Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-14

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

¹¹ For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

¹² So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

¹³ We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

¹⁴ Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

THE STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT “Endure suffering”:

Memory verse: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

A tall and strong tree can stand tall in the middle of a heavy storm. The wind blows hard, and the rain pours down, but the tree does not fall. It bends and sways, but it does not break. This tree is a good picture of what it means to have a strong spirit. Just like the tree stands firm in the storm, a strong spirit helps you stand firm when life gets difficult tough and painful.

We all face tough times in life. Sometimes, you may go through sickness, loss, or unexpected hardships. These challenges can make you feel weak or ready to give up. However, when your spirit is strong, it can help you keep going, even when things feel tough. Just like that tree bends but does not break, your spirit gives you the strength to endure suffering without letting it completely crush you.

A strong spirit does not mean you will not feel pain. Just like the tree in the storm, you still feel the wind and rain. You may feel sad, hurt, or tired, but the strength in your spirit helps you to stand firm. Instead of giving up, your strong spirit helps you find ways to keep moving forward. It gives you hope and the will to keep going, even when you don’t know how.

The strength of your spirit is built over time, much like how the tree grows strong over many years. It is through the experiences you go through in life, especially the difficult ones, that your spirit becomes stronger. Just like the tree’s roots grow deeper and stronger after surviving many storms, your spirit becomes more resilient through the trials you face.

When you face suffering, it is important to remember that your spirit can help you endure. It is not just about physical strength, but the inner strength you have through faith, hope, and trust. This strength does not come from yourself but from God, who helps you endure with courage and peace.

In tough times, lean on your spirit, just like the tree leans on its deep roots. With a strong spirit, you can stand through the storms of life and keep moving forward, knowing that you will come out stronger at the end.

COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 99 “FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT’S POWER” By Apostle James Abache

1. 1. Not with wine that leads to excess,

   But with the Spirit’s power,

   We surrender, Lord, our hearts,

   To You each moment, hour.

   Fill us, O Lord, we humbly pray,

   Guide us in Your holy way,

   Let Your wind blow, and we’ll obey,

   Spirit, fill us every day.

    

   Refrain:

   Fill us, fill us, Holy Spirit,

   Take control, we yield to You,

   With each breath, we seek Your presence,

   To live in all we say and do.

   2. Like a ship that seeks the breeze,

   We stretch our sails to You,

   Under Your guidance, let us go,

   Wherever You lead us through.

   Not by our strength, but by Your might,

   We walk by faith, not by sight,

   In Your grace, we find our light,

   Spirit, fill us, make us right.

    

   3. To the call of the Spirit’s wind,

   We choose to surrender, Lord,

   In Your love, our hearts are freed,

   To follow Your every word.

   Guide us, lead us, as we yield,

   To Your presence, our hearts sealed,

   Holy Spirit, let us feel,

   Your control, our lives to heal.

    

   Outro:

   Fill us, Spirit, fill us, we pray,

   Lead us, guide us, every day.

    

Today’s Prayer

1. Lord, pierce my heart with Your Word to bring true repentance and change.

2. Father, help me respond to conviction with humility and obedience every day.

3. Lord, open others’ hearts to Your truth and lead them to salvation and peace.