how deep is your faith in god essay

Devotionals

5 ways to deepen our faith to make a difference.

God wants us to evaluate ourselves by how deep and strong our faith is. He doesn’t evaluate our spiritual condition by looking at how we appear on the surface. The depth of our faith determines how much of a difference we can make in the lives of those around us.

Staff Writer

5 Ways to Deepen Our Faith to Make a Difference 1

Deepen your understanding, develop deep convictions, uncover deep emotions, cultivate deep relationships, experience deep love.

[46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? [47] As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. [48] They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. [49] But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49 NIV

The difference between the two people in the passage above is simple: a willingness and effort to “dig down deep.”

Using the right religious words (“Lord, Lord”) won’t help us build a faith deep enough to stand strong through the storms of life , or help those around us stand strong in the storms in their lives.

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:3 NLT

God wants us to evaluate ourselves by how deep and strong our faith is. He doesn’t evaluate our spiritual condition by looking at how we appear on the surface.

The depth of our faith also determines how much of a difference we can make in the lives of those around us. Like Luke 6 says, our lack of depth deprives us of the ability to withstand whatever storms come our way, and it will also stop us from having the faith to help our friends and family stand strong through the storms in their own lives.

Since shallowness and superficiality are huge areas of weakness for the writers of this article, we hope you can learn as much from reading it as we did from writing it. Here are five ways we have found we need to deepen our faith to make a difference.

In order for us to deepen our faith, we must first be willing to deepen our understanding. This is difficult for me, because I prefer to gain intellectual knowledge over understanding the depths of my heart.

I’m what some may call a know-it-all. I like gaining a lot of knowledge about all kinds of topics, ranging from health to movies to music. I even like to get insights and knowledge about the Scriptures from reading the Bible.

Though this thirst for knowledge has introduced me to a lot of interesting things, it doesn’t necessarily deepen my faith or enable me to make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes all this knowledge just makes me more arrogant and self-reliant. I often assume I know everything simply because I know something .

But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love. If anyone thinks he knows all the answers, he is just showing his ignorance. But the person who truly loves God is the one who is open to God’s knowledge. 1 Corinthians 8:1b-3 TLB

What I learn from 1 Corinthians 8 is in all my attempts to know everything, I end up missing the point.

Though it is good to learn, there is always going to be something that we don’t know, or something that we’re not sure how to handle. Being a “know-it-all” will not save a failing marriage, or help us know how to comfort a friend who’s lost someone, or even heal us from physical pain. We need to be “open to God’s knowledge,” by understanding he knows more than we do and having faith that he is always working for our good ( Romans 8:28 NLT ).

Deepening my understanding means being humble enough to believe that God knows so much more than I do and he can teach me about myself, about him, and about how to help other people.

The purposes of a person’s heart are like deep water. But one who has understanding brings them out. Proverbs 20:5 NIrV

Deep understanding helps us make a difference by bringing out the deep parts of our own hearts and other people’s hearts. Recently, I had an argument with one of my friends in which we began to react to each other in anger. But as we talked, I realized there were deep things in our hearts under the surface of our anger – like fear, pain, and insecurity. As we talked about these “deep waters” of our hearts , our anger began to melt away.

From that conversation, I learned that if I want to make a difference in the lives of people around me, I need to deepen my understanding of what they are going through. If I’m humble enough to open my ears to God’s knowledge, he can give me the understanding to help me draw out the deep waters of my own heart and the hearts of those around me.

Pause and reflect

How well can you draw out the “deep waters” of your heart or the hearts of your spouse, friends, or roommates?
How do you think developing more understanding would help you make a difference in other people’s lives?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 NASB

To have deep faith means to have a deep conviction or belief that there are realities beyond what we can see – beyond our circumstances, our abilities and weaknesses, tragedies, regrets, guilt, shame from our past and our fears about tomorrow. It’s believing that God is greater than anything we are facing and anything we will ever encounter. Through believing in him and knowing him intimately ( Hebrews 11:6 ), we are able to receive and achieve anything we pray for according to his will ( 1 John 5:14-15 NIV ). To have deep faith is to believe in the extraordinary.

Unfortunately, this is not the kind of faith I typically aim for. My standard is low; I often rejoice simply when I have some faith for fragments of my day. I’m content when I have only enough faith to go to a work meeting just partly consumed with my performance rather than completely. Biblically, I’m not really sure that even passes as faith. It’s not a powerful and mighty faith that creates a difference not only in my life but in the lives around me.

I rely far too much on what I see. I can look back on this past year and think of the failures, setbacks, residual guilt from hurt and broken relationships, and lies I’ve told myself and others to keep from feeling any of the pain I’ve caused. What I see is that I’ve messed up too much to have a comeback on my own. I’ve had to learn that developing deep conviction comes from relying on God’s power rather than my own.

“Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’” John 6:29 NLT

In this scripture, Jesus tells us that the only work we really need to do is to have faith in him. What I’ve learned is that if I want to change lives, I need to work not at being more perfect, performing the best, or even being more social. The only work I need to do is working to have a deep conviction about God and how he works. As soon as I begin to focus on anything other than faith in God and Jesus, that is when I know I have stopped working on my faith. Changing lives isn’t about me at all, because I can’t change anything on my own ( John 15:5 ). God is the one who does the changing; all I have to do is trust him to do it.

What circumstances or fears are you facing that have made you stop praying or even paralyzed you in your spiritual growth?
How has your faith affected you in believing other lives around you can change?
What conviction do you need to develop that will build you an unshakeable faith?

[2] My Lord, in my time of trouble I came to you. I reached out for you all night long. My soul refused to be comforted. [3] I thought about you, God, and tried to tell you how I felt, but I could not. [4] You would not let me sleep. I tried to say something, but I was too upset. Psalm 77:2-4 ERV

Like this psalmist says, I often feel like I can’t express my emotions. I become so unaware of my emotional state that the moment I try to express what I feel, I don’t even know what emotions are there. I’m learning that uncovering deep emotions is actually a very important part of deepening my faith and making a difference in the lives of others.

As I began thinking about the topic of deep emotions, there were multiple questions I had to ask myself to dig into my heart regarding this topic.

If you continue to read Psalm 77 , the psalmist expresses fears and doubts about whether God has rejected him, lost the power to help him, or still loves him. I find that fear and doubt often drive me to stop dealing with my emotions as well. This leads me to the first question I had to ask myself: Why am I so afraid of dealing with my emotions?

Since I have such a hard time identifying and expressing emotion, music often helps me connect to what I’m feeling. One of my favorite songs is “ feelings are fatal ” by mxmtoon, who expresses many of the fears I feel toward being emotionally honest.

How many times must I keep it inside I need to let go and I swear that I’ve trie d But opening up means trusting others And that’s just too much, I don’t want to bother So I’ll keep it inside and bury it deep I know it’s not healthy, but you won’t hear a peep Though I’m always sad and I’m always lonely I could never tell you that I’m breaking slowly feelings are fatal, mxmtoon

Ultimately, inability to deal with my emotions stems from an issue of faith. As the song says, opening up means trusting others, which includes God, and when I don’t have faith that feels like too much.

I don’t believe that God is powerful or loving enough to handle my emotions, make me strong enough to handle them myself, or help me share them freely with others. I don’t believe that feeling weak will actually lead to God making me strong.

As I saw all of these fears and unbelief, I had to ask myself: Why should I even deal with my emotions in the first place?

My eyes of faith won’t focus anymore, for sorrow fills my heart. There are so many enemies who come against me! Psalm 6:7 TPT

Even though I’ve seen their ways, I will heal them. I will guide them forward and repay them with comfort, giving mourners the language of praise. [19] I offer peace to those who are far from me, and I offer peace to those who are near, and I will heal their deepest wounds,” says Yahweh. Isaiah 57:18-19 TPT

Psalm 6 explains that when we let sorrow fill our hearts, our “eyes of faith” won’t focus anymore. I think this means that sorrow in my heart affects the way I see things.

If my heart is filled with sorrow, I’ll have a difficult time seeing myself and my life with faith. If we want to have a strong and deep faith in God, then we need to be willing to pour out to him pain, sorrow, guilt – whatever emotions are filling up our hearts .

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t feel these emotions, but rather must let them point us to God. As God expresses in Isaiah 57, he wants to heal our deepest wounds. He wants to heal those parts of ourselves we are too afraid to show and relieve those insecurities that we feel define us. But if we let undealt with emotion steal our faith, we might miss out on the healing God offers.

We need to take what we feel to God if we are going to see with eyes of faith. This leads us to the final question: How do I use my emotions to deepen my faith and make a difference?

[1] I waited a long time for the Eternal; He finally knelt down to hear me. He listened to my weak and whispered cry. [2] He reached down and drew me from the deep, dark hole where I was stranded, mired in the muck and clay. With a gentle hand, He pulled me out To set me down safely on a warm rock; He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again. [10] I have not kept Your righteousness to myself, sealed up in the secret places of my heart; instead, I boldly tell others how You save and how loyal You are. I haven’t been shy to talk about Your love, nor have I been afraid to tell Your truth before the great assembly of Your people. [17] Meanwhile, I am empty and need so much, but I know the Lord is thinking of me. You are my help; only You can save me, my True God. Please hurry. Psalm 40:1-2,10,17 Voice

David is extremely vulnerable in this psalm. He acknowledges that he is in a deep, dark hole, but trusts that God is the one who can pull him out. Because he takes his emotions to God and lets God help him, David’s faith deepens as he sees God pull through for him. This allows him to boldly share his faith in God with a “great assembly” of people.

When we are completely emotionally honest with God, do the work to ask ourselves the necessary questions to reveal our hearts, and ultimately trust that God is taking care of us, we can’t even imagine the kind of impact on others we can have.

How have your emotions been affecting your faith? Have your emotions been leading you to be closer to God and more compassionate toward others?
Who in your life needs you to deepen your faith so that you can help them navigate through their deep emotions?

Growing up, the relationships I tended to build were based on convenience, having fun, encouraging each other to do whatever we wanted, and feeling no guilt about it. This was satisfying for awhile, but secretly I felt lonely, insecure, and ashamed of how I was living. I knew I needed a change.

Though I wasn’t initially looking for faith or God, the friendships I started to build with people who had a relationship with God helped me see something I wasn’t finding elsewhere in my life – hope.

15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh. 1 Samuel 23:15-18 NIV

When Jonathan finds David at Horesh, David’s circumstances couldn’t be worse. David is on the run, sleeping in caves, and the king and his army are chasing him down to kill him. However, as a spiritual friend, Jonathan wouldn’t let David give into his fear or unbelief. He didn’t just commiserate with David about his difficulties; he challenged him to believe in God’s plans and protection.

My friends have done the same for me by helping me believe in the midst of situations I’d been stuck in for years – drug/alcohol addiction, bitterness towards my parents, and living for myself and my career at the expense of everyone around me.

My friends have helped me see that none of these were too difficult to overcome with God’s help. They constantly pointed me back to prayer and God’s promises in the Bible, when I wanted to quit and give up.

When I am up against tough situations, I know I can count on these friends to help my faith . The problem I face is I often forget that the support they provide is something I need daily, not just in dire circumstances.

12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV

The Bible teaches us that we need the encouragement of our friends to battle the unbelief in our hearts, and we need it daily.

Daily encouragement from spiritual friends is essential to our faith for 3 reasons:

Unbelief has serious consequences. It will make us turn away from God completely. Spiritual friends can encourage us and help us overcome unbelief by pointing us to the Scriptures and praying with us and for us when we feel discouraged.
Sin is deceitful. It hides; you won’t always see it on your own. Other people can help us see our sins and unbelief more clearly than we would alone. Being able to identify our sins helps us repent and turn away from them.
Sin hardens. If sin sits in our hearts, it will harden us. For me, this happens because I don’t want to feel guilty about my sin anymore so I numb my conscience to it.

These deep relationships aren’t just for us though. I believe there are people in each of our lives who need us to be the kind of friend who builds their faith in God, encourages them to keep fighting even when things seem hopeless, and pushes them to become a better version of themselves. It is not our charisma or persuasive words that make a difference in others’ lives, but our deep friendship .

Who can you work on building a deeper spiritual friendship with?
What areas of unbelief, fear, doubt, or sin do you need your friends’ help with?
Do you have any friends or family members who are low in faith right now? What can you do to be a friend who deepens their faith in God?

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 NIV

The Bible says that love is an expression of our faith. I have a hard time seeing the importance of faith in order to have the kind of love I need to impact others. I work very hard at having the appearance of being loving: I give my friends rides, I offer advice, and I take the time to listen when they’re having a hard time. I even try to give thoughtful gifts.

So how can I do good things but then not be loving? The truth is, many of these “good deeds” are easy and comfortable. They allow me to feel good about myself for being a good friend. I get to be acknowledged, appreciated, and my efforts are usually reciprocated.

Deep love is difficult and often uncomfortable because it pushes you to sacrifice ( John 15:12-13 ). This is the kind of love Jesus showed each of us when he gave up his life for us on the cross:

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV

Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to die for us. Despite all of our flaws, sins, mistakes, and shortcomings, he thought that we were worth dying for.

Jesus loved us in life, as well. He dedicated his entire life to teaching, caring, and healing. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 teaches me that if I have faith that Jesus loved me so deeply, I will be “compelled” to love others.

In other words, if I want to truly love others, I need to work to have the faith that God has this deep love for me . This means finding scriptures that deepen my understanding about God’s love, praying about my doubts and unbelief about his love for me, and ultimately choosing to let his love compel me to give that same love to others.

Deep love is not a natural-born talent, but rather learned ( 1 Thessalonians 4:9 ). If I am not actively looking in the Bible to learn from God and Jesus how to love others deeply, I will instinctually revert back to my superficial, “being nice” ways of loving.

So how does this deep love look in practice? Jesus had a deep conviction that God loved him ( John 3:35 , John 5:19-20 ), and throughout the Gospels he shared that love with other people. He believed in people even when they didn’t deserve it, and this is what helped him stick with them even when it meant being hurt in the process.

“Peter, my dear friend, listen to what I’m about to tell you. Satan has demanded to come and sift you like wheat and test your faith. 32 But I have prayed for you, Peter, that you would stay faithful to me no matter what comes. Remember this: after you have turned back to me and have been restored, make it your life mission to strengthen the faith of your brothers.” 33 “But Lord,” Peter replied, “I am ready to stand with you to the very end, even if it means prison or death!” 34 Jesus looked at him and prophesied, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:31-34 TPT

Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would deny and reject him. But because he had already been fighting for Peter in prayer, Jesus wasn’t fazed.

