₦airaland Forum

End time indeed 😥

Atlantis585:
Work is ongoing in sections around Abijo, Eko Atlantic, Ibeju Lekki and Sangotedo areas.

Enjoy:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z1tgPVwo3c?si=KCBcE88lyuciAWNf

thank you sir 🙏

Emmanuel30a2:
We don't need evidence, we have confidence-we live by HIS PROVIDENCE! So, no dey put up suspense or no dey put us on suspense that you can't dispense... It's nonsense like adsense...

if you think you are saved, what about others? 🤔

Evidence of Christ’s resurrection (2)

Sat, 30 Mar 2024

‘How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?’ 1 Corinthians 15:12

Here are three more pieces of evidence that will convince any open-minded seeker of the truth of Christ’s physical resurrection from the dead:

1) The Christian sacraments.The Christian sacraments point to the death and suffering of Christ and also to His resurrection and power. These can be traced back in uninterrupted sequence to the exact time of the death of Jesus Christ.

2) Christian art.In the catacombs of Rome, from the period of the persecutions, we discover etched into the walls, depictions of the resurrection of Christ as an element of the earliest Christian beliefs.

3) The Christian church. Consider the undeniable fact of the Christian church. Numerous people do not realise the link between the church and the resurrection, but scholars do.

The Christian church is the biggest institution that exists or has ever existed in the world’s history. It is five times larger than the Roman Empire at its greatest scope. In fact, more than two billion people today acknowledge their worship of Jesus Christ as the alive and risen Son of God.

How did such an institution come into and stay in existence? Someone quipped, ‘The Grand Canyon wasn’t formed by a person dragging a stick.’ Neither was an institution the magnitude of the Christian church created by the fancies of idle dreamers in days past. Historians recognise that the Christian church can be tracked all the way back to the city of Jerusalem in AD 30, the time of the death and resurrection of Christ. So, in truth, we can say, ‘Christ is risen indeed!’

Someone should get me the area view of the project from Lagos Island. 🤔

Evidence of Christ’s resurrection (1) – Good Friday

Fri, 29 Mar 2024

‘He was raised on the third day.’ 1 Corinthians 15:4

Trust the fact that Jesus rose from the dead! Here are two evidences of it:

1) The Lord’s Day.
For thousands of years, the Hebrew people had maintained their Sabbath doctrine. Then later, a group of early Christians who were Jews changed the day of worship from the seventh day to the first day! What could account for their deserting a tradition to which they had held so steadfastly? The resurrection of Christ, which happened on the first day of the week, His appearance to the disciples on the first day of the week, and the outpouring of His Spirit on the church on the first day of the week. So on the first day of the week, the disciples met to worship Him (see 1 Corinthians 16:2).

2) The celebration of Easter. This took the place of the Jewish festival of the Passover. So why did the Jews, who regarded the Passover to be the most important event in the history of their nation, forsake it in favour of the celebration of Easter, which was the most important festival among Christians? The salutation was, ‘Christ is risen!’ The reply was, ‘Christ is risen indeed!’ What fact, other than that of the resurrection, can explain the reality of the Easter celebration, which we can trace all the way back to the era of the early church? Paul writes: ‘For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day … After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters …’ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 6 NIV).

advanceDNA:
I guess u ddnt write this for burna ....because the nigga won't likely see it

if you know him .... tell him please.

Lol

BURNA BOY SHOULD NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE MAJEK FASHEK MADE.

History is always there for us to learn from because there's nothing new under the sun but if we refuse to learn from history, we'll end up repeating the same cycle of mistakes others have made.

So, some years ago, I was producing music for a gospel artiste at a studio in Akute. A lot of people don't know that I've worked as a music producer. Anyways it's part of my skills.

At the studio, I met one of Majek Fashek's old band member who travelled with him for his musical tour in the US.

He narrated to me what happened to him and his other crew mates that were working with Majek.

He said after Majek signed a major deal with one of the biggest Music record label companies in the US, he was introduced into hard drugs which he subscribed to.

One dangerous factor about these hard substance is that as soon as you take them, you'll never be the same again. Something will just be OFF about you and your reasoning capacity will never be the same again.

Secondly, you'll be willing to spend everything on you to keep taking the substance due to its addictive nature.

According to him, Majek spent almost all his hard earned money on this hard drugs and as a result, he couldn't pay his staff anymore and they all started exiting one after the other.

Some chose to remain in the US in a bid to seek for greener pastures while others chose to return to Nigeria including the person who shared this story with me.

