EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO EXERCISED THEIR FAITH
This lesson explores the profound strength that emerges when faith is truly tested, focusing on the examples of Esther from the Old Testament and the Canaanite woman from the New Testament. Esther, a young Jewish queen in a foreign land, courageously risked her life to save her people, demonstrating that genuine faith often demands personal sacrifice. Her choice to act despite overwhelming fear shows that faith is more than a passive belief—it is a powerful, active trust in God’s sovereignty, even when the path forward is uncertain. The lesson encourages us to see faith as a muscle that grows stronger with each test, much like an athlete training for a marathon.
In the New Testament, the lesson shifts to the story of the Canaanite woman who, despite social, cultural, and religious obstacles, pursued Jesus with unwavering faith for her daughter’s healing. This mother, though initially met with silence and rejection, humbled herself before Jesus, demonstrating that faith can break through any barrier, even those rooted in prejudice or societal norms. Her persistence highlights that true faith is resilient and able to withstand silence or even perceived rejection from God. She reminds us that humility is essential in our approach to God, where entitlement has no place. Through her humility, determination, and belief in Jesus’ mercy, she won her daughter's freedom from spiritual bondage.
Both examples illustrate that faith requires action, persistence, and humility, especially in times of adversity. The lesson urges us to press into God, even when faced with silence or trials, reminding us that faith is more about surrender and trust than about achieving perfect circumstances. In following the examples of Esther and the Canaanite woman, we learn that faith is a journey marked by continual reliance on God, and even small acts of faith—like the woman’s plea for “crumbs”—can lead to miraculous transformations. The lesson concludes by urging believers to exercise their faith, trusting that God rewards those who pursue Him with sincere hearts, regardless of their status or past.