As the Galatians 5 scripture mentioned earlier says, Jesus let his faith express itself through love . He believed in who Peter was capable of becoming and kept loving him even as Peter betrayed and deserted him.

When we pray to have faith and vision for others, we are able to see them through God’s eyes. We are able to do whatever it takes to love, serve, and sacrifice for others, regardless of what it “costs” us. No sin or mistake fazes us, because we are focused not on ourselves or how they’ve hurt us, but on who they can be.

What acts of “superficial love” do you take security in?
Does your faith in God’s love for you compel you to love others? What doubts do you need to pray about in regard for God’s love for you?
What can you do today to love your friends deeply?

To learn more about how to deepen your faith, check out our podcast:

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A Deeper Study of the Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” ( Galatians 5:22-23 ).

If someone says that you are faithful, that is a beautiful compliment. When I think about the word faithful , I ponder a person who is loyal, dedicated, punctual, and a true friend. Webster’s Dictionary defines faithful as “steadfast in affection or allegiance, firm in adherence to promises, true to the facts, and full of faith.”

These truly are only qualities that can be perfectly displayed by Jesus. Someone might have great faithfulness to a country, a boss, family or friends. However, it will never be done perfectly because we are only human. The Holy Spirit within the heart of a believer helps a person to have an “out of this world” faithfulness.

Faithfulness in the Greek

The Greek word found in Galatians 5:22 is pistis . It is seen many times throughout the New Testament. Why? Because faith is an essential part of the Christian life. I love how the definition above shares that to be faithful is to be steadfast. It is not easy to remain loyal to Jesus because, like Peter the disciple, we fail Him. However, He has remained perfectly faithful to us.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” ( John 15:4-5 ).

I am pondering this verse as we discuss faithfulness because in order to be faithful as believers, we must remain in Christ. We can remain faithful to Jesus if we are abiding in Him. We humbly accept the fact that, apart from Him, we cannot have faithfulness to Him, because we can do nothing of eternal significance without Him.

“Your Faith Has Made You Well”

Many times, we read the word pistis in moments of healing from Jesus. The phrase, “Your faith has made you well” is spoken in Matthew 9:22 , Mark 5:34 , Make 10:52, Luke 18:42 , and others. Romans 4:9 teaches that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteous. Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes from hearing. If someone has told you about the gospel, this leads to you placing your faith (and your trust) in Jesus.

Think about someone who goes skydiving. The rookie is strapped to an unknown instructor, in whom you must place a lot of faith as they take their leap together. In a greater way, we are the rookies, and though we do not see God, we know He exists. We know He loves us, He has given us His Word and His life on the cross through Jesus. He gives us His Holy Spirit when we place our faith in Him. Jesus is our Healer, but we have a response to accept Him and place our faith in Him.

To be faithful means to trust. If I did not trust a skydiving instructor, I would not strap myself to him. However, if I trusted him, I would go in faith, knowing that he knows what to do to keep us safe in the unknown jump. God knows all and He is worthy of our faith. He is faithful to us, He has already shown His credentials as Savior and Lord of all. We just have to attach our lives to Him and allow Him to lead us in life’s unknowns. It is adventurous, exhilarating, challenging, and hope-filled to be a follower of Jesus.

Jesus did the work on the cross, but when we place our faith in Him, our faith makes us well. We are spiritually healed from the sickness of sin and eternal punishment. We are free and we are whole.

How Are You Growing in Faithfulness?

Faith is also a spiritual gift. Maybe you are like me and faith is lower on your list of strengths. However, when we have the Holy Spirit, faithfulness is accessible and part of our lives. We can go to Him in our weaknesses and ask Him to help us grow by being more faith-filled. When we believe in God and trust Him, we can go out and be steadfast, knowing who He is and who we are in Him.

This can also look very practical. Do you struggle with dedication, punctuality, or being true to your word? These are also areas to grow in faithfulness. As believers, our lives model our faith to others. If we are walking testimonies for Jesus, would people say that we model Him in how we value the time and investment of others? Is our world and our day-to-day about us, or about serving God and those around us? There absolutely is grace when we run late sometimes or when we have to change our minds on a commitment, however if this has become a trend in your life or mine, we need to re-evaluate the fruit of the Spirit of faithfulness.

We can pray and ask God to give us the steadfast gumption to seek Him daily and to let our yeses be yeses and our nos be nos. Matthew 5:37 says, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Who is someone that is very faithful in your life? What are the qualities they show that reveal this trait of the Spirit? What are ways that your feel convicted to grow in faithfulness with the help of God? In what ways are you currently living out faithfulness?

Be Faithful through Christ

Celebrate and be willing to change. We are all being refined into the image of our Savior Jesus. None of us have been perfectly faithful, but Jesus has done it for us. I would like to end with this closing thought. Peter was the disciple through whom Jesus said He would start the church, however Peter went on to deny Jesus three times at his death on the cross. Peter acted in fear. However, after Jesus returned from the dead, He had a redemptive conversation with Peter over breakfast. He asked him three times if he loved Him. He referred to him as his original name Simon before he was called Peter.

“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep’” ( John 21:17 ).

Maybe you need a reminder that you need to feed Jesus’ sheep by being faithful today? Remember that even if your faith has been weak in the past or you have even denied Jesus, the Spirit of the Living and Victorious Savior lives in You. We can have lives that are full of faithfulness through the help of His Spirit.

Related articles A Deeper Study of the Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness A Deeper Study of the Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness A Deeper Study of the Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

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The Faithfulness of God

Other essays.

The faithfulness of God means God is unchanging in his nature, true to his Word, has promised salvation to his people, and will keep his promises forever. He is worthy of eternal trust no matter how unlikely his promises seem. Nothing in heaven or on earth can prevent God from accomplishing all that he has promised his people through Jesus Christ. This reliability of God should be a great source of comfort and strength for God’s people as they repeatedly fail and go through trials and suffering.

This essay surveys four major Old Testament terms and one New Testament term that highlight different aspects of God’s faithfulness to his people. It then goes on to point out the major object lessons and images that God uses to emphasize his commitment to his people. The final section encourages the believer in three areas of application that stem directly from a proper view of God’s faithfulness.

Key Words that Highlight God’s Faithfulness

Old testament.

At least four Old Testament Hebrew terms highlight God’s faithfulness: ʼemet (faithfulness), ʼemuna (steadiness, reliability), ḥesed (loyalty), and zacar (remember). Each of these terms speak to different aspects of the concept of faithfulness.

The word ʼemet occurs 127 times and is most frequently translated “faithfulness.” A core idea in this word is truth. God is true to himself and to his words. This word is used in the context of the relationships that God chooses to have with his people.

In Genesis 12 God calls Abram to himself and gives him incredible promises about acquiring land, having innumerable descendants, and blessing the world. One of the principal promises (having a son) was hard to fathom due to Abram’s advanced age and the delay in fulfillment. After twenty-five years, God finally grants his promise to the name-modified Abraham (Gen 21). God was faithful.

After Isaac is born and becomes a full-grown man, the promises are now threatened by his marital status. Abraham sends his servant Eleazar to search for a wife for Isaac. Upon finding Rebekah, Eleazar declares, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master” (Gen 24:27).

Jacob, the son of Isaac, prays to the “God of his father Abraham, and God of his father Isaac” and acknowledges his unworthiness and God’s faithfulness toward him as he had grown from having only a walking stick when he went to Laban into a wealthy man as he left him (Gen 32:10ff). Thus, God’s faithfulness passed from Abraham to Isaac and then to Jacob.

God reveals to Moses that he is faithful generation after generation (Exod 34:6). He would continue to show faithfulness to the descendants of Jacob by eventually bringing them out of Egypt into the land he promised Abraham.

When God promises David that he would build his house and give him an everlasting ruler, David declares (2Sam 7:28) that God’s words are true (reliable/faithful).

Nehemiah recounts God’s faithfulness to Israel during the Exodus, in the wilderness, throughout the conquest, in the time of the Judges, through captivity, and all the way to the return to the land despite their unfaithfulness during each period (Neh 9:33). Despite Israel’s perpetual lack of faithfulness, loyalty, and knowledge (Hos 4:1; cf. Zech 7:9), God will accomplish such a salvation in his people that Jerusalem will one day be called “the Faithful City” (Zech 8:3).

ʼemuna occurs 49 times and has the concept of steadiness or reliability at its core. The first occurrence of this word is a great illustration of the main idea communicated by this word. In Exodus 17 the Israelites are battling the Amalekites. When Moses held up his hands the Israelites would prevail, but as soon as they started lowering, the Amalekites would start winning. The solution was to have Moses sit on a stone while Aaron and Hur each held up one of his hands. As a result, “his hands remained steady [faithful] till sunset” (Exod 17:12).

God’s ʼemuna reaches to the skies (Ps 36:5). God is faithful from morning to night (Ps 92:2), and when he comes to judge the earth, it will be in righteousness and faithfulness (Ps 96:13). This connection of righteousness and faithfulness occurs multiple times (cf. Deut 32:4; 1Sam 26:23; Pss 40:11; 119:75, 138; 143:1; Isa 11:5) and emphasizes that part of being truly righteous (measuring up to a standard) means that you do so consistently. Even while enduring just punishment for breaking the covenant, God’s people recognize that his faithfulness is great and continues morning by morning (Lam 3:23). One day God will so transform his people that they will go from being a prostituting wife to a people permanently and faithfully committed to the perfect Groom (Hos 2:20).

The word ḥesed occurs 255 times and is frequently translated as “kindness/lovingkindness” or “mercy.” Even though it is not translated with a form of the word “faithful,” it is often used with some variety of the words for “faithful.” The word is often in the context of highlighting God’s faithfulness to his people because of his covenantal commitment to them. As a result, some modern versions translate this word as “loyalty/covenant loyalty.”

The greatest illustration of this type of faithful loyalty is the story of Ruth. Even though Naomi compelled her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab and let her return to Bethlehem as a destitute and bitter woman, Ruth refused. In the same way she had shown loyalty to her deceased husband (Ruth 1:8), she vowed to cling to her mother-in-law until death (“Where you go I will go. . . . Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die. . . . May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” Ruth 1:16–17). God rewards Ruth—and Naomi because of Ruth—by showing her his “kindness” in leading her to Boaz (Ruth 2:20). Ruth responds by giving her “kindness” to Boaz in marriage (Ruth 3:10). This kind of loving loyalty is ultimately rewarded in making Ruth part of the genealogy of Christ (Boaz fathered Obed; Obed fathered Jesse; Jesse fathered David, see Ruth 4:21–22).

When God gives his laws to the people of Israel as they are about to ratify the covenant with him, he declares that he shows covenant loyalty to a thousand generations of those who are truly his (Exod 20:6; cf. Deut 7:9). Psalm 136 celebrates God’s loyalty to his people as he brought them out of the land of Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, brought them into the promised land, and remembered them in their low points as a nation.

Although there are occurrences of ḥesed where the specific covenant in view requires certain conditions be met, other examples of unconditional loyalty occur frequently. When God gives David the promise of an everlasting king, he states (probably in reference to Solomon) that if the king sins, this would not negate God’s loyalty to him as happened to Saul (2Sam 7:15). David declares in Psalm 23:6 that God’s loyalty would “follow” (this word is used of military pursuit) him all the days of his life.

Nehemiah recognized that even though Israel had refused to listen to God and constantly rebelled against him, he was still abounding in loyalty toward them (Neh 9:17). David asks for forgiveness after his adultery with Bathsheba based on God’s loyal love (Ps 51:3). This loyalty that forgives the undeserving is what causes Jonah to flee from God’s command to warn Nineveh (Jon 4:2). Micah, however, celebrated this loyalty that will be shown in the restoration of God’s people and the forgiveness of their sin: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago” (Mic 7:18–20).

Zacar occurs about 235 times and is usually translated with some form of the verb “remember.” Although the word is often used of people trying to bring back to mind some idea or event, it can also refer to the action that accompanies actively thinking on something. When it is used of God, it does not suggest that he has somehow forgotten something or needs to be reminded of something. It highlights that God is going to act on whatever he is “remembering.” This word is connected to God’s faithfulness in those texts where God remembers his covenant or his people and the promises he gave to them.

The first occurrence of this word is in Genesis 8:1 when God remembers Noah and the animals in the ark after he has destroyed the earth with the flood. The bleak picture given at the end of chapter 7 is met with this dramatic “but God remembered” moment. This could have been the end of humanity, but God is faithful to his Word and ensures that they survive. After Noah and crew disembark, God establishes the rainbow as the sign of his promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again. He states that when he sees the rainbow, he will “remember the everlasting covenant” he made with his creation (Gen 9:16).

One of the main motivations that drove God to deliver his people out of slavery to the Egyptians was remembering “his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exod 2:24; 6:5). After the golden calf incident when God is threatening to destroy Israel, Moses pleads with God to “remember . . . Abraham, Isaac and Israel” to whom he had promised innumerable descendants and a land (Exod 32:13).

Psalms 105 and 106 recall numerous occasions in Israel’s history when God remembered his covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants as they came out of Egypt, traveled through the wilderness, came into the promised land, and eventually were taken into captivity (Pss 105:8, 42; 106:45). Since God knew that the nation of Israel would perpetually rebel against him, he established a new, everlasting covenant with his people because he remembered the covenant he had made with them in their “youth” (Ezek 16:60).

New Testament

The main Greek word used for God’s faithfulness in the New Testament is pistos . It occurs 67 times in 63 verses. Pistos is used to describe people (often stewards or servants), statements, and God. Jesus referred to faithful (often indicating someone who is dependable) and unfaithful servants when he taught through parables in order to encourage genuine faith and perseverance among those who heard his teachings (Matt 24:45ff; 25:21ff; Luke 12:42; 16:10ff).

Several passages use pistos to refer to servants of Christ who persevere in the ministry as dependable servants (1Cor 4:2, 17; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7, 9; 1Tim 1:12; 2Tim 2:2; 1Pet 5:12). The positional standing of all believers is highlighted by using pistos to identify them (Acts 10:45; 16:1; 2Cor 6:15; Gal 3:9; Eph 1:1; Col 1:2; 1Tim 4:10; 5:16; 6:2).

Pistos is also used to describe statements that are reliable because of their truthfulness (1Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2Tim 2:11; Titus 1:9; 3:8; Rev 21:5; 22:6). In the same way that people who stay true to their job or ministry are dependable and trustworthy, so God is a person upon whom his people can depend (like Sarah in Genesis who believed she would have the promised child because God is faithful, see Heb 11:11).

