KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM – SEPTEMBER 2025 ARTICLE

Topic: KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (NKJV)

Introduction

As we approach the end of the year; the month of September and the subsequent months, many people may experience feelings of tiredness, distraction, or even fear about the future. The excitement for the new year may have diminished due to the responsibilities of daily life, and once-vibrant goals may now fade.

Nonetheless, Scripture serves as a reminder that now is not the time for indecision. It is, instead, a divine invitation to realign and persevere in Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “be courageous, steadfast, and persevere in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV).

This admonition to “Stand Firm and Keep Your Focus” emphasizes the significance of placing our hope, vision, and faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on our own strength. He is the unchangeable Rock of Ages, a firm foundation in an unstable world (Matthew 7:24–25, NIV).

Rick Warren teaches in The Purpose Driven Life that proper stability is achieved by aligning our lives with God’s eternal purposes rather than the world’s fleeting concerns (Warren, 2002). Similarly, his Daily Hope Devotional encourages us to “trust God for the outcome” especially when our efforts seem insufficient or the future uncertain (Warren, 2025).

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) also urges believers to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that perseverance in faith leads to the Lord’s promised crown of life (James 1:12, ESV). In this way, daily devotionals and spiritual journals serve as guides, redirecting our attention from distractions to God’s unwavering promises.

As we near the conclusion of the year, let us approach this season with renewed determination rather than despair, remembering that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV). Remaining steadfast in Him ensures that our efforts are not in vain, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

  1. Stay Anchored in God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

During times of uncertainty, one of the greatest risks is the absence of spiritual direction. Fear, discouragement, or the demands of life can easily overwhelm us without God’s guidance. The steady light of His Word grounds us in truth, stabilizes our emotions, and renews our thoughts.

Rick Warren reminds believers in his Daily Hope Devotional (2025) that “the Bible offers a consistent perspective in an unstable world.” Likewise, in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), he notes that our lives are designed to glorify God, and this purpose is best fulfilled through consistent engagement with Scripture.

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) exhorts Christians to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that our ability to endure through the final quarter of the year depends on clinging to God’s promises.

Practical devotion, whether through Bible meditation, journaling prayers, or recording answered petitions, helps us remain centered on God’s will. As the year winds down, recommit to Scripture reading daily. Let His Word be your foundation in the morning and your comfort at night. God’s promises remain unshakable, and His Word never fails.

  1. Guard Your Focus

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25, NIV)

Focus is not merely a mental exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. Life brings unavoidable distractions; financial pressures, family responsibilities, societal unrest, or personal struggles. The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) warns that “Satan’s goal is to divide your attention so that your heart is no longer fixed on Christ” (p. 214).

Like Peter in Matthew 14:30 (NKJV), we begin to sink when our focus shifts from Christ to the storms around us. In The Purpose Driven Life (2002), Rick Warren stresses that a meaningful life prioritizes God’s eternal purposes above worldly expectations. When we trust Him for the outcome, peace replaces anxiety (Daily Hope Devotional, August 2025).

Spiritual growth resources, such as Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (2014), highlight that practices like prayer, fasting, and Scripture meditation strengthen resilience against distraction.

As the year progresses, consider setting practical commitments: read a book of the Bible each month, fast regularly, or join a Bible study group that promotes accountability. These practices keep us centered on Christ and rooted in the Word, which remains our most reliable guide.

  1. Stand Firm in Faith

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).

Standing firm in faith means holding your ground in adversity. Paul reminded the Corinthian church that the Christian life requires vigilance and resilience. Our confidence must rest in God’s promises, not in our strength, achievements, or emotions.

The enemy seeks to weaken our confidence, sow fear, and drain us through discouragement. But God equips us with the strength to remain steadfast. Ephesians 6:13 urges us to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (NIV).

This firmness is not passive endurance but an active posture, clothed with truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. With these, we can resist the devil’s schemes and thrive even in hardship.

Rick Warren emphasizes in Daily Hope (2025) that endurance comes by shifting our focus from short-term goals to God’s eternal plan. Likewise, the Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) calls believers to finish strong by clinging to Christ.

 

Faith, as Warren explains in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), is learning to depend on God daily, not merely believing in Him. Through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Spirit, we can remain unshakable in life’s storms.

Standing firm is more than survival; it is spiritual progress. Anchored in His Word and empowered by His Spirit, we can finish the year with confidence in Christ’s victory.

Conclusion

As we enter the final months of the year, let us remember God’s unfailing faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).

This truth assures us that the God who started His work of redemption in our lives has the power and determination to complete it. His promises remain unchanged, regardless of circumstances or emotions (The Holy Bible, NKJV).

