Faith Building

If I am being honest, there are times in my life when words like ‘wobbly’, ‘shallow’ and ‘weak’ are words that describe my faith. (Maybe you can identify with me here). Yet life’s adverse circumstances can, but shouldn’t, cause my faith to fluctuate, if I am fully trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

However, I have come to realise that, when my faith level is low, I am the one responsible for building my faith up again and giving it a ‘boost’. I need to acknowledge the fact that God doesn’t just come along and hand me faith on a plate. Although faith is a gift from God, He expects me to actively pursue or seek more faith, ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6).

To build up my faith when it may be flagging, there are things I can do that will help. It is always helpful to remember times when God has met with me and shown me His love and faithfulness, the times when He has met with me in a special way, giving me His help, comfort and a deep sense of peace during difficult times in my life.

Focusing on encouraging scripture verses will also build my faith up again, as well as remembering answers to prayer I have received from God.

Another important way to build faith is to praise and thank God, even when I don’t feel like doing so. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’.

Sometimes it is easier to wallow in self-pity than turn to things that encourage my faith level to rise again. But self-pity is destructive, whereas faith-building is constructive. Other Christians can encourage us and we in turn can encourage them in their faith. The bible says, ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

When my body needs food, I need to feed it, or I will starve physically. In the same way, when my spirit needs food, I need to feed it with all those things mentioned above to save myself from spiritual starvation. It doesn’t take much effort for most of us to feed our bodies with food, but it does require discipline on our part to feed our spirit.

Sometimes, if I’m honest, I simply can’t be bothered, because it’s not as easy as grabbing a bag of crisps, a bar of chocolate or biscuits from the kitchen cupboard. But perhaps over-eating physically can be a symptom of under-eating spiritually, as I attempt to fill the empty spaces in my life.

Maybe it’s time to ask the question, “How well am I doing on this?” And then I need to give an honest answer.

Prayer: Father God, please forgive me for the times in my life when my faith has not been as strong and healthy as it should be and I have been forgetful of the many ways You have shown Yourself faithful to me. Help me to never give up seeking to know You more and to put my complete faith and trust in You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.