TOPIC: Will You Try Again?
MEMORISE: For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. Ecclesiastes 9:4
BIBLE READING: Ecclesiastes 7:8
8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
MESSAGE:
A story was told of Robert I of Scotland (Robert the Bruce), a 14th century king who suffered a major defeat from the English. He went into hiding in a cave close to the border of Scotland and England. While in the cave, he watched a spider trying to spin a web. Each time the spider failed, it simply started again. At the end of the day, Robert was so inspired by the tenacity of the spider that he immediately left the cave and returned to lead his troop. Subsequently, they experienced a series of victories against the English.
The only people who don’t experience victories eventually are those who give up too soon. They feel they shouldn’t be too stressed to achieve good results and are quick to retreat when they meet obstacles. If you have failed repeatedly, please don’t give up; try again. If you have been disappointed by people you trusted, don’t give up on God; pray again, do good again, and trust God again.
My dear child, no matter how last year turned out for you, I want you to know that God can still turn things around for your good if only you try again in faith.
KEY POINT:
To experience victory, never give up!
HYMN 64: When Upon Life’s Billows You Are Tempest Tossed
1 When upon life’s billows you
are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings,
name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what
the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings,
name them one by one;
Count your blessings,
see what God hath done;
Count your blessings,
name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised
you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4 So, amid the conflict,
whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 9:3-10:43 Luke 16:19-17:10
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE AND PASTOR FOLU ADEBOYE