One misconception about faith is the idea that faith can be totally private, not affecting or influencing other areas of life. Faith may be personal, however, but it is never private because it defines the core of who you are and how you make decisions in life. You can’t separate what you really believe from what you do or who you are. Faith in itself is acting on the perceived belief and will of God.

• How would you describe your “faith” in God? How does it affect how you live your daily life?

Read James 1:5-8 & Matthew 7:7-8. Since faith is acting on the perceived will of God, the question most people ask is, ‘What does God want?’ In both of these passages, Christ followers are told to seek the wisdom and will of God, and that God will reveal those plans and purposes to God’s people. The key however is to keep asking, even on a daily basis, so that God can guide you in the daily direction God has chosen you to fulfill. It is in that continual asking that clarity, instruction and daily wisdom are found. (Read Acts 16:6-10)

• Have you ever asked the question, ‘what does God want me to do with my life?’ Were there any clear directions from God?


• How do you daily seek God’s will?


• In what area of your life do you need wisdom right now?

Read Hebrews 11:7-9, 29. Asking is not the only thing required to having a persistent and powerful faith. You must also continually seek God’s will by committing to act on the promises of God even before you see the final outcome. A powerful faith, like Noah’s & Abraham’s, works and walks toward the expected promises of God trusting that God will open the door when you get there. Faith is more than just wanting the word and promises of God, it is working the word and promises of God, trusting that God is in control.

• Do you tend to wait for the door to open, or do you walk ahead in faith? Can you give an example of each?


• Has God ever placed a barrier in your life? What happened?


• How do you normally demonstrate faith by your commitment and actions?

Finally, a powerful faith is a persistent faith. The majority of life’s miracles are a process of persistence, not the result of a single action or attempt. Asking + action + persistence = success in your spiritual walk and calling of God on your life. Read Mark 11:24.

• Where do you need to maintain a persistent faith right now in your life? Can someone help you stay the course?


• In what area/s of your life do you need to trust God and persist in God’s promises? What commitment do you need to make?