Welcome to “Going Deeper with the Word.” In this segment, we welcome people of all backgrounds, religious or not, to review the Word of God. The Word of God provides guidance, direction, and instructions for living our lives and walking with God.
Today, we examine how God’s Word provides clear guidance and direction about building resilience through our faith.
Let’s review examples of God’s Word that can lead and guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today’s message. I will be reading scripture today from the Amplified Bible.
If you are watching this message online, we invite you to share your comments as we review each verse.
Here is our first verse.
Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In this verse, Paul explains the importance of prayer. In my opinion, you can never have too much prayer. Over the years, prayer has become a frequent part of my day, every day, because I am in frequent conversation with God. Talking with Him each day about specific things and even random things has been one of the most joy-filled aspects of my faith. I actually look forward to waking up and saying “Good morning” to Him and having quiet time with Him. My conversations with God have become even more frequent than communication with anyone else in my life.
Communication is important in any relationship, and your relationship with God is the most important relationship you will ever have. Because of this simple truth, I cannot overstate the power of prayer. Communication with God should be right up there with the need for you to eat and drink. Prayer is a fundamental part of strengthening and maintaining your faith.
Question: How would you describe your communication with God? Do you communicate with God only when you are in need or also in casual conversation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s have a look at another verse.
and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
In this verse, we see Paul once more remind readers to lift each other up in community. To encourage each other in support and good deeds. Here, he also mentions the importance of meeting for such support.
A faith community is an integral part of everyone’s faith journey. A community is a group of individuals that God can use as a vessel to provide counsel and support for each other. My faith community is not in my church, but in a select circle of friends who are like-minded believers.
I can recall countless times that this community has been there for me and that the Holy Spirit has used to me to provide counsel for someone. Our prayer and fellowship have been fundamental in my growth in faith.
Question: Do you have a faith community? Can you recall a time that you provided counsel or support to someone in this community from an angle of your shared faith? If you do not have a faith community, will you ask God to guide you to one? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let’s look at one last verse.
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.
Philippians 4:6
In this verse, we read from Paul once again that we need not worry or be anxious when we place our trust in God. Scripture is filled with examples of trusting in God, but in this verse we see highlighted that we can even make our -specific- requests known to God. We can trust God with every single aspect of our lives. There is no matter we can bring before God that is too big or too small.
I believe the more we can surrender our lives to God, the closer we can be to being directed to His plans and purpose for our lives. When we place our trust in God, we can rest assured that God -has- heard us and that He will answer in a time, place, and manner that He knows is best. We must place complete trust in Him throughout the process, knowing He will reveal His will.
Question: Are there areas of your life that you are holding close to you because you feel that you and only you can resolve? If yes, describe an area of your life that you have not given to God. Will you bring this to God, explaining your concerns to surrender to Him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Everyone has challenges in life. None of us can predict what is around the corner, but God knows. When we place our trust in Him, by remaining in persistent prayer and making ourselves available to Him to be a vessel to others in community, we equip ourselves with the tools we need to face any of life’s storms.
Let us lean on our faith to give us the strength to face any challenge in life. Let us rely upon God to fortify our mind and heart to deal with all of life’s trials as we walk hand in hand with Him.
Thank you for your time in reviewing these verses with me today. Please be sure to share in the comments how these or other examples of God’s Word have helped you build your resilience through faith.
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Have an amazing week, and we will catch you next time.
Bless you.
