Growing Faith Part 9 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 9 of 16
1Peter 1:6-10
ATTENTION

Vs. 6,7: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Jeremy scowled at his leg held up in a sling at the foot of his hospital bed.

Although his screaming ankle had quieted down, the cast ran from the ball of his foot to midway up his leg.

“You’re going home today Jeremy” his favorite nurse, Ms Tidwell said. As she lowered his leg, she advised him, “always sit with your foot propped up on a footstool, or ottoman. It will throb if you put it down on the floor. Yours is a walking cast, and you must keep it elevated over the edge of the bathtub as you bathe. Do not immerse your cast in water, Jeremy.”

Jeremy licked his lips and nodded watching her blue eyes sparkle. “So if this is a walking cast, can I really walk?” Jeremy asked.

Ms Tidwell nodded and showed him crutches. “I’m going to fit these to you and teach you how to use them. Your Mom and Dad are coming to discharge you. Swing your legs down the side of the bed.”

Jeremy followed her orders. She pulled him to his feet and adjusted the crutches to fit into his armpits. “Do not lean on the crutches, which will make your shoulders sore. The idea is to use your arms to support your weight. These are not to be used to pendulum your legs; crutches are not toys. But you may place weight on the cast and walk as normally as possible. Extend the crutches before you take one step forward. One step at a time. Keep your eyes on Jesus and make this trial fun.” Ms Tidwell smiled at Jeremy as her eyes really twinkled--like they had an agreement.

She applauded as Jeremy walked to the door, turn around and back to the bedside. “Very good, you’re a natural! Now sit down in the chair” she said. When Jeremy was all set she lifted his casted right leg onto the footstool. Jeremy puffed. “Walking with crutches isn’t as easy as it looks, is it?” she said, giggling. “I’d better not see you race with these things!” she teased, wagging her finger at him.

Jeremy’s door opened as his parents filed inside. “All set honey?” his Mom asked through a smile.

Dad scooted a wheelchair up to Jeremy. “Sorry son, hospital policy. Mom is all set to spoil you rotten.” he said with a grin. “Michael is fixing up your room to make it easy for you to get around.” He waited until Jeremy was securely in the wheelchair and began pushing him to the car. “BR-R-R-R-R-I-N-G!”

Take Home Nugget
Throughout Jeremy’s trial, we will watch him benefit from unseen delights and grow in confidence. Can you share in his excitement of this new season that promises challenges and a reward? Will he persevere triumphantly to his reward?

My heavenly Father and King Jesus, please walk with me through the coming days and help me keep my eyes on You instead of my troubles. AMEN.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 8 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 8 of 16
1 Peter 12-19
TRIAL

Verses 12, 19: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you…So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

Jeremy carefully followed the Coach’s drill, but something went horribly wrong. His cleat snagged the Astroturf, forcing Jeremy to the ground as the tackler piled on top.

As if a pencil cracked in two, Jeremy’s ankle snapped. He screamed and all action stopped. Coach Jiles ran up and dragged the boy off of Jeremy.

“Jeremy!” he yelled, wincing.

“My ankle!” Jeremy screamed, as he grabbed his ankle, tears streaming down his face.

“An ambulance arrived within minutes.

Surrounded by his family, as the doctor announced his diagnosis, Jeremy was silent.

“He’s in shock.” Doctor Dorsey said. “The ankle bone, being forced into an unnatural position, simply snapped. Worn Astroturf is the culprit. He will be in a cast for at least two months. Physical therapy can return his ankle to like new.”

Jeremy pounded the bedside table after hearing the news. “Why me?” he yelled. “This is the pits!”
Michael promised, “I will stay with you, Jeremy. You will get through this and be like new soon.”
“No! I was supposed to be promoted to first team soon, not recovering from a broken ankle!”

“This is not the end of the world, Jerm. I promise you something else: There will be a silver lining that comes from your broken ankle.”

“What silver lining?” Jeremy whined.

“I don’t know that now, but stay strong, brother. God is up to something.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Jeremy mumbled.
“You’ll do way better if you maintain a positive attitude. Remember when I broke my tibia?”

