One of the primary keys to success in life is. . .(drum roll sound). . .persistence.  We must learn to keep on keeping on until we cross the finish line.

Perseverance is in the New Testament 32 times and its most frequently translated as:

“patience; endurance; patient waiting”

The term literally means “remaining under” or standing firm despite opposition.

In life, we will face many challenges. . .and adversities.

Human nature will want you to rationalize that other people seem to have it easier than we do. . .and in some cases, that may be right but the truth is … a tree grows stronger when it has to resist the wind and that is true with us also.

But the Bible says that joy is based not on an absence of difficulty but learning to overcome adversity through our faith in the only One who can assure our success.

Booker T. Washington said:

Are you going through a transition?

Perhaps you're going from one job to another or from having a job to being unemployed?

Does it seem that you're facing difficult problems without an answer seemingly in sight?

If so, this teaching is for you.

David was in a time of transition. . .He had been anointed by the Prophet Samuel to be King of Israel.

However, David was far from the throne.  He was living as an outcast on the run from King Saul and dwelling among his enemies, the Philistines.

Topping it all off, David’s mentor, the Prophet Samuel, died.

1 Samuel 25:1 says:

“Then Samuel died; and the Israelites gathered together and lamented for him, and buried him at his home in Ramah. And David arose and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.”

There was no closure for David.  He would never see the Prophet Samuel again in this lifetime either alive or ready for burial. He had only the Lord Himself for consolation.

This may sound familiar to you.  If you are not in a time of transition, you have surely experienced transition in the past.  It is never easy.

Have you ever had a cell phone, iPad, computer or other electronic toy wear down or out?

When this occurs you can send the electronic gizmo back to the manufacturer where it will be refurbished according to the manufacturer’s specifications. . .making it as good as new. . .at least, according to them.

Sometimes we need to be mentally and spiritually refurbished. . .sending us back to our manufacturer. . .Creator. . .for a makeover. . .do over or get over. . .whichever is more appropriate and needed.

If you have renovated an older house…you know. . .it’s a process of changing those things that need changing.

Focus intently on the rest of this teaching.

You replace the old flooring with a new. . .more updated look and style.

You replace the old electrical wiring with new. . .to eliminate static interference from your electronics and to prevent the cabling from overheating and creating a fire hazard.

You replace the outdated exterior and interior wall colors with new vibrant colors and textures.

You replace the old appliances and furniture with new. . .to reflect in changes in time and your taste.

The same parallel is true when we renew our minds

We've got to take out the old, the old way of thinking and put in the new.  This is how we  become successful and victorious in Christ.  We take out the old and bring in the new.

You see the process of change has as much to do with taking off first as it does putting on afterwards. 

Have you ever said. . .I just wasn’t in the right place at the right time?

Perhaps you said. . .my timing always seems to be wrong. . .I can’t catch a break.

Well, things didn’t work out the way we wanted. . .we were hoping for a different result.

John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at UCLA, once said:

“Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”

How can you make the best out of the way things turn out?

It’s simple really. . .by positioning yourself for the desired result.  Here are seven keys to help you do just that.
1) Look at Every Day As A Potential Day for Miracles.

We serve a right now God. . .wanting to manifesting His power TODAY.

Yes, we should stir our faith and the faith of others by the recounting of our Lord's miracles.  But, we must be expecting miracles "in the moment"...this moment. . .our defining moment.

Hold your hands up. . .what do you see?

Something to cover your mouth when you yawn. . .something to eat with. . .something to comb your hair with. . .something to help you work . . .something to help you play.

When God looks at your hands, He sees unlimited potential for blessings, miracles, and prosperity.  We already have that authority as believers!

John 3:35 says:

“The Father loved the son and placed everything in his hands.”

When the soldiers came to take Jesus captive in the Garden of Gethsemane, the first thing they did was to bind his hands.  Why?

. . .those hands had made mud, placed it on the eyes of a blind man that allowed him to see instantly.

. . .those hands took the five loaves and two fishes from a young man and fed thousands of people.

. . .those hands had been laid upon a great host of people who found His healing touch brought instant relief to their sick and suffering bodies.

. . .those hands  stopped a funeral procession. . .touched the body of a young boy and gave his mother great joy and him a new life.

. . .those hands had resurrection power -- but so do yours.

John 14:12 says:

“He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” 

In 2 Timothy 1:6 in the Amplified Bible we are encouraged to “. . .fan the flame of God through the laying on of hands.”

“That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].”