SHIPWRECKED ( Build Fire-Part 4 )

#MONDAYRECAPFICB

Welcome Question: Is there a particular person or resource that has been a source of strength for you during challenging times?

HOW DO WE KEEP OUR FAITH THRIVING (not just surviving) IN THE MIDST OF STORM?

1. Don’t let storms destroy your faith.

His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said. Job 2:9-10

Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. 2 Corinthians 11:25

• How do you normally react when faced with a storm in your life and how has your faith been tested during that time?

2. Rather, let storms develop your faith.

Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us. Hebrews 11:35-40

If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

• Have you experienced a situation where your faith was tested? Did you arise stronger, or did you struggle? Why?

3. Faith is refined by trials, not defined by them.

and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

• Why are trials considered necessary for spiritual growth? Can you truly mature in faith without facing adversity?

4. Keep our eyes on Jesus!

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

WORKS:
If someone in your group or you know someone outside your group who is facing a storm in life, find ways to be a source of encouragement and hope to that person.