Sunday Sermon Notes
Responding Positively ( I can do it )
Message notes and ministry archive
SERMON TITLE: Responding Positively to Rejection and Challenges
Main Scripture:
Judges 11:1-7
Jephthah was described as a mighty man of valour, yet he was born under difficult circumstances, being the son of a harlot. Because of this, he was rejected and driven away from his family and inheritance.
> “Then Jephthah fled from his brethren…”
Later, when the children of Ammon made war against Gilead, the same elders who rejected him came looking for him and said:
> “Come, and be our captain.”
This teaches that those who reject you today may seek your help tomorrow if you develop yourself and add value to your life.
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The Story of Jephthah: Lessons from Rejection
Jephthah experienced:
Family rejection
Neglect
Being pushed out of his home
Association with vagabonds (people considered to have no future)
However, Jephthah did not allow his environment to determine his destiny.
Instead:
He developed himself
He learnt skills
He became strong
He built value
Eventually, elders came searching for him because of the value he had become.
Lesson:
When you improve yourself despite hardship, people will come looking for you.
An orphan with no support, surviving on gari while in SHS, can still become great through determination and discipline.
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Key Quotes and Reflections
1. “When you cannot control the challenge that happens, challenge yourself to control how you respond to it.”
Example:
If both parents die while you are in SHS, decide:
> “Despite the hunger and difficulties, I will complete school.”
Your circumstances should not control your future.
—-
2. “You have power over your response to what happens.”
How you perceive situations influences your response.
Example:
Mishearing “Charlotte” as “Sharlot”
Spelling “Divine” as “Devine”
Mindset affects interpretation.
Therefore:
Develop a positive mindset.
—-
3. “Positive anything is better than negative something.”
Even during storms:
Declare:
> “It shall be well.”
> “Rejoice not over me, my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise.”
Even after mistakes in life, do not remain down. Correct yourself, move forward, and pursue purpose.
Say:
> “I will make it.”
> “I will reach the university.”
—-
4. “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”
People complain about:
The economy
Lack of money
Power outages
Yet some are progressing and succeeding.
Therefore say:
> “No matter the economy, I will succeed.”
—-
5. “Keep your face toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.”
Focus on possibilities rather than obstacles.
If exams are failed:
Write again.
If plans collapse:
Rise again.
Keep moving.
—-
The Mindset of Jephthah
Jephthah decided:
> “I will learn.”
> “I will become stronger.”
Even among rejected people, he built himself.
Eventually, leaders sought him out.
Principle:
Upgrade yourself until your value becomes undeniable.
Even with little:
One pair of shoes
Limited resources
Difficult beginnings
Work with what you have and improve continuously.
—-
Leadership Lessons
Dr. John P. taught:
1.
For others it was a team effort,
For him, he became the leader.
2.
For others it was trial and error,
For him, he became an inventor.
Leaders think differently and improve constantly.
—-
Daily Practices for Growth
1. Practice Daily Gratitude
No matter your situation:
Appreciate God daily.
—-
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
When people speak negatively:
Use it as motivation.
Example: A man suspended from office used that season to improve himself.
Surround yourself with positive influences:
Teachers
Lawyers
Police officers
Business people
Mentors
Your environment shapes your mindset.
Example: Someone who failed repeatedly eventually succeeded after perseverance.
Failure is not final.
—-
3. Engage in Physical and Mental Growth
Exercise
Take walks
Read books
Keep learning
Growth must be intentional.
—-
4. Do What Others Refuse to Do
Impact comes from uncommon actions.
Pastor determined within himself to make an impact in New Juaben.
Jephthah made a decision.
You must also make one.
—-
Final Takeaway
Rejection is not the end.
Challenges are opportunities to build strength.
Upgrade yourself, maintain a positive mindset, and become valuable enough that people will seek you out.
> “Positive something is better than negative anything.”
> “Those who rejected Jephthah eventually needed Jephthah.”
