2 POSITIVES TO EMBRACE AND 2 NEGATIVES TO AVOID

JAMES 5:7

THE FIRST THING YOU HAVE TO DO TO ENDURE HARD TIMES IS

1. BE PATIENT!

JAMES 5:8

2. STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART – STAND FIRM

STRENGTHEN – MEANS TO ESTABLISH, SUPPORT, OR FIX SOMETHING FIRMLY IN PLACE SO IT’S IMMOVABLE.

1 PETER 5:7-9 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

EPHESIANS 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

JAMES 5:9

3. DON’T COMPLAIN

When you complain you don’t trust in God

JAMES 5:10-11

JAMES 5:12

4. DON’T SWEAR – TAKE A OATH

YOUR WORD SHOULD BE TRUSTWORTHY ENOUGH ON ITS OWN

1. BE PATIENT

2. STRENGTHEN YOUR HEARTS

3. DON’T COMPLAIN

4. DON’T SWEAR

4 EASY APPLICATIONS TO HELP YOU

IN ORDER TO BE PATIENT – DON’T FOCUS ON THE SITUATION OR YOU’LL GET ANGRY.

IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART – DON’T FOCUS ON YOURSELF

IN ORDER TO NOT COMPLAIN – DON’T FOCUS ON SOMEONE TO BLAME.

IN ORDER TO NOT SWEAR – DON’T FOCUS ON THE PRESENT. LOOK TO THE FUTURE FOR INSIGHT.

- ROMANS 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.