Strength 2026
Strength in Adversity
Sunday, February 22, 2026
When we made the life-altering decision to make Jesus the Lord of our lives, it removed us from the ways of the world and planted our destiny in Him.
Matthew 24:6–8 (NIV) 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Even though wars and turmoil will happen, Jesus tells us not to be alarmed.
Discussion Point #1: What promises has God given us that we can stand on during times of turmoil, chaos, or uncertainty?
Isaiah 54:14 (AMP) 14You will be firmly established in righteousness: You will be far from [even the thought of] oppression, for you will not fear, And from terror, for it will not come near you.
Psalm 91:5 (AMP) 5You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day
One explanation of verse 5 suggests the “arrow that flies by day” represents visible, sudden threats—public attacks, accidents, or even disease.
In biblical times, arrows were weapons of war. In modern times, that could mean bullets. Psalm 91 is often called the Soldier’s Psalm. It reminds us that even in times of war—should it come to that—we are protected.
And this connects directly back to what Jesus said in Matthew 24. He warned us that there would be wars and rumors of wars, but He also told us not to be alarmed. Even in the very turmoil He foretold, God promises protection and strength.
No one can defend a lie. Lies must constantly be supported and protected. But when we walk in truth, God Himself becomes our defender—even when we do not see what He is doing.
When we live in truth, our lives are defended.
Discussion Point #2: How should we respond when lies, accusations, or schemes rise against us? What does it look like to stand in truth instead of fear?
Isaiah 54:17 (AMP) 17“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord.
God is saying weapons will form—but they will not succeed.
Tongues will rise in judgment—but the Scripture says we will condemn them.
That means we can pray and declare, in the name of Jesus, that every plot, scheme, lie, or weapon formed against us is condemned.
The enemy watches in order to form weapons meant to take us out or make our lives difficult. But God says those weapons will not succeed.
Plots may be formed. Schemes may be planned. Lies may be spoken. But in Him, there is victory. The weapon cannot and will not make its mark.
Through everything—there cannot be fear.
But what is fear really?
Discussion Point #3: What do you think fear really is, and how does it influence the way people respond to difficult situations?
Fear is faith twisted. It is misplaced faith—believing in what the enemy says might happen instead of trusting in what God has promised.
What casts out fear?
LOVE
1 John 4:18 (AMP) 18There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].
When we understand that God loved us so much He gave His sinless Son to die for us, we begin to understand perfect love. Jesus willingly went to the cross. That is the ultimate expression of love.
When we truly grasp that love, fear loses its grip.