Stress Test
Gregg Brenes
Part of Building for a Better Future
August 23, 2021

Growth in life happens in the stretch. (Acts 1:8)

For God’s purpose to expand, God’s people must stretch. (Acts 8:1)

A greater perspective in the midst of a trial…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. —1 Peter 1:3-5 NASB

  • You have a living hope.
  • You have an inheritance.
  • You have eternal security.

Trials are essential to…

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; —1 Peter. 1:6-7

  • Proving your faith.
  • Refining your faith.
  • Glorifying God.

…and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. —1 Peter 1:8-9

We can live with HOPE for the future, JOY in the present, even if we are in the middle of a trial because all kinds of trials have the potential to FORGE us into people of faith.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

  • What is something you’ve accomplished that you didn’t think you could do?

Let’s Talk About It

Sometimes you may wonder, “Why is this happening to me?” The moments that shape you and define who you are becoming are the moments where you are stretched, and you must stretch in response. Most of the time, growth in your life happens, not in the seasons of ease and comfort, but in the stretch. God will stretch you through trials and testing to grow your faith, refine your character and use your life in a powerful way.

1 Peter 1:3-9; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:1; Hebrews 6:19; Romans 5:3-4

  • Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

  • Pastor Gregg said, “Growth in life happens in the stretch.” Share a season of stretching that you went through and the growth in your faith and character that resulted from the stretch.

  • Read Acts 8:1. How have you discovered strength you never knew you had as a result of being stretched? How did you see God’s power work through you to accomplish something greater than you thought you could do?

  • Read 1 Peter 1:3-9 and discuss Peter’s perspective on trials. How can these verses give you a greater perspective when you find yourself asking, “Why is this happening to me?”

  • Read Romans 5:3-4. What trial are you currently facing? Where is God stretching you? What is this moment of stretching revealing about your faith in God? How is God using the stretch to prove and refine your faith and build your character?

Take a Step

  • Growth happens in the stretch. Identify one area where you feel God is asking you to stretch. Embrace it, lean into it and trust Him to grow you in the process?

SOAP reading:

  • Day 1: Jeremiah 31-32, 1 John 4
  • Day 2: Jeremiah 33-34, Psalm 74, 1 John 5
  • Day 3: Jeremiah 37-39, Psalm 79, 2 John
  • Day 4: Jeremiah 50-51, 3 John
  • Day 5: Jeremiah 52, Psalm 143-144, Revelation 1
  • Day 6: Ezekiel 1-3, Revelation 2
  • Day 7: Ezekiel 4-7, Revelation 2

Here’s My Prayer

Lord, in the trials and challenges, when I’m feeling stretched, help me to have a bigger perspective. I’m sorry for the times I’ve questioned Your goodness and faithfulness to me. Use these seasons of stretching to grow my faith, refine my character and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, amen.