The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Sunday, May 9, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear God, I thank you that you are in ultimate control of my life. I can be confident in you because you have only what is best for me. I thank you that there is nothing that I face that is too difficult to you. I come to you and ask that you would help me through this difficulty (be specific). I ask that you would give me your peace and joy. You have promised that the "joy of the Lord is my strength," and so I claim that promise today. May the joy that I have in my life through these difficulties be an example and testimony to others of my faith in Jesus Christ. I pray this all in Jesus' name. . . Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
1 Peter 1:6-7
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Reflecting on God's Word
According to verse six, what lies ahead for those who are Christians?
According to verse seven, why do we have to go through trials?
What are the characteristics of "tried" faith?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What does Jesus say in John 16:33 about difficulty?
What encouragement does Jesus offer to us?
According to the first phrase in 1 Peter 1:6, what should be our response to difficulty? Why?
Understanding God's Purpose
Why are difficulties necessary?
Is it possible for our faith not to "remain strong?" How so?
Can we have strong faith without going through difficulties? Why or why not?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Are you facing difficulty right now? If so, what?
When you face difficulty, what prevents joy?
On a scale of 1-10 (ten being always, one being never), how often do you feel peace and joy when facing problems? Is peace and joy an evidence of faith in God? What does this reveal about yourself?
Thoughts...
I cannot think of one person that actually enjoys having problems. We has humans always have a tendency always towards the path of least resistance. Pain, suffering, and difficulty are something that we try to avoid at all costs. The reality is, though, that all of will face difficulty at one time or another. There is not one person that has ever escaped problems. Difficulties are part of life. It is only when we acknowledge God's ultimate rule and control over any situation that we can truly be at peace. If we fail to acknowledge the sovereignty of God, we will always be tempted to become discouraged and depressed when we face problems. There is wonderful peace and joy that comes from knowing that God is in control. Faith is simply confidence in God and recognizing that He is able to deliver us from anything that we face.
Difficulties are all part of God's plan to instill faith within us. 1 Peter 1:6-7 reveals to us that God uses tests to refine and define our faith in Him. When I was in school as a child, the teacher would often give us tests and quizzes to evaluate how we were doing in the course. The tests revealed what things I had learned and what things I needed to improve on. God also gives us "tests" in life. He uses these tests to see how strong and pure our faith is in Him. Without these difficulties, we would not have an opportunity to express vibrant faith in God. The apostle Peter says it is "necessary" that we go through problems, so that we can have the opportunity to express and exhibit faith. If you are going through difficulties right now, trust that God is in control, and that He is able to bring about your good through these circumstances. God's objective is not to make us comfortable as much as it is to build faith within us. The whole thing is just a "set-up."