Life Outside the Comfort Zone
Use It or Lose It - Part 4
June 4-8, 2005

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see... So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.

Hebrews 11:1, 6 (NLT)

There is a difference between saving faith and growing faith... but they are both about trust

Faith is one of the most widely used five letter words by followers of God. Jesus used it, pastors use it, and the Bible says we can't get into Heaven without it. Sometimes it's hard to define the word faith. However, God calls us to lives of faith. There are two kinds of faith: the first, which we must have to become a part of God's family and the second, which is growing in the family once we are a part of it. In summary, faith is belief that God is the absolute truth. We trust God's character totally; what God says is what He means and He means what He says. Therefore, we should obey His commands. In this guide we are going to study what faith looks like in the 21st century. This outline parallels a story from 2 Kings 4:1-7 about a woman who was called to have faith by Elisha in dire circumstances.

MONDAY

1. LET YOUR CRISIS LEAD YOU TO A PLACE OF FAITH.

[Your Objective: Identify the people you can count on when crisis hits.]

How does Job express his trust in God in Job 13:15a?

  • Why do our circumstances often dictate whether or not we will trust God or not?
  • How are some people able to trust God no matter what their circumstances while others worry?
  • Why do we sometimes find our trust in God wanes when we don't "see" results of our prayers quickly?

Fellowship (Membership) - I need some trusted friends who will encourage my faith. The widow in 2 Kings 4:1 turned to her friend Elisha. God never intended for us to face crisis alone; we all need some trusted friends who will encourage our faith, listen and pray for us in difficult circumstances. How does this group support one another during these times? If your group isn't already functioning in this way, discuss together what it will take to change that. If you don't already have a spiritual partner to share with each week, ask someone in your group to partner with and plan to connect by phone, email or over coffee.

TUESDAY

2. PREPARE TO BE STRETCHED.

[Your Objective: Learn how risk can be an opportunity to strengthen faith and trust in God.]

Read 2 Corinthians 5:7. What does it tell us to live by and what not to live by?

  • What does it mean to walk by faith?
  • Why does God ask people to do things that require risk?

How much faith is required according to Jesus in Luke 17:5-6?

  • How can getting to know God better help prepare us to take risks and trust God more?
  • In what ways can hanging around with people that walk in faith help us prepare to be stretched?
  • Discuss how taking small risks and watching God be faithful helps us to trust Him and be ready to take on more challenging opportunities for God?
  • Why do people think they must have great faith before they ask God for something, rather than asking and then trusting God will answer? Refer to Mark 9:21-24.

Discipleship (Maturity) - It only takes a little faith to make a big difference. The widow only had a little oil, but Elisha stretched her faith proving God was trustworthy. One thing we can choose in this life is how much to trust God. Ask yourself what you are attempting to do that you couldn't do without God's help. If there is nothing that comes to mind then maybe you are not being stretched. What small risk will you commit to taking that you know God is asking you to take? Share with the group at a future meeting how God was faithful and helped you embrace this risk as a faith opportunity and how he helped you accomplish the task. What matters more than the size of your faith, is the size of your God.

WEDNESDAY

3. PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION.

[Your Objective: Discover ways to praise God in the midst of confusing times or difficult circumstances.]

What does James 2:17-18 say the result of our faith should be? What is his argument to those who claim works are not necessary?

  • Why does real faith result in obedience? How does the absence of works prove our faith isn't real?
  • What will it take for us to love like God loves and care about what He cares about?
  • Why do we frequently forget to praise and worship God in the midst of difficult times? Does this mean we should praise God for the trial?
  • What are ways you can begin to make gratefulness and praise reality in all your circumstances?

Worship (Magnification) - The widow put her faith into action by pouring the oil into the jars until none were left. Praising God even in crisis is evidence of a life of worship. Most of us eventually get around to praising God when trouble comes but what keeps this from being our first response? What can you begin to do this week to put your faith into action by being grateful and praising and worshiping God when difficulties and crisis arise? How can you as a group begin to honor God even in tough times that may exist now or in the future?

THURSDAY

4. SHARE AND PASS ON YOUR FAITH STORIES.

[Your Objective: Recognize some experiences you can share to build faith in others.]

Read Deuteronomy 4:9. What is the exhortation? To whom are the Israelites to make known the things they have seen from God?

  • How can the past work of God in our lives be an inspiration to help others come to know Him?
  • Why does God exhort us to share about Him with the next generations? Why do we often fail to do it?
  • What can make us timid about sharing what God means to us with others?

Evangelism (Mission) - Sharing the work of God in our lives with others to help them come to know Him is one of our primary purposes while we are here on earth. Are you telling others how God has provided for you? As a group share a few personal experiences that can stir faith in others. Imagine the impact the story of the widows' faith had on following generations including the 21st century.

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Goal: Reflect on what is really important and things you can do which will outlive your life requiring faith to accomplish.]

What is the crisis or dream that you have now where God is saying, "just trust me"? God has a plan for each life bigger than we can understand. God is more concerned with our willingness to stretch our faith than our comfort. Even living in faith God has never promised a trouble and pain free life. God provides the provisions according to our faith as the story with Elisha tells us. Write a specific list of the areas in your life where your faith needs to grow and present them to God through prayer. Trust Him in these areas, through faith, and follow His direction completely. Whatever new direction God is calling you to move forward in, step out in faith and pursue it.