Jeremy sniffed and looked at his older brother. “Yeah. You were out the rest of the season.”

“When I was all better, Coach Jiles promoted me into a better position. That was the year we went to the State championship. Coach, like God, rewards him who stays firm.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t lie to you. Now is not the time to throw yourself a pity party.”

“I refused Scott’s steroid pill…I thought that was my trial…now this!”

“God is not punishing you. I tell you the truth; He’s up to something. It was good that you didn’t take the steroid, but your reward is coming up. You’ll see. Just obey the Doctor orders, do your schoolwork, and take it easy for awhile. Mom will spoil you like crazy.”

“Yeah, I remember how she made all your favorite foods and I had to do your chores.”

“Yes, and it was fun being spoiled at school, too. I met Tracey when she signed my cast.”

Take Home Nugget

Every believer’s faith will be put to the test. When trials confront us, wise believers respond by trusting God. He is up to something, and it’s for our good.

How delicious is that reward after a season of trials?

Enduring trials by standing firm grows and stretches a believer’s faith. Instead of whining, we can shift our attitude and reprioritize our hearts. God keeps his hand on us when we’re under stress.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 7 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 7 of 16
Hebrews 11:23-29
PRIORITIES

Beginning Verse 27: “By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.”

Jeremy continued to work hard at football practice as part of the second team. His running improved and abilities grew strong. His teammates were a rambunctious bunch, and they all had a good time playing roughshod tackling each other.

Coach Jiles patiently taught plays and his assistants explained things the boys were slow to understand. Although the sun grew hot and the “sled” they had to push didn’t have rollers, they plowed ahead day after day.

Jeremy knew he had a future playing in real games one day, and he tried keeping his eyes on the prize, not being distracted by other guy’s temptations. One day a teammate offered Jeremy a tablet. “Take this Jeremy. It will make you strong and fast.”

“What is it?” Jeremy asked.

“Oh, a diet supplement. It’s like a super vitamin” the boy said.

“A Steroid vitamin?” Jeremy guessed.

“Everyone’s taking them. You don’t want to be on the second team forever, do you?”

“No thanks. My dad warned me that steroids can be bad for me in the long run.” Jeremy said, shaking his head.

“OK, but I don’t want to wait till next year to play on the first team” the boy said. Then he added, “Stupid wimp” while snickering at Jeremy and shaking his head.

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister in the united Kingdom during World War II, quoted to students: “Never give in—never, never, never, never, in the great or the small, large or petty…Never yield to force: never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Jeremy knew instinctively to wait on God until He acts on his behalf.
Rather than giving up, we’re to focus on Him who is unseen, like Moses. Moses clung to God’s promise of protection, calling out, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord” in Exodus 14:13. The Red Sea parted and the Israelites escaped being retaken captive by the Egyptians.

Like Moses, who triumphed over many dangerous and difficult situations, we’re to commit ourselves to doing what’s right. Instead of yielding to pleasure, comfort, or our own selfish will, we’re to prioritize our choices according to God’s will.
Don’t allow God’s will to interfere with creature comforts or instant gratification, or you’ll stumble and yield to the devil’s plan to defeat you.

Take Home Nugget

Our heavenly Father never deserts His children. He encourages us to cast our cares onto Him. Hebrews 13: 5, 8: and 1 Peter 5:7 offers assurances that we can claim when tempted to quit. Prioritize your desires by putting God’s will first and commit your life to His way. Never give up!
When temptations crowd round and it seems everyone else is “doing it”, STOP!
This is your clue to embrace being unique and decide to be different.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 6 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 6 of 16
PERSEVERE
Hebrews 12:1-3

Beginning Verse 2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning before its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jeremy rode his bike to the Junior High first thing Saturday morning. He paced before the open doors, watching for any sign of life. Suddenly his coach pulled up and parked his car. Jeremy licked his lips and ran to greet him.

