Growing in Faith

The Hebrew writer states, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)

Throughout the word of God, we see examples of those who did not please God due to their lack of faith. We remember the Israelites that were sentenced to wander in the wilderness till death because they did not have faith that God could give them the Promised Land. The Scriptures state, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:19).

We can see very clearly that faith is essential to a successful Christian life. We certainly go through times when our faith in God is tested. We want to ensure that we endure these tests and walk away from them fully pleasing God. This begs the question, “How can we grow in the faith?”

First, we grow in faith through the word of God. Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We read in God’s word of His people going through all types of trials and tribulations. They overcame all these obstacles through their faith they had in God. In fact, the Hebrew writer references them as that “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). They serve as our examples that when we follow the path they did, we too can please God through our faith.

Through the word of God, we read of over three-hundred prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus. As we read through the gospels, we see the fulfillment of each of these prophecies made. The more we read and understand these miraculous fulfillments, the more our faith in Jesus grows.

Second, we grow in faith through answered prayers. As the church was in its beginning, Peter had been put into prison. James was just killed by Herod and Peter was next to die. However, the church was offering up constant prayer to God on Peter’s behalf (Acts 12:5). Peter was released from prison by an angel sent by God. He came to the home of Mary where prayer was being offered. God answered the prayers of His people quickly and with undeniable power.

We can think of times when we have seen our prayers answered firsthand. We do well to think about these times, the obstacles we faces, and the adversity we overcame through our faith in God. This aids us as we will continue to face new obstacle in the future. Our God is still with us and still answers our prayers.

Faith is certainly essential to our spiritual health before God. As we continue to study God’s word, our faith in Him will grow. When we remember all the good things He has done for us and the prayers He has answered, our faith will be well-grounded in Him. Consequently, we will be able to endure in life and be ever pleasing to our God.

God bless each of you,

Eric Hicks