Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

In both the gym and life, progress comes through pressure. How is that for a perspective shift? In order to get stronger or faster, you have to put your body under pressure in order for it to grow beyond where it’s at right now because pressure builds strength. The same goes for your spiritual life! It's important to understand that adversity is not a sign of divine punishment; it's a part of life Jesus guaranteed would come! We even know that Paul went through a lot of trials and tribulations. In the face of them, he stood firm with a heavenly perspective and as a result, God grew him and his life became a testimony to the power and grace of God. It's not the trials themselves that grow us, but it’s our response to them that leads to spiritual growth!

• Recite this week's memory verse: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, KJV).
• How does Jesus' promise in today's verse change your perspective on the trials you're experiencing?
• What's one practical way you can respond differently to life's pressures in a way that strengthens your faith?