Although it would be great if our level of faith in God were always at maximum capacity, it normally doesn’t work out that way. Life happens to us and, as a result, there are times when we may find it hard to trust in God’s promises or even His love for us. During such times, we may be tempted to give it all up, but the better strategy would be to dig deeper and reinforce the stakes of faith in our lives. If you need help doing that, here are 10 ways to strengthen your faith in God.
ASK GOD FOR HELP
Prayer is, perhaps, the most direct solution to the problem of weakened faith. Ironically though, this usually isn’t the go-to for most. We tend to try all sorts of things first before eventually asking God for His help. John 15:7 (KJV) instructs, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” This also applies to faith.
We see this very strategy put into action by the faith of the mute boy whom Jesus healed in Mark 9:14-29 (KJV). Jesus asked him if he believed his son would be healed. The father had a measure of faith but was quick, and humble enough to admit that there was a part of him that lingered in doubt and uncertainty. SO, he cried out to Jesus saying, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” In this same way, we should seek rescue from God when fear and doubt try to cripple our faith.
The other tips outlined below are also important; but, ultimately, it is God who will reveal the best strategies for strengthening our faith. It is He who can reinforce our willingness and determination to do so.
READ GOD’S WORD
Romans 10:17 (KJV) tells us plainly that the word of God is key to strengthening our faith. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) says that scripture is good for instruction, that it teaches us how to live righteously and equips us for every good work. We know that the demonstration of our faith is, too, a good work – that it pleases God and draws others to salvation. When we read God’s word and meditate on His promises we become increasingly convicted of the truth of scripture. Our faith in God grows because we trace His character and see that He is faithful to His promises; as a result, we find that His word is able to sustain us during difficult times.
So, create a habit of meditating on the truth of scripture. Find a word of promise relevant for the season you are in and hold onto it. You will find that even simple repetition of a Bible verse can bolster your faith at times when you are struggling. Jesus himself said that: “… If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32, KJV).
SEEK WISE COUNSEL
Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) cautions, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
When you face mountains of doubt or you are struggling with something in your life, talk to those mature in the faith. Connect with your spiritual mother/father (this is a person committed to mentoring you and guiding you along your Christian walk) or other trusted leader – someone whose fruits have proven them to be a person guided by Christ. Let them help you speak life back into your situation or even help you find the grace to finally say goodbye to what God has closed the door to.
Reach out to those who will help you understand, through biblical principles and scripture, that all things are still working for your good as long as you’re living according to God’s plan. And if you’re not living accordingly, these people should be ones who will put you back on the right track and help safeguard your faith.
SHARE LIFE EXPERIENCES
Spend your leisure time with other believers. Proverbs 27:17 (CEV) reminds us that, “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” Therefore, it matters what types of friendships we invest in. A good way to strengthen your faith is to build godly, faith-filled friendships. Start talking more with other believers. Ask them about their own experiences and what they have found works. If it suits you, then you can apply it to your own life.
Hearing the testimonies of others in this way can strengthen our faith in God because it is proof of His power at work in the lives of those around us. We know, then, that if He is able and willing to come to the rescue of others, we are not too far that He cannot also save us from whatever we are faced with.
Not only is hearing personal testimonies helpful, but so is sharing testimonies of our own. Doing this reminds us that, yes, God does answer prayers. Yes, He cares enough to see about us. He has done it before, He will do it again! When we hear the words of our own testimony, we stir up the faith that is inside us.
This brings us to our next point.
CONSIDER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Taking time to think about how faithful God is may be one of the best ways to strengthen your faith. Remember all the times He has come through for you and those around you. Remember His grace and mercy that caused you to survive even the worst situations. Be mindful of what He has already helped you to overcome. Know that you will overcome again. He is the same God!
READ FAITH-FOCUSED CONTENT
What you read matters, and good reading is always encouraged. If you’re a person who loves books, you may have a TBR and ‘Currently Reading’ list filled with great picks: autobiographies, motivational pieces, best-selling fiction, and so on. But is there room on your physical or virtual bookshelf for the type of content that will strengthen your faith in God?
Faith-focused content can be in the form of books, magazines, website articles, blog posts, and more. Choose the publication style you prefer and spend a small portion of your day reading material that will encourage you in the faith. A quick blog post at lunch time or during your morning coffee break may be just what you need to fuel your faith and keep you going throughout the day.
Some Bible apps also offer free quick-read devotionals and even full-length books. Take advantage of these resources and incorporate them into your daily routine as a way to be intentional about building your faith.
SUBSCRIBE TO FAITH-FILLED INFLUENCERS
The same way that the written content we consume should include publications with messages that affirm our belief in God, we must subscribe to faith-based media in various forms.
If you enjoy interacting on social media, find vlogs, podcasts, reels, and other content that speak the truth of God’s word. Listen to podcasts and sermons about God and His goodness. Watch vlogs where creators invite you to be a part of their faith journey. These people often share testimonies, Bible study tips, recommendations, and resources for everyday ways to remain rooted in Christ.
MIND YOUR MUSIC
There are so many genres of music out there. So many possible additions to our playlists. It is easy to fall into the trap of simply tuning into what’s trending or popular. However, we should be intentional about not listening to music that is just clean and positive. We must also make sure music is inspired by the Holy Spirit and has a message of faith.
Often, it’s not the inclusion of other genres of music that’s the problem but the exclusion of gospel or Christian music. We must be mindful that music has a powerful influence on our subconscious mind. Let’s not neglect worship music as it is a very useful component of our faith toolkit.
JOIN A FAITH BASED CHURCH
This is the point where people often roll their eyes in exasperation. But there’s a reason why we are told not to forsake assembling with other believers. Look, I’ve been there. Questioning why I needed to go to an actual building when God is everywhere and I could just study my Bible and play worship music at home.
But, if I’m completely honest, there is something different about being in one space with other believers. Perhaps it has to do with the proclamation of Matthew 18:20 (KJV): “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Don’t miss out on your opportunities to experience God in this way. It will certainly bolster your faith!
REMEMBER WHO YOUR GOD IS
Our God is not one made with human hands. He is God all by himself. He is maker of the universe, Alpha and Omega (beginning and the end). Everything is subject to His power and authority. He is in your present at the same time that He is in your future. He sees all and knows all. The trials you face are no surprise to Him. Instead, it is an opportunity for you to build relationship with Him – to strengthen your faith.
How do trials strengthen you? Because when you follow the initial steps of prayer and meditation on God’s word, you are reminded that He is a God with healing power in His hands. He is Jehovah Jireh – provider of our daily bread. God is, as one songwriter puts it, “a doctor in the sick room and a lawyer in the courtroom.” He is El Shaddai – the Almighty God. God is undefeated. With Him, your victory is inevitable!
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