How to Cultivate a Conqueror's Attitude When Times Get Tough

                      Kunle Otuneye 
How to Cultivate a Conqueror's Attitude When Times Get Tough

By Afolabi Olajuwon

Worshippers at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, were challenged to embrace a victorious faith and maintain unwavering confidence in God amid life's uncertainties during the church's Sunday service held on June 14, 2026.

The service commenced with a vibrant and spirit-filled session of praise and worship led by the church choir. The uplifting ministration created an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual expectancy, preparing congregants for a profound engagement with the Scriptures.

Delivering the sermon, Brother Kunle Otuneye spoke on the topic, "Do You Have the Faith-Attitude of a Conqueror in a Challenging World?" under the broader theme, "Living by Faith in a Challenging World." The message was anchored on Hebrews 11:1-6, Romans 1:16-17, and Habakkuk 2:1-5, with particular emphasis on the Book of Habakkuk.

Understanding Faith Through the Lens of Scripture

At the heart of the message was a detailed Bible study of Habakkuk Chapters 1 and 2. Brother Otuneye carefully examined the prophet's dialogue with God, highlighting how Habakkuk wrestled with difficult questions concerning injustice, suffering, and divine timing.

Drawing lessons from the prophet's experience, Brother Otuneye explained that faith is not the absence of questions but the willingness to trust God even when answers appear delayed.

Referencing Hebrews 11:1, faith was defined as "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." He stressed that biblical faith goes beyond positive thinking; it is a confident reliance on God's character, promises, and sovereignty.

"Faith is not merely what a believer professes; it is a lifestyle demonstrated through trust, obedience, patience, and perseverance," he noted.

The Reality of Challenges in Human Existence

The sermon further examined the nature of challenges and trials in human life. According to brother Otuneye, difficulties are inevitable in a fallen world and affect people irrespective of status, age, or background.

However, he emphasized that a personal relationship with Christ provides believers with the spiritual resources needed to maneuver adversity victoriously.

He observed that while life's challenges may persist, the absence of a saving relationship with God often leaves individuals without the divine strength and eternal perspective necessary to overcome them.

Living by Faith Is a Daily Choice

Drawing from Romans 1:17 and Habakkuk 2:4, the congregation was reminded that "the just shall live by faith."

Brother Otuneye emphasized that faith is not an occasional spiritual exercise but a deliberate daily choice. Every believer, he said, must consciously choose to walk by faith rather than by fear, doubt, or circumstances.

He encouraged Christians to cultivate the attitude of spiritual conquerors by maintaining steadfast trust in God, regardless of external pressures.

Waiting on God's Timing

One of the major lessons drawn from Habakkuk was the discipline of waiting upon the Lord.

The congregation was reminded that God's timing differs from human expectations. Referencing 2 Peter 3:9, Brother Otuneye explained that what appears to be delay from a human perspective may be part of God's redemptive process.

"God is never late. His timing is perfect, and His purposes are always accomplished at the appointed season," he affirmed.

Hope in the Midst of Affliction

Brother Otuneye cited 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, where Apostle Paul declared that believers are troubled on every side yet not distressed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, and cast down but not destroyed.

He urged worshippers not to surrender to hopelessness regardless of the severity of their circumstances.

Drawing from Genesis 15:1, he reminded the congregation that God assured Abraham, saying, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."

According to brother Otuneye, believers must recognize that God Himself is their greatest reward and ultimate source of security.

The Necessity of Fellowship with God

Another significant emphasis of the message was the importance of maintaining fellowship with God through prayer, Bible study, worship, and obedience.

He challenged members to evaluate their spiritual influence in society, asking, "Are you still the light and salt where God has placed you?"

He warned against losing spiritual focus amid life's distractions and encouraged believers to remain steadfast in their divine assignments.

Faith in Times of Crisis

Using various biblical examples, the sermon addressed common struggles faced by believers.

Reflecting on Habakkuk 3:17, congregants were encouraged to maintain their joy in God even when visible signs of prosperity appear absent.

From 2 Chronicles 20:12, the he highlighted the experience of King Jehoshaphat, who faced overwhelming opposition but looked to God for direction and deliverance.

The account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark Chapter 4 was also explored to illustrate God's authority over life's turbulent seasons. Worshippers were reminded that the presence of Christ in their lives is greater than any storm they may encounter.

The message further addressed those burdened by anxiety, guilt, disappointment, or feelings of spiritual inadequacy. Referencing 2 Corinthians 12, brother Otuneye explained that God's grace remains sufficient even in moments of weakness.

He assured the congregation that no challenge is beyond God's power and that Christ remains able to save, restore, heal, strengthen, and sustain His people.

A Call to Spiritual Reflection

Throughout the sermon, worshippers were challenged with searching questions:

Have you lost your focus amid life's pressures?

Are you standing at a crossroads of uncertainty?

Are you imprisoned by worry and fear?

Are you struggling to accept God's forgiveness?

Are you becoming impatient with God's timing?

The questions prompted a season of self-examination and renewed commitment to God.

The service concluded with fervent prayers as worshippers committed their challenges, aspirations, and concerns to God.

Summarizing the message, Brother Otuneye declared that no mountain is greater than God and no challenge is beyond His power to overcome.

The congregation left with renewed confidence in the biblical truth that genuine faith enables believers not merely to survive difficult times but to triumph through them.

As the prophet Habakkuk affirmed centuries ago, and as the church reiterated on Sunday, "the just shall live by faith", a divine mandate that remains indispensable for overcoming the challenges and demands of modern-day living.

Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.