Lesson 12: Trusting a God We Can’t See (part 4)

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7-13 - www.bible.com/bible/59/2cor.12.esv

Daniel’s example in the last lesson is another great model of faith in God – we have faith in God's plans and not our own. This is the final answer to our trick question – whose agenda is being followed? I challenge you to look at the entire chapter of Hebrews 11. Look at what happened to the people who have faith. Abel was murdered, Enoch died young (he didn't actually die – God took him to Heaven – but he left his family), Noah got flooded out, Abraham was asked to kill his son and his two oldest sons started a war with each other which continues today, Sarah couldn't have kids until she was too old to really take care of one, Isaac was sacrificed by his father and lost one of his sons, Jacob lost his favorite son, Moses was stolen from his family and then set up in opposition to the king, Rahab watched everything she'd ever known be destroyed, Gideon was sent into battle with way too few men to accomplish a victory, Sampson was blinded and then died in his final victory. Look at verses 35 through 37 for other “benefits” of faith in God. True faith in God does not mean we live on easy street and have plenty of money in the bank or have all our wants and desires met. True faith in God might actually mean I die. True faith in God might mean I have cancer or some other dreaded disease. True faith in God might mean I have little in the way of earthly means. True faith in God might mean I have to give up all those I love. True faith in God says, “be it done to me according to your word” (Mary's confession when the angel informed her she would be pregnant out of wedlock, from Luke 1:38).


But we need not be discouraged about the cost to us if we follow God in faith. His promise to us in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is, “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

One way to illustrate true faith: When God predicts rain, not only do I carry my umbrella, but when I open the door and see the bright sunshine, I open my umbrella to cover the person beside me who would be harmed by getting wet. God did not leave me here on earth to be wealthy, healthy, famous, or anything else my flesh desires, He left me here to accomplish His purposes. My faith only says I know what He wants is also best for me no matter how bad the circumstances may appear.

*What is God asking you to do by faith, how is God asking you to step out into unknown waters and simply do what He asks? Write down your answer, and also quote any verses of Scripture He has given you either as proof or promise in this assignment.