There is power in faith
Years ago, when I taught elementary school physical education, a persistent fifth grade student and his encouraging friend taught me and his classmates a valuable lesson. There is power in faith.
Fitness Testing
It was spring of the school year–time for physical fitness testing. The components of the test measure a student’s cardiorespiratory endurance (mile run), muscular endurance (sit-ups), muscular strength (pull-ups), flexibility (stretch box), and body composition. Because of our comprehensive physical education program, many of my students excelled in all aspects of the test. Some might not get the score they wanted on the first trial and elected to try certain parts of the test again.
Such was the case with Derrick.* Although he had excellent scores in four of the five categories, his score on the mile run failed to qualify him for the President’s Physical Fitness Award. He wanted to try again.
Bond of Friendship
Derrick repeated the mile run, but still fell short of his goal. His friend Sean qualified easily in the endurance test. Observing Derrick’s difficulty in pacing himself, Sean volunteered to run with him on Derrick’s third attempt. Sean ran beside Derrick for the entire mile, setting a pace that would allow his friend to complete the run within the time frame for success. He verbally encouraged Derrick every step of the way.
Sean believed in Derrick’s ability to achieve his goal. Derrick had faith in Sean’s ability to mentor him through the challenge.
There is power in faith
Four ways our faith helps us meet challenges
Persistence and Boldness
Our faith enables us to persist, to put the “never give up” attitude into action and to be bold in taking steps to achieve our purpose.
In Matthew, we are told the story of the bold and persistent Canaanite woman who didn’t give up when rebuffed by Jesus and his disciples. She persisted in seeking help from Jesus to heal her daughter. Refusing to follow their directive to go away, she knelt before Jesus and cried out, “Lord, help me!”
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26).
“Yes it is Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall down from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:27)
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that moment. (Matthew 15:28).
Courage and humility
Our faith grants us courage and humility when we most need it.
In Mark’s Gospel we read of the woman who suffered from abnormal bleeding for twelve years. Perhaps she felt humble and fearful–confident in the Lord’s ability to heal her, but humble and shy about asking. Seeking help from Jesus, she followed Him in the crowd and touched His clothes without speaking to Him.
Because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body she was freed from her suffering. (Mark 5:28-29)
But Jesus realized power had left Him as her healing occurred. He asked, “Who touched my clothes?” But the large number of people and the crush of the crowd prevented identification. But Jesus persisted in looking (although He would have known). He wanted the woman to have the courage to speak.
Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:33-34)
Even though terrified, this woman spoke up in her fear. That is courage.
Persistence, courage, boldness, and humility
My two fifth graders demonstrated these qualities as they worked together to achieve Derrick’s goal–a lesson students taught their teacher.
What about your experiences in facing challenges? Can you share with us how the power of faith helped you achieve a goal?
*Names of students have been changed
I thank my Dad for instilling in me the value of hard work- challenges- as building character- not just doing – but doing with excellence and pleasure. As an adult growing in faith with more serious life challenges, I add thoughts (and truth) that God never abandons me and is weaving difficulties into my life for His purposes.
Like you, Marilyn, my parents instilled in me a hard work ethic. Farming was a hard life, and often cruel when at the mercy of the weather and the market for the crops we grew. But I learned tenacity and the importance of giving a task my best effort. Thank you for sharing and reminding us that God has a purpose for these challenges we face. Peace and blessings, my friend.
We all need a friend like Sean! I love that story, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. I’m sure the adult Sean is still a good role model. I loved the example he gave to me and his classmates.
Loved this!!!
Thank you, Angie. I hope you’re doing well. I miss our Bible study group.
Katherine, both of those biblical accounts always inspire me. Those women, like others in the Bible, are examples to us of holding on to the power of God’s word and never letting go. Blessings, my friend!
Thank you, Barbara. I, too, am inspired by the wonderful role models the women of our Bible demonstrate for us. Their faith, steadfastness, love for others, and trust in the Lord are amazing examples for us. Thank you for sharing.
I stepped out in faith to agree to speak at a women’s conference. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but I’m thankful God is never out of His comfort zone!
I’d appreciate prayers-it’s the 3rd week of September. Thank you for your words, Katherine!
