Faith functions like a muscle within us, providing all we need at the point of salvation. However, akin to a muscle that weakens without regular exercise, faith requires consistent use to remain robust and effective.
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus highlighted the potency of even a mustard seed-sized faith to move mountains. Yet, for this tiny faith to tackle substantial challenges, it must be fortified through application in minor aspects of life, allowing it to expand and conquer larger hurdles.
Referencing a parable in Matthew 25, Jesus emphasized the principle of faithfulness in small matters leading to more significant responsibilities and blessings (verse 21 NIV). The concept of “whoever has will be given more” (verse 29) is applicable not only to gifts and talents but also to faith. Regular exercise of faith in minor situations prepares us for greater challenges.
If your faith is waning due to neglect, consider a “faith lift.” Here are seven modest habits to fortify your faith:
- Cultivate Gratitude in Every Situation
To nurture your faith, avoid placing conditions on your thankfulness. Instead, adhere to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which instructs believers to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Some believers express gratitude only in favorable circumstances, revealing a fair-weathered faith. God’s will is for believers to be thankful in all situations, as it fosters faith growth, refines character, and aligns individuals with the likeness of Jesus. Offering thanks in every circumstance, including the challenging, uncomfortable, and painful ones, enhances faith in God’s ability to orchestrate all things “for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Expressing gratitude in every situation, not just the pleasant ones, allows you to radiate light in a world often marked by darkness and cynicism.
- Reflect on God’s Past Deliverances
In various instances throughout the Bible, God instructed His people to recall His deeds on their behalf. He encouraged them to construct memorials to pass down the recounting of God’s great works to future generations. Recognizing human tendencies to forget and waver in faith, God highlighted the importance of remembering all He had accomplished. By doing so, individuals could cultivate faith for upcoming challenges.
You can adopt a practice by documenting your blessings and placing them in a jar or decorative box. Making this a family activity reinforces the collective remembrance of what God has done in the past, fortifying faith in His present and future actions.
- Document Your Prayer Requests and Answers
Regular communication with God through prayer contributes to the growth of faith. Recording prayer requests and noting how God responds enhances both prayer life and faith. Consider keeping a prayer journal or using a sheet of paper within your Bible to document your prayer requests, including the date. Use a yellow pen to highlight answered requests and record the corresponding date or details of the response. Remember that God’s response, whether a “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” holds significance. Recognizing and recording these responses can strengthen faith in the God who promises not to withhold good things from those who walk blamelessly (Psalm 84:11).
- Engage in Daily Praise of God
Distinguishing from gratitude (as mentioned in #1), praise involves adoration for God’s character rather than just thanking Him for His actions. While gratitude may center on personal desires and satisfaction, praise directs attention to God’s inherent qualities and attributes.
Creativity can be employed in praising God. One approach is to use the alphabet, assigning an attribute of God to each letter: “God, You are amazing. You are beautiful. You are capable. You are deity. You are everlasting…” Alternatively, dedicate each day to a specific letter and express praise using words that start with that letter: “God, you are capable. You are compassionate. You are caring. You are the Comforter.” Through such acts of praise, you not only acknowledge God’s attributes but also reinforce the reasons for maintaining faith in Him.