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“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Jeremy, a fifth grader with black curly hair and a stocky build, prayed for getting selected to the Midget League Football Team. He loved playing football and wanted to follow in his older brother Michael’s footsteps.

His thoughts whirled around his head. Am I good enough? Fast enough? What if I don’t win a place on the team, will I have to be the equipment guy? I just HAVE to be selected—regardless of position!

How would Jeremy act if his faith was sure, and he KNEW that God would answer his prayer—and that he’d be practicing with the team every day after school? He wanted that so much that he could almost TASTE it!

The Lord wants His children to approach Him with complete trust—trusting our Father to provide the best in every situation.

Those with the richest spiritual lives anticipate the Lord’s best.

Exercising faith cannot be passive.

Action words are sprinkled throughout the text: please, come, believe, exist, seek.

Believers need to get busy! Lets prepare to live in obedience to God’s Word.

First, we’re to lift our petition to the Lord in prayer. (Repetition is encouraged). Then we’re to purposefully choose to trust Him. We do this by waiting for His answer with assurance and anticipation that He will provide what He’s promised. God did amazing things for the people in Hebrews 11:7-16. Check it out. He will work as powerfully for us, and through us.

Father God will not ask us to tackle more than we can handle. Jeremy should begin with surrendering his worries and anxieties to God. Then he could ask God to replace peace into his heart.

Now that he’s able to think clearly again, he can play football with Michael in the yard.
This eager anticipation will sharpen his skills for the tryouts. His choice to trust God is smart. Regardless of the outcome, Jeremy knows God won’t do the wrong thing. God never makes mistakes.

Won’t you follow Jeremy’s lead into growing your faith?

Take Home Nugget

Just as Jeremy strengthens his throwing and running muscles by putting them into action, his faith muscle is growing, too.

By his choosing to trust God, Jeremy’s faith is growing. Each action increases muscles’ strength. Don’t let your spiritual or your body’s muscles grow flabby from disuse.

Assurance through action sounds like a winning combination. We’ll steadily grow into being able to tackle more with each new day.

Holy Lord, may Your kingdom come as Your will is done in my life and throughout the whole world. Thank you for providing for all my needs and the wishes of my heart. I choose to trust in You and You alone. Thanks for keeping me safe in everything I do. I give you credit for all things as I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

J.D. Griffith