Menu

The Journey of Faith

Introduction
  1. “We are living in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world,” says Amy Edmondson, one of the GLS speakers.
  2. Many people are suffering from mental health issues and anxieties. No one really knows for sure where all these will lead to or when all these will end.
  3. In times like these, it’s important to be sober-minded. The battle is really fought in our minds. Our mindset will determine whether we will be resilient or not.
  4. We need to have this attitude always: “Faith is a journey and only faith overcomes the difficulties.”
  5. This is the truth that we find in Hebrews 12:1-13. What does it mean?
TWO ASPECTS OF THIS STATEMENT
 
  • Faith is a JOURNEY.

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Faith is a journey that we must all take, not alone, but together with others who have gone before us (Hebrews 11). As they have overcome the various challenges by faith, we also are encouraged to do the same. It is also a journey that we take with Jesus as our leader and example. He inspires us, but He also shows us the way. His example provides us with a guide through the various challenges and He also gives us the grace to overcome them all because He is with us.
 
What is your mindset through these various difficulties? Do you feel that you are all alone, trying to survive? Or, do you see yourself as part of a community of faith who together follows Jesus through this journey?
 
  • Only faith OVERCOMES the difficulties.

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

The journey of faith is filled with difficulties and challenges of various kinds. Only faith can overcome them all. By faith, we know that these difficulties and challenges are part of our training program as God’s children. We are being molded or formed to become like His Son Jesus. That is the purpose. Knowing this purpose can teach us endurance and perseverance. We can trust God through the process, no matter how difficult, because we know God is in it, and He is allowing it for our good.

Do you often question God in the midst of your suffering? Do you sometimes think that He doesn’t care for you? Maybe you need to reconsider your attitude toward these difficulties and challenges in light of what the Bible teaches.

Turning Point: “Faith is a journey and only faith overcomes the difficulties.”

 

GROUP DISCUSSION (30 minutes)

  1. Why is it important to remind yourself that faith is a journey?
  2. How can knowing that God is involved in our difficulties help you to persevere and endure?
  3. How can this new mindset guide you in your response to what is happening around us or in our lives?

PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

Please take the time to pray for one another. This is important. Thanks!
 

YOUR REFLECTIONS

If you want to really grow in your faith, take some time to personally reflect on what you have learned today. Click this link to submit your personal reflection. We can also send you a copy of this if you wish. Just let us know your email. Thanks!

Related Posts