Luke 21:26 (NKJV), men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming . . .

Resilience:

1. Requires more than will power.
2. Demands honesty in our heart.
3. Does what turns stresses into God stories.

How the Holy Spirit Strengthens Our Hearts

Romans 8:26-28

John 16:33, . . . In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Romans 8:26-28, ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

1. The Awareness Challenge – Romans 8:26

Romans 8:26, . . . We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

2 Peter 1:3

2. The Reliance Challenge – Romans 8:27

Romans 8:27, And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Isaiah 43:16

3. Confidence Challenge – Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Choices that Turn Messes into Stories of God’s Blessing

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Psalm 107:20

1. See Difficulty Differently – Deuteronomy 30:11

Deuteronomy  30:11, Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.

2. Make Different Decisions – Deuteronomy 30:14-18

Deuteronomy 30:14-18, ¹⁴ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.¹⁵ See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. ¹⁶ For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. ¹⁷ But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient . . . ¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed . . .

3. Trust God with Our Consequences – Deuteronomy 30:19

Deuteronomy 30:19-20, ¹⁹ This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰ and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him . . .

Questions:

1. What did you hear from the Holy Spirit?
2. What will you do because of it?
3. How can we pray for you?