Ever since Majek Fashek's return to Nigeria, I've spotted him in several places either begging for arms or seeking for assistance and you can tell that he is not okay at all.

I remember being part of a movie scene that was shot several years ago titled 'Mark of the beast' which he featured in. Prior to that movie, I saw Majek smoke the living hell of out of cigeratte before and after the movie scene and it's still wasn't just enough to satisfy the crave of his addiction.

All these can be traced back to that first drug experience someone in the US introduced him to which eventually damaged his life and his musical career.

Now, according to reports, it is said that Burna Boy has over 80 staffs working for him on various capacities which is a very good one.

I'm aware that he smokes marijuana and it's not a hidden news. I was even told that he turned down an offer to sing in a country that was to pay him $5M simply because they said they won't allow him smoke marijuana. Well, that's his prerogative but he must be careful not to indulge in more hard substance that can totally ruin his life and career.

But my candid advice to him is that he should do everything possible to stay off hard substance by every means necessary because one sniff can snuff his life out and trigger him into serious addiction which can propel him to spend his large fortunes on it and eventually damage his musical career.

As simple as this advice is, can go a long way in saving his musical career and that of others.

It's this same substance addiction that killed stars like Amy Winehouse, Withney Houston, DMX and several others.

So this is not a joke.

I just hope he learns from history and not throw caution into the wind.

My name is Coach DANIEL Kemka ❤️💯✅

Work on growing closer

Thu, 28 Mar 2024

‘Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth.’ Proverbs 5:18

The more history you have with your spouse, the more joy and pain you have experienced. You’re closer at times than others as the circumstances of life rise and fall. Yet if you did due diligence at the onset of the relationship, were clear about what you desired in a partner, and honestly evaluated who that person is, what will keep your union going forward is remembering what brought the two of you together in the first place. What you initially enjoyed and esteemed about this person probably hasn’t changed. But for your relationship to continue to develop, you must work on growing closer.

All relationships have growth areas that require pruning and fertilising. If you feel your relationship isn’t what it once was, it could be that it’s developing into something different. Or it could be that you need to renew your commitment to keeping it fresh and moving forward. It may be that you must work on creating the intimacy that’s missing or enjoying the love you once had. The fundamentals of your mate, if they were really there in the first place, aren’t likely to change. The basis of your relationship is what’s important. Focusing on that makes it much easier to go with the flow of the unavoidable ups and downs of daily living. So, do you need more time together? When you’re too busy to listen, really listen, your mate thinks you don’t care about them or you don’t value the relationship sufficiently. Think: what would you do if your car broke down? You would take the time and pay the price to fix it!

Your secret place

Wed, 27 Mar 2024

‘When you pray, go into your room.’ Matthew 6:6

Jesus said, ‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’ (Matthew 6:6 NIV). The Christian life could be compared to the Old Testament tabernacle, which was divided into three compartments. There was an outer court to which everyone had access. And you, too, have an outer court; the place you go to work, shop, and play. It represents your outward appearance or public persona, the part of you everyone sees.

The Tabernacle also had an inner chamber called the Holy Place, where most people weren’t permitted to go. You also have a Holy Place where designated people like close friends or family can enter. You decide who comes in and who doesn’t, and no one can force their way. Certain people may have authority over you vocationally or financially, but that doesn’t automatically allow them entrance. When it comes to that inner chamber, you get to decide who comes and goes.

The third compartment in the Old Testament Tabernacle was the holy of holies, a very small, carefully guarded place deep inside. It was accessed only by the chief priest, and there was room for only one person and God. You have one of those places inside you as well. We sometimes refer to it as ‘the secret place’ because only God is allowed in. And here is a truth you need to know: your level of peace, joy, contentment, guidance, and victory is regulated by the amount of time you spend with God in your secret place. Prioritise it, protect it, and spend time there each day.

Walking with God

Tue, 26 Mar 2024

‘Enoch walked with God.’ Genesis 5:24

Did the people in Scripture who ‘walked with God’ ever stumble? They did. Did they get off track sometimes? Yes. But when their feet hit the floor every morning, their commitment was to walk with God throughout the day. They drew on His strength, endeavoured to do His will, and aimed towards the goal that He had set for them. Paul writes, ‘I … beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called …’ (Ephesians 4:1 NKJV). That means you must know the direction God is leading you in and stay in step with Him. When He acts – you act. When He pauses – you pause. As a believer, your life shouldn’t be compartmentalised into what’s sacred and what’s secular. The Bible says, ‘For in Him we live, and move, and have our being …’ (Acts 17:28 KJV).

