I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

These verses from Paul in the book of Philippians put into context all the trials, afflictions, and challenges we face: Because of what Jesus did for us we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). In order to be more than a conqueror, it implies that we have something to conquer—we aren’t in heaven yet and we live in a fallen world. But every step of the way God is guiding and giving us direction.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

Let the truth of these scriptures lift the cloud of hopelessness that may be trying to settle on you. You could be very close to breakthrough, but the cares of this world have spread a fog over the true nature of your situation. Remember, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and that is why we must cast down imaginations and take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). If you don’t quit, you can expect breakthrough!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20

You might as well unplug from all the worry, fear, and freak-out, get an overcomer’s attitude and trust God. He has solutions for your problems. With every temptation, trial, and trouble, He provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God gives you all you need. He will strengthen you by might and power in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16) to not only have breakthrough in your own situation but to enable you to take Jesus to a broken, fractured world.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2011 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

God wants you to come into His presence and enter into His rest. Through the battles of life, it’s important to press past the urge to back off from God’s plan (Galatians 6:9). You may be so overwhelmed with pressure that you don’t even feel like praying, but as you draw near to Him, He draws near to you (James 4:8). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep, has an inexhaustible supply of strength available for the weary.

Sometimes we need to sneak away to find moments with Jesus. We don’t always have the luxury of going to the shoreline or the mountains, but we can have interludes with God right here in the middle of our busy lives. Don’t underestimate the value of these moments in His presence; small adjustments to seek Him more will yield big results. Drawing near to God for even a few minutes a day can refresh, rejuvenate, and revitalize you for life’s journey.

God asks you to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Him even at your meals, or when you are in company—the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud: He is nearer than we think. –Brother Lawrence, from “The Practice of the Presence of God”

Spending time with God is not an obligation or an option but an opportunity—it’s where you find the answers to every problem you are facing. Start your day with the Lord before you do anything else. Battles are won one step at a time. In the presence of God there is enough power to not only sustain you through the trials and rigors of life, but also fortify you to radically impact the world around you.

Draw Near,

Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2009 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.