Young People's Group

CULTIVATING A POWERFUL ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE AND MINISTRY

by Pastor Mitch
September 20, 2009

Facing Overwhelming Circumstances Of Life

Life is and will continue to be tough. Whether we like it or not, it is a reality that we must come to terms with and accept. If we think that life is going to be smooth and laced with all things easy and comfortable, we are going to be in for a rude awakening. When Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, he described plainly how tough things were as he served the Lord.

“We are hard-pressed on every side… we are perplexed… persecuted… struck down” 
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Paul and company were greatly hard-pressed on all sides. They were under tremendous pressure from the hard circumstances of life and ministry. As they were afflicted, they were at a loss as to what to do. Enemies of the faith sought to persecute them and they were struck down by them. Paul had to face many overwhelming circumstances of life. However, he did not allow them to overwhelm him.

Having A “But Not” Attitude To Life

“Yet not crushed… but not in despair… but not forsaken… but not destroyed” 
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Despite going through distressing times, Paul and company had a “never say die” attitude to life. They went through tremendous stress but they were not crushed by what they were going through. They persevered on and did not give in to despair. The Lord was especially there for them. They were not forsaken by the Lord. They were not destroyed by what they went through. Paul and company had a formidable attitude that did not give in to the challenges of life and ministry. Young people, you too can have this “never say die” attitude towards the demanding situations that come our way.

Focusing On The Right Things

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” 
2 Corinthians 4:7

How did Paul have such a powerful attitude towards life and ministry? He determinedly focused on the right things. What is this treasure that Paul was writing about? It is the Holy Spirit who is working in our lives. Our focus should be on the work of the Holy Spirit writing upon our hearts as we go through the challenges of life. We should also focus on our faith in the Lord Jesus. As Paul exercised trust and faith in God and the work of the Holy Spirit in his life, He empowered him. Paul wrote of how he was but an earthen vessel before God. Humbly, he saw his life as only being a vessel and he needed the Lord and His grace so much in his life. When we focus on the Lord Jesus and exercise faith in Him, His power will be released. We will glorify the Lord for His empowering. Let’s learn to focus on the right things as we face the challenges of life and ministry.

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