Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

Have you ever heard of someone being called a “pioneer”? This word is used to describe people who lead the way into a new place or make an advancement that no one has before. Well, the word used for “progress” here means cutting a path through dense forest and underbrush for an advancing army to march through, kind of like being a pioneer. Paul knew the Philippians were called to be pioneers for the Gospel. They were persevering through persecution. They were sharing the hope of the Gospel! They were doing something that had never been done before in their area! What was the outcome of that pioneering progress? Joy. Making progress in our faith, both in our character and our actions, produces joy. So try this—the next time joy seems to be far from you, ask the Holy Spirit for a perspective shift—to show you the next step in your “progress…of faith.” Then, take it—joy will most certainly follow.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, KJV).
• What causes you not to take steps forward in your faith?
• What's the next step you feel God is calling you to take in order to progress in your faith?