YOU WILL ONLY RISE UP TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR IDENTITY
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT
YOU MUST SWITCH FROM PITY TO POTENTIAL IF YOU ARE GOING TO GROW IN LIFE.
'These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT
A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born. Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT
GOD IS LESS CONCERNED WITH OUR SHORT-TERM HAPPINESS AS HE IS WITH OUR CHARACTER.
1. GOOD TIMES CAN BE DECEPTIVE
Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. Ecclesiastes 7:2-3 NLT
'Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NLT
“Life is like a parachute jump; you've got to get it right the first time” Elenor Roosevelt
…for sadness has a refining influence on us. Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT
Sorrow is better than laughter… Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT
THE KEY TO RESILIENCE IN LIFE AND EFFECTIVENESS IS BEING NEUTRAL
2. HARD TIMES BRING WISDOM
'A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time. Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:4-5 NLT
THE SAD REALITY IS TOO MANY CHRISTIANS WALK AROUND WITH A NARCISSISTIC SPIRITUALITY
“God cannot use a man until he has hurt him deeply.” A. W. Tozer
For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6 NLT
A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 7:6 NLT
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT
3. WISDOM BRINGS PROTECTION
'Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NLT
'And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26 NLT
Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 NLT
'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
'How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness. Ecclesiastes 8:1 NLT
Are you spending time with God?
Are you diving into the word of God?
Are you selflessly serving?
Are you intentionally doing life with life-giving people?
Are you making church a priority for your family?
Are you walking in the will of God?
Are you living at peace with others to the best of your ability?
'At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Matthew 27:46 NLT
'Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 NLTå