Behind the Scenes
When you look at successful Christians, it’s easy to assume that the journey was easy for them. But we don’t always know the truth of what happened behind the scenes. What challenges did they overcome before their breakthrough? What helped them stay focused on God’s promises? Today we’re looking at some lessons we can learn from Paul’s journey to Rome and how he mastered staying in faith through life’s challenges.
Read Acts 27:1-28:6. In this passage, Paul goes through challenge after challenge. First, he is a prisoner, then there is a plot to kill him, he survives a shipwreck, only to be bitten by a viper! On the surface, it seems like nothing was going right for him. But through the experience, he ministered to the guards, the other prisoners, and the chief of the island.
Even though Paul was going through all these challenges, God was still with him. God is with you in your life no matter what! He’s not absent just because you’re going through adversity. Trust Him! Trust that he will be faithful to fulfill every promise that He made and that He will keep His covenant with you. Steward those promises in faith. Watch over them, and don’t lose hope! Remember, you’re not fighting for victory, you’re fighting from victory.
Q: Think of a time when you lost hope that God would come through for you. What was the ultimate result? How can you see God working when you look back at the situation?
Read James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Q: What verses remind you of God’s promises for your life? How can you use these verses to stay focused during a trial?
Read Philippians 4:6-8
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Q: What emotions do you feel when you are in a situation that is out of your control? Do those feelings bring you closer to God, or does he feel farther away? Why? How can you refocus yourself on God and His Promises in those moments?