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paralleling ASFG 1 on lesson “FAITH”
How Faith Is Developed
BIBLE READING: Exodus, 4th Chapter; Hebrews, 11th Chapter
(pages 36 to 38)
Faith, Weakness, and Divine Purpose
From the story of Moses, we learn that even great leaders wrestled with doubt and self-limitation. In Exodus 4, Moses protested God’s call, saying:
“O my Lord, I am not eloquent... but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)
He feared his own inadequacy — much as we often excuse ourselves from the work that would help others and refine our own spirits. Yet God replied:
“Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (Exodus 4:11–12)
This exchange reveals a universal truth: God’s power within us is greater than our weakness. When we act in faith, God transforms limitation into a channel for growth. The very obstacle Moses feared became the means by which he learned humility — a quality essential for divine service.
The Law of Cause and Effect: Our Choices Shape Our Circumstances
God’s laws operate with perfect justice. When we disobey divine or natural law, we create our own suffering; when we act in harmony with it, we bring forth peace. As the material states:
“We are given free will… and according to our choice we are confronted with the conditions which are the natural result of that choice.”
Faith, therefore, is not passive belief — it is active alignment with God’s law through thought, word, and deed. When adversity comes, it is not punishment but instruction — an opportunity for the soul to learn obedience and trust.
Faith as Creative Power
In the ASFG Book 1, Lesson 4, faith is depicted as a radiant light — a creative force that cannot be destroyed. Like sunlight that awakens life, faith brings forth vitality, joy, and growth wherever it shines.
This creative principle echoes Hebrews 11:3:
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Just as God “spoke” creation into being, we too shape our reality through the faith we hold and express. Faith is divine energy in motion — a living current that builds, heals, and uplifts.
Faith Expressed Through Humility and Action
The lesson emphasizes that “It isn’t what we profess to believe that counts, but what we live.” True faith manifests as gentleness, forgiveness, and humility — the “Christ Spirit” within us guiding thought and action.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as:
“The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This does not refer merely to mental belief but to confidence that acts even when visible proof is lacking. As James 2:26 adds, “Faith without works is dead.” Thus, faith is not static — it grows and becomes creative as we apply it in daily living.
When we “take the yoke” of Christ — as Jesus invited in Matthew 11:29–30 — we surrender pride and self-will, finding rest in divine harmony. The burdens of life grow light because faith transforms struggle into strength.
Moses’ Lesson in Humility
Moses’ “speech impediment” may have been a divine safeguard against self-exaltation. Later, when he cried, “Must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10), his moment of pride separated him from the Promised Land. His journey teaches that faith and humility must walk together — for faith misplaced in self leads to downfall, while faith placed in God leads to fulfillment.
Living Faith — A Reflection of Divine Presence
The ASFG lesson portrays faith as inner radiance — when we smile, forgive, and love in the face of hardship, we awaken the Christ-consciousness within. This is faith in action: the awareness that the divine is always greater than affliction.
Faith develops as we test, trust, and experience God personally. As Hebrews 11 recounts, Abel, Noah, Abraham, and others acted on their faith and received divine witness. Their “good report” came not from men but from the Spirit of God within them, affirming their alignment with divine purpose.
When we lose faith in the world, we have first lost faith in God within ourselves. But when we rekindle that faith, life regains meaning, order, and joy.
Summary: The Creative Journey of Faith
Principle - [Biblical Support] - Spiritual Insight
Faith transforms weakness into strength - [Exodus 4:10–12] - God’s power works through human limitation
Faith is creative and constructive - [Hebrews 11:3] - God’s word (faith) shapes reality
Faith must be lived, not merely believed - [James 2:26] - Deeds complete faith
Faith grows through humility and surrender - [Matthew 11:29–30] - Christ’s “easy yoke” brings inner peace
Faith connects us to divine consciousness - [Hebrews 11:1] - The unseen becomes real through trust
Affirmation: “The Power Within Me Is Greater”
I am guided by the Spirit of God within me.
I release every thought of limitation, fear, or weakness.
The same Power that spoke through Moses speaks through me now.
The God within me is greater than any obstacle before me.
My faith is creative, radiant, and eternal.
Through faith, I build, bless, and become a light to others.
So it is.
Scripture tie-in:
“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” — Exodus 4:12
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
This affirmation draws from both Moses’ calling and the creative principle of faith. Speaking it daily affirms your unity with divine purpose and awakens confidence in divine partnership.
Prayer: “A Prayer for Living Faith”
Father of Light, Source of all Being,
I come before You in humility and gratitude.
Like Moses, I have sometimes feared my weakness,
but You remind me that You are greater than all my afflictions.
Teach me to trust the divine strength that moves within me.
May my faith not be idle, but living —
expressed in compassion, courage, and creative service.
Help me see each challenge as a step toward my highest good,
and every burden as an invitation to grow closer to You.
Let Your Christ Spirit shine through my thoughts, words, and deeds,
that others may see faith made visible through love.
Amen.
Scripture reflection:
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” — Hebrews 11:3
“Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:29–30
This prayer centers the heart in the active trust that faith demands — not waiting for proof, but acting in love and obedience.
Meditation: “The Flame of Faith”
Preparation:
Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take several deep, slow breaths.
Imagine that each breath draws in divine peace and releases all self-doubt.
Meditative Visualization:
See the Light Within
In the center of your being, visualize a small golden flame — the light of faith.
It glows gently, steady and warm.
Each breath you take feeds this light, helping it grow brighter.
Hear the Divine Voice
In the stillness of your mind, hear the words spoken to Moses:
“I will be with thy mouth.” (Exodus 4:12)
Feel the assurance that you are not alone —
the same Presence that guided Moses now guides you.
Affirm the Truth
Silently repeat:
“God within me is my strength and my wisdom.
My faith is the light that creates and heals.”
Expand the Light
Let the golden light radiate outward —
filling your mind, your body, your surroundings,
and finally the whole world.
See every living being bathed in that same creative faith.
Rest in Silence
Rest for several moments in the awareness that you and God are one creative force.
When ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this peace with you.
Closing Thought
“By faith Moses… endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” — Hebrews 11:27
Faith is not seeing with the eyes, but knowing with the soul.
When we live from that knowing, our lives become light —
creative, compassionate, and divinely guided.
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