February 18, 2025

Step 2: Faith That Sustains

Step 2: We come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can and will restore us to sanity.

Daniel and the Lion’s Den

^{Daniel 6:10}When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

¹⁶May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you.

²⁰O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?

²¹O king, live forever! ²²My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm. 

²⁶I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel,
For He is the living God, enduring forever; His kingdom shall never be destroyed, and His dominion shall be to the end. ²⁷He delivers and rescues; He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, He who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

 

How to Develop a Faith That Sustains

_________

God daily in __________ and _____________.

^{Romans 10:17}So Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

• Create a consistent routine.
• Choose a Bible Reading Plan.
• Pray with a Purpose.
• Journal Your Journey.
• Eliminate Distractions.
• Memorize Key Scriptures.

____________

myself with ____________ people in recovery.

^{Ecclesiastes 4:9}Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.¹⁰If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

• Attend Forever Free every week.
• Find a church home.
• Join a Process Group.
• Avoid toxic relationships.

Practice __________

God in _________ things.

^{Luke 16:10}One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

• Surrender daily decisions to God.
• Step out in small acts of faith.
• Celebrate God’s provision.
• Take one step at a time.
• Replace worry with worship.

Remember God’s _________

________________.

^{Deuteronomy 7:9} Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.

• Journal about God’s faithfulness.
• Share testimonies with others.
• Use scripture to remember.

^{Psalm 77:11} But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

• Let past victory strengthen my faith for the future.

__________

_________ when trials come.

^{John 16:33} I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (NIV).

• Prepare before trials come.
• Develop a response plan.
• Use scripture as a weapon.

^{Isaiah 41:10} Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.

• Stay connected to God’s presence.
• Refused to return to old habits.

^{1 Peter 5:10}And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Leader’s Question:

• What challenges make it hard to trust God, and how can I take a step of faith like Daniel this week?
• How has God been faithful to me in the past, and how can that strengthen my faith today?