God’s faithfulness is most clearly revealed through Jesus Christ, whose character of ultimate reliability personifies what it means to be faithful—even to the point of “faithful” becoming one of his names or titles. He is the faithful witness (Rev 1:5), the faithful one (Rev 2:13), the faithful and true witness (Rev 3:14), and the one called Faithful and True (Rev 19:11).

Because of the reliability of the work of Christ for his people, all the promises of God to his children find their “yes” in him (2Cor 1:20). God’s faithfulness can help a believer overcome temptation (1Cor 1:9) and suffering (1Pet 4:19). When God’s people are unfaithful, he remains faithful. No matter what people do, God’s faithfulness is unchangeable for he cannot deny himself (i.e., who he is, 2Tim 2:13).

Key Images that Highlight God’s Faithfulness

The Old Testament uses poignant illustrations found in everyday life to highlight God’s faithfulness toward his people.

The Natural Order of the Universe

After God destroyed the earth with the flood and Noah and crew exited the ark, he promised that he would never do this again (Gen 8:21). The perpetual evidence (in addition to the rainbow) that he would keep this promise is found in the relentless, unceasing recurrence of summer and winter, cold and heat, and day and night (Gen 8:22). This illustration is used again as proof not only of God’s sustaining of the physical world but ultimately of his faithfulness to the New Covenant.

Jeremiah 31:35 states that God has appointed the sun to shine during the daytime and the moon and stars by night. He has also appointed the sea to perpetually produce waves. The constancy of these natural phenomena are visible reminders of God’s unbreakable promises in salvation (Jer 31:36). Jeremiah 33:20–26 uses this same covenant with day and night as the guarantee of the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. For the believer, the blazing of the sun, the glowing of the moon, the crashing of the waves, and the changing of the seasons should all serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness to his people through Christ.

The Immensity of Creation

The vastness of the creation points to the vastness of God’s faithfulness to his people in salvation. Psalm 36:5 states that God’s faithfulness reaches to the skies; in other words, it goes on and on into infinity. In speaking of God’s faithfulness to his covenant, Psalm 103:11 states that God’s faithfulness is comparable in greatness to the distance of the heavens from the earth. This extends to the magnitude of his forgiveness in this covenant; it is as far as the east is from the west (infinite; Ps 103:13). The immensity of the universe becomes a tangible guarantee that God will keep his salvation promises.

Jeremiah 31:37 declares that only if humans can measure the heavens or explore the foundations of the earth will he break his salvation promises of the New Covenant. Whenever a Christian looks up into the night sky or peers through a telescope at some distant planet, he or she can be reminded and assured of God’s faithfulness in salvation.

The Parent/Child Relationship

Psalm 103 details multiple ways in which the Lord shows his faithfulness (covenant loyalty) toward his people. One of the images used to illustrate God’s faithfulness is found in Psalm 103:13. The verse states that God has compassion on his people (those who fear him) in the same way a father has compassion on his children. Parents naturally have feelings of love, attachment, care, and commitment toward each of their children. This general disposition does not change regardless of how many times the child disobeys or disappoints.

Jesus alludes to this positive disposition when he teaches that even “evil” parents give good gifts (bread and fish) to their children when they ask (Matt 7:9–11). This relationship is not based on merit, and it cannot be broken. In this relationship the parent is the one in the position to provide for, protect, nurture, and guide the child. In the same way God’s faithfulness to his people includes this tender, unbreakable, and compassionate care for them.

Isaiah 49:15–16 adds a powerful comparison and even contrast to this parent/child image. Verse 14 describes how some among God’s people were claiming that God had abandoned and “forgotten” them (i.e., they allege God has done the opposite of remembering [ zacar ], and therefore, is unfaithful to the covenant). In verse 15 God mentions a mother’s relationship with her nursing child. It is unlikely that she would forget to care for her newborn (the mother’s body reminds her to nurse her child and the child’s cries remind her of her child’s needs). The degree of attachment and care that a mother feels for a nursing child is one of the most powerful portraits of intimacy, tenderness, and connectedness possible for a human being. God states that even if a mother would somehow manage to forget her child, he never will forget his people. He has inscribed them into the palm of his hand (Isa 49:16). God’s faithfulness to his people surpasses the strongest commitment possible between any human beings.

Husband/Wife

The husband/wife relationship is used in both the Old and the New Testament to illustrate various aspects of God’s relationship with his people. The concept of faithfulness is implied in most contexts, but it is explicitly detailed in the symbolic marriage of the prophet Hosea. God commands him to marry a woman who would prove to be unfaithful in the worst possible way (she is called a “woman of prostitution” in Hos 1:2).

God explains that his people have committed excessive spiritual prostitution (the Hebrew construction is emphatic here) by following after other gods and living immorally. In most human marriages adultery results in divorce. One would imagine that if a wife were to become a prostitute her husband would never give her a chance of restoring the marriage. God’s faithfulness to his unfaithful people unfathomably leads him not only to stay faithfully committed to them but also to so transform them so that they become permanently faithful to him: “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD” (Hos 2:19-20). Paul specifies that this redemptive cleansing of the bride is accomplished by the sacrificial, substitutionary work of Christ (Eph 5:25–27).

God’s Faithfulness Motivates Christian Faithfulness

The faithfulness of God to his people should be the primary motivator for our faithfulness to him. Hebrews 10:23 exhorts believers to hold unwaveringly to the hope of the effective priestly work of Christ on their behalf because the one who promised is faithful. This faithfulness manifests itself in the Christian practice of spurring each other to love and good deeds and habitually gathering with other believers for worship (Heb 10:24–25).

Inevitably believers will prove to be unfaithful as they seek to live-out the gospel. Thankfully we are encouraged that even if we are unfaithful, God remains faithful because he cannot deny himself (2Tim 2:13). Because of God’s faithfulness to us in Christ, we confess our sins (1Jn 1:9). No matter how often we may fail and sin, God is unchanging in his response to the repentant confessor.

Ultimately God’s faithfulness motivates our faithful living as we longingly anticipate the return of Christ. One day the Faithful One will appear in the clouds and accomplish the final sanctification and purification of his people (1Th 5:24).

25 Ways to Build Your Faith in God and Trust Him in Everything

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Since pleasing God is essential to an abundant life, building our faith is a natural step. We are living in a world where the temptation to doubt God is constant. His children need more than ever to learn how to trust in His goodness and have strong faith.

Below are some practical ways to move toward a stronger faith and a heart that trusts God’s promises. Take a moment to review the following list and discover your next step to deeper faith and trust in God.

1. Remember God’s Faithfulness

Our faith will naturally grow when we make a conscious effort to look for ways to trust God. Pray and seek the Lord’s help when faced with a need or going through a difficult time in your life. Then, watch and wait. He will move because you are trusting in Him.

Once you see His intervention or Him speaking into your difficulty, you will have something to hold onto; your heavenly Father cares and moves on your behalf! The next time you find it difficult to trust God, remember He moved on your behalf before, and He will do it again. Step by step, you will build a strong faith that will help you overcome life’s challenges.

2. Start a Prayer and Praise Journal

When we stand face to face with spiritual obstacles and feel the crushing weight of our burdens, it causes us to forget what God has already done for us. A simple way to keep your focus on God in those moments is to start a prayer and praise journal.

Use a journal to write down prayer requests, including the date you entrusted them into God’s hands. When God answers your prayer, add that information to your journal. Your journal will contain the evidence you need to face difficult times with a deeper trust in your loving Father’s faithfulness.

3. Reflect on God’s Promises

Difficult things often arrive suddenly in our lives, as if dropping out of the sky onto our path. All you can see at that moment is a mountain. It blocks your progress and your vision of what lies ahead. When we focus on the mountain, we lose faith in God.

The Bible tells of God’s children overcoming obstacles with His help. Ask God to give you the strength to climb your mountain or make a way through to the other side. As God takes you by the hand and leads you to victory, your trust will soon overshadow all your mountains.

4. Trust God’s Plans

When we receive bad news or come face to face with a difficult circumstance, often it shakes us to our core and fear sets in. A perfect way to build the kind of faith that does not fail is to always trust in God’s plans. He knows your future and has plans to prosper you. Life-shattering moments are no surprise to God, even if tears fill our path.

Memorize Jeremiah 29:11 and hold it in your heart. When you face the temptation to doubt God’s presence in your life, this Bible verse can be a reminder that you never walk alone. Walking with the Lord is the best way to learn to trust Him with everything.

5. Pray God’s Promises Back to Him

A great way to increase your faith is to pray for the promises found in God’s Word. Some promises in the Bible are for a specific person or people. Faith, however, calls us to believe that if God did it for those people, He can do it for us.

Search for Bible verses that you can pray over any situation. Your faith can easily grow with each answer to a prayer that you receive, each promise He grants, and each deliverance He provides. He can also test your faith when He determines it is in your best interest for you to pass through the circumstance. Praying His Word back to Him will show you a lot about your faith and teach you about the will of God.

6. Set Aside Time to Listen

Our lives are full of things demanding our attention and draining our time. There is a remedy for these distractions: start listening to the Word of God on a daily basis. Instead of listing to music on the radio during your commute, you could try listening to a podcast of your favorite pastor. Instead of spending two or three hours a night watching your favorite TV programs, set aside some time for a Bible study instead.

Philippians 4:8 provides a list of what we should focus on, but life chokes these things out. Taking intentional steps to listen to the teaching of His Word will bring direction, hope, and growth to your life.

7. Ask the Lord Jesus to Increase Your Faith

There is a simple way to grow your faith: ask for Christ Jesus to increase it. His followers asked Him to increase their faith in Luke 17:5, and they saw His miracles and listened to His teachings firsthand. If they needed more faith to accomplish the Lord’s will, how much more do we?

To build your faith, ask the Lord to increase it to the measure needed to fulfill His will. God is faithful to His children, and His desire is for us to walk in faith. So, boldly ask the Lord for a full measure of faith.

8. Read and Memorize God’s Word

There are a lot of bad things dominating our hearts and minds, most of which will serve no purpose in hard times. In comparison, the Word of God is a pillar of fire guiding us through the darkness of difficult circumstances.

Reading the Bible reveals God’s goodness and faithfulness. Your faith will deepen when you learn about the God you serve. Memorizing Bible verses will help you when faced with trials. You will come out the other side of your trial in victory. You won’t be victorious because of your strength, but because you trusted in God. Each time you overcome with help from the Word of God, your trust will be stronger.

9. Surrender Your Trust to God

The sin of self-reliance is a prime example of lacking trust in God. If you are not trusting God, then your faith is based on something else. Having faith in other things restricts the power of God in your life. Eventually, you are disappointed because of human limitations.

Note the areas of your life in which you have not surrendered into God’s hands and then ask Him to take control. Trust your life to God’s plans and God’s ways. This will grow your faith because you learn that His ways are far better than anything you could have imagined. Surrender results in a stronger faith and a deeper trust in God.

10. Identify Areas of Unbelief

Mark 9:24 is a picture of what happens when unbelief meets Jesus Christ face-to-face. The father in this story brought a profound, personal need before the Lord, and the encounter revealed his unbelief. It is best not to wait until you are in a crisis to discover your unbelief because unbelief hinders your faith.

Ask God to examine your heart and write down what He reveals. Fight against your unbelief with the help of the Word of God. As you move from unbelief to belief, your faith and trust in God will flourish.

11. Trust God with Your Pain

When difficult times come, it is easy to question the goodness of God. Your heart then starts equating God’s goodness with your will, and this leads to disappointment. Resist the urge to think God does not care about you when things do not go as you desire. You must fix your mind and spirit on the promises of God and trust Him no matter what happens.

The purpose for suffering in your life is in God’s hands. He knows your deepest and most desperate needs and is ready to discuss them with you. He has prepared enough faith for you to be victorious, so ask Him to fill your spirit with all you need. There is pain in the night, but with Him, joy comes in the morning.

12. Denounce Empty Substitutions of Faith

The Old Testament tells how some of God’s children trusted in everything but Him. The results were devastating and painful. Today’s culture offers many idols for us to trust, but they are just empty substitutions for the Living God.

Good things like church, jobs, and family can become idols, and God directly opposes idols of any kind. Pray and ask Him to reveal if you have based your faith on anything other than Him. Tear down any substitutes the Holy Spirit reveals and request His help to have faith in God alone. Once the Lord helps you remove the obstacles to growth, you will experience a greater measure of faith.

13. Take Your Thoughts Captive

Many Christians struggle with doubt, and God’s Word teaches us that we are not alone. John doubted Christ’s identity, and even Thomas did not believe it was Christ when he saw Him.

God is always calling His children out to deeper waters and into unknown areas. Why? To help us learn to trust Him. So, how do you deal with faith-crushing doubt? Pray and confess it to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Fight against your doubt with the Word of God. Look up Bible verses that will help you make your every thought captive & obedient to Christ. Ask the Lord to grant you the faith to overcome your doubt, and it will surprise you how much your trust will grow.

14. Align Your Life under His Will

Sin erodes our faith in God and causes us to feel we have lost God’s love. When we do not feel loved or are ashamed, we avoid God’s presence, just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Our feelings drive us away from faith in God and His Word.

A great way to build your faith is to repent and confess your sins. Acknowledging God’s holiness and aligning your plans under His sovereignty will open your life up to new and exciting ways to grow your faith. Ask God to show you if you have sin that needs forgiving. As you make His will the desire of your heart, you give glory to God and start your journey to a stronger faith.

15. Focus on the Needs of Others

Often, we see people who seem to radiate strength and faith in God. If we are honest, we wish we had that kind of faith. How did they get to their spiritual condition? They stepped out of the boat, tested the waters, and trusted that God would hold them up or teach them to swim.

Serving others is a perfect way to step out in faith and see how God works. The first thing to do is to find something you enjoy doing and serve in that area. Your church should have many opportunities to serve. If they do not have a ministry for you, then start one! God can use your joy in serving as a catalyst for growth in your life and impact the eternal life of others.

16. Make God Your Security

What do you depend on for your security and wellbeing? Is it a person other than Jesus? Is it in your job, talent, intelligence, or status? When you base your faith on things or people, then in time, your security crumbles. Jobs and fortunes are lost, and people die or leave us. There is always someone more intelligent, and your status is only a social media post away from being destroyed. It only takes one catastrophe to awaken us to the realization that we have been building our lives on sand and not on the Lord Jesus, our Rock.

