Live Big with Derek Grier: Episode Summary Episode Title: When God Tests Your Faith
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Derek Grier Ministries

In the episode titled "When God Tests Your Faith", Dr. Derek Grier delves deep into the profound journey of faith, exploring how believers can navigate through trials and tribulations by anchoring their lives in biblical truths. Drawing from Romans 4:16 and the life of Abraham, Dr. Grier offers listeners a transformative perspective on faith, grace, and the enduring character of God.

1. Understanding Romans 4:16 and the Foundation of Faith

Dr. Grier begins by unpacking Romans 4:16, emphasizing the relationship between faith and grace. He explains that faith in the New Testament is both anchored in the historical event of the cross and the present fulfillment of God's promises.

"Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed."
- Derek Grier [02:15]

He highlights that justification by faith predates the law, tracing back to Abraham 600 years before Moses received the law at Sinai. This sets the stage for understanding that God's plan has always been centered on faith rather than mere works.

2. Justification by Faith: Living as If Never Sinned

Dr. Grier simplifies the theological term "justified," explaining it as living "just as if I'd never sinned."

"So before God, we are as clean and as pure as Jesus Christ himself."
- Derek Grier [05:30]

He underscores that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are granted His righteousness, allowing them to live with a sense of purity before God. However, he acknowledges the ongoing need for repentance and renewal when sin occurs, reinforcing that justification is not a one-time event but a continual state of being.

3. Abraham: The Archetype of Faith

Using Abraham as a prime example, Dr. Grier illustrates unwavering faith despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He recounts how Abraham believed God's promise of becoming the "father of many nations" even at an advanced age and amidst personal doubts.

"Abraham did not just believe in what God would do. Abraham believed in the character of the God who would do it."
- Derek Grier [12:45]

This belief in God's character provided Abraham the strength to trust in His promises, regardless of delayed fulfillment or external criticism.

4. The Law Written on Every Heart

Exploring the concept from Romans, Dr. Grier discusses the innate "law of common decency" inscribed on every human heart. This internal moral compass dictates what individuals "ought to" do, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.

"Faith is simply embracing truth and doing it from the heart."
- Derek Grier [15:20]

He emphasizes that genuine faith aligns one's beliefs with these inherent moral standards, making the choice to believe in God a deeply moral decision.

5. The Moral Choice of Belief

Dr. Grier delves into the responsibility that comes with belief, asserting that what individuals choose to believe or not believe is a moral decision for which they will be held accountable.

"What we believe and what we don't believe is a moral choice. And it is a choice God's gonna hold us accountable for."
- Derek Grier [18:50]

This accountability underscores the importance of deliberate and informed faith, rather than passive acceptance or denial.

6. Trusting God's Character in Times of Delay

Addressing the challenges when God's promises seem delayed, Dr. Grier highlights the importance of trusting in God's unwavering character.

"Sometimes things don't go as planned or as I thought. But God is good. That sounds so simplistic. It sounds so simple. It's not deep, but when I'm really struggling and God seems to be delaying and he's nowhere, it seems to be found."
- Derek Grier [22:10]

He encourages believers to revert to the basics of faith, relying on God's goodness and faithfulness even when circumstances appear bleak.

7. God's Power to Bring Life from Death

Dr. Grier passionately discusses God's modus operandi: giving life to the dead and reviving hopeless situations.

"If we really believe the Scriptures, if we really believe in a God whose main thing, his sum and his substance, is to give life to the dead, why are we so upset, so shocked when God lets things die?"
- Derek Grier [25:35]

He reassures listeners that what may seem like an end is merely a setup for God to perform miracles, reinforcing His ultimate control and creative power.

8. Personal Testimonies: Overcoming Age and Doubt

Sharing personal anecdotes, Dr. Grier speaks candidly about feelings of being outdated and the divine timing of God's plans.

"God is wise and his timing is always right... God's just had me marinating for the right time."
- Derek Grier [30:00]

He connects this personal experience to the broader theme of faith, illustrating that God's timing often surpasses human understanding and societal expectations.

9. Vision Beyond Ability: The Power of Seeing the Unseen

Using the metaphor of George Washington Carver and peanuts, Dr. Grier emphasizes the importance of vision over mere ability.

"If you just have a little bit of vision and see, see it before you see it."
- Derek Grier [35:20]

He encourages believers to cultivate a visionary mindset, recognizing the multitude of possibilities God has embedded even in the simplest aspects of life.

10. Overcoming Doubts and Fears: Battling the 'Vultures'

Introducing the metaphor of "vultures" to represent doubts and fears, Dr. Grier advises believers to actively resist these negative forces.

"Whenever you sacrifice something to God, there will be vultures swooping out of nowhere trying to steal that which you've dedicated to God."
- Derek Grier [38:45]

He emphasizes that these challenges signify the presence of something meaningful and encourages steadfastness in faith to overcome them.

11. Strengthening Faith Through Scripture and Abiding in God

Dr. Grier concludes by highlighting the importance of immersing oneself in God's word and maintaining a continuous relationship with Him.

"The only secret, only strategy I have with God is to get into his word until it gets into me. Linger in his presence until his presence lingers in me."
- Derek Grier [41:30]

He advocates for a life where faith is not just hopeful but fully convinced, allowing God's promises to solidify within one's heart and mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith vs. Works: Emphasizes that justification comes through faith, not merely through adherence to the law.
• Abraham's Example: Highlights unwavering trust in God's promises despite challenges.
• Moral Responsibility: Belief is a deliberate moral choice with spiritual accountability.
• God's Character: Encourages trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, especially during delays.
• Overcoming Doubts: Advocates for actively resisting fears and doubts to maintain steadfast faith.
• Visionary Faith: Stresses the importance of seeing beyond current circumstances to God's greater plans.
• Scriptural Immersion: Recommends deep engagement with God's word to strengthen and anchor faith.

Notable Quotes:

1. On Justification:
   "So before God, we are as clean and as pure as Jesus Christ himself."
   — Derek Grier [05:30]

2. On Moral Choice:
   "What we believe and what we don't believe is a moral choice. And it is a choice God's gonna hold us accountable for."
   — Derek Grier [18:50]

3. On Overcoming Doubts:
   "Whenever you sacrifice something to God, there will be vultures swooping out of nowhere trying to steal that which you've dedicated to God."
   — Derek Grier [38:45]

4. On Abiding in God:
   "The only secret, only strategy I have with God is to get into his word until it gets into me."
   — Derek Grier [41:30]

Conclusion:
In "When God Tests Your Faith," Dr. Derek Grier masterfully intertwines biblical scripture with personal experiences to offer a roadmap for believers facing faith challenges. By anchoring in God's unwavering character, resisting doubts, and maintaining a visionary perspective, listeners are empowered to live a purposeful and impactful life in Christ, even amidst trials.