2. In and Through the Hard times Sometimes Greater hopes, plans and faith are followed by greater resistance, pain and trouble. “The journey toward greater things is marked with setbacks and real suffering. Sometimes as your faith is getting greater, your situation is getting worse.” –pg.92

3. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

4. In and Through the Hard times Growing Faith vs. Shrinking Faith

5. In and Through the Hard times Growing Faith vs. Shrinking Faith The greater life rarely comes down the path of least resistance. Hypertrophy: excessive growth or accumulation. o A faith that is tested now is stronger later.

6. In and Through the Hard times Growing Faith vs. Shrinking Faith The greater life rarely comes down the path of least resistance. Atrophy: degeneration, decline, or decrease, as from disuse o If there is no resistance applied it shrinks back.

7. His Plan In and Through the Push Back Perseverance: maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly James 1:2-4 James 1:12 1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 5:1-5

8. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

9. James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

10. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

11. Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

12. Romans 5:1-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

13. Your Story isn’t Over If you’re still breathing than the book of your life isn’t over. God writes stories of redemption and resurrection.

14. Who do you trust with the pen? Trust the Author Proverbs 3:5-6 He Knows Best Isaiah 55:9 He Knows the Best Time Galatians 6:9 He Works for Your Good Romans 8:28

15. Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,

16. Hebrews 12:1-3 the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

17. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the L ORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

18. Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

19. Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

20. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.