Through the Eyes of a Lion | Week 2

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

THERE IS INCREDIBLE POWER THAT COMES FROM FACING IMPOSSIBLE PAIN.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 NIV

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  Hebrews 6:19 NIV

“What oxygen is to the lungs, hope is to our survival in the world.” -Billy Graham

HOPE IS A CONFIDENT EXPECTATION, A JOYFUL ANTICIPATION, AND AN ACTIVE ENERGIZING ENTHUSIASM.

(The Anchor) It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever. Hebrews 6:19-20

1. HOPE HAS A ROPE

THE CONNECTION IS JUST AS VITAL AS THE ANCHOR ITSELF

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:25-27

But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. John 16:7

OUR ADVOCATE, OUR CONNECTION, OUR ROPE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

2. TO BE EFFECTIVE THE ROPE HAS TO BE TIGHT

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25

TAKE HOME

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalms 27:13-14 NKJV

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 97:13 NKJV

For your heart will always be where your riches are. Luke 12:34

But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Philippians 2:17

THERE IS POWER IN THE EXCHANGE! WHEN WE SHIFT OUR PREFERENCES TO WORSHIP AND WHEN WE SHIFT OUR PRIORITIES TO HIS KINGDOM.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalms 73:26

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26