I’m so proud of you, Kim! That’s wonderful. I just prayed for you, that God will guide you in your preparation and be with you during the conference presentation, granting you peace and courage. I know you’ll do great! We introverts have a lot to share and I’m so glad you’re stepping out. I know God will bless you in this endeavor.
Wonderfully inspiring. Not only do we need a friend like Sean, we also need to be like Sean for others. And, may I be like Derrick and always keep trying. Thank you for this post!
Thank you Craig. These two students inspired me, too, and I hope I can put their faith into action as well. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Peace and blessings!
Sweet post Ms. Katherine. Remembering our final, forever destination is something we can rely upon as we live out our faith. Sure enjoyed this encouraging post ma’am.
Thank you, kind sir. I’m hoping you’re having a great week, with rain and cooler temperatures.
Ah the good ole Presidential Physical Fitness Award. I remember how two out of my three kids worked hard to achieve this, while the other one didn’t give a flip. So many lessons to draw from the boys’ example. I see why the experience of going through it with them stuck with you.
As I wrote this post, I thought of you and suspected you’d know about these fitness tests. My son was an overachiever when it came to these challenges. Sadly, I moved into college teaching when my daughter was in elementary school so I didn’t have the opportunity to work with her. She was probably relieved! Hope you’re having a great week, Candyce.
To have a friend like Sean who will come alongside you and put their faith with yours is such a gift. I pray I can be such a friend to others.
Me, too, Terri. Thank you for sharing that wonderful thought. Wishing you a joyful week.
I’ve been recently thinking about the difference between trust and faith. For me, I can easily trust God in my current circumstances for areas where I have seen God work before. However, it is harder for me to have faith for the future in ways I haven’t seen God do anything. I think that boldness and courage to believe in what I do not see is where I am right now.
I’ve struggled with that same issue, Joanna. Thank you for being so transparent in sharing. Thinking about the unknown which the future holds is scary. Praying for you to hold on to that boldness and courage. I think of Joshua 1:9–“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sometimes we need support on our faith journey. Love the story of Sean’s support and Derrick’s persistence.
Debbie, I’m thankful for the role models I have had throughout the years and that God uses people all around us to teach us His lessons. Wishing you a blessed week.
Friends like Sean are priceless! To be one like him for someone else is a precious gift as well.
I agree, Sylvia. I hope to be a friend like that. Peace and blessings, my friend.
Katherine, thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about perseverance with publishing. It’s is required to succeed and I’m thankful for my mother’s example. She persevered through many obstacles and hardships to keep us clothed, fed, and nurtured. As I press onward with writing and Mom’s care, she’s my inspiration. I enjoyed your students ability to keep trying and to inspire others.
Lisa, I’m thankful that you are posting about your journey with your mom. Your messages are an inspiration for us all and bring honor to your mother’s legacy to you and your family. Your children will remember your love and how your actions show your love for God and your mom.
Though I was athletic back in the day, I never looked forward to the mile run and was always glad when it was over. But, the sense of accomplishment was gratifying.
Good application to spiritual life.
Thanks for this encouraging posts.
Thank you, Connie. I didn’t much enjoy running either, but I like the way it made me feel during and after. As you point out, the feeling of accomplishment is gratifying when we complete a challenging task. Thank you for your encouragement. Blessings!
A good lesson from these boys. These are certainly traits we need as we follow Christ.
Yes Kathy, I agree. Isn’t it wonderful that our loving Father sends us lessons to live by through so many different ways? We’ve had some beautiful fall-like days here. I hope you’ve had some good outdoor time with Molly.
“Out of the mouths of babes”… Thanks, Katherine, for this inspiring story! God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. I’m sure, as a teacher like me, you’ve received many wonderful lessons from your students over the years. We’re blessed to have had that calling to serve Him as teachers of His children. Thank you for your service and encouragement.
I love this story, Katherine! I think when we have humility along with courage, we demonstrate wisdom and understanding that we depend on God.
Humility has been a hard lesson for me to learn on my journey, Annie. I’m thankful for God’s patience in teaching me. I’m grateful for the many lessons my students taught me over the years. Blessings!
What a beautiful picture of how we should work together and encourage one another in our faith walk. We need each other (and God) to complete our race. Great message Katherine
Our loving Father has provided us with the opportunity to work together in His service. I pray we can do that. Together we can do much, but each of us can make a difference. Wishing you joy, peace, and blessings.