Make a list of the important things in your life, then pray and give them into the Lord’s faithful hands. Ask the Father to bless you with the faith you need to trust Him completely. Then, you can stand firm no matter what bad things happen.

17. Practice Contentment

It is hard to be content if things do not go the way we want or when in the middle of a long trial. Discontentment, while natural, shows a lack of trust in God. The children of God must fight against discontentment. We should decide in advance to stand firm in our faith and trust in the goodness of God, no matter what.

Whatever you are facing, focus on what He is accomplishing through your disappointment or suffering and on the promises of God. Remember to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of your faith, and He will help you grow and trust even in your suffering.

18. Utilize Your Shield of Faith

A great enemy of our faith is spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians in AD60, but God’s Word is just as alive, active, and relevant today.

Satan’s desire is for the children of God to doubt and lose faith. Satan attacks our faith because it is our shield and protects us from his fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). Before you find your faith wavering, read Ephesians 6 and make the Armor of God a part of your daily life. We find the secret to having enough faith in verse 10, “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” We do nothing in our strength, but our faith in God activates His power. Pray and confess your need for His power and protection. Ask Him to strengthen your faith so that you can stand against anything the enemy sends your way.

19. Remove Prideful Thinking

Pride causes significant damage to our faith by challenging our trust in God. Pride teaches us we have all the answers, so we believe the lie and look to our own understanding more than God’s truth. Psalm 139:23-24 provides a template for testing our lives for any offensive ways.

Pray and ask the Father to reveal any areas of your life dominated by pride and ask for His forgiveness. List what He reveals in a notebook, then find Bible verses to help you overcome these prideful areas. As you pray and make a conscious effort to eradicate pride from your life, you will develop a deeper trust in God’s promises. A deeper trust leads to a closer relationship and a stronger faith in His love for you.

20. Build Trust Through Prayer

Prayer is a conversation with the Living God, yet His children often neglect it. When we pray, we get a sense of the heartbeat of God for the lost, our family, and our spiritual condition. When we do not have the words to pray, we can ask the Holy Spirit to pray for us.

God has provided all you need to grow through prayer. So, start today and spend some time in the presence of the Lord. It may seem awkward at first, but when you pray and feel His presence, your faith will become firmly established. The Christians who make prayer a part of their daily life will continue to grow in faith and trust as they see God move.

21. Be a Witness of His Faithfulness

Talking to others about Christ is scary for many people, mainly because we think we do not have all the answers or we aren’t sure what words to use.

Pray and surrender yourself to be an instrument for telling others about His love. Confess your fears and ask the Lord to help you share the good news of Jesus Christ. God will open doors of opportunity for you to witness. You will find that God is faithful to give you words to speak, and the power of the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of the people through you. Your measure of faith will increase as you walk under the influence of His love and power.

22. Call on the Holy Spirit

We have all been in a situation where we know we need to step out in faith, but we shrink back. How do we overcome those moments when fear rules over our faith? A long time ago, our Heavenly Father provided all we need through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus called Him our Helper in John 14:26, so the next time you find yourself in a situation where you want to shrink back, stop, and pray.

Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to strengthen your faith to step out and do what God is calling you to do. When you complete your assignment, He has given you, your faith in Him will soar as He uses you to do great things.

23. Be a Good Steward of Faith

Often, Christians long to have more faith even though they are not faithful with what they already have. One of the best ways to grow your faith is to be obedient to what you already know you should do but are not.

James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word of God. The first step toward a strong faith is to compile a list of what you already know you should be doing. For example, prayer and reading God’s Word should be a part of your daily life. If they are not, your next step would be to make time for each of these things. Be faithful with what you have, and you will grow with each step of obedience you take!

24. Remove Obstacles to Peace

The lack of peace is an obstacle to building faith and trust in God. There are many times we are not sure what to do, and the lack of peace freezes our progress. Other times, we are not sure we know the will of God, and the lack of peace keeps us from doing anything.

In Isaiah 26:3, God promises to “keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Here is the secret to your peace: trust in God . Pray for God’s guidance and trust that the Spirit of God will not allow you to take one step outside of His will for your life. If you take Him at His Word and trust what He says is true, His perfect peace will dominate your mind resulting in the growth you desire.

25. Walk Closely with Christ Jesus

In Colossians 2:6-7, God instructed us to “walk in Christ Jesus the Lord.” Walking close to Him will give your faith the roots it needs to flourish.

Here are some practical ways for you to walk closely with the Lord Jesus. First, read about Him in God’s Word. Learning more about what He has done and said will naturally lead you to the next step. Worship Him, praising Him for His sacrifice and love. Then, follow His lead in all areas of your life, including the service of others. As you walk with Him, you will be strengthened in your faith.

These steps are not all-inclusive, but they certainly are a good start. God has gone to great lengths to make it possible for you to have a close relationship with Him, and faith and trust are crucial to that relationship. Let this list be your first step toward pleasing God.

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. However, the Bible tells us of many people who did please Him. The significance is that it is possible, so pray and seek the faith needed. O Lord, we ask this day for Your help and provision to live faithful and pleasing lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As Christians, we all have faith to some degree. The Bible says in Romans 12 that each of us is given a measure of faith. We operate in faith all the time and don't even think about it.

For example, some of you reading this article have teenagers you send off to school every day. That requires some faith. And we all need a little faith every time we drive in traffic.

Even if you don't feel like a spiritual giant of faith, you can take hope in God's Word that says that as a believer, you have a measure of faith planted inside you.

Is Your Faith All Talk?

Some of you might say, "Well, I have faith. I believe in Jesus." Frankly, it's one thing to say you have faith, but it's an entirely different matter to apply your faith to life's challenges.

When the storms of life come (and they do for all of us), do you stay calm, cool and collected? Or do you allow fear to overpower your faith? Do you give the situation completely over to God, or do you try to figure everything out?

Stuff Happens

It's easy for us to feel like we've got great faith when things go well or play out like we want them to. And it's easy for us to have faith when something new comes along and life is exciting.

But stuff happens. And when stuff happens, how does your faith respond?

We operate in faith all the time and don't even think about it. I'm not just referring to big dramatic events that take place...I'm also referring to the little things that pop up and can easily sidetrack you.

For example, recently I was at a conference, and I had a Starbucks coffee waiting for me after one of the sessions. I absolutely love Starbucks coffee. And the coffee was inside one of these big, double-walled Starbucks mugs that keep your coffee warm for a long time. The mug is a copper color, and I really love to use it when I drink coffee.

Anyhow, after the session I went back to drink the coffee, and somebody had stolen it! The mug, even the creamer...everything was gone.

You see, stuff is going to happen. And years ago I would have thrown a fit if that had happened. I would have cried, "Oh God, why does this stuff happen to me? The devil is always picking on me! It's not fair!"

But I kept the faith and decided that the whole incident was actually quite hilarious. And then I started thinking, Well, somebody might have been cleaning up and thought they were doing something good. You see, I practiced something else the Bible tells us to do: to think the best of people. That also requires faith.

How to Release Faith

Faith is something that must be released. You can possess faith, but you must put it to use. A muscle that is not used gets weak and shrivels up. If you don't use your faith, then it's no different than not having any.

When you sit down in a chair, you have faith that it's not going to collapse. You don't start sweating and trembling with fear saying, "Oh, I'm afraid to sit in this chair. I don't know if I should be doing this!" It's a silly illustration to make the point: You just go plop down in the chair because you do have a measure of faith.

But what about when you have a problem? Do you go plop down in the arms of Jesus and say, "I'm asking You to take care of this and I believe You will."

Do you release your faith through prayer, line up what you speak with God's promises, and do whatever He asks you to do without trying to figure things out? Now that's the way to release your faith!

Give your circumstance over to Jesus and be confident that He's got it all under control. Your life will change dramatically once you unleash your faith. Don't just have it in your heart—let it out, put it to the test and be amazed at what God does through your life!

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Beginning With God - Blog

The role of faith in spiritual growth.

God is Faithful , Faith , Identity in Christ , God is Good , Starting with God

Everyone knows that faith plays a significant role in our spiritual growth , but practically speaking it either occupies too much or too little of our understanding. If our conception of spiritual growth is nothing more than self-effort, we will not experience life transformation.

But if every spiritual pothole is paved with “just trust God,” we will also miss out on true spiritual growth. This is not to detract from the centrality of faith in becoming more like Christ, only to understand its role, so we can better coach those whom we disciple.

In the Christian life there are certain truths that are either so formative, or so fragile, that your disciple may require special assistance in learning to hold them in the shopping cart of faith. As mature Christian we are used to toting these truths around like a handbag (such as the security of our salvation), but young Christians need to develop the spiritual muscles that we take for granted.

What follows is a partial list of these foundational truths that require the exertion of faith, and may require your assistance. It is in these areas that the need for faith is most acute and where the lack of it will have the greatest ramifications.

Faith and Forgiveness

Few of the great battles in life are ever won overnight, so it is safe to assume that your disciples will see many spiritual failures before they finally see the flag raised, hear the national anthem, take their place on the winner’s platform and the world is joined together under the Nike swoosh. It might be a small failure or a stunningly gross one, but in either case they will desperately need to experience God’s forgiveness.

The problem with many sins is that even after we’ve confessed them, it is difficult to feel cleansed, to not berate ourselves, and not suspect that God’s still fuming over the incident. When we sin we instinctively feel someone must pay a price. No one gets off easy. What we need to decide is who is going to pay. Your disciple will therefore move in one of the following directions:

ALTERNATIVE #1 “I am pig swill.” This is one of the terms I use when beating myself up for having fallen into the same trap of sin, yet again. I’ve not copyrighted the phrase so feel free to use it. In essence, I’m crucifying myself for the sin. Yes, what Jesus did was nice, but I’m going to cover the tab—check, please. Someone must pay and rightfully it should be me, so I pound myself for my stupidity.
ALTERATIVE #2 “You, you made me sin.” That “you” could be a person, Satan, or even God, but either way someone needs to take the fall for the sin I’ve just committed, and I’ll be darned if it’s going to be me.
ALTERNATIVE #3 “Now that you mention it, I’m not sure that really was a sin.” Recognize that phrase? It’s called justification. As the word implies, we decide to make a judgment over and against our conscience, declaring that what we did was actually right, or at least not that wrong. Why go to the effort? Because someone must pay for sin, unless of course there is no sin and that’s what we’re shooting for in this approach: to eliminate the offense.
ALTERNATIVE #4 “I couldn’t help myself, it’s just my personality.” Let’s call this rationalizing, which is equivalent to the courtroom plea of insanity. What I’m saying is, “Yes, it was sin, but I didn’t have the moral capacity to say ‘no.’” My personality was such, and circumstances were such, that I could do no other than what I did. The effectiveness of this strategy lies in how good you are at convincing yourself that it’s really not your fault. I’m pretty gullible, so I usually believe me.

Of course what makes this all unnecessary is that someone has already paid the price, Christ. What is needed is confession. The problem is that we can confess our sins while failing to employ faith. Faith involves a choice of the will to believe that God has forgiven us through Christ’s death, while turning a deaf ear to doubts. We reckon that God is more merciful than we can imagine and believe that through Christ’s death we are completely forgiven, and “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

We often ask our disciples to scribble out their sins on a piece of paper, and have them write the verse 1 John 1:9 across the list, and tear up the list. I see no expiration date on this exercise. It is effective because it develops the faith component of confession: a visual aid to under gird a young and underdeveloped faith muscle. It might be useful to walk your disciples through the different responses listed above to help them see where in the process of confession, they are failing to exercise faith. You must teach them confession but you must also teach them that confession involves faith.

Faith That God Can Make You Holy

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Most of the great heroes of the Bible share two things in common: they all wore sandals, and they were all required to persevere in their faith, though final victory was often years in the future. We, too—no matter how many setbacks we encounter—must never waiver in our belief that God can make us holy, and, if we persevere, will ultimately lead us in triumph.

Every disciple is willing to trust God for victory over sin at least once. The problem is when the war turns into Vietnam, with infrequent victories, heavy losses, and no foreseeable exit strategy. It is at this juncture that they need to know that faith is a long-term struggle and holiness a lifelong battle. Point to the many battles of faith in scripture fought and won over years, and not days. Show them how the Promised Land was taken one battle at a time.

When victory is elusive they will need someone to help make sense of it and prepare them for the long war. Without a proper perspective, they may resolve the conflict with a ceasefire, and an acceptance of behavior far from godliness. Help them persevere in the battle believing God will, in time, bring victory.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Here is another truth into which faith must sink its teeth: we must choose to believe that our temptations and struggles are not unique and therefore never insurmountable, unfixable, or unforgivable. It is a lie to believe that any temptation is irresistible, or that we are unique in any of our struggles.

God always provides what we need to remain holy, even if it’s simply an escape hatch. Every disciple is tempted to believe that in some area of their lives, they deviate from the norm. Satan desires for us to feel alone. You might ask your disciples if they have ever felt this way or in what area they tend to think of themselves as having unique trials or temptations. Forfeit faith in this area and you’ve dangerously increased the power of sin.

Faith That All Things Work For the Good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

The next battle of faith is for all those who have experienced damage in their lives, or within themselves, due to sin. God can take any manure and from it grow a garden, as you participate in this promise by faith. While it may be impossible to imagine how God can bring good out of our train wreck of past and present failures, this is hardly a limiting factor. For God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

There is no limit to God’s capacity to redeem evil. Everything in our past can be taken and used for good. Every failure (like Peter’s failures) can be transformed by God’s mercy. Every weakness (like Paul’s weaknesses) can be a vehicle for God to demonstrate His strength. Though we must persevere in faith, and sometimes for years, the equation will always add up: crap + God = life. And faith is the means by which God enters the equation.

Through the examples of biblical characters such as Peter and Paul, and through examples from your own life, you must help your disciples strap on the shield of faith against the lie that anything in their lives is unredeemable, gratuitous, or random.

Faith in Our Reward

Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

Some years ago I was in China and like any tourist I visited the Great Wall. Along the bottom of the wall, a worker of this communist country was picking up trash. I clocked him at one piece of trash a minute, which at that rate would have taken him longer to clear the grounds than it took to build the Great Wall.

Where we visited included a maze of concession stands, tons of them—Great Concession stands. Someone told me that those who operated the stands employed principles of the free market, meaning that the more they sold and the more they charged for what they sold, the more they profited. One of the women at the booths actually grabbed my coat and dragged me to her counter. It would be an understatement to say that it was a motivated workforce.

