Our Youth Pastor continued the teachings from Hebrews 11:32-40. He reminded us that Hebrews 11 is often known as the Hall of Faith. Pastor J told us that “what you are facing in your life is not to destroy you but to make you stronger”. Difficult situations are usually to provide lessons and growth.
All of the old testament characters mentioned in this section have two things in common:
1. They had to make a decision to trust God.
2. They had to make a decision to grow.
God has something new for you every morning. God wants to do more than we can imagine.
He wants us to have a fresh anointing.
We need to be aware that ‘what you started with will not be enough to finish.’
God wants you to step it up. You need to be seeking God. What is He doing this season?
We have to realize we often have unrealistic expectations. We are expecting the fullness of God but only giving half of ourselves. You need to give all of yourself, then see what God can do!
We are comfortable with the knowledge of faith but we're uncomfortable with the action of faith.
Move beyond the repeat of coming to church on Sunday and going home with no change during the week; then returning next Sunday. .
Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to give up meeting together,… but encouraging one another.
We need to be serving others.
The ultimate goal of faith is to make heaven our home. But we are here for a reason. We need wins in this life; Spiritual victories.
The reward of our faith is not just entering into the kingdom of Heaven, it's building it.
Our faith is a journey, not a stationary place.
We are blessed with freedom.
Those of faith who struggled through hardships became strong in battle. Hebrews 11:34.
The battle provides an opportunity to grow.
Pray: God help me to see what you see; see the opportunity.
Remember that God works all things for good to those who love Him. Romans 8:28. And "If God is for us, who can stand against us?" Romans 8:31.
Will you choose to grow?
I like this song for this message:
Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV)32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
My prayer today: God help me to see what you see; see the opportunity!
