Finding Confidence in Life’s Hardships

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Part 18 – Finding Confidence in Life’s Hardships

Acts 21 & 22

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24

How to Find Confidence in Life’s Hardships

1)Recognize that now can become later!

After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. Acts 21:1-4

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 22:7

2) fully to for your life!

13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:13-14

42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

• Your will be done, as long as it fits my schedule.
• Your will be done, as long as it doesn’t cost me anything.
• Your will be done, as long as it doesn’t involve any sacrifice.
• Your will be done, as long as it is not too hard.

“Whatever you say” (with conditions)…

• Whatever you say dad, as long as I’m good with it!
• Whatever you say honey, as long as I don’t have something else planned.
• Whatever you say coach, as long as I feel like it.
• Whatever you say boss, as long as I’m not too tired.

27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Acts 20:27.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Acts 21:17-19

21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. Acts 21:21

30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. Acts 21:30-31

3) Make your your strong when you face difficulties in life!

1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’” Acts 22:1-7

21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” Acts 22:21

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

29 He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” Acts 22:22.

18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:18-20a

How can I find confidence when life gets hard?

1) Know that discouragement now can become encouragement later!

2) Surrender fully to God’s will for your life!

3) Make your testimony your strong defense!