Rick Warren affirms in The Purpose Driven Life (2002) that our faith journey is not about personal strength but trusting God to fulfill His purpose. His Daily Hope Devotional (2025) echoes this: “Trust God for the outcome.”

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Devotional (2025) similarly encourages us to “focus and finish strong.” We are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, ESV).

In these remaining months, let us stay rooted in Christ, standing firm in faith, and keeping our focus on Him. Believing in His faithfulness gives us the resilience to end the year knowing His plans will prevail.

Reflections

  • What distractions have pulled your attention away from Jesus lately?
  • How can you intentionally re-center your focus on God as you step into September?
  • In what area of your life is God calling you to stand firm in faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I enter September and the months ahead, help me to keep my eyes on You. Strengthen my heart to stand firm in faith, even when circumstances try to shake me. Anchor me in Your Word, shield my mind from distraction, and renew my spirit daily. I declare that I will finish this year with focus, faith, and fervor, standing on Your promises.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

References

  1. The Holy Bible (NKJV, NIV, ESV)
  2. Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotional – “Trust God for the Outcome” (August 2025)
  3. Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional – “Focus and Finish Strong” (August 2025)
  4. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (2002)
  5. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership
  6. Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli, Falling in Love with Jesus

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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Don’t Be Offended by God’s Silence – May 2025 Article

Title: Don’t Be Offended by God’s Silence

Bible Texts: Matthew 15:23; Jeremiah 29:11

Matthew 15:23

“Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’” (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Introduction

Life’s journey is marked by exhilarating mountain peaks and sorrowful valley lows. It is not determined by chance or fate but by God’s sovereign hand. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). This journey is meant to shape and align us with God’s eternal design.

However, we often encounter times of deep sorrow, need, or uncertainty; moments when heaven appears strangely silent. Our prayers seem unanswered. Our pain, unrelieved. In such moments, we may feel forsaken, forgotten, or abandoned by God. Yet, God’s silence does not mean His absence. It does not indicate a lack of care or rejection.

In truth, God’s silence is often a redemptive strategy; a thread in the tapestry of His saving work. Just as a master artist uses both light and shadow, God uses silence to deepen our faith, refine our character, and draw us nearer to Him. His silence is purposeful, just as a wise guide knows when to speak and when to let the journey speak for itself. Silence may not signal the end but a turning point in our spiritual growth. Even when we cannot hear Him, He still speaks.

When heaven seems quiet, let us reflect on what it might mean for believers, and how we should respond to God’s apparent stillness.

  1. God’s Silence Tests the Depth of Our Faith

Matthew 15:21–28 recounts the remarkable story of the Canaanite woman who pleaded with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. In verse 23, “Jesus did not answer a word.” His initial silence was not indifference but a test, an opportunity to expose and purify the woman’s faith.

She persisted, even in the face of silence. Her trust was rooted in the power and goodness of Christ, not in an immediate answer. Her persistence moved Jesus, who eventually responded, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” (v. 28)

Likewise, God’s silence in our lives often serves to test the sincerity and depth of our faith. As 1 Peter 1:6–7 states, trials come “so that the proven genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Silence from heaven challenges us to believe in God’s character and promises, even when we cannot trace His hand.

  1. God’s Silence Prepares Us for Something Greater

The story of Lazarus in John 11 reveals how divine silence can precede divine glory. After Mary and Martha informed Jesus of Lazarus’s illness, He delayed His visit. For two agonizing days, Jesus remained silent, and Lazarus died.

To the sisters, this delay likely felt like abandonment. But Jesus explained, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

His silence preceded a miracle more astonishing than healing: resurrection. God’s silence often foreshadows something greater. His delays are not His denials.

As Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Often, God is working behind the scenes, changing circumstances, transforming hearts, and orchestrating events to reveal His glory.

  1. God’s Silence Invites Us Into Deeper Intimacy

Rather than prompting us to try harder, God’s silence may be His way of inviting us closer. In silence, we are drawn not only to seek His hand but to know His heart. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In our loud, fast-paced world, silence can feel uncomfortable. Yet God often whispers His most profound truths in silence. Elijah discovered this on Mount Horeb; God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

In silence, God builds a relationship based on His presence, not just His provision. The stillness becomes sacred; a space of connection, much like lovers who communicate without words.

After enduring silence and suffering, Job finally declared, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) God’s silence invites us to pause, reflect, and reorient ourselves to know Him in both waiting and fulfillment.

