remind me that it was him. What are you trying to say, Pastor? Some of your thorns are for God trying to remind you that you ain’t all you think you are. And the only reason you’re still standing, baby, is because I got you. [01:22:51] (58 seconds) #ThornToKeepMeHumble

God, maybe you don’t understand what I’m trying to tell you. Is I’m not alright. I know you keep saying I’m alright. But God, you don’t understand. How much this thing is aggravating, frustrating me. I mean, God, every time I try to do something, this thing got something to say. I mean, it was a messenger from Satan that was sent to harass me. And God, I’m trying to preach your word. And the thing keep bothering me. I’m trying to serve, but the thing keeps bothering me. And sometimes I don’t even go because I don’t want to hear what the thing got to say. So I don’t go and do what you tell me to do because the thing keep bothering me. God, I need you. I need you to take it out from me. And God says to him the third time. What you don’t understand, son, is my grace is enough for you. [01:26:49] (47 seconds) #GraceIsEnough

You are sitting next to someone an awesome testimony. They don’t look like what they’ve been through. They don’t look like what they’re going through. And that testimony is what makes them keep standing. Because what they know and what Paul knows is Paul said, I’ve been in danger, but God got me. Danger in the city, he had me. Danger in the wilderness, he had me. Shipwrecked three times, no problem, he had me. I was beaten five times, God had me. When even my brothers turned their back on me, family members stabbed me in the back, smiling in my face, thinking they all that. Ah. God said, I had you. had you. When you wanted to give up on people and God told you no, I had you. And the reason why you’re still standing is not because of any other reason, but because God has been on your side. [01:29:59] (82 seconds) #TestimonyKeepsMeStanding

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