Building Up Faith
“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” Hebrews 11:1
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is obviously the bedrock of Christianity. We talk about it all the time, we sing songs about faith, we read books on faith, and some of us even teach on the subject of faith. And faith, as the verse above declares so beautifully, is having a conviction of the reality of something for which we don’t see.
Unfortunately, people naturally struggle with faith – even committed Christians.
If all you feel is pain in your body, it can be difficult to genuinely have faith for healing. If you’ve been emotionally hurt by a relationship, it can be hard to have faith to trust and love again. If you are absolutely lost in financial debt, it can be challenging to have faith that God will provide. Whatever your situation, faith can be so brittle.
But why? Why can be faith be so hard to come by?
Though I’m sure there are several reasons, I think many people struggle with faith because they have an incorrect perspective on who God is. Think about it.. if you have the idea that God is angry with you, of course it is a stretch to believe that He will be kind in your situation. Or if you believe that God is far away and disinterested, then of course you will struggle to believe that He cares enough to listen.
Friend, I honestly believe that faith comes easily when we see God for who He is. Deeply in your heart, resolve that God is gentle (Isaiah 40:11) and that He takes great compassion on us (Luke 7:13). His desire is to bless us, and no one can reverse His blessing (Number 23:20). He always understands us (Hebrews 4:15-16) and He sees our frailty (Psalm 103:14). His character has defined “love” (1 John 4:8-10) and He is always kind (Psalm 117:2). He never fails to provide for us right on time (Psalm 34:9-10) because He is so generous (Psalm 100:5). The attributes of His goodness go ON and ON and ON…
When you see that it is the character of our good Father to take care of us, it becomes second nature to expect that He will deliver on His word – He WILL treat us with mercy, He WILL restore what the enemy has taken, and He WILL love us always.
Today, if you find that your faith to believe for greater is not as strong as it could be.. it may be time to search your heart. Who is God to you? Are you deeply, truly convinced that He is faithful, kind, and generous – or is there a small part that feels otherwise?
My prayer for us all is that we would see God for who He really is. His good and perfect nature will never change, no matter how tumultuous our seasons may be. Lean on Him and listen for Him. Have faith that He will be kind to us every step of the way. I am convinced that He will be.
Much love,
Josh