You can’t say, ‘In this situation, I’m operating under my own steam, but in that situation, I’m operating according to the Holy Spirit within me.’ The Holy Spirit doesn’t come and go from your life; He is always with you! Here is a Scripture you need to think about: ‘Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.’ (Revelation 4:11 NASB20). What an awesome thought: you were created to bring pleasure to God! So, one of the most important questions you can ask yourself frequently is, ‘Lord, are my ways pleasing to you right now?’ (see Proverbs 13:5-6). When they are, you will discover that the direction He takes you in is always the right direction; His timing is always the right timing, and the results you get are always the right results.

michlins:
roofing will chop it all and it might not be enough. Budget 4-5ml

more likely this amount. But the location too will determine because of the transportation of materials to the site.

You’re growing in grace

Mon, 25 Mar 2024

‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.’ 2 Peter 3:18

When Peter exercised enough faith to get out of the boat and walk on water, he sank and looked worse than any of the other disciples. When he tried to defend Jesus, he cut off a man’s ear. When he promised to be loyal, he fell flat on his face. When he tried to advise Jesus, he was the devil’s advocate (see Matthew 16:22-23). Eventually, he became a leader in the church—but he got worse before he got better. And his behaviour didn’t surprise or discourage Jesus one bit. He will never stop helping a follower of His who is sincerely seeking to grow. He will always lead us forward in growth; but growth requires risk, and risk sometimes means failure. Jesus knows that, but He never gives up on a student just because he or she fails.

For example, if you haven’t been confronting people when you should, once you start, the odds are that you will do it badly. If you have rarely encouraged people, your initial attempts may be clumsy. If you have never shared your faith the first time you do, you may stumble all over yourself. Go ahead and stumble! Failure isn’t about falling down; it’s about refusing to try. One man told his pastor, ‘If I were God, I wouldn’t put up with someone like me.’ The pastor replied, ‘Then be glad you’re not God, and I’ll be twice as glad – for we would both be sunk.’ As long as you hunger for God, He will work with you and in you. Growing in grace means growing spiritually through the stages of childhood, adolescence, and into maturity. So, don’t give up on yourself – God won’t!

Inspirer1:
Despite 8 years of being there, It's a pity,

.......and yet they expect PBAT to perform miracle under one year 🤔

What's Ogun State doing on this list? 🤔

Don’t shout about it

Sun, 24 Mar 2024

‘Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them …’ Matthew 6:1

Jesus said: ‘"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don't sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do ... to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’ (Matthew 6:1-4 CSB). Give generously and gladly but keep it to yourself. It’s nobody’s business but yours and God’s.

And if you make it somebody’s business, you immediately have your reward and forfeit the opportunity to receive something even greater when you arrive in heaven. And you will receive it because ‘God is not unjust; He… will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people …’ (Hebrews 6:10 NIV). Others may not notice your generosity or quickly forget it, but God won’t, and He will reward you for it. The next time you’re sitting in church, realise there are faithful people all around you who have given and given again without ever letting it be known. You may even be one of them! Every Sunday, you rub shoulders with some of the greatest givers of our day, and they do it ‘as to the Lord’ (Colossians 3:23 KJV) by keeping it to themselves and waiting for His promised reward. Others may never know – but God will never forget.

Prophecy fulfilled

Sat, 23 Mar 2024

‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Matthew 16:16

One of the most convincing proofs that the Bible is truly the Word of God lies in the number of prophecies fulfilled during the life of Christ. Daniel prophesied the coming of the one and only Jewish Messiah prior to the temple’s demise. The Old Testament prophets declared He would be born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2) to a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14), be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (see Zechariah 11:12-13), die by crucifixion (see Psalm 22), and be buried in a rich man’s tomb (see Isaiah 53:9). Jesus Himself predicted He would be crucified and rise bodily from the dead three days later. ‘The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.’’ (John 2:18-22 NIV).

French military commander Napoleon Bonaparte said: ‘I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founder of empires and the gods of other religions. That resemblance does not exist. There is between Christianity and whatever other religion the distance of infinity. … Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and myself founded empires. But upon what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love, and at this hour, millions of men would die for him.’

How to enrich and strengthen your relationships

Fri, 22 Mar 2024

‘But the fruit of the Spirit is …’ Galatians 5:22

You can enrich and strengthen any relationship by developing and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible speaks about being filled with the Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18) and walking in the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16). To be ‘filled’ with God’s Spirit means you’re a receptacle, whereas ‘walking’ in the Spirit means you’re a dispenser - a vessel God can fill and pour out into the lives of others. ‘What’s this fruit you’re talking about?’ you ask. The Bible describes it this way: ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control …’ (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV).

