How Do I Faithfully Follow Jesus When Life is Difficult? Ephesians 6:19–21 1. Realize Doing Right Invites Persecution You May Suffer for Doing Well You should know there is a cost to discipleship. False teachers lie about suffering and hardship. 2. Recognize the Real Need Not Your Discomfort Real Needs are the Spiritual Needs of those around you. Suffering and Trouble Should Cause The Saved to Grow and Trust God in the Situation The Unsaved to Repent and Trust God in the Situation 3. Relish Your Current Role “God has allowed or cause this to take place in my life and the lives of others to bring Him Glory and them salvation.” 4. Request Specific Prayer Boldness Evangelism 5. Remember to Comfort Those Struggling Weapon of All Prayer Ephesians 6:18-20 Give God First Place in your Heart. Give God the First Moments of Every Day. Give God the First Day of the Week. Give God the First Part of your Income. Give God the First Option in Every Decision. 1. Prayer Should Characterize the Life of the Believer. “all prayer and supplication” “always” “in the Spirit” “being watchful” “all perseverance” “all saints” 2. Prayer Should Characterize the Life of the Church Pray for the Church Ephesians 1:15-23 Pray for Your Family Ephesians 5:22-6:4 Pray for Relationships Ephesians 4:31-32 Pray in Battles Ephesians 4:1 ; 6:10-16 Pray for Workers Ephesians 4:11-12 ; 16 Pray for Lost to be Saved Ephesians 2:8-10, 13 ; 3:9 Pray to be Controlled by the Spirit Ephesians 4:23-30; 5:1-12, 17-21 More Convictions, More Conversions More Decisions, More Disciples More Impacted by the Word, More Influence in the World