The difference between these two workers was a chasm. Let’s call it the Great Chasm. One worked like a sluggard because he knew that he would always make the same amount no matter what he did (communism). The other worker knew that her effort would be rewarded (the free market).

The doctrine of eternal security (that we can never lose our salvation) was never meant to negate the teaching of rewards. In many places in the Bible, God makes it clear that our obedience and faithfulness will be rewarded. We are called to exercise faith in future rewards, choosing to believe that our actions or inaction will be compensated. When our minds move down the trail of “what difference will this really make?” the response of faith is—a lot. We are not told what these rewards will be, but simply given the assurance that it will be worth our while.

Teaching our disciples to maintain an eternal perspective, or to live for eternity, can cultivate their faith toward this truth, provided that our definition of what is eternal encompasses far more than evangelism, for Jesus states that even a cup of water given in his name will not fail to be rewarded.

Faith in God's Goodness

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you go back to the Garden of Eden (which is probably now a parking lot in downtown Baghdad), you will notice that the first sin was a distrust of God’s goodness. Adam and Eve became convinced that God was holding out on them. Eating from the tree was in their best interests. The foundation of most sin is a lack of faith in God’s goodness, and disbelief that His plans for us are really best.

When things are going wrong, we justify our sin with self-pity. We find ourselves thinking, “Well, I’m going to do this because God isn’t taking care of me anyway, and rather than helping, He’s allowing my life to disintegrate.” Such reasoning is designed by our scheming mind to bring us to a sense of entitlement to sin.

More innocuously, many of us fall prey to pessimism and distrust that what lies in wait over the time horizon is anything but good, often brought on by a nagging suspicion that God never did forget our sin, and payday is right around the bend.

We must fight the battle to deny or disbelieve God’s goodness, with faith, never giving an inch. Everything God does in our lives is motivated by love, and any minor deconstruction of that truth is a lie that can have serious ramifications.

In helping your disciples with this struggle, you might ask some questions to discover if their mind has a proclivity to move down this path. You might also share in what ways you tend to doubt the goodness of God. Intimacy with Christ is the best answer to any and all doubts of His goodness. When we feel close to Christ, we sense that He is on our side, and when we feel distant, we come to suspect that He is not.

Memorizing scripture is great, but passages of scripture are animated by our intimacy with Christ.

Identity: Identity Theft

“I got me some of them mud flaps with the naked ladies on them. Ohhh mamacita.”

In a series of ads for Citibank’s identity theft program, the viewer sits and listens to the thief who, having stolen the person’s credit card number, recounts their various bizarre purchases and exploits. What makes the ads humorous as well as memorable is the thief’s story is told (lip-synced) through the identity theft victim, sitting forlornly mouthing the words.

In some way we are all victims of identity theft. Having trusted Christ, we are heirs with Christ of all that is in Him. Most of us never fully grasp what God’s Word says is true of us in Christ, or worse, we simply don’t think about it. We are children of God, chosen before time to be in the family of God, yet these concepts don’t make it to the starting line-up of thoughts that propel us into the day.

In the movie "Cheaper by the Dozen," the youngest child is treated as the family outcast. The other kids call him “FedEx” because they suspect he was adopted and simply delivered to the family, not born into it. Over the course of time he begins to believe it, rumors become a lie, and the lie grows in power until he runs away from the family believing he has no place within it. There’s a message from an otherwise boring movie: our identity matters.

Our faith in our identity in Christ is absolutely foundational to our lives. Faith is fed by reading the Bible. “The Daily Affirmation of Faith” was written to provide a concise, clear statement of the truth of God’s Word as it applies to our victory in Christ (what is true of us in Him). Commend it to your disciples for daily reading particularly during times of deep trials and temptation when they are most prone to forget who they truly are, and believe things about themselves and God which are not true.

The Daily Affirmation of Faith

Today I deliberately choose to submit myself fully to God as He has made Himself known to me through the Holy Scripture, which I honestly accept as the only inspired, infallible, authoritative standard for all life and practice. In this day I will not judge God, His work, myself, or others on the basis of feelings or circumstances.

I recognize by faith that the triune God is worthy of all honor, praise, and worship as the Creator, Sustainer, and End of all things. I confess that God, as my Creator, made me for Himself. In this day, I therefore choose to live for Him. (Revelation 5:9-10; Isaiah 43:1,7,21; Revelation 4:11)

I recognize by faith that God loved me and chose me in Jesus Christ before time began (Ephesians 1:1-7).

I recognize by faith that God has proven His love to me in sending His Son to die in my place, in whom every provision has already been made for my past, present, and future needs through His representative work, and that I have been quickened, raised, seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenlies, and anointed with the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:6-11; 8:28; Philippians 1:6; 4:6,7,13,19; Ephesians 1:3; 2:5,6; Acts 2:1-4,33).

I recognize by faith that God has accepted me, since I have received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:6); that He has forgiven me (Ephesians 1:7); adopted me into His family, assuming every responsibility for me (John 17:11,17; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 1:6); given me eternal life (John 3:36; 1 John 5:9-13); applied the perfect righteousness of Christ to me so that I am now justified (Romans 5:1; 8:3-4; 10:4); made me complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10); and offers Himself to me as my daily sufficiency through prayer and the decisions of faith (1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 1:27; Galatians 2:20; John 14:13-14; Matthew 21:22; Romans 6:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-3,11).

I recognize by faith that the Holy Spirit has baptized me into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13); sealed me (Ephesians 1:13-14); anointed me for life and service (Acts 1:8; John 7:37-39); seeks to lead me into a deeper walk with Jesus Christ (John 14:16-18; 15:26-27; 16:13-15; Romans 8:11-16); and to fill my life with Himself (Ephesians 5:18).

I recognize by faith that only God can deal with sin and only God can produce holiness of life. I confess that in my salvation my part was only to receive Him and that He dealt with my sin and saved me. Now I confess that in order to live a holy life, I can only surrender to His will and receive Him as my sanctification; trusting Him to do whatever may be necessary in my life, without and within, so I may be enabled to live today in purity, freedom, rest and power for His glory. (John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Galatians 2:20; Hebrew 4:9; 1 John 5:4; Jude 24).

Our Salvation

We’ll conclude with the most fundamental of truths, and ground zero for faith. All things build upon this.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).

In describing our spiritual armor, Paul uses a helmet to illustrate the truth of our salvation: that which protects the mind, and protects us from a fatal blow. We make it a critical part of basic follow-up, because scripture affirms that it is. Let your disciples doubt that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Let them doubt that the Cubs will ever win a World Series. But, rehearse this with them until that helmet cannot be pried off their head.

How Faith Grows

Faith is like a muscle; it grows by lifting weights. Weights are the resistance—the doubts, mental whispers, and circumstances that tell us the opposite of what faith must believe.

When God seems absent and horrible circumstances swirl around us, everything seems to shout, “God isn’t here! And if He is, He certainly doesn’t care.” In those circumstances, faith curls the barbell toward the heart and says, “No, God is good. He is for me. He has a plan.” Thus, it is the circumstances adverse to our faith that become the vehicle for our growth—they are the weight on the barbell.

And so all disciples are periodically tossed into a boat and sent out into a raging storm, where God is conspicuous by his absence. We are not trying to rescue our disciples from the situations and circumstances that will cause faith to grow. Our role is to come alongside them, strengthen their feeble arms and help them to curl the heavy weights that will cause their faith to bulk-up. (I think I just described a steroid.)

God provides the weight (adverse circumstances and trials), but they must continue to lift the weight. We must spot them helping them push out more repetitions than they thought possible while making sure the barbell doesn’t pin them to the bench-press.

Alternatively, faith grows through new challenges and we serve our disciples well by calling them into circumstances where they will need to trust and rely on God. They take courageous steps, God shows Himself faithful, and their faith grows.

Through the stress and strain of faith development, the truths discussed in this article are the most common fracture points, and the places your disciples may most need your encouragement to wind their way up the hill of faith.

What Hope Looks Like

Sometimes, finding hope means looking in a new direction.

How to Experience Life Change

Use spiritual breathing to fill you with the Holy Spirit’s power.

100-Word Faith Stories: (Very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today

God is in all things. But we don’t always expect to feel God’s presence in a particular moment or place. We asked readers to share these stories of surprising moments of faith and grace in no more than 100 words. These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today include feelings of joy, sadness, laughter, anger and anything in between. They demonstrate the many ways in which God is with us, if only we would take the time to notice.

Two parents and four boys make a small house feel like a sardine tin packed with firecrackers. I had my eye on a larger fixer-upper nearby. But despite its apparent practicality and my eagerness, my husband wasn’t enthused. I suggested a quick attempt at discernment: Pray one Hail Mary while imagining we had settled on each choice, buy or stay.

We both felt God’s presence. The “Stay” prayer brought unwelcome but undeniable inner peace. “Buy” brought anxiety rather than excitement.

I could only respond, “Thy will be done.” Our house is cramped and noisy, but we’ll stay for now. Jessica Carney Ardmore, Pa.

My sons and I were enjoying the wave pool at our local amusement park on a beautiful sunny day. There was the usual crowd of people—of different ages, from different neighborhoods and cultures—all enjoying the pool. I closed my eyes and was suddenly aware of the joyous cacophony. All the voices, screams and laughter of my siblings, my fellow children of God. I was awestruck, and with my eyes still shut, I smiled broadly, and I thanked God for that sudden grace of connection and awareness. Matthew Whelehan Rochester, N.Y.

My husband is a stroke survivor; I’m his caregiver. Ron has balance issues, garbled speech and swallowing difficulties. Once the primary breadwinner, Ron’s now on SSDI. I struggle to bring in money while handling the numerous responsibilities of caring for my husband and household.

Earlier today I read the abandonment prayer of the newly canonized St. Charles de Foucauld: “Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.”

I am now at peace. Jerilyn Burgess North Olmsted, Ohio

At my first holy Communion, when I was 7 in 1958, I came up to the altar and was so small I had to stand rather than kneel at the rail. The priest approached and put the host on my tongue. I felt drawn out of myself, forgetting where I was, feeling a sense of presence. It was like being a mini Samuel, and I said to the Lord, “Speak, for your servant is listening . ” My love for the Eucharist continues to this day. William Eagan, S.J. Weston, Mass.

I invited my all-white classmates to Mass at my Black Catholic parish. During Mass, my friend nudged me, “Lee, we’re the only white people here.” I responded, “Frank, how do you think…” but before I could finish my statement, Frank added, “Lee, I never thought about you that way.” The experience helped him to see my struggles as the only Black kid in our classes. We had just had a class that taught we were made in the image and likeness of God. We saw that in one another more clearly now. Lee Baker New Orleans, La.

As I walked a labyrinth, I couldn’t shake the image of playing hide and seek with God. Shrubs around the path made me alternately feel hidden and then exposed. I know God is always there waiting for me, but I often “hide.” I fear I haven’t done enough, or I’m not good enough to earn God’s love. But those doubts come from me, not God. Although I may think I’m hiding, God sees and loves me. When I embrace God’s unconditional love, I will grow into the person he created me to be. Cathy Cunningham Framingham, Mass.

Deep in grief as I grappled with my husband’s determination to divorce, God felt absent, my faith rocked. My friend, Sister Noreen, told me to read the Bible. I mocked her. Unfazed, she insisted: “Open it at random. What have you got to lose?” On March 19, as I opened a newly purchased Bible, I cried: “God where are you?!” My eyes fell upon Jer 29:11. “For I know the plans....” I can still feel the jolt that coursed through my body at that moment—in shock and joy—the first of many such moments since then. Mary Margaret Cannon Washington, D.C.

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How To Have STRONG Faith In God (even in tough times)

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Do you want to have STRONG faith in God?

You probably know men and women that seem to have unshakeable faith in God. No matter what happiness or heartache comes their way, their faith in God is immovable.

How can you have that same kind of faith?

What Is Faith In God?

Faith in the Lord means having confidence that God is good, that He’s on your side, and that He’s always working, even when you can’t see it.

The entire Christian life, from start to finish, is by faith. You’re saved through faith. You please God through faith. After all, Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it’s impossible to please God. You believe God’s promises in the Bible through faith.

How To Have Strong Faith In God

So how can you grow in your faith? Do these things.

Focus On God’s Character

Strong faith in God is much more than merely hoping things turn out okay. It’s much deeper and more profound than the belief that things will somehow turn out for the best. It’s not like naive optimism of the Beatles, who crooned, “It’s getting better all the time.”

No, unshakeable faith in God is based on the very character of God.

Scripture tells us that God is all-powerful. It also tells us that God is good and wise and full of love.

When you blend the omnipotence and goodness and wisdom and love of God, you end up with a God who is worthy of trust and praise and adoration.

This is why Peter could say in 1 Peter 5:6-7 :

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

The reasons you can have strong, unshakeable faith in God are:

God is almighty (“…the mighty hand of God)
God cares for you personally

You can cast all my cares on God, no matter how large, no matter how bone-crushing, because you know that He is all-powerful and all-loving.

If God was only one of those things (almighty or loving), you couldn’t have faith in the Lord. If he was all-powerful but not all-loving, there would be no guarantee that his power was working on my behalf.

But God’s love marshalls his power on my behalf. God’s love for me means that his earth-shaking, circumstance-changing, heart-moving power is always at work on my behalf.

Focus On God’s Power

The Apostle Paul’s unshakeable faith in God was based on his intimate knowledge of God’s glorious power. At one point, Paul found himself in circumstances so dire that he was convinced death was the only outcome. Death would mean the end of Paul’s ministry.

Yet Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:9 , “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

Paul knew that even if he died, God could raise him from the dead. Even if the absolute worst happened, it couldn’t stop God. It turns out that even the great enemy of death is no match for my almighty, all-loving, merciful, gracious God.

And so you can have faith in God. You can cast my cares on him. Lay your burdens at his feet. His grace is sufficient for you .

You can have strong, immovable faith in God because he is good and loving.

Focus On God’s Promises In God’s Word

Incredibly, God has promised to do certain things for you and in you, and your faith in God is based on these unbreakable, unchanging promises.

Immoveable faith in God takes hold of God’s promises and won’t let go until they are fulfilled.

Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

To grow your faith, look at all the promises in God’s word!

What sorts of things has God promised to do on your behalf?

To constantly work in you until you are fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ ( Philippians 1:6 ).
To meet all your needs with his glorious abundance ( Matthew 7:11 ).
To give you divine wisdom to navigate the complexities of life ( James 1:5 ).
To produce good fruit in and through you ( John 15:5 ).
To answer your prayers in big, unimaginable, world-changing ways ( James 5:16 ).
To never leave me or forsake you ( Hebrews 13:5 ).
To do more than you can think, ask, or imagine ( Ephesians 3:20 )
And so much more…

Faith in God is not random. Rather, it is attached to the concrete, unbreakable, you-can-stake-everything-on-them, promises of God.

