We know from God's Word that faith is something that can grow, one of many examples of this is the story of the father in the gospel of Mark. This father approached Jesus in the hope that He could heal his son. After Jesus told him that all things were possible for those who believe, the father through his anguish and his tears cried out for Jesus to help his unbelief. But this father was not alone in his need, in fact, we are all commanded to live our lives by faith, "The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) But how can we grow our faith?
Here are three ways that I have found to increase my faith, my prayer is that you would also find them helpful in your life:
- "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17) The Bible is clear that there are action steps needed to grow our faith, and the first step is hearing from the Word of God. I believe that this verse means exactly what it says, that we should not only read His Word but that we should listen to His Word. Can we all agree that there is unique experience that comes from listening to something versus merely reading about that same subject? That's why in school we were often taught before a big test to not just write out our study notes but also to read them out loud. When we hear God's Word spoken, it will change us. Another example that has helped me to better understand this concept is the difference between reading a piece of music and hearing that same piece of music. There is a profound difference in interpreting notes on a page versus listening to that same music with my ears. Listening to God's Word has that same kind of impact on our lives. It will change our worldview, reframe our perspective and alter the way we think. To become a child of God means that we are attuned to the voice of God. "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12) But before we can grow in our faith we have to learn how to discern the voice of God. And how does He speak to us? Through His Word. So my challenge to you is this, start listening to the Word of God. Read it aloud when you are doing your devotions or take the time during your day to listen to the Bible on your phone, radio, computer, whatever device you have on hand. God promises that it will change your life!
2. Of course it's one to listen to something, it's altogether a different matter to believe it. When we truly believe the Word of God, when we embrace the reality of the power of God, then we can then claim the promises of God, "The old passed away and everything became new." Do you long to see something different, something new happen in your life? God promises to transform our lives into the likeness of His Son, Jesus, if we believe in Him. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10) Step 2 is believing in the promises of God.
3. Step 3 is trusting in God. You may be asking yourself, "What is the difference between believing and trusting God?" Glad you asked! "Belief" is a noun which means acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists; to accept something as true. The word, "Trust", however, can be either a noun or a verb. Trust means to accept in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Now you might think that there is little difference between those two definitions, but from a philosophical perspective I would argue that "trust" holds a much greater meaning than "belief". I can tell my friend that I believe him when he tells me that he has properly unloaded his pistol and emptied the chamber of all the bullets. But if he were to point his gun in my direction my perspective would immediately take on a different urgency. Do I really trust that he has done what he said he did? Believing is the entry ramp to our relationship with God, but the highway to faith in God is built on trust. Trusting in God means to surrender all of myself to Him, no matter the outcome - for better or worse. Trust grows at the same rate as our knowledge of God's character. Trust is the action step needed after we believe. To grow in our faith we must continue our journey and embrace the character of God that comes with our growing knowledge of who He is.
So there we have it, three steps to growing our faith. Notice I didn't say three easy steps, and by no means is this a comprehensive path to growing our faith, think of this as more of a jumping off point - to move us beyond our current status quo and to grow in our relationship with Christ. We all know that nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy and our faith journey is no exception, but the benefits are immense and eternal. Remember what Jesus said about the value of His Kingdom? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44) When we examine our daily schedules, how many items on our "To Do Lists" promise eternal benefits?
In closing, I've found it helpful to remember this verse, "Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) Do you have a desire to please God? Growing in your faith insures that not only will you please God but He will bless your efforts! So what's holding you back on your journey of faith?
