The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Monday, May 10, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge your greatness and your majesty! You are simply awesome! I thank you that I can come to you with any of my difficulties and know that you hear me. I ask that you would build strong faith within me. I do not ask for trouble, but I ask that when it does come, that I would rise to the occasion and display faith. I want to focus upon what is most valuable to you. Help me to be a person who walks in faith. I ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, who is my hope and my redeemer. . . 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
What is the illustration that the apostle Peter uses to describe faith being tested?
What word does Peter use to reveal the quantity of trials we will face in this life?
What word does Peter use to reveal the type of trials we will face in this life? What can we infer from this?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What are some characteristics about gold?
How does the characteristics of gold parallel faith? Why does Peter use this parallel?
When Peter says that we will have to endure trials for "a while," how long will this be? Does verse seven help us to know?
Understanding God's Purpose
How do difficulties "refine" our faith in God?
In our lives, what does God value the most?
How is "refined" and "purified" faith more valuable to God than faith that has not been tested?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Think about a difficult experience you once had in your life. How has that experience helped to "refine" and "define" your faith in God?
What is one area in your life right now where God seems to be testing you?
What is God trying to teach you through this difficulty? (If you don't know, ask him to show you).
Thoughts...
A few years ago I had a friend that I meet with weekly for prayer and accountability. He shared with me that he was frustrated with his son because his son had been very disobedient and defiant over the past week. During a walk with his (10 year old) son around the block, his son had lost all of his "points" that he had accumulated for good behavior, by badly misbehaving and being impatient. All that his son had worked hard to develop was suddenly lost in a few moments. There are certain "moments" in our lives which define us. These moments are what the Bible calls "tests." God the Father desires to give us many things and bless us abundantly, however, many times we get impatient and upset because we don't like our circumstances. It is as if we become like that son who lost his composure in a moment and it greatly upset his father. The temptation whenever we face difficulty is to get angry, stressed, and worried; but faith is a call to rise above these thoughts and trust that God is in control.
God values faith above all else. 1 Peter 1:6-7 uses the illustration of "gold" refined through fire to explain our faith during difficulties. Gold is one of the most valuable of all metals, and something that is highly valued in cultures around the world. When the gold is purified it becomes even more valuable. The apostle Peter says that God values tried faith far more than he values tried gold. When we go through difficulties, they are opportunities for us to display faith in God. It is during these times where our faith is strengthened, purified, and most durable. There are some moments in life which define us. As we go through these "defining" moments of tests and difficulties, God wants to see is if we will stand in faith. Do not focus upon the faith you had during the "good days," because it is only during these defining moments of difficulty where true faith is manifest. We must not let these moments destroy all that God has done within us. God is only pleased with us when faith is evident within us.