Charles Spurgeon said this:

You can’t out believe God and God has never out-promised himself. If God promised it, you can stake everything on it.

If you want to have faith in God that isn’t easily moved or shaken, you need to immerse yourself in the promises of God. God has given me reason upon reason to hope in him , and I must hold fast to those glorious promises.

Focus On God’s Past Faithfulness

Strong, immoveable faith in God always looks back to God’s past faithfulness as a guarantee of his future faithfulness.

God never changes, and if he’s been faithful to you in the past, it’s a guarantee that he will continue to be faithful in the future.

The story of your life is one of God being faithful. God has always been faithful to his people, and you are living proof of that.

The past faithfulness of God assures you that he will continue to be faithful in the future. You can have faith in God that he will continue to sustain you through every trial, provide for your every need, and keep you close to him even in your darkest moments.

Bible Verses About Faith In God

If you find your faith in the Lord dipping, read and meditate on these Bible verses:

Faith In God Looks Up and Back

Strong faith in God is the result of looking up and back. We look up to God’s unshakable character and the unbreakable promises he has made to us. We look back to his constant faithfulness.

The result of looking up and back is a faith in God that can stand firm even in the midst of the hurricane.

This verse in the classic hymn “ Amazing Grace ” sums up how to have strong faith in God:

The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.

God has promised good to you in his word. As long as you’re alive, he is your shield and portion. You can have strong faith in God.

Stephen Altrogge

Hey, I'm Stephen Altrogge. I'm a dad and published author. I've written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, ERLC, Church Leaders, Crosswalk, and many more outlets. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook .

24 thoughts on “How To Have STRONG Faith In God (even in tough times)”

Oh how I pray that sometime I too with have this much faith in God’s love for me “individually”. Someday I pray that it will be more than “knowing” the outcome of salvation at the end of my life. All it feels like today and in my walk thus far, is a way to endure until the end. I’m exhausted in the heartache, pain, disappointments of the “there will be trials and turmoil” and that being all there ever is. I’m left with instead, always unanswered prayers and seeking strength to see through and hope that maybe someday it will be me too that is blessed with answers to this life’s unending trials and not just for others… “with I guess more faith than I”. Persevere… seemingly my lot in this life and a joy that in the end it will be all worth it. In the mean-time keep the faith and the “face on” so as not to discourage anyone around me. There just has to be more in the here and now that simply hope.

Hey Ron, Wow, the old saying misery loves company, though cliche, lets face it, it works. I would like to comfort you as a sister in Christ because I too, have your EXACT sentiments… as I continue on a 2 year, still no answers trial, I still cry most days, and as Im sitting here reading Phillipians as part of my daily devotional, I feel GOD stirring me to reach out to you. I really next to never write comments either. Often I feel , as in Phillupians 1:22 &. 23 in my shortened translation, if Im gonna stay here, I will be fruitful in my labors but Im torn cuz I just would rather go hang out with JESUS. St Paul felt the same way we do. He proclamed the Gospel and practically wrote half the Word of God, look how much he did while being severly persecuted, and he was still willing to continue on even though he would rather just hang out with JESUS. I pray your heart feels encouragement today and the Light of Christmas which is JESUS the best gift we could ever want or need is ALWAYS with us ,sweet and precious JESUS. I LOVE HIm SO MUCH. Dont give up on HIS LOVE , its as big as an ocean , my favorite creation of HIS. God Bless You !!!!!!

Ron, “Walking with GOD through Pain & Suffering” by Timothy Keller. ????

Having unshakeable faith is persevering through all the trials in life. God has chosen us to be overcomers and set apart from the world. This isn’t our home. Heaven is.

Ron/Marie. Me too. Ron says “face on”. Me too. Every single day. Just had the worst (and this really beats the rest) Christmas ever. It’s so , so hard to not say to God “why have you forsaken me”. But I carry on and hope. And pray. One day this will end.

Mark and Ron why don’t we lift each other up in prayer and renew our complete trust in God Despite the circumstances in front of us and hope for a wonderful 2019. I’m proclaiming next year our comments are undeniably wonderful.And thank you Steven for the awesome article and you’re very real down to earth sharing of your faith.

I want to really have Faith in God. Pls can you put me trust.

Thank you I been working on application of faith since this morning and this will help me a lot. Absolute trust in God that He is busy working out the answer after I pray. I am getting there.

Nourishing and Comforting, always Strengthening, certainly reassuring especially while sitting in the dark.

Hey Ron (sorry for my bad english), Thank you for writing about your feelings. I want to tell you that you are not alone. Oh, you’re not alone! I live many thousands of miles from you, in a country whose name you may never have heard, but I often feel just like you. Today I will pray to God and remember you, I promise. Thank you Steven for the awesome article.

Pastor,I am an avid reader of your articles. I am continually nourished and challenged by them. I appreciate you!! Blessings, Rose Shichende.

my wife and i need healing in our marriage she has backed herself into a corner only god can bless her heart to change please pray for us we have known each other for 40 yrs

I need your prayers for GOD Protection,wealth & prosperity

God bless more and continue to use you to enrich his children. I desire and pray for rock-like be faith for God

Keep the commandments and BE the Be Attitudes and watch and see what happens!

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God is known for the production of all, so don’t lose your confidence in him. Despite the fact that there are challenges throughout everyday life, he is consistently there sponsorship you up. How about we investigate probably the most renowned confidence in God cites that make certain to fortify your convictions as the strength of confidence comes from the inside.

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I must thank you for this wonderful article and verses. I truly needed this and it literally opened up my heart fully. I had been down on myself wondering if my Faith was strong enough, because I had been dealing with so many obstacles in life lately. This truly had me in tears happy to feel my heart stirring again renewing my mind towards my Faith in God.

Thank you for your speaking notes.

5 Powerful Ways to Describe Your Faith

May 28, 2015 | Culture , The Bible , Theology

The Christian faith can be described using five distinct labels:

Historical theology

Eschatology

Religious experience

The Christian Faith is a Historical Theology

On the one hand, the Christian faith is a historical theology ; that is, it points to certain historic events. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the most central and significant of those events. Because of the death of Jesus for our sins and resurrection from the grave we are offered reconciliation and peace with God.

The Christian faith is an eschatology . That is the theological term that refers to the last things. The Christian eschatology offers the hope of a resurrection life. Because of the historical theology–the events connected with the death and resurrection of Jesus–the Christian faith offers the promise of everlasting life in a new heaven and a new earth. I discuss eschatology in my blog “It’s the End of the World as We Know It.”

Religious Experience

The Christian faith is also a religious experience . As Christian people, we come together to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. We believe that because Jesus has been raised from the dead He is alive and present in our worship. We may come to know God through Jesus Christ. We come together to be renewed in mind and spirit, to be instructed, and to be inspired and encouraged to live as the people we have been called to be.

The Christian faith involves a mission . We have good news to share with the world. The message of the crucified and risen Jesus is not relevant only to the western world, but it is a message that proclaims an exalted Lord who is Lord over all. We must not keep this news to ourselves.

We have a mission; we have been tasked with evangelism. It is critical and important for us to share the gospel by whatever means available to us–through our giving to missions, through our prayers, through our preaching, and through our living. We must at all costs tell the message of the crucified and risen Jesus.

The teachings of Jesus–the exhortation to morality, the exhortation to put away sin, to put away deception, to put away greed, to put away lying, to put away materialism, to put away lust and immorality–are inextricably linked with the commandment to teach others of His saving death and resurrection. Read more about obedience and morality here.

People often forget this, but the Christian faith is also an ethic ; that is, it involves a way of living. It is ironic that this point is so often laid aside. I sometimes wonder if we neglect this facet of our faith because, since the time of the reformation, we have been careful to emphasize that we are saved by the grace of God and not by works.

We have been so careful, in fact, to emphasize the gift of salvation as the mercy of God extended to us through Jesus Christ, that we have sometimes made the same mistake that some of Paul’s opponents made. I’ll tell you more about that mistake, and Paul’s response to it, in my next post.

May God make us a people who are faithful to the commandments and teachings of Scripture and Our Lord Jesus Christ!

The preceding was adapted by Rachel Motte from a sermon Dr. Sloan delivered at Tallowood Baptist Church on July 15, 1990.

About the Author

Robert B. Sloan is president of Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. He has a passion for Christian higher education and the spiritual formation of young people for the glory of God, which can be seen in both his professional and personal life.

Photo Essay: What My Faith Means to Me

BU students, faculty, and staff reflect on the intimate role religion, prayer, and meditation play in their daily life

Cydney scott, bu today staff.

Boston University began as a Methodist seminary, the Newbury Biblical Institute, in Newbury, Vt., in 1839. And since its beginnings in Boston in 1869 as Boston University, it has been open to people of all sexes and all religions, many who carve out time from their daily studies and work to find moments to pray, meditate, and reflect.

BU photographer Cydney Scott has long wanted to capture the many ways members of the BU community express their faith.

“One of the great things about being a photographer is that I have the privilege of stepping into aspects of life that are unfamiliar to me,” Scott says. “Religious faith is one of them. Religion and faith give people solace, guidance, and a sense of community, among other things.”

Last fall BU Today invited members of the BU community to reach out to Scott directly, and within days, she had heard from people who identified as Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Mormon, and more. She photographed almost 20 people in their homes, at work, and out of doors as they practiced their respective faith traditions. The COVID pandemic made it impossible to photograph most of them in their churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship, so instead, Scott sought to capture each one in ways that reflect how they pray, worship, and integrate their faith into their daily lives. Each participant also wrote a short essay describing what their faith means to them.

The resulting photos are deeply personal and intimate, speaking to the breadth and diversity of the BU community and the myriad ways people observe and celebrate faith in their lives.

Emily Mantz (Sargent’21,’23), Christian

Emily Manz (SAR’23) says grace over her dinner in her Stuvi2 apartment. A tan young woman with black curly hair bows her head over her clasped hands as she sits at her desk in her dorm room.

“There are many ways that I practice my faith on a daily basis. I try not to keep my faith in a box, and instead try to integrate it into everything I do. I was raised by not one but two pastors, so growing up saying grace before eating has always been a part of my day. During my undergraduate years I was heavily involved with BU’s Inner Strength Gospel Choir. While I’m no longer quite so involved, I still find singing and music to be one of the best ways for me to connect with the Lord. I attend church every Sunday and volunteer at the nursery there as well. Finally, I pray and read my Bible every day, twice a day. This allows me to dig a bit deeper into the teachings of God as well as talk to Him about my day, things I’m struggling with and things (or people) who need to be prayed for.

“To me, my faith is my lifeline. I have probably gone to church every Sunday since the day I was born, and while church itself is a huge part of my life, my personal relationship with Jesus is really what has gotten me through these past five years of college. Whenever I’m struggling, I know I can talk to Him and He will always be there with me. Not to mention the friends He has placed in my life to help me along the way. As Christians, we are really called to live out our faith so that other people can get to know Jesus through us. I try to exude that by upholding values of kindness, forgiveness, and patience in all aspects of my life, no matter how hard it may be.”

Aimee Mein (COM’22), Buddhist

A photo of Aimee Mein (COM’22) meditating in her room. A white woman wearing a dark blue cami and pants sits with legs crossed and hands placed in her lap.

“My faith is the lens through which I see the world. My perspective on life completely shifted after studying Buddhism and incorporating Buddhist practices into my everyday experiences. Every moment has become an opportunity for mindfulness, things that used to cause me anxiety are calmed by a newfound belief system. Even my struggles with mental health have improved. Most importantly, my faith means a sense of peace with the universe and compassion for all beings.”

Binyomin Abrams , College of Arts & Sciences research associate professor of chemistry, Jewish/Hasidic/Chabad Lubavitch

Photo of Rabbi Binyomin Abrams, left, learning the Torah with Rafael Kriger (CAS’22) in his Metcalf Science Center office. A Jewish man with a long beard and wearing a yarmulke sits on the other side of a desk and faces a younger Jewish man also wearing a yarmulke. The Torah sits between them

“I’m Jewish, specifically a Lubavitcher (Chabad) chossid. Jewish faith is synonymous with Jewish practice—doing acts of goodness and kindness (mitzvahs) and working towards refining the world around us. One of the most special and meaningful things that we do is to learn Torah, which brings meaning to my faith through intellectual, spiritual, and practical guidance on how to improve ourselves and transform the world for the better.”

Martha Schick (STH’22), United Church of Christ

Photo of Martha Schick (MDiv’22) lighting a candle in Gordon Chapel. A white woman with short hair wearing a mask lights a candle with a long match in a darkened chapel

“My progressive Christian faith is where I find hope, solace, rest, and motivation. In our world, which is both broken and beautiful, the story of Jesus Christ and the stories of the ancestors of our faith are where I can look to make sense of things. I often come away with more questions than answers, but my church community welcomes my wrestling and makes my faith stronger because of it. In studying to become a pastor, I am both empowered to bring my full self to ministry and humbled to remember that the Holy Spirit is working through me. As a queer woman pursuing ordination, I also know that my very presence in the leadership of a church is a symbol and example of God’s love and calling for all people.”

Muhammad Zaman , College of Engineering professor of biomedical engineering and of materials science and engineering and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor, Muslim

Photo of Professor Muhammad Zaman during Zuhr (noon) prayers at the ISBU prayer room in GSU. a man wearing a white mask kneels on an ornate rug with hands in prayer in front of him.

“I am a practicing Muslim and consider my faith as a driver for my work. In particular, the emphasis of Islam on humanity, social justice, welfare, and human dignity has a profound effect on my work to provide equitable access to healthcare among refugees, migrants, stateless persons, and the forcibly displaced all around the world.”

Chloe McLaughlin (STH’22), United Methodist Church

Photo of Chloe McLaughlin standing with hands wide as she stands at a wooden podium in Marsh Chapel.

“Faith has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up attending church, going to youth group, and spending my summers at church camp. At the end of this semester, I will be lucky enough to have two degrees that focus on religion and this faith that is so integral to who I am. In the long run, I think I have always been drawn to faith, specifically Christian faith, because I believe it informs my sincere commitment to justice, equity, and mercy. Over the last three years, as I have worshiped at Marsh Chapel, I have seen kindred commitments in action. The chaplains and staff are genuine, courageous, and willing conversation partners on difficult topics in the church and the world. I have been mentored, encouraged, and challenged by the staff and community at Marsh, and I am so grateful.”

