The four part series sermon to start the New Year with.. Here's the outline of the final part.. Part 4.. 4) Fortitude
Hebrews 10:35-36
Fortitude: - Fortitude is the strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.
We can have focus, forgiveness & faith, but you will need fortitude to complete everything..
2 Corinthians 6:4 - the ability to endure problems
2 Timothy 3:10 - Never give up!
People who never give up have great fortitude and endurance.
"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm" - Winston Churchill
"I am not called to be successful but called to be faithful" - Mother Theresa
How do we develop fortitude?:
E.N.D.U.R.E.
1) Embrace God's purpose in the situation
1 Peter 1:7
Our faith is more precious to God than Gold
We will go through difficulties to build our faith, increase our faith
A man's strength is shown in adversity, trials & tribulation
* James 1:3-4
What we go through, we grow to become mature & complete in Him
God is not concern about our comfort but our character..
What helps us go through difficulties is to refocus on God / Jesus.. It is gonna help us have hope.
*Romans 5:4
2) Nurture your spiritual roots
Our feet have to be "planted", so we will not waver but stand firm.
Mark 4:16, 17 (CEV)(MES)version
We must be rooted.
When there is no depth in character, a person's character is weak, they give up easily.
There must be depth in character to go through difficulties in life.
When we go through a difficult time, don't feel lost.
Look to and go back to your "instruments"..
Go back to look for "the compass"..
Depend on "the compass" for directions..
Look to God's Word..
Luke 8:15
Romans 15:4 - Patience & endurance, Comfort & encouragement..
God is true to His Word! He is NOT like men who will definitely fail! God's Word last forever!
3) Direct your attention to Jesus Christ
When you look to the World, you will be distress..
When you look within yourself or to the people around you, you will be depressed..
But when you look to God & fix your eyes on Him, you will be at rest! :)
Hebrews 12:2 - He is the Author & Finisher ( Perfector ) of our faith
4) Use your experience to help others
God allows us to go through problems so that we can be an encouragement to others.
We have the confidence God is gonna come true for us, so that we can encourage others after we have overcome our problems..
2 Corinthians 1:6
A very good example was actor Christopher Reeves ( 1954-2004 )
He was not just a hero onscreen, he was also a hero in real life..
Despite being handicapped after falling off a horse in an accident, he continued to never give up, continued to be strong & continued to persist in life until he died..
He was such an inspiration to the World!
Our greatest life messages comes out not through our strengths, but our weaknesses.
2 Timothy 2:10
God will not waste any experience in our lives.. Good or bad..
5) Rely on God's power
We will NOT be able to make it in our own strengths.
It is only when we rely on His strength & power, only then we can realize how wonderful He is..
Colossians 1:11
Romans 12:12
When we go through problems, don't run away from God, or isolate or hide away! We need Him even all the more!
6) Expect God to bless you!
James 5:11 - Job endured!
It is your faith! It is based on your faith on how much God can bless you!
Hebrews 10:36
The story of John Stephen Akhwari: -
This guy was sent by his country to take part in the Olympics.. He was taking part in a Track & Field event.. He was taking part in a race when he fell & injured his leg.
However, not giving up, even though he was injured, he continued running..
He kept on running until he touched the Finish line.. He came in last place..
When the reporters interviewed him & asked him why did he kept on running, though knowing that he was bound to come in last position due to his leg injury..
Check out his answer: "My country didn't send me to enter the race, but to finish the race"
Cool rite?! ;)
God didn't save us to enter the race, but to finish the race..
It is not just becoming a Christian but to finish the race as one as well..
God never gave up on us & never will, no matter what we've done.
He hasn't given up on us, so don't give up on him!
