Key Themes and Concepts

Overcoming Challenges and Delays

• Great attacks often occur when close to one's calling.
• Darkness is the greatest before dawn.
• Everyone experiences prolonged waiting in life; some blessings take time.
• Personal story: took six months for baptism of the Holy Spirit, while others received it quickly.

Biblical Example: David's Journey

• David was promised kingship and went through a series of advancements:
  • From shepherd to playing music for the king.
  • Killed Goliath, became a general, married Saul's daughter.
  • Life seemed perfect until Saul became jealous and pursued David.
• David's response to persecution:
  • Faced discouragement, fled to Philistines, pretended to be mad.
  • During this time, God stopped speaking to him.

Lessons from David's Experience

• Discouragement: Can come from trusting God without seeing results.
• Strengthening in the Lord: David strengthened himself in God during hardships.

Strengthening Yourself in the Lord

1. Sing to God

• Worship can change your perspective and atmosphere.
• Singing praises enthrones God and changes spiritual atmospheres.

2. Speak in Tongues

• Speaking in tongues edifies and builds self up spiritually.
• Practice speaking and singing in tongues regularly.

3. Speak to Your Soul

• Use your words to set the spiritual thermostat.
• Encourage yourself in God’s promises rather than describing your situation.

4. Strengthen Others

• Serving others can bring personal strength.
• Jesus and biblical figures served during their own hardships.

5. Subdue the Enemy

• Understand the difference between normal and demonic stress.
• Resist the devil actively, use your authority in Christ.

Practical Applications

• Building a Spiritual Life: Choose worship over secular influences.
• Mindset Shift: Don’t complain, speak faith.
• Consistent Service: Serve even when discouraged.
• Authority in Christ: Use your spiritual authority to resist demonic influences.

Conclusion

• Handle difficult times with care to turn them into breakthroughs.
• Strengthen yourself in the Lord as a proactive measure when facing life's challenges.