Defining Faith

Faith isn't some magic trick or a way to manipulate situations. It's way deeper than that. It's about building a real connection with God, where trust and dependence grow out of knowing Him personally.

Think of it like this: imagine you're in a tight spot and you ask your parents for something. If what you're asking for is in line with their rules and values, they're likely to say yes, right? Well, it's kinda like that with God. When we ask for things that line up with His plan, He's there, ready to make things happen. That's what 1 John 5:14-15 talks about.

But prayer isn't just about getting what we want. It's about trusting that God knows what's best for us, even when we can't see it. So, when we pray, it's not like we're begging some distant God to listen. It's more like having a heart-to-heart chat with the One who's always got our back.

And yeah, sometimes what we pray for doesn't happen exactly how we want it to. But that's because God's got this bigger picture in mind, one that's all about making things work out for our good and to show off His awesomeness.

So, whether you're facing a tough decision, struggling with something, or just want to chat with the Big Guy upstairs, remember: it's not about saying the right words or trying to twist God's arm. It's about building that trust and connection, knowing that God's got you, no matter what.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you think faith differs from simply going through the motions of religion? Can you share any personal experiences?

2. Have you ever felt like you were trying to twist God's arm to get what you wanted? How did that turn out, and what did you learn from it?

3. When you pray, do you feel like you're talking to a distant God or someone who's really listening? Why do you think that is?

4. Have you ever had a prayer answered in a way you didn't expect? How did it make you feel, and what did you learn from the experience?

5. In your opinion, why do you think it's important to trust that God has a bigger plan for your life, even when things don't go your way?

6. Do you find it challenging to trust God's plan for your life? What helps you when you're struggling with this?

7. How do you think faith can help you through tough times, like making difficult decisions or dealing with setbacks?

8. Do you think your faith affects how you treat others or make decisions in your daily life? Can you give any examples?

9. How do you think your friends or peers view faith? Does it play a big role in their lives, or do they seem indifferent? Why do you think that is?

10. If you could ask God one question about His plan for your life, what would it be?

May your faith continue to flourish and your relationship with God deepen with each passing day.

Blessings,
Wilfred Graves Jr.
www.wilfredgraves.org