Hand out pieces of paper to the students and have them write down the things that people have told them they could not or would not ever be able to do. At the bottom have them write the words “Say I won’t.”

 

In life we will have circumstances and issues arise that challenge our ability to press on. We will experience moments where giving up and checking out seem like the best options. 

 

In this video you will not just hear the song by Mercy Me, but you will also hear Gary’s story. Then at the end you’ll see others sharing their own personal stories through their “Say I Won’t” signs. See who you recognize, but also see if maybe you relate to some of them. Play Say I Won’t video by Mercy Me.

 

Allow them to share if they are willing and your group is a safe atmosphere to do so.

 

We will all have adverse situations in our lives. Some may be more dramatic or extensive than others, but the reality is that regardless of who or what it is, it is still a real struggle for all of us.

 

We don’t have to get defeated or trapped in the struggles of life. We have a Savior who came to overcome it all on our behalf. He suffered ridicule, beatings, and death because of His love for us.

 

Read Romans 8:35-39

Nothing in all of this world can strip us from Christ’s love and we are more than conquerors when it comes to all of the things that challenge us. We have been given unspeakable strength and power because of Christ and His great love for us. We have been given hope. We have a future to live for. This momentary struggle in the story of our lives will be overcome. 

 

Maybe right now you are sitting there thinking that you can’t or won’t ever recover. Maybe it’s the voices around you telling you that you won’t. Know this, you can and you will!

 

Read Philippians 4:13

The Apostle Paul writes that we are able to do all things through Him who gives us strength. 

 

As a kid, it didn’t take much to convince me to do something that seemed impossible or crazy. All it took were three little words, “Say I won’t.” Once those words were uttered, it was game on. Even as an adult I am still like that.

 

We have to trust that Jesus has truly given us the power to persevere and overcome. We have to believe that God is way bigger than our circumstances. 

 

When we understand this, we are then in a position to look our difficulties in the face and tell them, “Say I won’t!” 

 

Think about the difficulties you are facing in your life and think about how God can help you through them. Then pray and ask God for His power, help, and strength to make it through.

 

This song is featured on “The Linc: Perseverance” Spotify playlist – which is the perfect way to remind your students what you’ve taught them in this session. To share it with them, click the live link on the web version of this study.