Tougher Than You Think
Fear: “What if this happens?”
Answer: Speak truth to the false evidence appearing real.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Anxiety: “What is causing this feeling?”
Answer: Address the situation or reframe the feeling.
“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 4:6-7 NIV
Stress: “Should I be carrying this weight?”
Answer: Offload stress by giving it to God first.
“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalms 118:5 NLT
Trauma: “Am I living a victorious life or as a victim?”
Answer: Get professional help spiritually, emotionally, & physically.
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 15:22 KJV
Our Purpose: Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, & Make A Difference
“I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers.” Ephesians 1:15-19 MSG
“I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house— they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. “Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.” Ezekiel 2:4-10 NASB1995
1. God made you strong.
“Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 3:8-9 NASB1995
2. God made you resilient.
“Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely.” Ezekiel 3:10 NASB1995
“We are prone to engrave our trials in marble and write our blessings in sand.” — Charles Spurgeon
3. God made you successful.
“Go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ ”” Ezekiel 3:11 NASB1995
4. God made you for a purpose.
“So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away; and I went embittered in the rage of my spirit, and the hand of the Lord was strong on me.” Ezekiel 3:14 NASB1995
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” Colossians 1:28-29 NLT