Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will serve God no matter what.
Faith Verse
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm.
Question of the Day: Why do trials help us to stay committed?
Read about It
Read: Hebrews 11:1–12
Hebrews 11 tells us about many people who kept the faith. While they all had faith, one other thing united them all. Each of them went through significant trials. Noah built an ark and then rebuilt communities after the Flood. Abraham left his homeland, waited for God’s promises, and lived as a foreigner in a strange land. Sarah was unable to have children until she was ninety years old. More are listed in the rest of this chapter. These trials were the test of their faith—a test they all passed. All of these people, and many more, stayed committed to God in their trials. Their commitment and trust is why we honor them today.
Nobody likes going through hard times. But, our trials show how committed we are to God. When we can walk through a trial and keep our faith in God, our faith will be stronger for the next test that comes. Our strength isn’t in how we fix a problem or get through a hard time. Our strength is in keeping the faith and staying committed to Jesus. Tests and trials make us stronger when we rely on God. They don’t take our strength away. Whatever we go through, we can know that God has something better waiting for us.
Talk about It
Question 1. Who is someone listed in Hebrews 11?
Answer 1. Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are all specifically mentioned and talked about in this passage.
Question 2. Which situation stuck out to you from the passage? Why?
Answer 2. Answers will vary.
Question 3. What are some of the things people have done by faith?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. Describe a trial that God has brought you through.
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
Question 5. Why do trials help us stay committed?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, please help me to look at tests and trials through Your eyes. I know that hard things are there to make me stronger in You. Jesus, thank You for giving me strength and wisdom to stand firm and be committed to You always. I love You, Jesus, and am thankful that I get to serve You. Amen.