Mich’lene Davis (SSW’25), Christian/Pentecostal

Photo of the Davis family. A Black man reads the bible to his wife and three children, two of which are seated on a sofa beside him

“‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1). The wind blows, no one can see it, but you feel it and know that it is there. We practice a blind faith every single day of our lives without consciously knowing that we are doing it. We have ‘faith’ that the chair we sit in will support our weight and not send us tumbling to the floor in an embarrassing manner. We place ‘faith’ in our vehicles that they will get us from point A to point B without having some catastrophic failure or breakdown that will leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere. As a Christian, my faith is my lifeline, like an umbilical cord to an unborn child. Everything I believe about God and His one and only son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, is what feeds my mind, soul, and spirit. I have faith to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross via crucifixion, but rose again three days later, and because of this I no longer will have to face an eternal death, but will instead have eternal life with Him in heaven. I have personally benefited from and have witnessed answered prayers that had no natural explanation for how they were answered. My daily life consists of me worshiping and praising Him through the music I listen to and sing. Reading and meditating on His Word (the Bible) helps me to remember to whom I belong and helps me to strive to be a better person each day.”

Caitlyn Wise (Sargent’23), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Photo of Caitlyn Wise (SAR’23), a young white white woman with long blonde hair, sitting in a chair amidst a circle of chairs all facing the center.

“Faith gives me the confidence to live courageously each day. Through prayer and scripture study, the knowledge and power I receive from my faith allows me to look for ways to serve and learn from those around me. Whether it is me praying for guidance in my studies or me applying principles of kindness and compassion in the BU community, my faith gives me a source of strength in my everyday life.”

Adit Mehta (CAS’22), Jainism

Photo of Adit Mehta, a tan man with black hair and beard, sitting cross-legged and wearing a white top and pants, on the floor in his room. He reads a book using the light from the window.

“I was brought up in a Jain household and always had it around me, but in college, separated from my parents, I’ve explored my faith and consciously made decisions to follow ahimsa (nonviolence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), the three As of Jainism. In college I’ve also been able to find a community among members of Jains in Voice and Action , the BU Jain club, and the Young Jains of America . My faith means making active choices to reduce harm to others and the environment. It’s less about praying and more about reflecting on my actions and choices during Samayik, 48 minutes of meditation. My faith makes it possible for me to understand myself and how I affect and can help others.”

Zowie Rico (CAS’23), Lunar Witchcraft

Photo of Zowie Rico (CAS’23), a white woman dressed in orange overalls, as she reads her Tarot and Prism Oracle cards in her Stuvi2 apartment

“My spirituality is something very new for me. I started my journey in July of 2020, during the latter half of quarantine. Before that, I wasn’t really a spiritual person. Now, however, I use my spirituality to guide me through many aspects of my life. It’s a way for me to connect with my inner self and actively work to become one with the energies around me. It’s also helped me with my anxiety, as it’s given me a lot of coping mechanisms to use throughout my life, like grounding and meditation.

“My spirituality is a part of many aspects of my daily life. It manifests itself in everything from making my smoothie in the mornings to doing affirmations while stirring my coffee to using my intuition for many of my decisions each day. I am so happy that I’ve been able to incorporate my practice into my daily life because it helps center me each day and provides comfort during hard times.”

Jewel Cash, BU Summer Term program manager, Christian

Photo of 7 Black women seated and holding hands around a rectangular dining table with an assortment of food on it

“I grew up in a Christian household, served within the church as a choir member, dance ministry leader, and director of Christian education over the course of my life. My faith has always been an important part of my life. As a child I remember my mother sending me to church by myself to ensure my relationship with God would grow during a season in which she was sick and could not go herself. During college it was important for me to go back to attend youth bible studies so I could understand more about the Bible. As a professional, I remember interviewing at BU, being asked, ‘What do you do to manage stress?’ and surprisingly responding without hesitation ‘Pray. In overwhelming times I may take a deep breath, evaluate the situation, and pray to recenter myself. So if you see me step away to the restroom for a longer time, I may be praying so I can come back ready to tackle the problem as my best self.’

“My religious faith means a lot to me. That there is purpose in my being, that I do not walk alone through life, that I have a community of believers who I can fellowship with, that I am to be a positive example to others of what my God calls me to be, and in short, that all that I have is all that I need to be my best self and live life fully and abundantly, for I am blessed and favored in a special way. It means I am not perfect, but as I pray, praise, and push, I am progressing. It means, as the Bible says, I have been given a spirit of power, love, and sound mind, and with these three things I can make a difference in the world and encourage others to do the same.”

Ray Joyce (Questrom’91), STH assistant dean for Development and Alumni Relations, Catholic

Photo of Ray Joyce, a white man with gray hair and black glasses, reading a daily devotional in his West Acton home.

“My faith really means everything to me. It’s how I live through each day, the good and the bad. In the current political climate, I find it’s essential to keep centered. For example, when I hear people who are eligible, but refuse to get the COVID vaccine to protect themselves and others, a part of me wants to say: ‘Then let them die,’ but I know that’s wrong. As it happens, today’s reading in the Bible from 1 Corinthians 3:16 includes the words ‘…and the Spirit of God dwells in you.’ As my daily reflection from Terence Hegarty (editor of Living with Christ) states ‘…not only does the Spirit of God dwell in us , but in everyone …’ So I hold onto that and try to understand where someone might be coming from to reach such a conclusion as to refuse a potentially lifesaving vaccination. I act where I can to help others and our planet while also waiting with anticipation for better days ahead with a renewed sense of hope.”

Mary Choe (CAS’24), Baptist

Photo of Mary Choe (CAS’24), an Asian woman wearing a black mask, as she reads her daily scriptures in a cafe

“Hebrews 11 states: ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ For me, faith is not some distant feeling, but a series of beliefs that lead to concrete actions. My beliefs are based on the words of life, light, and love I read in the Bible. Much like life itself, faith is hardly easy or linear. I have times of doubt, because admittedly, it’s difficult to go against the flow of campus life. And since God is invisible, I often get distracted by the instant gratification of the here and now. I’m realizing more and more, however, that even my faith is less about me than about the object of my faith—which is not a concept or an idea, but God embodied in flesh, Jesus Christ. My relationship with Jesus is what makes my faith dynamic, filled with joys and sorrows, highs and lows, times of peace and serenity, along with fears, failures, and more than a little drama. But I take comfort in knowing I’m not on this journey alone. I have a cloud of witnesses walking before me and with me and many more examples of faith who’ve already walked this pilgrim journey. Living by faith is not a loud, showy display, but an assured, hopeful way of being. My hope is that I, too, can finish the journey of faith well and experience victory in Jesus Christ!”

Swati Gupta (SDM’23), Hindu

Photo of Swati Gupta (GSDM’23), a brown woman with neck-length black hair, in her prayer/meditation space in her Boston home. She holds a cup made of copper and has head bowed as multi-colored candles are lit in the space.

“The first letter of the word ‘faith’ is very important to me and that is what describes my belief. For me, ‘f’ stands for flaw. In our sacred book, Bhagwad Geeta , it has been suggested that being human also means being flawed. Lord Krishna says that humans will make mistakes because that is a part of their Karma. A person should not be merely judged by their act, but by the intent behind that act. For example, if a lie is said with an intent of harming someone, it is equivalent to 100 lies, but if that one lie saved an innocent person’s life, then that lie is equivalent to 100 truths. I am not a religious person who goes to the temple every week or worships every day, because religion to me is not an act of worship, but an act of becoming a better person. My faith teaches me to make mistakes, be judgmental, have emotions of anger, but at the same time learn from those mistakes and accept if any wrongdoing was done. Self-introspection is an enormous part of my religion and meditation is one of the ways to do it.”

Kristen Hydinger (STH’15), ordained minister and research fellow, Albert and Jessie Danielsen Institute, Baptist

Photo of Rev. Kristen Hydinger, a white woman with brown hair and wearing a blue jacket, walking down a Boston street. Trees and leaves around her reflect Autumn in their color (yellow)

“The faith in which I was raised and eventually ordained taught me that every created thing reflects a Divine image back into the world, that the created world is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made.’ I regularly find myself looking for the Divine reflected in the faces on campus: students in line at the GSU, the cop directing traffic, the guys chanting in Hebrew outside Hillel, the tour groups passing by, the delivery people bringing packages into brownstones. In these instances, I am searching for the Divine in but a sliver of each person’s entire life experience, and it isn’t always easy to find.”

Kristian C. Kohler (STH’25), ordained minister, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Photo of Kristian, a white man wearing a dark green and black plaid shirt, singing in the Marsh Chapel choir.

“As a Lutheran, faith to me is a bold trust in the amazing grace of God. In short, God is love. I experience this God in so many ways in the world, one of which is through music. Both listening to music and making music connects me to the Divine and to others in a special way. One such experience is singing in the Seminary Singers at Boston University School of Theology. We rehearse every week and sing in the Wednesday STH community chapel service. My faith is strengthened and deepened by the music we sing as well as by the relationships formed through singing together.”

Jonathan Allen (LAW’19), BUild Lab Innovator-in-Residence, Interfaith

Photo of Interfaith leader Jonathan Allen sitting on a long stone bench along the Charles River. The sun can be seen peaking from behind the buildings in the background for a scenic photo.

“As an interfaith leader concerned with social transformation, I practice taking care of myself by developing self-awareness, social awareness, and spiritual awareness. Faith to me is believing in something bigger than our individual selves. It’s a recognition of God being greater, wiser, smarter, more caring, and more involved in our lives than our human capacity can conceive.

“Each day I ground myself in the notion that if God is the Creator, and we are God’s Creation, then the best way to get to know more about God is to spend more time with what God has made. I believe that we need each other regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, educational level, religious background, or even political party.

“Irrespective of our religious affirmations, God’s love and heart for justice transcends doctrine. We have an obligation, a collective responsibility, to treat all living things with dignity and respect. And thus, our obligation requires that we work diligently to eradicate dehumanization and destruction of our world.”

Kayla Marks (Pardee’23), Jewish

Photo of Kayla Marks (Pardee’23), a Jewish woman with long brown hair, demonstrating the lighting of one candle and the reciting of a blessing. She holds a lit match as she prepares for the lighting.

“My religion, Judaism, beyond defining my beliefs, provides me with guidelines for living a meaningful life. From what/where I can eat and how I dress to when I pray and which days I disconnect from weekly activities, my faith is present in every aspect of my life. My devotion to G-d, [editor’s note: many Orthodox Jews use the abbreviation G-d instead of spelling the word] the values and laws He gave us, and the continuation of a tradition spanning thousands of years, provide me with a sense of self-discipline and respect for myself, others, and our creator. Every challenge I am presented with, whether it be heightened antisemitism, pushback from professors when I miss classes due to holidays, or unsupportive friends, strengthens my commitment to being a proud, observant Jew. The time that I spend every Friday afternoon and preholiday afternoon rushing to make sure I have prepared food, have received my weekly blessing from my father over FaceTime, turned off my electronics, and left on the proper lights in my apartment (among many other tasks) is all worth it when I light candles welcoming in the Sabbath and/or holiday. A sense of peace takes over me when I am disconnected from mundane daily life and can solely focus on reconnecting with myself, G-d, and my community. Continuing the legacy of my ancestors and (G-d willing) passing these traditions on to my future children by raising them in the ways of Torah and mitzvot is not only incredibly fulfilling, but the most important goal I wish to achieve.”

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Cydney Scott has been a professional photographer since graduating from the Ohio University VisCom program in 1998. She spent 10 years shooting for newspapers, first in upstate New York, then Palm Beach County, Fla., before moving back to her home city of Boston and joining BU Photography. Profile

BU Today staff Profile

Comments & Discussion

Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

There are 13 comments on Photo Essay: What My Faith Means to Me

Beautifully done Cydney and all!

Thank you for the article. Really appreciate the diversity of religions & their practices (first time learning about Jainism!). Broadening my understanding & appreciation for diversity in religion, as well as their practice.

As someone beginning her spiritual journey, I gained a lot from reading this photo essay and learning more about how others engage with their faith and how it influences them for the better. Thank you for showing me a window into these different lifestyles. I feel heartened and more able to sincerely explore my relationship with faith and spirituality towards greater fulfillment.

This is the best article I’ve ever photo essay I’ve read in some time. Beautiful images that capture the spiritual lives of BU’s community.

Thank you for this great article and touching photos. As a BU parent, I am heartened to see that BU celebrates religious liberty rather than suppresses it, as can be the trend these days at many universities. Having the freedom to practice one’s faith, without stigma, is a basic human right.

Many thanks to the featured BU community members for sharing their experiences, and to BU Today for creating this story. I really enjoyed it!

Tremendous piece—wonderful photos and wonderful essays. Thank you for sharing!

Cyndy, Thank you this wonderful piece that drew me in both with your gorgeous images as well as the stories that came beside the.

Beautiful Spiritual revelations lighting a dark and disturbed world!

When I was a student at B.U. I took Greek and Hebrew at the STH (CLA ’77). I am thrilled to open up the B.U. Website and explore this article by Cyndy Scott. Exploring the faith of B.U. people has broaden my experience. I had not heard of Jainism. Thank you for this. Now, I am an ordained Presbyterian minister now living in Canada. I will share this article with my congregation.

Thank you for such an inspiring and wholesome article. Keep up the amazing work!

I really enjoyed reading through this. I am pentecostal holiness myself. I grew up in the bible-belt (GA). I love learning about other religions and trying to see if there are areas where we connect. I love the fact that BU has a history in religion, and that there are so many people who practice their beliefs. I love reading how their religion(s) help them in their daily lives. #Diversity

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5 Tips for Stronger Faith while Facing Times of Crisis

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." Yet sometimes, when the world seems to be in crisis all around you, resting in the Lord seems nearly impossible. With worldwide pandemics, civil unrest, and violence on every news headline today, how can you turn your focus to the Lord and find your hope in Him? In the wake of COVID, you may find that your stress and anxiety levels are higher than normal. How should you respond?

As a believer, you have practical tools you can use to get help when you need it. Here are five steps to take to keep your faith strong, even in times of crisis. Whether the crisis is a global one or simply the stress of managing your college experience, these practical steps will help you get through the storm with your faith intact.

Pray (Build Your Faith)

As a believer, your ultimate hope relies not in the people and circumstances around you, but rather in the God who is above it all. Prayer is one of the most powerful resources we have, yet it's one we tend to ignore. During crises, prayer is vital.