Conclusion

God’s silence always serves a purpose. Whether He is drawing us closer, testing our trust, or preparing us for something greater, His silence is never wasted. Like the Canaanite woman, we are called to persevere. Like Mary and Martha, we are called to trust, even when all seems lost. Like Elijah and Job, we are called to listen in the quiet.

Silence does not mean the story is over; it may be the whisper before the breakthrough, the breath before the miracle. As Lamentations 3:25–26 assures us: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

May your silent seasons draw you nearer to God, not further away.

Reflection

Have you ever felt hurt or forgotten by God’s silence?

Today, reflect on this truth: God is not ignoring you. He is shaping you. His silence is not His absence; it is often His most loving tool to deepen your trust and refine your soul.

Take time to pray, journal, or simply sit in silence, not asking for answers, but for an awareness of His presence.

And remember: Don’t be offended by God’s silence; be transformed by it.

Let Us Pray

Father, I know You are always there for me, and You will never leave me alone in my moments of loneliness. I am sorry for my ignorance in thinking that Your silence is due to my mistakes or sins. Please forgive me and have mercy on me.

My Lord and God, I need You every hour. Breathe Your presence into my situation. Let the Holy Spirit minister hope to me and grant me grace to persevere.

Amen.

– John Aderogba for ROPMI

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THINK LIKE A VICTOR – APRIL 2025 ARTICLE

Text: Romans 8:37

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (NIV)

Introduction 

To think like a victor involves refusing to accept defeat or failure as the final outcome. It is a mindset that looks beyond problems and setbacks, recognizing that each challenge is an opportunity for growth and that triumph is always possible, no matter how difficult the situation appears.

This kind of thinking is especially powerful when we consider Jesus Christ’s ultimate victory on the cross at Calvary. His triumph over sin and death teaches us that, regardless of how dire the circumstances may seem, victory is achievable through faith, patience, and trust in God’s power.

For anyone facing personal, professional, or spiritual obstacles, thinking like a victor means acknowledging that such situations are opportunities to draw on God’s strength and guidance for ultimate triumph.

Point 1: Embrace Challenges as Opportunities 

One of the most crucial aspects of thinking like a victor is changing our perspective on problems. Life’s challenges are often seen as barriers, but the victorious mindset views them as stepping stones to growth and success.

 

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This passage reminds us that challenges are not meant to break us, but to strengthen our faith and build our character. When facing trials, instead of giving in to despair, we should see them as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. Just as Christ endured the ultimate struggle on the cross, our challenges can also lead to victory when we trust in God.

Point 2: Trust in God’s Plan and Timing 

Victory does not always come the way we expect or at the time we desire. To think like a victor, we must believe in God’s plan and timing for our lives.

Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even when everything appears to be falling apart, God is working behind the scenes for our good. Many viewed Jesus’ crucifixion as a tragic defeat, but it was actually the moment of salvation’s triumph for all humanity.

Jesus’ willingness to trust God’s plan, even amid incredible pain, teaches us that true victory does not come from avoiding difficulty, but from trusting in God’s sovereignty in the midst of it. By aligning ourselves with God’s purpose and trusting in His timing, we adopt a victor’s mindset that empowers us to overcome life’s greatest challenges.

Point 3: Live in the Power of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our ultimate victory. After the darkness of the crucifixion, Jesus rose triumphant over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Romans 6:4 says, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This powerful passage reveals the transformative power of the resurrection. Living with this resurrection power means embracing the new life we have in Christ—free from the bondage of sin and full of strength to face every challenge.

No matter the trials we encounter, we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). When we live with a resurrection mindset, we walk in victory every day.

Conclusion

Embracing challenges, trusting in God’s purpose and timing, and living in the power of the resurrection all contribute to cultivating a victor’s mindset. It’s not about avoiding hardship or pretending problems don’t exist, but about recognizing that, in Christ, we can triumph over anything.

We, too, can live victoriously in every area of life if we rely on His power and trust His purpose, just as Jesus achieved ultimate victory on the cross.

Finally, it is essential to acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, because He is the true source of both victory and life.

Reflections 

As you go through life, ask yourself:

– How do I react when I face challenges?

– Do I see them as opportunities for growth, or do I give up in defeat?

– Do I trust in God’s plan, even when things don’t go my way?

Reflecting on these questions will help you develop a victorious mindset. Remember, victory is not just a destination; it’s a way of thinking and living every day.

Let us embrace the victory Jesus won for us, knowing that with Him, we are always more than conquerors.

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the victory You won for me on the cross of Calvary. I embrace the victory of the cross as the banner over every challenge I face.

By the power of the resurrection, I become unstoppable in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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