The Power of Intentionality
Message Summary: Many times in life it doesn’t feel like we are winning. In order to make it through, we have to understand how to build endurance.
Problem: When we have resistance, we have opportunities for growth. We must fight the urge to run from these. We must understand that God is present in the resistance and problems.
Perspective: God is good all the time, not just when things go our way. God gives you enough for today. Our perspective can’t be about tomorrow, next week or next year. We may want more than that, but God gives us what we need for the day.
Person: Perseverance isn’t possible without the person of Jesus Christ. We must have relationship with Him. This isn’t about Church attendance or volunteering. Those are great but can be done without relationship with Jesus.
1. What are problems that you have which could produce growth in your life?
2. What are some problems that you have avoided in the past? What was the result?
3. What are some ways you can remind yourself of God’s goodness in difficult situations?
4. How can we better develop a day by day perspective to the challenges of this world?
5. What do you personally do to cultivate your relationship with Jesus?
James 1:2-4 NIV – 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.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
