The
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Sunday, April 18, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear God, I acknowledge that you are all-sufficient and capable of doing anything! You have complete power over this world and my life. I know that you can do so many things that are beyond my ability to think or imagine. I ask Father that you would birth a dream so large within me that I cannot even comprehend its magnitude. I ask that this dream be used for the establishment of your kingdom and purposes. I want you to receive glory from my life. I ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Ephesians 3:20
"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope for."
Reflecting on God's Word
According to verse 20, can God exceed our greatest dreams?
According to this verse, how much more is God able to do than we could ever dare to ask or hope for?
Does God's "glory" have anything to do with His answering our prayers and fulfilling our dreams? How So?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and explain the context of verse 20?
Why does Paul conclude his prayer with this verse?
According to verse 20, is God able to finish what He started?
Understanding God's Purpose
Is it good to have a dream, vision, or a goal? Why?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Has God ever given you a dream or vision for something? If so, what?
Have you ever asked God to birth a new dream within you?
Take time today to write out a list of 10 "dreams" for your life. Read Ephesians 3:20 before you begin this list.
Thoughts...
Any significant spiritual endeavor will always begin with a dream or a vision. If you look at anything man-made (i.e., automobile, house, road, fence, etc. . .), each of these were conceived by a dream or a vision first. Before Henry Ford created the "Model-T" he first had to have the vision for it. Before the architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed “Fallingwater,” he first had to have the idea and vision for it. A dream is the beginning of any major undertaking. The same is true with God. Anytime God asks us to do something he will give us a vision and a dream first. When we are talking about "dreams and visions" it is important to know that we are using the terms in a general sense, as opposed to a literal dream or vision at night (though indeed it could happen). God desires to do great things through our lives, but he first begins it with a dream.
As God continues to build our character into the image of his Son Jesus Christ, he uses a process to build faith within us. Over the next few weeks we will be looking specifically at the "Six Phases of Faith" that God uses as this process. The first phase of faith is called "the dream." When God births a dream within us, it is something that He desire to do in our lives. God will often give us an idea or vision for something so that he can stretch our faith while attaining it. The birthing of the dream is probably one of the easiest phases of faith because it requires no major difficulties to begin the process. However, as we continue along the journey to attain our God-given dreams, we will encounter conflict and difficulties. This is where faith is cultivated. As you think about your dreams, desires, and goals, realize that God is capable of bringing them about, but it will take faith. Ask God today for a fresh vision and a renewed faith in reaching all that he has for you!