A Refreshing Life is Confident in Christ
Pray – (1/2 minute)
Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love and the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,” (Philemon 1:4-5)
Passage: Romans 1:8-12
Life has many ups and downs. Everyone faces trials and setbacks, obstacles and adversities. The human reaction is often flight or fight, and the root of both is fear. Fear of the unknown that the circumstance will bring. Some deal with the fear by running away or withdrawing themselves from others and staying depressed. Some deal with the fear by lashing out, blaming others or just being angry at everyone and everything.
God had a better way. It is the way of faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith is confidence in God. It is not cockiness that dictates to God and tells God what He has to do. Faith is trusting God at His Word and aligning ourselves with what His Word promises. Think of a few of those. God promises He will never leave us or forsake us. (Matt. 28:20) He promises to supply all our needs. (Phil. 4:19) He promises inner peace. (John 14:27) He promises eternal life. (John 6:47) When you live by faith and not by feelings, you will not only be refreshed, but you will refresh others as they are encouraged to exercise faith in them midst of their storms.
Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)