This is a student message that can be scaled to reach children or youth audiences. I recently preached this at The Calvary Academy weekly chapel.
Today we’re starting a brand-new chapel series called “Stretched, But Strong.” Our first lesson today is “Stretch Your Faith.” Our character for this week is Abraham, and our key verse is from Hebrews 11:8: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” The bottom line is this: Faith stretches us when we trust God even when the path is unclear.
INTRODUCTION – STRETCHING TOGETHER
Before we dive in, let’s do something fun together. Everybody stand up! We’re going to do some animal stretches to wake up our bodies and get moving.
- FLAMINGO BALANCE – First, stand on one leg and balance like a flamingo 🦩. Switch legs!
- ELEPHANT TRUNK – Next, spread your feet wide, bend forward, and swing your arms like a giant elephant trunk 🐘.
- GIRAFFE REACH – Now stretch up tall like a giraffe 🦒 reaching for the leaves, standing on your tiptoes.
- BUTTERFLY WINGS – Keep your arms out and flap gently like butterfly wings 🦋
- MONKEY SWING – Finally, swing your arms loose and silly like a monkey 🐒.
Stretching might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it actually helps us get stronger, more flexible, and ready for what’s next. Faith works the same way. Sometimes God asks us to step out of what’s comfortable, and it stretches us. That’s when our faith grows.
And speaking of stretching, our theme this year has a special symbol: Stretch Armstrong! 🎬 We’re going to watch a fun clip where Stretch Armstrong gets pulled, stretched, even tied in knots, but no matter what, he bounces back. Just like Stretch Armstrong, our faith is made to be stretched.
ABRAHAM’S STORY
Now let’s look at Abraham. In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to leave his home, his family, and everything familiar, and go to a land that He would show him. Abraham didn’t have a map, a GPS, or even all the details. He didn’t know exactly where he was going — but he trusted God enough to obey.
Hebrews 11:8 tells us: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Abraham didn’t wait for all the answers. He obeyed because he believed God’s promise.
KEY POINT NUMBER ONE: Faith means obeying even when you don’t have all the answers.
FAITH BEYOND COMFORT
Think about it — Abraham could have stayed in Haran, where life was predictable, safe, and comfortable. But God’s call took him into the unknown. Real faith is not always easy. Real faith requires risk and courage.
It’s the same for us. Sometimes we want our faith to feel safe and easy, but that’s not how it grows. Faith grows when we step out of our comfort zones.
Let me give you some examples. Faith is choosing kindness even when it’s not popular. Faith is giving generously even when it feels hard. Faith is sharing Jesus with a friend even when you feel nervous.
KEY POINT NUMBER TWO: Faith grows when we leave our comfort zone.
APPLICATION – STRETCHING OUR FAITH
So, how can you stretch your faith today? Where might God be asking you to trust Him? Maybe He’s asking you to trust Him with your friendships. Maybe He’s asking you to stand up for what’s right. Maybe He’s teaching you patience in a situation you don’t fully understand.
The truth is, you don’t need all the details. You just need to trust the One who does.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – SCHOOL THEME CONNECTION
This ties into our school theme this year: Challenge Accepted. Each week we’ll focus on a different way God is stretching us. Here’s the list:
- Week 1 – Character 🌟: Character is who you really are when no one else is watching.
- Week 2 – Humility 🙇: Humility means putting others before yourself and not thinking too highly of your own importance.
- Week 3 – Attitude 😀: Attitude is the way you choose to think and respond in every situation.
- Week 4 – Listening 👂: Listening means giving your full attention to understand others, not just hearing words.
- Week 5 – Love ❤️: Love is choosing to care for and serve others with kindness and sacrifice.
- Week 6 – Encouragement 💬: Encouragement is using your words and actions to build someone up and give them strength.
- Week 7 – Nobility 👑: Nobility is living with honor, integrity, and a desire to do what is right.
- Week 8 – Generosity 🎁: Generosity is freely giving your time, energy, or resources to bless others.
- Week 9 – Endurance 🏃♀️: Endurance is keeping on and not giving up, even when things get hard.
Every week we’re going to be stretched in a new way that helps us grow in our faith and in our walk with God.
OBJECT LESSON – RUBBER BAND
Let me show you something. (Hold up a rubber band or an exercise band.) A rubber band is only useful when it’s stretched. If it just sits there, it doesn’t do anything. But when it stretches, that’s when it has purpose. Faith works the same way. It becomes strong and useful when it’s stretched.
CLOSING CHALLENGE AND PRAYER
Let’s go back to our verse one more time: Hebrews 11:8 — “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out… and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Here’s your challenge this week: Ask God to show you one way to stretch your faith beyond your comfort zone.
CLOSING PRAYER:
“God, thank You for Abraham’s example of faith. Give us the courage to trust You, even when life feels uncertain or uncomfortable. Stretch our faith this week so we can grow stronger in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
STUDENT HANDOUT
SERMON POWERPOINT
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