EXERCISE YOUR FAITH

The message in this lesson emphasizes that faith is not a passive or fleeting feeling but an active force that must be exercised to grow. It uses the analogy of a seed needing water and sunlight to grow into a tree, comparing this to how faith needs nurturing through action. The lesson highlights that in times of struggle or doubt, we often ask God to increase our faith. However, the key takeaway is that we don't necessarily need more faith, but rather we need to act on the faith we already have, no matter how small.

Through biblical examples, such as the disciples asking Jesus for more faith in Luke 17:1-6, the lesson points out that Jesus didn't increase their faith but instead encouraged them to use the little faith they had. The story illustrates that faith is about taking action—whether in forgiving someone repeatedly or trusting God in difficult situations. Real-life situations, such as forgiving an unfaithful spouse or a harmful person, are used to explain the difficulty of exercising faith, yet the importance of obedience to God’s Word.

Finally, the lesson provides practical steps for exercising faith, including taking action on God's Word, trusting Him in uncertain circumstances, and declaring His promises over one’s life. The story of Noah building the ark is shared as an example of someone who exercised faith by obeying God, even when the outcome seemed impossible. Listeners are encouraged to rise in faith, taking practical steps while trusting God, knowing that faith without action is dead, as highlighted in James 2:17.