How can I increase my faith?

Response

All Christians desire, or should desire, to strengthen their faith. However, those who have dedicated their lives to Christ have come to understand that success does not stem from our own human efforts; we always fall short. First Corinthians 4:7 reminds us, “What sets you apart? What do you possess that God hasn’t bestowed upon you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as if you have achieved something independently?” Without God, we are left to rely on our own abilities, which burden us with pride, stubbornness, indifference, insensitivity, and defeat. The only one we can truly rely on, who will never let us down, is God «Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you.’», (Hebrews 13:5).

Embarking on our faith journey with God necessitates immersing ourselves in His Word (Romans 10:17;1 Peter 2:2). We must delve into His love, justice, mercy, and plan. We must cultivate a relationship with Him, so that we can intimately know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ «And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.», (John 17:3). We should beseech Him to reveal Himself to us and transform us. The Bible assures us that if we seek God, we will find Him «Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.», (Matthew 7:7). And if we permit Him, He will metamorphose us into new individuals who can discern His will «And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed.ed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2). We must be willing to let go of our old selves and shed the pride and selfishness that hindered our relationship with Him for so long. Through God’s transformative work in us, we will cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit, who resides in all believers (Galatians 5:22-23;John 14:17). By walking in the Spirit and surrendering control to Him, we will learn to place our trust in Him. “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” «rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. », (Colossians 2:7).

To nurture our trust in God, we must be willing to step out in faith, leaving our comfort zones and taking risks. When we trust that God will provide for us each day, we can freely carry out His will, regardless of the outcomes. In times of temptation, God is faithful and will always provide a way out so that we can endure it «No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. », (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should actively seek that way out and offer praise to God when we discover it. According to 1 Peter 1:7, trials are used by God to refine our faith and strengthen us as believers; if we stand firm, we will receive great honor.

Do not waver. “Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news – the Good News about Christ” «So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. », (Romans 10:17).