The Power to Hold On

The Power to Hold On

Bishop Ronald K. Powell

Psalm 11:1- 7 Message Bible

1-3 I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say,“Run to the mountains; the evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every heart open to God. The bottom’s dropped out of the country; good people don’t have a chance”?
4-6 But God hasn’t moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn’t changed. He’s in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in, his eyelids Unblinking, examining Adam’s flesh and blood inside and out, not missing a thing. He tests the good and the bad alike; if anyone cheats, God’s outraged. Fail the test and you’re out, out in a hail of firestones, drinking from a canteen filled with hot desert wind.
7 God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.

Introduction:

Dear brothers and sisters, today I want to talk to you about the power to hold on. Life is full of challenges, trials, and tribulations, and sometimes it feels like we are on the verge of giving up. But as followers of Christ, we have been given the strength and power to hold on, to persevere
through the storms of life. Our source of strength lies in the Word of God, and today we will explore scriptures that remind us of the power we have to hold on.

Introductory Stories:
When You Want to Run Away

Scripture 1:
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Explanation:
This scripture reassures us that we do not need to fear or be discouraged when facing challenges. We have a God who promises to be with us, to strengthen us, and to uphold us. When we feel weak, His righteous right hand is there to lift us up. This scripture reminds us that our power to hold on comes from relying on God’s strength and presence in our lives.

Scripture 2:
Philippians 4:11–13 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Explanation:
This popular verse reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. It doesn’t mean that we can achieve anything we desire, but rather that we can face any situation that comes our way with the strength that Christ provides. When we feel like giving up, we can draw upon the power of Christ within us to persevere and hold on.

Scripture 3:
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

Explanation:
In this passage, we are encouraged not to throw away our confidence in the face of challenges. We are reminded that our perseverance will be rewarded, and that we need to hold on to receive the promises of God.
Sometimes, the greatest blessings come to those who endure and remain faithful through trials. This scripture reminds us that holding on is not in vain but leads to great rewards.

Conclusion:
Dear brothers and sisters, as we walk through life, we will face numerous challenges that may make us want to give up. However, we have been given the power to hold on. The scriptures we’ve explored today remind us that God is with us, strengthening us, and upholding us. We can draw upon the strength of Christ within us and persevere through any situation. Let us not throw away our confidence but hold on to the promises of God. May We find comfort and encouragement in His Word as we face the storms of life, knowing that we have the power to hold on.

Let Us Pray