I was struggling. Experiencing the ups and downs of life and ministry, the pressure of finances, the difficulty that juggling work and family brings in the life of every man. I was discouraged. A pastor on the staff I was serving at the time (Thanks, Brent Wood!) shared these with me – 10 things to think on that had shaped him in a time of difficulty. And he hoped they would shape me in the same way. They did. And continue to. 

May the fabric of my mind be sewn throughout with these truths. May they strengthen and courage you as they do me. I’d love to hear what God does in you as you stitch these into the weave of your life and mind.

Think on these things...Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

1. God loves me more than I will ever understand. Ephesians 3:19, Romans 8:37-39
2. God’s main goal is that I be conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8:28-29
3. God is incapable of doing anything that is not good. Exodus 34:6-7, Malachi 3:6
4. Nothing ever happens to me that has not been allowed by God. Proverbs 21:30
5. When something doesn’t "work out" it's because God has something better in store. Psalm 31:19
6. God has never lost control of a situation; mine won’t be the first. Psalm 146:10
7. I am to give thanks in every situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
8. Anything I receive from God is better than I deserve. Lamentations 3:22-23
9. Who I am in Christ gives me security and hope. Ephesians 1:3-14, 2:8-10
10. Whatever my need is, God can meet it. Philippians 4:19