“Hi Jeremy” Coach Jarvis said, placing his arm around Jeremy’s shoulders. “Son, don’t lose heart. I have faith that you’ll win a starting position soon. Continue working hard.” With that he posted the names of the boys who made the team.

Jeremy didn’t know what to think about what Coach had said. He scanned the names of the boys who made the football team. His name was not in the top section, and his heart sank.

Reading through the entire page, Jeremy saw his name under the section entitled “Second Team.” Apparently, he was selected to be on this squad. At least he could be a substitute for a teammate who either didn’t perform well or got injured.

He kicked stones across the parking lot, angry and upset. Distraught, he climbed on his bike and took off fast--before having to face the other boys who began streaming to the posted note.
His life seemed to be sucked down a long dark tunnel. He tried finding hope in what Coach had said to him, but he couldn’t get past not being selected on the first team.

Michael felt bad for his little brother. “Later today I’ll treat you to ice cream” he promised.

Thankfully, we serve a God who feels our pain. When stretched to the breaking point, our dreams shattered, and strength exhausted, Jesus asks us to hold out and not give up.

Giving up means we abandon God’s help and rely on our own puny strength. Satan is delighted because we believed his lies, and he won this battle.

1 John 4:4 offers us hope. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (the false prophets), because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Michael advised Jeremy, “God will see you through this little set back, Jerm.” He licked his chocolate ice cream cone, and said, “Trust Him and work hard, just as Coach said. I have faith that you’ll win a starting position soon!”

Take Home Nugget
Jeremy worked hard at practice and didn’t give up. He didn’t see God working behind the scenes, but improved his speed and increased his strength. He chose to trust God, and knew that soon he’d win a starting position on the team. He’s learning to wait on God and will see God’s perfect timing. Soon.

It is so hard to give up on a dream.
In faith as you wait, God is proud to have you on His team.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 5 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 5 of 16
STEADFAST
Matthew 14:22-32
Beginning in verse 25: “During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.”

“But Jesus immediately said to them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’

‘Lord if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’

‘Come.’ He said.”

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, “why did you doubt?”

Jeremy drove himself crazy the whole week while trying out for football. One day he’d do okay, the next day he’d flub up. He tried to remain focused on Jesus, but the stress of the tryouts blanketed him with anxiety. By week’s end he was a frazzled bundle of nerves. Tomorrow, the names of the boys who made the team would be posted on the gym door of the Junior High School. Michael laughed himself to sleep watching Jeremy toss and turn.

If we don’t want to vacillate between faith and doubt—being tossed about as though in a storm squall, we need to make a choice. Either we can act on trusting God, or believe our feelings. If we want to live in the calm sea of faith, we must trust God fully. It’s easy to trust God to do great things, but will He do the impossible in my personal life?

We can only become stable in our faith when we realize that believing God is a choice.

The second choice is to focus our attention on God. Keeping our eyes on our circumstances restrict our view from the broad picture that God sees. As Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he was walking on water. As soon as he looked to the howling wind, he sank. Can you see Jesus hiding a grin as He chastised Peter, “Why did you doubt?”

It’s easier to focus on the Lord by reading His Word. Bible study comes in many forms. Daily devotions and reading the Bible in the one year plan are just two suggestions. We cannot trust our sight, reason, or knowledge to steer us through a storm of doubt.

Take Home Nugget
First, we’re to choose to believe that the Lord will work on our behalf. Then focus on Him and claim a promise from Scripture that speaks to our hearts. The one that works of me is Jeremiah 29:11. You will grow a steadfast faith, and our heavenly Father will honor your firm, loyal, constant belief with the desires of your heart.

Doubters never find peace or attain their goal.
Eyes trained on Christ alone calms my soul.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 4 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 4 of 16
UNSWERVING
James 1:1-8

Beginning at verse 6: “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”

Jeremy had a bad practice and just knew he’d not make the football team. He dropped the ball and placed last when running the length of the football field.

His mouth formed a frown, and he didn’t look Michael in the eye when entering their bedroom.
“Wassup?” Michael teased, when Jeremy came into the room.