Look carefully at these nine different character qualities. The first three, ‘love, joy, peace’, are atmosphere-changing fruits. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, He will throw a wet blanket on the unkind words you may want to say. He will build a fire in your heart that will bring warmth to a cold atmosphere and love to a bitter, revengeful atmosphere. The next three fruits – ‘longsuffering, kindness, goodness’ – are attitude-changing fruits. Each of us has the potential to have a bad attitude. God sometimes lets us go through difficult situations to reveal what’s really inside us. When we see our own helplessness, weakness, and despair, it causes us to cry out, ‘God, I need you!’ The last three fruits – ‘faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control’ – are attribute-changing fruits. Through the Holy Spirit, you have strength and ability that you can’t attribute to anyone but God. And you have peace that transcends human understanding (see Philippians 4:7).

God and work

Thu, 21 Mar 2024

‘They go from strength to strength.’ Psalm 84:7

The phrase ‘discover your strengths’ was made famous by researcher Marcus Buckingham in what’s referred to as the ‘Strengths Movement’. It calls us to stop focusing on our weaknesses and name and develop our strengths – which reflects God’s design. God didn’t say, ‘Moses, your craftsmanship skills are weak. Let’s have you stop leading these people for a while and try to become more like Bezalel’ (see Exodus 31:1-5). The Bible speaks of going ‘from strength to strength’. And strength is an activity that, when you engage in it, makes you feel strong. Certain activities will thrill and challenge you; others will bore and drain you. Once you discover this, you’re not simply engaged in ‘career planning’, you’re acknowledging God’s handiwork and your own core strengths. It matters that you do this because the single little patch of creation you’re responsible for stewarding is your own life.

English author, Dorothy Sayers said: ‘Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.’ What if your job doesn’t fulfil your need for purpose or utilise your God-given gifts? Sometimes, necessity requires that. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Whatever you do, do well’ (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT). In the meantime, pray for opportunity, prepare yourself, and volunteer in an area that utilises your strengths. Sometimes, people who don’t enjoy the work they do are miserable, and they make everybody around them miserable too. But God expects better from you!

Set other things aside and serve

Wed, 20 Mar 2024

‘Jesus … poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet ...’ John 13:3-5

When it came to serving others, Jesus went first. He ‘… rose from supper and… laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He… poured water into a basin and… began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. … Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”’ (John 13:4-6 NKJV). Try to imagine God incarnate with an apron on, kneeling to wash the feet of those who were unworthy. The Bible says, ‘Jesus … laid aside His garments.’ If you want to serve others, you must be willing to lay aside your image, your comfort, and your agenda. By laying aside His garments, Jesus demonstrated that God has no time for form or fashion.

Real ministry isn’t image-conscious; it’s done with complete disregard for distinction. But Peter didn’t get it! He was embarrassed to think Jesus would let Himself be seen in such a demeaning light. So, Jesus said: ‘You call Me Teacher and Lord … If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you … If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them’ (John 13:13-15, 17 NKJV). There are certain things in your life that must be set aside in order to serve others and do the will of God.

If you want to be blessed, don’t join those who delight in their own speeches and who trumpet their own accomplishments. Set aside everything you privately glory in and pick up the towel of servanthood. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. You go first!

She looks so much like ZIVA......🤔

Learning to listen to God (4)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024

‘My immediate response was not to consult any human being.’ Galatians 1:16

God’s direction will often be followed by a season of preparation. And the length of that season is determined by the size of your assignment. So when God speaks to you, it’s not always wise to rush out and tell people. Who wouldn’t want to talk about the amazing experience Paul had with Christ on the Damascus road? And there would be a right time for Paul to do that – but not yet. So don’t move until God gives you the green light. Why? Two reasons:

1) You need time, maturing, and equipping
so that the word you have received can take root within you, grow, and be fulfilled in the way God wants.

2) Sometimes, God takes time to prepare the hearts of those He is sending you to.
Paul writes: ‘… my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.’ (Galatians 1:16-20 NIV). Paul knew people would find his calling unbelievable, and he had the wisdom to wait. He allowed God to go ahead of him and orchestrate the circumstances. And while he was waiting, he allowed the word he had received to grow and make changes in his life. Then, and only then, did he start doing what he was called to do. Paul didn’t try to convince anybody; he let God do that. And the end result? ‘And they praised God because of me.’ (Galatians 1:24 NIV).

