Faith Expansion Through Divine Challenges By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Romans 1:17
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
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Introduction
In the realm of authentic Christian living, the journey of faith is not intended to be static or stagnant. God never intended that His people would settle into comfort zones of past experiences and never progress. Rather, faith is a living, breathing dynamic that grows through continual trust in the Living God. The Lord, in His divine love and wisdom, often sets challenges before us—not to defeat us, but to develop and expand our faith. These trials, difficulties, and callings are not punitive in nature but formative, shaping us into spiritual maturity and usefulness in His Kingdom.
This lesson, drawn from a prophetic admonition, unveils the divine purpose behind the challenges we face and how we are called to respond. Faith is not a one-time event anchored to our initial salvation, but a continual journey of obedience, sacrifice, endurance, and trust. When we resist the expansion of our faith, we stagnate spiritually. But when we embrace divine challenges, we step into deeper levels of grace, authority, and maturity.
Let us explore this call to faith expansion and the spiritual ramifications of either accepting or rejecting it.
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Faith Is Designed to Grow
2 Corinthians 10:15
"Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand."
Faith is not meant to remain at the level it was when we first believed in Christ. The Christian walk is one of growth and transformation. God challenges our faith not to shame us, but to increase our spiritual capacity. When God asked Abraham to leave his homeland, it was the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Abraham's obedience and growth ultimately earned him the title "father of faith."
Every challenge is an invitation to a deeper trust in God. If we shy away from these invitations, we miss out on the opportunities to see God's glory revealed in our lives. Trust matures when it is tested. Obedience deepens when it is demanded.
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False Teachings and the Abuse of Faith
1 Timothy 6:5
"...men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."
In the contemporary Christian landscape, many exploit the concept of faith for personal gain. These religious manipulators equate faith with giving money, using it as a barometer of spiritual maturity. But true faith is not about monetary giving; it is about radical obedience and trust in God’s will—even when it hurts or makes no logical sense.
Those who exploit others for financial gain under the pretense of faith will be held accountable by God. He does not delight in such manipulation. Rather, He desires a people who seek to grow in Him through obedience, not greed.
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The Fight of Faith and the Spiritual Battlefield
1 Timothy 6:12
"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called."
The call to faith expansion is inherently tied to the spiritual battle we are in. Faith is forged on the battlefield, not in comfort. When we embrace the battles, relying on God’s strategies and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we find ourselves moving deeper into intimacy with the Father.
God’s army is not for spiritual babies but for those who desire maturity. He is not raising pacified believers who only seek comfort; He is raising soldiers willing to endure hardship, trials, and confrontation with darkness.
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Examples of Faith Giants
Hebrews 11:17-19
"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac... He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead."
From Abraham to Jesus, the pattern of faith is consistent—obedience through trial, victory through surrender. Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac, the very promise of God, reflects a faith that had been refined through continual testing.
Likewise, Jesus exemplifies the ultimate faith in the Father. His entire earthly mission was an act of unwavering trust. He endured rejection, betrayal, suffering, and death, confident that the Father’s will was perfect. He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
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Faith Expansion Requires Challenge Acceptance
James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Challenges are not curses; they are catalysts. Those who run from divine challenges miss out on the joy of seeing God move. The world offers comfort, but God offers transformation. Faith giants are not born from ease—they are born through tests, trials, and sacrificial obedience.
Rejecting faith expansion results in spiritual stagnation. Believers who retreat into spiritual slumber lose their effectiveness, and often fall prey to idolatry, compromise, or deception.
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Summary
Faith is not meant to be static. It is a living force that must be cultivated, exercised, and expanded. God allows challenges to come our way to shape and deepen our faith in Him. While the world offers distraction, false faith, and spiritual sloth, God offers life through obedience and trust. The path of the faith giant is open to all who will say “yes” to the challenge.
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Conclusion
Do not despise your challenges. Embrace them as divine invitations to grow and mature. God wants to make you into a faith giant, just like Abraham, Moses, and most of all, Jesus. Every trial you face is another opportunity to glorify God and reveal His power in your life.
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Call to Action
Examine your life. Are you running from the very thing God wants to use to grow your faith? Are you avoiding challenges that could deepen your trust in Him? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of resistance, and choose today to surrender to the growth process.
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Final Word of Encouragement
You were not created to remain in spiritual infancy. God desires that you be a spiritual warrior, a faith giant, and a testimony to His power. Every challenge before you is a step toward that reality. Take heart, take courage, and walk boldly in faith.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today, acknowledging that I need You. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. But I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died for my sins and rose again that I might have life.
I repent of my sins and turn to You. I ask Jesus to come into my heart, to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me on the path of righteousness. I choose this day to follow You, to grow in faith, and to live for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
