Summary:

Each of us will experience a time of adversity in our lives, and we may go through things that cause us to become discouraged or lose hope.
However, our response to situations will determine our success or
failure during challenging times. We must continue the process of
renewing our minds, even when we are at our lowest point. We already
have the victory over every challenge we face, even when we sin and
miss the mark.

1. What is the correct response to sin?
   1. When we miss the mark, we must continue to renew our minds. Every change in our lives comes from renewing our minds with God’s Word.
   2. Selfishness is one of the darkest places we can ever be.
   3. We have to recognize that everything is not always about us.
   4. Many times, when problems and harsh circumstances persist, there is a tendency to become hopeless.
      1. Despair is a state of hopelessness, gloom, and discouragement.
2. How to handle despair and hopelessness?
   1. The prophet Micah handled despair the right way (Micah 7:1-10, AMP).
      1. Micah found himself in a situation so hopeless, he could not trust anyone.
      2. Micah boldly proclaimed that he would look to the Lord to deliver him from his troubles.
      3. He knew his enemies were waiting for him to fail; however, he reminded them of his victory over them (Micah 7:8).
   2. It is not enough to learn the Word; we must execute the Word we have learned to succeed in life.
      1. We must remember to depend on God to help us, like Micah did.
3. The seven-step recovery plan when we miss the mark:
   1. Accept the part you played in the sin.
   2. Be convinced that what you did was wrong.
   3. Ask for forgiveness and refuse to allow selfishness and self-pity to keep you paralyzed.
   4. Decide on the best plan of action and make the necessary adjustments.
   5. Work the plan. Bring it from good intentions to reality.
   6. Continue to renew your mind and grow.
   7. Guard your heart against guilt and condemnation.
4. If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small (Proverbs 24:10).
   1. How do we prepare ourselves for our day of adversity?
      1. Remember God will keep us in perfect peace in the midst of trouble (Isaiah 26:3).
      2. The peace of God that passes all understanding will keep our hearts and minds through Christ (Philippians 4:7).
      3. We must refuse to be double-minded. A double-minded person is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
   2. Decide whether you will be a thermometer or a thermostat.
      1. A thermometer simply displays the temperature of the environment.
      2. A thermostat sets the temperature in the environment.
      3. We should be like thermostats, and set the atmosphere of our environment.

Scripture References:

• Micah 7:1-10
• Proverbs 24:10
• Isaiah 26:3
• Philippians 4:7
• James 1:8