I think everyone should stand up for themselves to protect their communities. FG had seriously failed everyone.

Learning to listen to God (3)

Mon, 18 Mar 2024

‘For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know …’ 1 John 2:27

When you pray diligently and believe you have heard from God, but then you start asking other people what they think, you’re honouring their opinions above God’s. That kind of mindset will prevent you from developing a relationship where you constantly hear from Him. You need to trust Him. If you have made bad decisions in the past, this can be difficult. But you must learn to listen to God without constantly needing reassurance from others. The Bible says: ‘But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.’ (1 John 2:27 NLT). That doesn’t mean you don’t need teaching and instruction when it comes to understanding God’s Word; it means you have God’s Spirit living inside you and that He will guide and direct you personally. You might have to ask somebody for advice from time to time, but you needn’t constantly go to other people and ask them about decisions you’re making for your life. If you’re ever going to develop the ability to listen to God and be led by His Spirit, you must start making your own decisions—and trust the wisdom God has deposited in your heart. The devil wants you to think you’re not capable of hearing from God. Don’t believe him. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort, and counsel for your life. So, learn to listen to Him.

Learning to listen to God (2)

Sun, 17 Mar 2024

‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; …’ Isaiah 1:19

People think they can’t hear from God when, in reality, there are things they already know He wants them to respond to, and so far, they haven’t done it. The quicker you do whatever the Lord has already told you to do, the sooner He will reveal the next step to you. His promise is, ‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;’ (Isaiah 1:19 ESV). Hearing from God is something you only develop with practice – especially if you’re a talker! That’s why He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10 KJV). Our flesh is full of energy; we always want to be doing something, and it can be difficult for us to be still. Don’t just talk to God when you need something; spend time listening. He will open up many issues if you will just be still before Him. You say, ‘I don’t think I have ever heard God talk to me.’ Maybe that’s because you haven’t learned to listen! When you ask God for something, tune your ‘receiver’. Even if He doesn’t respond at that very moment, rest assured He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task when He decides to speak to you. And if you have honoured Him by learning to listen as you fellowship with Him, He will speak to you at exactly the right time. Perhaps you have spent years going your own way. If so, don’t despair; it’s not too late to change direction. If you’re willing to obey God, He will guide you on the exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life.

Wahala pro Max 🤔

Ance4Liverpool:
Stomach infrastructure that He will later claim he spent 50 trilion

let him start first, bad belle.....

Learning to listen to God (1)

Sat, 16 Mar 2024

‘He, the Spirit of truth … will tell you things to come.’ John 16:13

Jesus told His disciples, ‘"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority], but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”’ (John 16:12-13 NKJV). Jesus spoke these words to men He had spent the previous three years with. Now, wouldn’t you think if Jesus was with us in person, day and night for three years, we would have learned all there is to know? Not so. In fact, Jesus tells us to stay tuned because He always has something to say to us about every new situation we face. But there are certain things He will only reveal to you when He knows you’re ready to handle them.

God wants to speak to you on a one-to-one basis, to lead you step by step into the good things He has in store for you. He cares about the tiniest details of your life. So, never hesitate to take what you consider small things to Him – after all, everything is small to God! He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal the truth to you that will set you free from fear and worry. His plan to share an intimate relationship with you was in place long before you were born. ‘… He ‘marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him …’ (Acts 17:26-27 NIV). Now think about it: if God planned your life in such minute detail before you were even born, isn’t it important for you to learn how to listen to Him?

Akpabio is a thief and will always be one. Useless old man. 😥

We are watching

Don’t give up!

Fri, 15 Mar 2024

‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good.’ Galatians 6:9

Paul writes, ‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up’ (Galatians 6:9 NLT). Look at Job the patriarch: attending the funerals of his ten children, losing his health and wealth in a single day, and listening to a wife with a tongue sharp enough to cut through steel. Yet he didn’t give up. Learn from him! ‘You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord’ (James 5:11 NKJV).

Job stayed focused on the end goal and endured the immediate circumstances. Yes, there are times when giving up looks good, defeat seems inevitable, and retreat appears to be your only option. The question is, how will you handle those times? On the threshold of the promised land, God told Joshua, ‘Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).

The Israeli statesman David Ben-Gurion observed: ‘Courage is a special kind of knowledge, the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared. From this knowledge comes an inner strength that inspires us to push on in the face of great difficulty. What can seem impossible is often possible with courage.’ And where does this courage come from? Knowing God is ‘with you wherever you go’. Why does the Bible record the failures of people like Peter and David? To let you know that when you fail – you can start again!

Imagine