“I’m never going to make the team.” Jeremy mumbled and threw himself face down onto the bed.

“Hang in there, Jerm.” Michael said. “There are lots of positions on the team, and coach knows you’re my brother.” After Jeremy didn’t look up, he continued, “Even if you aren’t the fastest kid, there are tons of positions where you can show your strength.
Wait till next week and keep your chin up until the names are posted.” Jeremy grumbled but didn’t raise his head. “THEN you can feel sorry for yourself.” Michael concluded and slammed his math book shut.

Regardless of circumstances, it's in our day-to-day lives where we’re to practice unswerving faith. James tells us that our faith cannot be like waves of the sea.
The water rushes in to the shore, then dashes back into the deep almost immediately. To and fro, to and fro. The surf is so predictable, the sound is as soothing as a lullaby.
Believers are to stand fast when trouble hits. Doubts cast a gray shadow on our minds when God wants His children to be joy-filled.

The reason we fail to trust God is that when what we see opposes what we want, we give up. Our visual evidence does not support our requested petition. Suddenly our request seems impossible. How can we believe that we’ll receive what we asked for when it appears unattainable? But our God specializes in the impossible. He’s Jehovah!

God is pleased when we stand firm and trust Him to provide for our needs. He is not pleased with doubters. Doubting children make it look like we don’t think God can do what He promises. How dare we accuse God of lying—that is not possible!

Take Home Nugget
Faith grows when we overcome doubt with action. We’re to turn a blind eye to circumstances and face Jesus who’s standing before us. Grabbing His hand will show Jesus that we trust Him amid the raging sea of doubt. Peace returns to our hearts and confidence soars in approaching a new day. Each day is a new beginning.

Daring to believe that God can do what He promised is a stand of faith. This pleases God. He can use your situation to provide delight in the midst of what seems impossible.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 3 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 3 of 16
TRUST
Luke 5:1-11
Beginning in Verse 4: “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’”

Simon, (whom we know as Peter), must have shaken his head and could have thought, The optimum fishing time has passed; what does Jesus know about fishing? Instead he said out loud, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” He was going to do what Jesus told him, despite thinking that it was a waste of time.

Why is it so hard to trust? When we’ve learned, (often the hard way), how to do something the best way, someone butting into our business is not welcome. How many times do you say, “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing!” But Jesus does this all the time. We may think we know what’s best, but…

We hesitate trusting the Lord because our knowledge or experience contradicts His plan. All of Peter’s expertise signified that fishing at such an hour would be counter-productive. He swallowed his pride and agreed to do what Jesus said to do. Without complaint. Would you have done that?

Sometimes God challenges believers to do something that seems weird. At such times, we often rely on our own good judgment to decide whether or not to trust Him. God’s way often seems unreasonable to us, running against human wisdom. But when we courageously act on His lead, we always find success.

The principle of tithing—giving God one tenth of our income—seems foolish to some. Why does God need MY money? But when we obey Him, the remaining ninety percent stretches farther than our one hundred percent would have. Then, God blesses us because we obeyed His command.

Listening to other’s opinions is often a stumbling block to steadfast faith. There is a time when we should seek Godly counsel, but when the Lord makes His will clear, it’s time to act. Asking a few friends what they think won’t change God’s mind. No opinion matters except that of Jehovah.

The reward for Peter’s trust and obedience was a net-breaking catch.

Take Home Nugget
What causes us to hesitate when asked to trust God? How could we trust anyone over our sovereign Creator? We can pray specifically to overcome this stumbling block so we can move courageously through His will and onto our reward.

“Holy Father, What You ask of me doesn’t make sense. Please take my hand and calm my fears that stand in the way of my trusting You. I want to follow Jesus in obedience and claim my reward of faith. Help me Jesus, AMEN”.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 2 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 2 of 16
ACTION
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Jeremy, a fifth grader with black curly hair and a stocky build, prayed for getting selected to the Midget League Football Team. He loved playing football and wanted to follow in his older brother Michael’s footsteps.

