A Success Story
The opening chapter confronts discouragement when believers see moral failure and weakening faith around them. Biblical accounts of deliverance direct attention to God’s strength rather than human cleverness. The chapter calls believers to remember that God is for His people and can strengthen them for the work He entrusts to them.
Lesson goal: Learn to respond to spiritual discouragement by trusting God’s power and remaining engaged in His purposes.
Watch the Lesson
Video length: 11:34
Read and Apply
Read Chapter 1: A Success Story in The Life Core, pages 17–20.
Using the picture of a raft in a strong river, the chapter warns against withdrawing from the life of faith. Growth involves staying attentive to God’s truth, trusting Him during conflict, and returning to Him when doubt has led us away. The aim is faithful obedience to His purposes, even amid difficult circumstances.
Key Teaching Points
- Counter the temptation to give up by returning to scriptural truth.
- Look to God’s power rather than treating human ingenuity as the source of victory.
- Stay attentive and engaged instead of withdrawing when conflict becomes difficult.
- Confess doubt, receive forgiveness, and renew your commitment to trust God.
Scripture to Consider
Romans 8:31; Ephesians 6:13
For Reflection
- Name one area where discouragement has weakened your trust; consider Romans 8:31 and pray about that area.
- Identify one faithful next step you can take instead of withdrawing from a difficult responsibility.
Reflection prompts help you apply the lesson; they are not graded quiz questions.
Three-Question Lesson Check
Answer all three questions; all three correct answers pass. After checking your answers, use Retake to clear the answers and explanations before trying again.