In what ways can we prepare ourselves for challenges when following God's path? Setting our face: Jesus’ example in Luke 9:51 “As the time approached for Him to be taken up, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51) Jesus knew suffering awaited in Jerusalem, yet He moved forward with unflinching purpose. That single sentence offers a pattern for preparing ourselves when God’s path leads through difficulty. Know that challenges are normal, not accidental • Jesus expected hardship; we should, too (John 16:33). • Peter reminds believers not to be surprised by fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12). • Recognizing hardship as part of the journey guards us from disillusionment when it appears. Fix your focus on the Father’s goal • “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). • Keeping the end in view—God’s glory and others’ salvation—strengthens resolve. • Practical step: rehearse promises such as Romans 8:18; write them where you’ll see them daily. Strengthen your inner life with Scripture • Jesus’ resolve flowed from knowing the prophetic Word (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). • David said, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). • Build a routine: – Read broadly to catch the storyline of redemption. – Memorize key verses that speak to present struggles. – Meditate—linger over a passage until it shapes thought and feeling. Suit up with spiritual armor • “Be strong in the Lord… Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18). – Belt of truth: Identify lies that surface in hardship and replace them with God’s facts. – Breastplate of righteousness: Remember Christ’s finished work covers you even when you feel weak. – Shoes of readiness: Stay eager to share the gospel; outward focus keeps trials from turning you inward. – Shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit: Actively trust, rest, and wield Scripture aloud. Practice persevering obedience in small things • Jesus was faithful in Nazareth long before Jerusalem. • “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). • Daily choices—honesty at work, kindness at home—train spiritual muscles for heavier loads later. Lean into fellowship, not isolation • Though many deserted Him, Jesus still walked with the Twelve (Luke 9:51-56). • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Join a local body, share struggles, accept counsel, and allow others to intercede. Keep an eternal timetable • Jesus moved “when the time approached”; He was neither hurried nor hesitant. • Moses endured “as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). • Waiting seasons grow trust; action seasons require courage. Both are part of God’s clock. Expect divine strength to match every step • “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • When pressures rise, look for the corresponding supply of grace. He never commands without enabling. Summary list: practical preparations – Acknowledge hardship as normal. – Keep the mission and reward in view. – Soak in Scripture daily. – Wear God’s armor intentionally. – Be faithful in ordinary obedience. – Walk with believers; don’t isolate. – Trust God’s timing, not your own. – Depend on promised grace, moment by moment. Following God’s path may lead straight into challenges, but with Jesus’ example and Scripture’s resources, we can meet them resolutely, confident that He who calls also sustains. |
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