His thoughts whirled around his head. Am I good enough? Fast enough? What if I don’t win a place on the team, will I have to be the equipment guy? I just HAVE to be selected—regardless of position!

How would Jeremy act if his faith was sure, and he KNEW that God would answer his prayer—and that he’d be practicing with the team every day after school? He wanted that so much that he could almost TASTE it!

The Lord wants His children to approach Him with complete trust—trusting our Father to provide the best in every situation.

Those with the richest spiritual lives anticipate the Lord’s best.

Exercising faith cannot be passive.

Action words are sprinkled throughout the text: please, come, believe, exist, seek.

Believers need to get busy! Lets prepare to live in obedience to God’s Word.

First, we’re to lift our petition to the Lord in prayer. (Repetition is encouraged). Then we’re to purposefully choose to trust Him. We do this by waiting for His answer with assurance and anticipation that He will provide what He’s promised. God did amazing things for the people in Hebrews 11:7-16. Check it out. He will work as powerfully for us, and through us.

Father God will not ask us to tackle more than we can handle. Jeremy should begin with surrendering his worries and anxieties to God. Then he could ask God to replace peace into his heart.

Now that he’s able to think clearly again, he can play football with Michael in the yard.
This eager anticipation will sharpen his skills for the tryouts. His choice to trust God is smart. Regardless of the outcome, Jeremy knows God won’t do the wrong thing. God never makes mistakes.

Won’t you follow Jeremy’s lead into growing your faith?

Take Home Nugget

Just as Jeremy strengthens his throwing and running muscles by putting them into action, his faith muscle is growing, too.

By his choosing to trust God, Jeremy’s faith is growing. Each action increases muscles’ strength. Don’t let your spiritual or your body’s muscles grow flabby from disuse.

Assurance through action sounds like a winning combination. We’ll steadily grow into being able to tackle more with each new day.

Holy Lord, may Your kingdom come as Your will is done in my life and throughout the whole world. Thank you for providing for all my needs and the wishes of my heart. I choose to trust in You and You alone. Thanks for keeping me safe in everything I do. I give you credit for all things as I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Growing Faith Part 1 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 1 of 16
ASSURANCE
Hebrews 11:1-5

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

When on a vacation in Alaska, my husband and I decided to get a close look at some glaciers. The best and safest way was to use a helicopter for this sight-seeing tour.

When our transport arrived, six tourists climbed aboard—giddy with excitement. Then the pilot turned around to introduce himself, and our mouths dropped open.

One tourist asked him if he shaves yet. Another attempted to disembark. He laughed at us, saying, “I get this every day, folks. I’m 18 years old and have my pilot’s license. I couldn’t get this gig any other way.” We looked at each other uneasily, but stayed in our seats as he lifted us off the ship and swooped towards the day’s destination of adventure.

We were unsure of the pilot’s credentials but took a chance to trust him. The result was spectacular! We set down on a glacier and walked to the edge of a hole that had no bottom.

By the time we were back onboard our ship, the pilot had our trust. How often do we fail to trust Almighty God?

Effective faith is an aggressive adventure on the believer’s part. We must advance past thinking that God can do all things and leap into knowing that He will do exactly what He says.

Trusting faith is like living life through a spiritual eye. We go past our physical eyesight and trust that God will deliver on every promise He makes—regardless of whether the evidence is visible.

This series will test our faith’s foundation and grow it to maturity.

Then we’ll have absolute assurance, built from God’s Word, that He is trustworthy.

We will be free from anxiety, worry, and stress because the Sovereign God of the universe meets our every need.

We will be like Paul who said in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

As your school year begins, may you emerge wiser and stronger in body, mind, and spirit by year's end.

Take Home Nugget

We have an open door to our heavenly Father who is personally interested in our lives, and will act on our behalf. May our faith grow to the state where we’ll have absolute assurance in the living God, and anticipate His every answer.

Until my faith is strong and sure,
Teach me Lord, surely but light.
Many things I can endure,
But I trust what’s in my sight.

J.D. Griffith

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