Faith Refreshment

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
'Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.' ”
(Genesis 15:1).

One of the most fun times we’ve had as a family was when we went camping. Most experienced campers know to always bring a cooler to help keep drinks and food fresh. Keeping your perishables cold should be at the top of the list for every camper.

Just like a cooler keeps your food from spoiling, God can refresh your faith when it becomes stale or worn out. There are several things that can contribute to spiritual apathy in our lives such as unmet expectations when our prayers don’t align with our timeline or when we only focus on our immediate needs rather than God’s long-term promises. Add to those, societal pressures and distractions which can shift our focus away from spiritual truths and create doubt in our hearts of God’s goodness. It’s why I regularly stress to Christ followers of the importance in developing and maintaining spiritual practices that can help keep our faith from waning

Genesis 15 opens with Abraham, then Abram, being troubled about his future, particularly because he has no heir and is concerned about his legacy and inheritance. God appears to him in a vision where He addresses Abram’s fears and reassures him of His protective presence and promises that He’ll provide for him in due time. It’s quite common to experience fear and feel stuck in a rut with our faith, even when we have examples like Abraham’s story that show God’s faithfulness. Here are some steps you can we take to make sure your faith stays vibrant and dynamic:

1. Reflection on Scripture
   Reading and reflecting on God’s Word can revive your faith. The Bible offers encouragement, wisdom and hope to overcome any of life’s challenges and valleys.
2. Renewal through Prayer
   Prayer is a powerful way to reconnect with God and refresh your faith. Take time to talk to Him share your fears, anxieties and struggles. Listen for His guidance and comfort.
3. Rest in His Presence
   Sometimes, we just need to rest in God’s presence, trusting in His goodness and love. Take time to be still, worship, and let His peace refresh your soul.

Remember that refreshing your faith is an ongoing journey so start with one of the above-mentioned methods for a specific period and watch how God transforms your life. Don’t let life’s pressures, disappointments, and spiritual dryness steal from you experiencing God’s presence and promises which are yours to claim today.

Listen to the sermon: Keeping Your Faith Fresh for the Long Haul

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Last December, Moody Bible Institute embarked upon a $30-million project to completely renovate the historic, 54-year-old Culbertson Hall on our Chicago campus. Affectionally known as “Culby,” the building is named after Dr. William Cullberton, Moody’s fifth President, who served from 1947 to 1970. Culby remains our largest residence hall and is one of three on the Chicago campus. It’s been home to more than 20,000 male students (myself included!) since it was first commissioned in 1970.

I’m thrilled to announce that renovations were successful resulting in mechanical system upgrades and an overhaul of rooms, lobbies, kitchens, restrooms, and other spaces. Culby is now ‘open for business’ as they say and full of students! Praise God for His goodness and provision!

Learn more about the Historic Culbertson Hall Renovation