Show Some Staying-power! · Thursday, July 5th · Pastor Chris

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).

Many people give up too soon in the pursuit of their aspirations when they’re faced with daunting opposition. They get overwhelmed by the challenges they have to confront and come to the premature conclusion that God probably didn’t intend for them to attain those dreams. "If God wanted me to accomplish this goal, He wouldn’t put me through so much difficulty," they would say. But this statement is mostly borne of a misunderstanding of God’s Word.
You see, when God asks you to do something or go in a certain direction, it doesn’t mean there won’t be adversaries in your path. Indeed, you’ll have to contend with some opposing forces; but God expects you to remain resilient, standing on His Word because your victory is assured.
When He gave Moses the mandate to lead the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land, Moses didn’t know that the Egyptian army would come after them. But when it seemed as though they were hemmed in between the Red Sea and the fierce Egyptian army, there was an extraordinary manifestation of the power of God. While the people panicked, Moses turned to the Lord in prayer. But God’s response was amazing: "Don’t pray to me now," He said to Moses, "Stretch your hand over the water and divide the sea." Moses did as the Lord had instructed and there was the miracle of miracles right before their eyes; the Red Sea parted before them (Exodus 14:10-30)!
You shouldn’t give up on your God-given dream simply because you’re faced with difficulties. That you’re before a "Red Sea" and the enemy is behind you doesn’t mean God didn’t send you. Understand that He wants you to acquire victory in those circumstances. Don’t give up now; stick to your course and show some staying-power as you put the Word of God to work, and you’ll surely come out with a testimony!
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the divine inspiration your Word has injected to my spirit today. I’m strengthened in my inner-man and my resolve is solidified by reason of your Word. I’ve got my heart set on your purpose for my life, and I refuse to be swayed by life’s challenges, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 2 Timothy 2:3; 2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 4:16

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Job 6-8 ;A cts 17:16-34
2 Year Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 13:7-14; Isaiah 25