How to be Brave, Week 4: See it Through

It’s not the EXTERNAL circumstances that determine your courage, but your INTERNAL condition. “See it Through” How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Philippians 4:10 (NLT) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) Contentment is not being ok WITH your situation, it’s being ok IN your situation. I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT) “All our fears are rooted in the idea that I may not HAVE enough or I may not BE enough.” – Pastor Steven Furtick When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.  “Don’t be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV) 1.  Through the SHOCK When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. 2 Kings 6:15 (NIV) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) 2.  Through the CONFUSION “Don’t be afraid,”the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 3.  Through the NATURAL And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV) Faith doesn’t INSULATE us… it AWAKENS us.  I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) Whatever the problem is… it’s just a LENS to see how big our God is! And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)