Building Your Faith

In the pursuit of a steadfast faith, we are reminded of Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Building faith is similar to growing a priceless seed inside of us; it takes cultivation, perseverance, and unshakable confidence. In the same way that a little mustard seed may develop into a strong tree (Matthew 17:20), so too can our faith grow as we gain insight, pray, and put our confidence in God's purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6 direct us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Steps towards a strong faith include embracing God's Word, praying for His presence, and thinking about His precepts.

Our struggles may serve as stepping stones to a greater faith, just as Joseph faced betrayal and slavery before becoming a powerful figure in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). We may develop a strong faith that can survive life's trials by firmly grounding ourselves in scripture and practising unflinching trust. Remember that having faith is a journey, not simply a destination. Accept it because even a little seed of faith has the power to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Let's set out on this trip together, trusting in the transforming power of faith and the assurance that even in the darkest of times, God's love will shine a light on our way.

Let's go out on this road together, taking courage from the Bible and the lessons it teaches, certain that we can face whatever obstacle life throws at us with faith.

4 STEPS TO BUILDING YOUR FAITH

1. Believe in God's Promises: Begin by trusting in God's promises. His word gives you strength and certainty. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. Prayer and Supplication: Continue to pray. Pour out your concerns, aspirations, and wants to God. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

3. Trust in God's Timing: Recognize that God's timing is impeccable. Even when things seem impossible, remember that "with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

4. Stay Resolute: Maintain your faith and stay steadfast in the face of uncertainty and temptation. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)

6 FACTORS AFFECTING PEOPLE’S FAITH IN MORE DEPTH

1. Doubt and Uncertainty: When a person questions the genuineness of their beliefs or God's purpose for their life, doubt might enter their faith. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."(John 20:29)

2. Suffering and Trials: Suffering, difficulty, or pain may put one's faith to the ultimate test. People may ask why a loving God would subject them to such suffering. "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

3. Influence of the World: Peer pressure, social norms, and the pull of worldly values may all have a big impact. This may lead to people compromising their religion or conforming to secular ideals. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

4. Lack of Spiritual Nourishment: Neglecting spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with fellow believers can cause spiritual stagnation. Without nourishment, faith can wither. "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." (1 Peter 2:2)

5. Sin and Guilt: Unrepented sin or feelings of guilt can create a chasm between a person and their faith. The weight of guilt may lead to distancing from God. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

6. Personal Trauma and Past Experiences: People may have a crisis of faith as a result of past traumatic events like loss, abuse, or disillusionment as they doubt God's existence and will. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Faith serves as a reminder that whatever the difficulties we encounter, God's promises remain unchanging. Although there may be doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty along the path, if we have a strong sense of faith, we can get beyond any challenges that stand in our way. Let us keep in mind to put all our worries onto the Lord since He is the creator of miracles in our lives, just as this man's faith resulted in a healing. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Let our common experience serve as proof of the tenacity of faith. Faith is more than simply a defense against life's challenges; it is the unshakeable confidence that, despite our darkest uncertainties, God's love and promises will be true. Remember the words of Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Let us accept faith as our guiding light as we navigate the uncertain route of life, enabling it to convert our worries into unshakeable assurance and our scepticism into unyielding conviction. We become witnesses to the extraordinary, exactly like the healing in the Bible, by giving our anxieties to the Lord and fostering our faith. Let's advance together, rooted in faith, trusting in the unseen, and embracing the divine confidence that anything is possible with faith.