Recently I shared with you about a pivotal moment in my life and in my faith. God had told me to do something that I absolutely did not want to do. In fact, I didn’t want to do it so badly that I came near to disobeying.
Yet, as a result of God’s gentle yet firm hand on my life in this and other pivotal moments, my outlook on life has shifted.
I don’t struggle with wondering if God is with me. I have an absolute and utter confidence that He is with me. How did this happen?
Of course, I can’t spell it all out like ABC’s but when I look back on my own life and others, I see some similarities. I believe there are specific things that God uses to grow a tenacious faith in a believer. Let me explain.
My own faith has grown as a result of my acting out in faith.
Each time I reach out in faith and am met with God’s faithfulness, my faith has grown.
Remember the parable of the foolish and wise builders? This illustrates that hearing and learning aren’t enough to bring a lesson home to our hearts. We need to live it to get. Because, in the end, it’s obedience that makes the difference.
That’s why where we get out teaching is so important. It is on this decision that much of our growth rests. Good, solid, biblical, expository teaching is where you learn and apply the truth to your own life.
Relationships are another key component in the growth of your faith.
Have you ever noticed that when you hear someone share their story it usually includes a name of at least one person who God used to encourage them along their way? Friends, who we spend time with, greatly influence our growth in Jesus.
I remember when I accidentally volunteered to be in charge of getting a new church directory done. I was a busy homeschooling mom of six with little extra time and zero experience.
Have you ever ended up doing something that you feel completely unqualified for? If so, you already know what an experience like this can do for increasing and strengthening your faith.
Our own personal ministry to others is another major way that God grows our faith.
Last Sunday our Pastor and blessed teacher, Kevin Day, talked about interruptions. I found myself nodding my head over and over, thinking, “I’ve said that,” or, “I’ve thought this.”
And then a light bulb went off! I know unexpected things that happen to us are providential opportunities. But what was a new revelation was that these interruptions are not just opportunities.
Unexpected interruptions are another way that God grows our confidence in Him.
Today I try respond to hard things, temptations, and even the joyous things of life, knowing that God is in it all and is going to use it all for my good.
In the New Testament, Jesus said: “I tell you, if anyone believes in Me, he will do the [kind of] things that I do; and greater things he will do, because I go to the Father.”John 14:12
Now, that I’ve thought this out. I’m going to share this tomorrow morning with my kids. Will you join me?
