2 Corinthians 12:7-9

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul gives us a recipe for understanding painful seasons of life. If you're frustrated because God is not responding, leaving you in pain or want, this Scripture has some insight.

Don't assume you are doing something wrong!

God will use your trial to bring you closer and to show off His strength in your life!

Don't allow doubt to creep in. Even when God hasn't given, God has answered.

God's strength in your weakness make your faith more relevant than your miracle or your perfect life ever could!

How can your struggle help you experience God's grace? Why is the knowledge of God's grace your most important resource for life in the real world?

Luke 18:9-14

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else,Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fasttwice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

What battles are you still fighting that are only holding you back?

Jesus gives us relational advice that builds much healthier friendships.

Using the teachings of Jesus to build a life of continual growth.

If you can begin to believe in this vision for your life, you will NEVER STOP GROWING spiritually!

One of the most important habits to produce continual spiritual growth...