Faith / Hold Your Sword And Stand Your Ground

• Hebrews describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith gives assurance because God is trustworthy.
• We were not present at creation and have not yet seen heaven, but we can believe what God has revealed in His Word.
• Remembering how God has worked in our lives and among His people strengthens our confidence in Him.
• Bro. Riegel’s testimony of receiving the Holy Ghost encourages believers to approach God’s promise with faith instead of assuming it is for everyone except them.

Scriptures: Romans 12:3; Hebrews 11:1; John 16:7.

• Fear of embarrassment can keep us from responding when we believe the Lord is directing us to pray for someone or encourage another person.
• Our confidence should not be in our ability, but in God’s direction and help.
• Peter did more than sink—he first trusted Jesus enough to leave the boat. When fear distracted him, he cried to the Lord, and Jesus immediately reached out.
• Do not allow surrounding circumstances to draw your attention away from Christ. Keep your eyes on the One who called you.

Scripture: Matthew 14:28–31.

• Salvation is by grace through faith. It cannot be earned through works, offerings, family connections, or association with a particular church or minister.
• Our confidence rests in Jesus’ sacrifice and the cleansing power of His blood—not in our own religious accomplishments.
• Although we did not personally witness Calvary, we can trust what Christ accomplished through His death and resurrection.
• A changed life bears witness to His saving power. Bro. Riegel recalls someone from his former life recognizing the difference Jesus had made.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9.

• Doubt questions whether we can trust God; fear magnifies the circumstances around us. Faith directs our attention back to His promises.
• Jesus tells His followers not to let their hearts be troubled. He has prepared a place for His people and has promised to return.
• Trouble in the world does not cancel Christ’s victory. He warned that we would face tribulation, but assured us that He has overcome the world.
• Faith does not mean every difficulty ends immediately. Whether help comes in this life or our final deliverance comes in eternity, our hope remains secure in Christ.

Scriptures: John 14:1–3; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:55–57.

• The woman with the issue of blood came to Jesus after years of suffering. Her confidence was in Him, and Jesus pointed to her faith.
• Bartimaeus refused to let the crowd silence him. He continued crying to the One who could meet his need.
• The returning leper reminds us to respond to God’s help with gratitude.
• Jesus has not changed or lost His power. Keep bringing your needs to Him and trusting His care.

Scriptures: Mark 5:25–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 17:15–19; Hebrews 13:8.

Closing Challenge

Ask the Lord to increase your faith. Trust His Word, respond to His direction, and refuse to let fear or discouraging voices silence your prayer.

God hears your cries, knows where you are, and understands what you face. Keep your confidence in Jesus—He cares for you, and His promises remain sure.