Strength that Prevails
Gregg Brenes
Part of Resilient
September 19, 2022

Pray for strength that prevails…

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” —Luke 21:34-36 NLT

Human beings are incredibly resilient, but we are also unpredictably fragile.

  • You can’t live with depleted reserves and expect to be well.

The devil is constantly working to wear us down.

And he will speak against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One… —Daniel 7:25 NASB

  • When we’re worn down, it’s easier to agree with the enemy’s lies.
  • When we’re worn down, we look for relief in the wrong places.

We were created for union with God.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. —Eph 3:16-19 NLT

  • True resilience is imparted to us by our Creator.
  • Resilience always comes through loving Jesus

We will never function properly as humans until we are joined in complete unity with the Vine – the Source of all life and joy and well-being. (John 15:4-5)

We can choose to put ourselves in position to receive the resilience of God.

…Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” —John 7:37-38

  • We develop and cultivate true resilience through union with Christ.
  • The worn-out soul is healed through union with God.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

  • If you were stranded on a deserted island, how long do you think you’d last? Who in your group do you think would last the longest? Why?

Let’s Talk About It

We were created for union with God, but the last few years have taken a toll on us. Our souls are weary, and the enemy has worked hard to wear us down. It’s hard to live well when your internal reserves are depleted. Jesus knew this and offers us prevailing strength. He is the source of true resilience. True resilience is imparted to us by our Creator and always comes through loving Jesus. When we choose to put ourselves in position to receive the resilience of God that comes through union with Christ, our worn-out soul is healed.

Luke 21:29-36; Psalm 24:8; Matthew 16:18; Daniel 7:25; Ephesians 3:14-19; John 15:4-5; Revelation 22:1-2; John 7:37-38; Jeremiah 17:5-8

  • Which part of the message impacted and challenged you?

  • Read Luke 21:29-36. Have you ever prayed like this before, “Lord, help me. Give me strength”? What were the circumstances surrounding your desperation? Where do you need God to strengthen your heart so you can stand firm?

  • Read Daniel 7:25. How are you doing – really? How have you seen the enemy at work to wear you down and erode your union with God? Is there a place in your life where you’re vulnerable to agreeing with the enemy’s lies? Where are you looking for relief in something that cannot ultimately provide it?

  • Read Ephesians 3:14-19 and John 15:4-5. How can you strengthen your union with God? How can develop and cultivate greater resilience?

  • Read John 7:38-38. God wants to make this abundant life available to you. What step can you take to put yourself in a position to receive the River of His life?

Take a Step

  • Cultivate your union with Jesus by using the One Minute Pause App this week.
  • Each day, practice loving Jesus and asking God to restore your union with Him and fill you with the River of His life.
  • SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. It’s in the “Bible” section at the bottom banner of the app.

Here’s My Prayer

Thank You, God, for creating me for union with You. This is the purpose of my humanity. You want me to be one with You. You invite me into union. So, I choose union with You, Jesus, as my goal. I come back to You from all the other places I’ve been seeking life. Restore our union, strengthen our union, deepen our union. In Jesus’ name, amen.