You’re a new believer and you’re wondering how to build your faith in God.
You’ve come to the right place. Faith can be scary.
Let’s take Peter for example. In Matthew 14:22-33, it details a story of Peter and his faith.
One day, the disciples saw Jesus walking on water while they were in their boat. They were afraid and thought he was a ghost. Jesus reassures them that it’s him. Peter, wanting to be sure, tells him to allow him to come to him on the water. Peter starts to walk on water and is able to come to Jesus.
Once he felt strong winds, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him. Jesus saves him and then says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 ESV).
I can relate to Peter and his shaky faith. Sometimes, when bad circumstances happen around us, it’s easier to doubt than have faith in God.
Is this you? Are you wondering how you can build a strong faith in God? Read on to find out.
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What is the true meaning of faith?
What is faith? Thankfully for us, the Bible gives us the definition of faith in Hebrews 11.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV).
Faith is not wishful thinking. It’s not simply hoping something to be true. It’s not believing in fairy tales. Faith is having an “assurance” and “conviction” which means you’re confident and certain in your belief.
This is demonstrated in the rest of Hebrews 11. The Apostle Paul talks about different biblical figures and their demonstrations of faith. These biblical figures had good reasons to believe and have faith in God. Their previous experiences had shown them that God was someone to be trusted.
Just like these biblical figures, we also have good reasons to have faith.
5 Ways to Grow Your Faith
So, you want to grow your faith but you’re not sure how. Here are 5 ways to build your faith.
#1 Read and Study the Word of God
The first way to grow your faith in God is by reading and studying his Word.
When I was a new believer, I knew next to nothing about the Bible. I mostly engaged in prayer, but daily Bible reading wasn’t a habit of mine. I soon found out that reading the Bible would help me build my relationship with God and grow my faith.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (Psalm 119:105 ESV).
As you read the Bible more, you’ll notice that God starts to speak into your life through His Word. This will grow your faith as a result.
#2 Ask Questions and Explore Answers
God is okay with your questions. We all have questions and I think that’s okay.
When I first became a believer, I had questions about Heaven and Hell, aspects of salvation, the gospel, and more.
Ask God these questions and explore the answers by doing your research. Listen to what preachers and others have to say about the matter. However, be cautious. Don’t take what others say about Him or Christianity for their word, always go back to the source – The Bible.
Here’s a good resource I recommend for new believers who want to explore different Christian topics.
#3 Serve at Your Local Congregation
Serving at church allows you to give back to God and the community. In turn, this also grows your faith.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45 ESV).
As Christians, we’re commanded to follow in the steps of Christ. In 1 John, it reads, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked,” (1 John 2:6 ESV).
We’re supposed to be Christ-like, and a part of that is serving others. When we serve others, we grow in our faith. It also allows you to see God working through you to impact others.
#4 Find True Fellowship
Fellowship is important in the Christian faith. If you don’t have fellowship, you won’t have anyone to help and encourage you.
You’ll essentially be doing the Christian life alone. That’s not how God has intended for us to live. He created us as relational human beings and we’re meant to do life with others.
We need to make sure the company we keep is healthy and good for us. A passage in the Bible says, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals,” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV).
Another passage in Hebrews tells us we shouldn’t neglect meeting with other Christians.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).
Having fellowship in your life is meaningful and impactful. Other people will be able to encourage you to keep fighting and moving forward. They will help grow in your faith.
#5 Practice Prayer and Supplication
It all starts with just talking to Jesus. That’s what prayer is.
Christianity is more than a religion, it’s a relationship with the creator of the universe. When you have a friendship with someone, you don’t neglect to speak with them. Relationships are built on communication.
The same goes for our relationship with God.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).
Remember, to grow your faith:
- Read and study the Word of God
- Ask questions and explore answers
- Serve at your local congregation
- Find true fellowship
- Practice prayer and supplication
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