Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see… . And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:1, 6 NLT
• If I am a person of faith, I have to expect my faith will be
• Trials and hardships reveal the
Babylon’s Bootcamp
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.” The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. Daniel 1:3–5 NLT
1) The
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12–13 NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NLT
You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. John 16:33 HCSB
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 NLT
• I
2) The
• Testing produces
Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:8 NLT
It was good that I had to suffer in order to learn your laws. Psalm 119:71 GW
• Testing produces
Lord, I have heard the report about You; Lord, I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in these years; make it known in these years. In Your wrath remember mercy! Habakkuk 3:2 HCSB
• Testing produces
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2–4 NLT
• Testing produces
The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 2 Timothy 4:16–18 NLT
• Testing produces
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 NLT
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 NLT
Memory Verse
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18 NLT
Next Steps
I will strengthen my faith today by registering for First Base scheduled for November 24 and joining the Emmanuel family.
I will strengthen my faith today by volunteering to serve on the back of the Connect Card.
I will make my faith known publicly by registering for baptism scheduled for November 24.