1. Just food for thought- Perseverance is THE essential proof in the theology of Revelation of a persons commitment to Christ. Note Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7-8 (Hint: Youre looking for, He who overcomes). How does that challenge the way you have conceived of grace, salvation, etc?
2. Think about a time when you endured pain, suffering, loneliness, etc that you have had time to process. How did it make you a different person? Did it make you a better person or a worse person? How do you think differently now? Act differently? How has your perspective changed?
3. Make sure you take a day to reflect on Genesis 22 (When I say a day, you start in the morning reading it carefully, jotting down a few thoughts, praying it through, etc Then maybe re-reading it around lunch time, again praying through it, seeing if God has applied it specifically to an event in your day. Finishing your day, by re-reading it again and doing some final reflections, allowing God to examine your heart through the biblical text and praying to finish your evening). Abraham burned some serious bridges (wisely, in his case) only to suffer the thought of losing his only son, Isaac, yet trusting God. Do you think God may be asking you to burn some bridges behind you so that you can move forward in your spiritual journey? Like what?