Chapter 1: “Everything God has ever made was created with a specific design and function in mind.” “Until you quit fighting and simply surrender your will to obey God, you will never lay hold of your divine purpose in life.” This chapter reminded me that we were created on purpose, for a purpose. You cannot walk toward your divine purpose without surrendering. Until I let go of my own agenda and say “Yes Lord” completely, I will remain confused and lost, trying to follow my plans instead of God’s perfect plans.

Chapter 2: “We have a victory that overcomes, masters, and champions itself even over the order of things found in the world.” I realized that if I trust in the things of the world, I cannot truly overcome them. Pastor John once said that we should not lust after the things that belong to the world system. I learned that I cannot enjoy or rely on what the world gives because God is not impressed by it, and my focus must stay on Him.

Chapter 3: “No sin, no flaw, no problem is so big that God cannot overcome it and lay His hand on your life to use you in a special way.” This reminded me of what Pastor Garth once said that we shouldn’t let our self-doubt stop us from moving forward. I must focus on how Jesus sees me, not how I see myself. God can use me despite my flaws, and the only thing that can stop His plan is my own excuses.

Chapter 4: “Many thousands of hours have been thrown away by Christian leaders who have tried to change people who didn’t want to be changed.” I reflected on areas in my life where I have been unwilling to change or submit. When I fully submit and become willing to change, I can walk in God’s plans and grow in the areas He wants me to develop.

Chapter 5: “How we respond to His dealings in our lives determines whether or not His intentions for us are fully carried out.” I realized that the messages and teachings we receive are God preparing us for greater things, and my response determines whether those plans come to full fruition. God is guiding me to see my own areas for growth and work on them, helping me go higher in His plans.

Chapter 6: “But when your inner belief system – your sense of principle – is so strong that you faithfully stand by it no matter what, you will occasionally find yourself on a collision course with the world and even with other believers who are less inclined to stand true to their convictions.” “If you want God to use you in a significant way, then you must possess a strong sense of principle… Your calling and convictions will put you at odds with others from time to time.” I was challenged to remain firm in my principles, even when family, friends, or situations try to sway me. My convictions must guide me, and God wants me to stand strong against worldly pressures while staying faithful to His Word.

Chapter 7: “God has always used common people to build His Kingdom. He doesn’t primarily choose famous movie stars or the royalty and nobility of the world to fulfill His plans and purposes on this earth. God’s criteria are different from the criteria of the world.” I learned that God looks at the heart, not achievements, popularity, or intelligence. Like the twelve disciples, none were perfect, yet they were chosen. If my heart is right toward God, He can use me regardless of my flaws.

Chapter 8: “We may not enjoy the fire of God when we feel the heat of the flames, but this kind of fire saves and delivers us. It delivers us from us. It saves us from the destruction that we could bring on ourselves because of wrong choices, attitudes, and impurities in our character and actions.” I thought about Pastor Sharon and the fire God has placed on her life. Even when it is hard, that fire saves us from destruction and delivers us from ourselves. I am grateful for the ways God uses His fire to refine and protect me.

Chapter 9: “God wasn’t revealing these horrible defects just so I could see them and feel sorry about them. They were being exposed so they could be removed.” I realized God shows our character flaws because He loves us. He wants us to grow and mature, not feel guilty, so we can experience His glory.

Chapter 10: “It’s better to humble yourself and admit you need help than to become so weak that you end up throwing your faith away and quitting.” “God pays you by giving you victories in different areas of your life… God has all kinds of ways to recompense us for staying in faith and doing what He called us to do.” I am grateful for the people around me I can turn to for help. If I quit on my faith, I cannot help others, and I miss out on God’s rewards. I need to stay faithful, hold fast to God’s promises, and be persistent, trusting that He will reward my obedience in His timing.