Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

Have you ever felt so weighed down by discouragement, that you're convinced you should just give up? As hard to believe as it can be, in these moments, you might be closer to your breakthrough than you think. There was this man named Darby who, during the gold rush, found an area of gold that seemed really promising. So he covered it up, went and bought machinery, and started digging. But after giving so much time, he wasn’t able to find that same vein of gold. He sold all his equipment and left discouraged. The man who bought his equipment though, had an expert come out and survey the land, only to find out that Darby was just three feet from hitting that massive vein of gold! Today’s verse encourages us not to cast away our confidence but to endure, because great rewards lie ahead. You might be facing challenges in school, your family, or your walk with Christ. And just like Darby, you might be three feet from striking gold. The message is simple—if God’s leading you, don’t ever quit! Don't give up; Press on with confidence, filled with faith as you wait for the promises that God has for you.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
• Is there an area in your life where you feel like giving up? Could you be 'three feet from gold'?
• What would it take for you to place your confidence in God’s promises and press on?