Be disciplined; be strong. Don’t run from pillar to post at the face of a trial. A tree has to be pruned for it to produce bountifully. Don’t be afraid of trials or challenges. Don’t ask ‘Why me?’ Why not you? Your heavenly Father did not leave you without a defence. God expects you to operate by the principles of His kingdom and overcome. The anointing upon us destroys the yoke (Isaiah 10:27). Therefore no believer should channel his hope on his ability alone, for it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit of our living God.

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2)

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

You need to be disciplined. You need to endure hardness. Don’t chicken out when these light afflictions come on the scene, bearing in mind that they are only for a moment. Keep your gaze on the word, and on the Lord who has counted you faithful and enlisted you into His great victorious army.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Joy is the fruit of the recreated human spirit. God’s joy in you is not dependent on circumstances. So you must live with a joyful heart always. Never allow any challenge weigh you down. Remember that whatever challenges you face, are for a moment.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”(Proverbs 17:22)

“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15)

A joyful heart brings good health. A joyful heart is the spirit of a victor. He is not weighed down by light afflictions because he believes that God is able to take him through victoriously. Give no room for sorrow. God’s power is easily activated on your behalf when you lead a cheerful lifestyle. You carry around you an atmosphere of miracles, as you live a joyful life.          

Your strength is expressed by your laughter over issues that could have brought you down or in hours that could have been the darkest in your life. This is the way to live the victorious lifestyle. Never forget that the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10).