(Acts 16:16-26) Paul and Silas were in a place of extraordinary rest. After the humiliation of being stripped naked, brutally beaten and thrown into a prison, they still saw it fit to praise the Lord with loud voices. This should be our aspiration. In the face of difficult situations, as we trust God, we should be able to praise and rejoice, instead of weeping and complaining.

(1 Corinthians 10:11) Everything in the Bible is divinely inspired, so don’t ignore any story or life in the Bible.

The Christian walk is a tough walk for it is swimming against the current of the world. We are getting close to the very end of age. A time will come that if you are not a person of faith, you won’t survive. Learn to endure painful hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

(James 1:2-4) Be joyful for the purpose of your faith is to be tested. Patience that endures for a long time makes us perfect for the work that God has called us to do.

(Acts 14:21-23) Exhortation in the word of God keeps us in the faith. Until we desire ourselves to endure in that problem, there will be no help.

Paul’s secret of endurance in trial (2 Corinthians 11:22-28):

1. He had the picture of the end; he did not live for ‘today’ alone (Acts 20:22-25).
2. He valued rejoicing in and thanksgiving to the Lord as he made requests to God (Philippians 4:4,6)
3. He made a deliberate choice to LEARN contentment (for it is not a natural response) by reflecting on past victories that God gave him (Philippians 4:10-13).
4. In his trials, he kept acknowledging the omni-presence of God (Psalm 46:1) and never-changing love of God
5. He prayed in the Spirit and stayed in God’s word (Acts 16:16-26)
6. In your trials, do what God has called you to do – ask Joseph in the bible. Honour God’s instructions with obedience

If you give up in your sufferings, you abort your destiny. God doesn’t waste your sufferings. God wants us to be examples to the world.

PRAYER: Lord I want to learn how to be content. Jesus, let me be Your student at Your feet. Holy Spirit, teach me. Jesus I thank You for bringing me through life trials to great victories. Grant me the grace to stand firm and secure no matter the trials. I will be content for I’m keeping our end in mind. I will encounter Your joy and peace Lord. I will fulfil my destiny in Jesus name.