Summary:

The best of the best and the worst of the worst is upon us. However, those who are on God’s side, obeying His Word, will experience the best of

the best. God gives us a choice in every dilemma we face in life. We
can choose between good and evil, right and wrong, and blessings and
curses. Therefore, we must choose wisely.

  1. “We are hedged in (pressed) on every side—troubled and oppressed in every way—but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not
    driven to despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8-18, AMP).
    1. You are a winner, even when your circumstances do not agree.
    2. Thanksgiving is your weapon in the midst of affliction.
      1. When we begin to be thankful by faith, we release God’s grace.
      2. The grace of God is His willingess to get involved in our situations.
      3. Murmuring and complaining is evil in God’s sight.
      4. Thousands of Israelites died in the wilderness because of their murmuring and complaining.
    3. We must continue to renew our minds with the Word of God (2 Corinthians 4:16, AMP).
      1. Renewing the mind is not simply learning the Word; it is practicing it.
      2. The renewal process requires participation. Begin to transform your heart (your spirit), which is the very core of your being.
  2. Everything you have ever learned will be needed during these last days.
    1. In every situation you face, you will be tempted to complain; but fight the temptation!
    2. Use thanksgiving as a weapon. Begin to thank God for the best outcome.
    3. Thank God, by faith, in the midst of every temptation.
    4. Learn how to win your personal battles.
    5. Your affliction has an expiration date (2 Corinthians 4:17, AMP).
  3. Train yourself to be able to hear from God like never before.
    1. Pray and study the Scriptures.
      1. Write down what He speaks to you and keep His Word in your heart and mouth.
      2. Be sure you are obeying what He last told you to do.
    2. Refuse to dwell on the things you can see (circumstances), they are temporary and subject to change (2 Corinthians 4:18, AMP).
      1. Know the enemy’s (Satan) tactics.
      2. He uses distraction as a weapon.
      3. Distraction is an intrusion of the mind that causes confusion.
      4. Focus! There is no confusion in God. He brings peace.
      5. If Satan can distract you from your focus (the Word of God), he wins.

Scripture References:

2 Corinthians 4:8-18, A