The Courage to Keep Going – Dr. Charles Stanley

In Touch Ministries34 minutes read

Dr. Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of perseverance in tough times, drawing inspiration from Paul's example and teachings. Believers are urged not to give up, as God's presence, strength, and rewards are key to navigating challenges and achieving positive outcomes.

Insights

  • Paul's unwavering perseverance in the face of immense challenges, including beatings, imprisonments, and dangers, stemmed from his awareness of God's constant presence and the strength derived from it.
  • The text underscores the importance of not giving up, highlighting that breakthroughs or positive changes often follow moments of intense difficulty, emphasizing the necessity of holding on and trusting in God's plan for enduring challenges.

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Recent questions

  • How does Dr. Charles Stanley advise handling painful situations?

    Dr. Charles Stanley discusses the importance of not giving up in the face of rejection, dishonesty, loneliness, and discouragement. He emphasizes that as followers of Jesus Christ, perseverance is key and aligns with their identity. Dr. Stanley encourages individuals to endure hardships in various aspects of life, such as marriage, work, parenting, and financial situations. He references Paul's advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, urging him to preach the word, endure difficulties, and fulfill his ministry. The core message is to hold on and trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges.

  • What motivated Paul to persevere despite immense challenges?

    Paul's example of perseverance despite facing beatings, imprisonments, and dangers showcases his unwavering commitment to his calling. His motivation to keep going stemmed from his awareness of God's presence with him. Despite enduring hardships like shipwrecks, beatings, and jail time, Paul found strength in God. The text highlights that belief in God's constant presence and promises is crucial for maintaining perseverance in tough times. Paul's resilience in facing criticism and threats was attributed to the strength he derived from God, emphasizing the importance of claiming spiritual gifts and blessings for experiencing God's strength.

  • How did Paul find strength during moments of weakness?

    Despite physical limitations and challenges, Paul's strength came from his awareness of God's presence. The text discusses the strength Paul found in Almighty God during his trials, attributing his endurance through various hardships to the strength he derived from God. Paul's ability to face challenges, including criticism and threats, stemmed from his awareness of God's presence and the strength it provided. The importance of experiencing God's strength within oneself during moments of weakness is highlighted, emphasizing the need to trust in God's provision and promises.

  • What is the significance of trusting in God during tough times?

    Proverbs 3:5 and 6 emphasize trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your understanding, acknowledging Him in all your ways for guidance. The Apostle Paul, despite being in jail and close to death, exemplified joy and rejoicing in the Lord throughout his writings. Paul's joy stemmed from knowing he was following God's plan and purpose for his life, despite facing numerous challenges. The enduring impact of Paul's teachings and his dedication to spreading the Gospel showcase the rewards of perseverance and trusting in God's provision. Believers are encouraged to live for Christ, not giving up, as He is with them through all circumstances.

  • How does Paul's life and teachings inspire believers to persevere?

    Paul's life and teachings serve as a powerful reminder to never give up, as God's guidance and rewards surpass temporary challenges. He anticipated a reward from the Lord for his righteousness and emphasized the importance of loving God's appearing through good deeds. Various actions like raising godly children, loving one's spouse, and doing one's best are rewarded by God. Believers are encouraged to trust in God, persevere through difficulties, and live for Christ, as He is with them and strengthens them in all circumstances. Paul's example of perseverance, along with Jesus, sets a standard for believers to follow, showcasing the rewards of obedience, faithfulness, and devotion to God.

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Summary

00:00

Perseverance in Tough Times: Dr. Charles Stanley

  • Dr. Charles Stanley discusses how to handle painful situations like rejection, dishonesty, loneliness, and discouragement.
  • He emphasizes that as followers of Jesus Christ, giving up is not in line with their identity.
  • Dr. Stanley encourages perseverance in various aspects of life, such as marriage, job, children, and financial situations.
  • He references Paul's advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, urging him to preach the word, endure hardship, and fulfill his ministry.
  • Paul's example of perseverance despite immense challenges is highlighted, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his calling.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of not giving up, even when faced with difficulties and temptations to quit.
  • Paul's motivation to keep going despite hardships stemmed from his awareness of God's presence with him.
  • Numerous instances from Paul's life, including beatings, imprisonments, and dangers, underscore his resilience due to God's presence.
  • Belief in God's constant presence and promises is crucial to maintaining perseverance in tough times.
  • The text concludes by stressing that giving up often occurs right before breakthroughs or positive changes, highlighting the importance of holding on and trusting in God's plan.

11:08

Strength in God: Navigating Challenges with Faith

  • Awareness of God's presence is emphasized as crucial for navigating challenges.
  • Experience of God's strength within oneself is highlighted as essential during moments of weakness.
  • The text discusses the strength Paul found in Almighty God during his trials.
  • Paul's endurance through shipwrecks, beatings, and jail time is attributed to the strength he derived from God.
  • Despite physical limitations, Paul's strength came from his awareness of God's presence.
  • The text references the verse in Philippians where Paul mentions being strengthened by Christ.
  • Paul's ability to face challenges stemmed from his awareness of God's presence and the strength it provided.
  • The importance of claiming spiritual gifts and blessings is emphasized for experiencing God's strength.
  • Paul's resilience in facing criticism and threats is attributed to the strength of Almighty God within him.
  • Knowing and following God's will is highlighted as a key factor in maintaining courage and perseverance.

21:06

"Paul's Joyful Trust in God's Plan"

  • Proverbs 3:5 and 6 emphasize trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on your understanding, acknowledging Him in all your ways for guidance.
  • The Apostle Paul, despite being in jail and close to death, exemplified joy and rejoicing in the Lord throughout his writings.
  • Paul's circumstances in jail led to the guards hearing the Gospel, showcasing how God can use tough situations for greater purposes.
  • Paul's joy stemmed from knowing he was following God's plan and purpose for his life, despite facing numerous challenges.
  • Paul's dedication to learning and teaching the Word of God, even from a jail cell, highlights the importance of applying truth in our lives.
  • Paul's writings, like the Epistles, have provided crucial doctrinal teachings that shape our understanding of salvation and righteousness.
  • Paul's perseverance in correcting and guiding troubled churches, like Corinth, demonstrates his commitment to spreading the Gospel despite challenges.
  • The enduring impact of Paul's teachings is evident in the growth of churches and the spread of the Gospel, showcasing the rewards of perseverance.
  • Paul's example encourages believers to trust in God's provision and promises, even in the face of difficulties and trials.
  • Overall, Paul's life and teachings serve as a powerful reminder to never give up, as God's guidance and rewards far surpass temporary challenges.

30:57

"Rewards for Believers Who Trust God"

  • Paul anticipated a reward from the Lord for his righteousness.
  • Loving God's appearing brings rewards to those who do good.
  • Various actions like raising godly children, loving one's spouse, and doing one's best are rewarded.
  • God promises to be with and strengthen believers in all circumstances.
  • Believers should not give up as God is on their side and within them.
  • The cross symbolizes survival and strength through Christ's atoning death.
  • Jesus and Paul persevered, setting an example for believers not to give up.
  • God rewards obedience, faithfulness, and devotion to Him.
  • Believers are encouraged to live for Christ and not give up, as He is with them.
  • Trusting God and persevering through difficulties is emphasized to receive God's blessings.

41:54

Persevere through tough times with faith.

  • Encouragement to persevere through tough times, reminding individuals of the support from past saints and the promise that challenges will ultimately lead to good outcomes if trust is maintained.
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