Sometimes, especially when facing serious issues, you may feel as though you have no words left. That's not a problem for God. Remember, Romans 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit makes intercession on behalf of us. When you don't even know how to pray, pray what is on your heart, and know that you have an intercessor who is standing in the wings for you.

When you feel trapped with the same prayer day after day, ask your intercessor to help. Find prayers in the scripture and pray those on your own behalf. Praying will build your faith and help you to keep your eyes focused on the Lord, even in times of crisis.

Meditate (Calm Your Stress)

Meditation is powerful, especially for the Christian. Meditation is not some whimsical clearing of your mind. It is rather a spiritual discipline when you close out the world around you and focus your mind and heart on prayer and Bible study. It is taking the time to reflect on God's attributes and interactions in the world, based on what you learn in Scripture. It is thinking deeply about the truths you are learning in your own Bible study.

So how do you do this? Find a quiet place with your Bible and a notebook and pen. Acknowledge God's presence and choose to focus your mind on Scripture. Practice memorizing a passage or studying it in depth using commentary. Use the time to copy a favorite passage into a notebook. Think deeply about a small passage and how it applies to what you are dealing with in life. Clear your mind of other cares and concerns while you are practicing meditation.

Talk to Someone (Family or Professional)

Times of crisis are extremely taxing on you emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, you are going to need someone else to help you sort out what you are feeling and experiencing. It is OK, even as a Christian, to look for help.

Talking to someone else can help you prioritize your life. It can help you determine what's important and vital to your faith, and what is not. You may find a trusted family member, such as your parent or sibling, can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. A pastor may be the right person to turn to.

Sometimes, if your anxiety and feelings of turmoil are extremely high, you need professional counseling. There is no shame for a Christian in protecting your mental health by getting professional counseling or therapy.

Read Your Bible (Calm Your Anxiety)

When the news around you feels overwhelming, turn it off and grab your Bible. The Bible is the ultimate source of comfort, especially in a troubled world. The Psalms, where King David cried out to the Lord over and over, can be especially calming.

As you immerse yourself in God's word, you will find your anxieties start to calm. The more familiar you become with the Scripture, the less worried you feel about what is going on around you. Yes, there are times when the world feels like it is in crisis, but ultimately as a Christian, you know where to find hope.

Stay Active (Exercise)

Taking care of your physical body can actually improve your spiritual and mental health. Exercising releases endorphins, which are the "feel good" hormones that boost your mood. In times of crisis, you can exercise regularly to work through your feelings.

When it comes to exercise, choose something you enjoy doing that gets the heart pumping. You don't have to go to the gym, though that's always a nice option if you want to work out with others. Simply strap on your running shoes and go for a walk or a jog. You will find that your mind and heart clear and you're ready to tackle the next crisis after you get a little exercise.

Next Steps for You

We live in a world that is challenging. Sometimes it can feel like we are simply waiting for the next crisis. As a Christian, your hope should be in the Lord, not in the world around you. So, what are the next steps?

When you're feeling overcome by the amount of suffering around you, turn your eyes up. Evaluate your spiritual health, and make sure you are spending time in God's word to ground yourself and put your focus where it needs to be. Take care of your physical health as well, and don't be afraid to get professional counseling if it's needed. Soon you will find that you're able to weather the challenges of today's life with peace and hope because your hope comes from outside this world.

If you’d like to learn more about keeping your faith during times of trouble or want to learn more about a biblically-based, Christ-centered education at Geneva , we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email [email protected].

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

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Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.

Through the Lens of Perspective

Our perspective of ourselves can impact the beauty and value we see there. This view can end up being very different from how God and others see us. When we look at ourselves, we tend to see all the qualities that we dislike. But we need to adjust our perspective and make sure we are using the lens of Christ.

The Rest of Peace

Handing our cares and worries over to God gives us peace which keeps us from falling into doubt, as stated in Philippians. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Justification by Grace Alone through Faith Alone

At Easter, a good question to ask is, "How are people saved?" This should be a question that Christians can easily answer, and indeed most can. However, sometimes Christians are less knowledgeable about the doctrine of justification and its important distinctions than perhaps they should be.

When someone shows us mercy, they are not giving us the punishment that we deserve. Jesus models this action for us in multiple ways. The importance of the exhibition of mercy by Christians is displayed throughout the New Testament, and there are many ways for us to show mercy daily.

Best of 2020: The Responsibility of Stewardship

In a world that has been impacted by sin, there is always more that can be done to ensure a mindset of good stewardship and redemption. It starts with understanding that God intends to connect man’s physical existence with the environment from which he was brought forth and continues with educating people with sensible information.

Freedom vs. Responsibility: How to Master College's Greatest Juggling Act

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National Day of Prayer: Thankful for Our Students

On this National Day of Prayer in the United States, we remember our students in their finals week taking exams, finishing papers and closing out the semester at home. We are thankful that God has provided them and entrusted them into our care during their college years. We pray God will uphold us in this task and them in their challenges.

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Study Today

Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

Essay on Faith in God (1446 Words)

February 20, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

God – An Omnipresent Strength

We wake up every morning and thank god for providing us another beautiful day in our lives. We offer prayers to God and thank him for all that he has given us in our lives.

We pray to god to offer us strength in times of sorrow and despair, we pray for special healing powers from him.

We seek blessings from god for ourselves and also for our near and dear ones. This sets us thinking as to why everyone seeks solace by putting themselves down before an unseen, unknown power, called God.

We may not be able to seek his presence, but a deep faith from within feels his very existence and this feeling is what exactly connects humans with God.

A connection is established between god and man, not unknowingly, but subconsciously in his mind, which he further strengthens and unfolds through his actions.

From the time a child is a small toddler, he is advised by elders of the house to thank god for any new thing he sees or does.

It is so believed that under the powerful blessings of god, the child starts learning new things and his ability further improves as he continues to bind himself strongly with god.

The child at his small, tender age perceives these insights and forms his own understanding about god.

The child is actually clueless what God actually is, but sees it as some unseen helping hand trying to come into play in all its activities.

As the child starts growing, he sees himself more connected with God, when his parents celebrate various kinds of festivals and seek god’s blessings as part of their everyday routine.

Witnessing this routine everyday takes the form of practice in the child’s mind and he sees himself connecting to god before doing anything small or big by him.

As he matures into an adult, practice is replaced by permanent faith in his heart, seasoned by everyday prayers and offerings to god and that’s when he starts believing that God is omnipresent around him, and the creator of the minutest thing around him, including his own existence is all thanks to the efforts of god.

He finds god’s presence everywhere, in his parents, in the things he uses, in the books that he reads, in himself and in just everything and everyone around him.

Different Religious Faiths

People pray to god in different ways. They opt for different paths to connect to God. The message sent out from all religions is clear and they all see god as one, single, universal power.

But the path to attain oneness with god varies from person to person and depends on their religious beliefs as well.

Religion plays the role of a medium that connects man to god by laying down certain principles and guidelines and expects its followers to follow them with conviction.

Adhering to the rules lying in religious scriptures and passing on these practices from one generation to the other has brought us to where we stand today.

Once a child is born in a family that is practicing a particular religion, the members of the family enforce their religious views on it and slowly instill faith in its tender mind.

The child becomes the carrier of these practices and he takes it to the next possible level and this continues from one generation to the next one.

India is a land of different religious faiths. We find people who go to temples to offer prayers to God, we find many others seeking blessings from lord by visiting churches, some others visiting mosques for finding oneness with god and many more.

All these religious beliefs provide their own channels to connect to God.

Likewise, people from different religions also differ in their cultural ways, lifestyles, food, clothing, celebrations and also the way they live.

Based on their religion, people also habitually develop different food habits, different ways of offering their services to god, idolization of god, etc.

In totality, religion is the base on which a person’s faith in god takes a particular shape and structure and finds its own unique path to reach oneness with god.

With religious beliefs arise the question of superiority leading to clashes between different religions.

India being a secular country gives total freedom to a person to decide on the religion he wants to follow. Nobody can force a person to practise a certain religion that is against his belief system.

Provisions for maintaining communal harmony and respect for all religions is laid down in our constitution and we as citizens of this country should abide by this without fail.

Belief in God as the Supreme Power

A certain student who is facing an examination the next day sits prepared to attempt his paper, but the same evening his father visits the nearby temple to offer special prayers to god to help his son with his exams.

Next day, before the son leaves for his exam, he also offers special prayers to God at his home and before actually starting the paper at the exam hall, thinks of God for a minute and then proceeds with the paper.

We can clearly see that though the student is prepared to take up the exam out of his own efforts, he builds up his confidence levels only after he connects to god in some way or the other.

That’s out of sheer practice. A belief inside the student assures him of a super power who would not let him down in case he faced some difficulty with the paper.

This belief system is thanks to the student’s family that has been instilling this belief in him since the time he was a child. Having this strong belief is by itself not wrong.

If the student puts all his efforts in completeness and then relies on god to add that final sparkle on his efforts, it makes the person accountable for his own attempts.

If the same person relies on god to such an extent where he puts his own efforts to the minimal but relies on a third factor called ‘luck’, then comes the negative side of the belief system.

In this scenario, the person is totally ignorant of his ability to perform in his tasks and is expecting some unseen magic to make it happen for him.

That’s the negative side of these belief systems that one should never get into. Hard work combined with faith in god to help sustain the hard work done is all that is required to achieve peace and happiness from one’s success.

Faith in God versus Superstitious beliefs

Over faith in god forces a person to bring in the presence of god into every simple thing he attempts or does.

A man opening a new shop or enterprise and seeking god’s blessings before beginning his business is said to be a fair and reasonable person.

If the same shop owner opens up a new enterprise and resorts to unfair means of trading in his business, he too is said to have faith in god but is making use of it in the wrong ways.

His faith in god is not allowing him to do the right things in his business because his thinking is not allowing him to do so.

The person believes that in spite of carrying out wrong deeds, he would still be able to flourish in his business since he has over faith or absolutely no faith in God.

An overdose of faith makes one believe that whether they act good or bad, god would still hold their hands by default. This wrong perception can also be treated as misfaith in god.

Idol worship is carried out at many religious places of worship. Some approve of it and some non-believers don’t. Worshiping god in the way they desire is one’s own personal choice.

Having wrong beliefs about a stone that absorbs milk into it and labeling it as having taken place due to god’s grace is nothing but superstitious thinking.

This has no way to connect with God and identifies unscientific, unreasonable practices and taking advantage in the name of god.

Praying to god for seeking motivation and strength to tread the hard path is true devotion towards god.

Offering prayers to god allows a person to calm down his senses and gives him a sense of relief from his duties. Faith in god provides strength from within to perform our duties with respect and utmost sincerity.

A feeling of well being and goodness is achieved when one seeks spiritual connections with god.

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Short Essay On Faith In God

Author Writer

Faith in God

Humans are innately vulnerable that is why we tend to be dependent on someone or something. Even from ancient times, people needed a ruler to rely on. In life, we all needed a force that will urge and guide us to live. A being to reckon and serve as a pillar for our strength. After all, the burden of tomorrow’s uncertainty is too much to bear.

God is the word that resonates since the start of time. People from different religions have God: In Hinduism, they have Shiva; in Buddhism, there is Buddha; in Islam, there is Allah; in Judaism, they call their God Yahweh; and in Christian, they have God and Jesus. Although separated by the diverse religions, there is one thing in common, the strong faith of the followers. The believers are what compose every religion. People nowadays are given the freedom to choose what religion they want to believe in.

Faith is a very complex word to be explained. It is a word that is much more powerful than love or hatred. It takes really a lot to fully surrender yourself and believes in something you don’t see. It’s a devotion to something or someone an intense belief that you will not betray no matter what. A person who has no faith is like walking on an endless circle moving forward but with no certainty and conviction.

There are many reasons why people develop a strong faith in God. It can be because of too many sufferings. People tend to seek help and comfort when confronted with difficult times. It can also be because they are raised from a God-fearing family. After all, family is the strongest influence on a child. A certain circumstance that made you believe that God exists cause most people to ask for a sign like the saying goes—" to see is to believe” . Others claimed they have been called upon, they felt a force that urges them to devote their lives to serving God.

Faith teaches people important things. Not everything you see matters and not everything you can’t see doesn’t matter. It also teaches us about patience and humility. Knowing someone is above you is life-changing. The thought of this will keep your feet on the ground. You will not feel alone anymore for you know that you have someone to rely on when things get rough. Faith is not someone’s weakness but rather a strength.

The virtue faith holds can change one’s life. People with strong faith know how to handle too much stress. They are not easily conquered and succumb to negative emotions. People learned to be contented. Sometimes we ask for things we wanted so we fail to see the things we needed that were given to us. Through faith, we have someone we can tell our deepest secret that we can’t afford to tell anyone. Faith makes someone open up their heart. The fear of being a judge is erased because God will always understand and forgive.

The strong force, called faith, connects people from different places and races. The barrier that divides people is shattered by the common goal which is to surrender completely to God. In faith, you don’t need to speak. The heart will understand what things you can not express through words. It’s a great feeling to have someone who shares the same passion as you. Someone to accompany you to burn the intensity of your devotion towards God even more.

Faith can be the faintest whisper of prayers at night or a loud cry of praise during a church gathering. It’s a gift to mankind. It holds so much promise and meaning. The life that was filled with darkness can be lightened up with just a small light of faith. The trust a human can easily give without worrying about being betrayed. It’s the best thing the world can offer. The most beautiful thing everyone can afford.

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Essay on God’s Importance In Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on God’s Importance In Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on God’s Importance In Life

Understanding god’s role.

Many people believe in a higher power known as God. They see God as a guide who helps them choose right from wrong. When life gets tough, thinking of God can give comfort and hope.

Learning Through Stories

Religious books are full of stories about God’s love and power. These tales teach kids about bravery, kindness, and honesty. They often look to these stories for lessons on how to live well.

Prayer and Strength

Praying to God is like talking to a friend. It can make you feel strong and calm. When you’re scared or sad, praying might bring peace and a sense of not being alone.

Belonging to a Community

Believing in God can connect you with others. Many gather in places like churches or temples to worship together. This can create a feeling of family and support among the people.

250 Words Essay on God’s Importance In Life

Many people believe in a higher power known as God. They see God as a guiding force in their lives. For those who believe, God is very important because He gives them hope and purpose. When they are scared or unsure, thinking of God can bring comfort and courage.

Learning Right from Wrong

God is often seen as a teacher of what is good and what is bad. Different religions have their own rules that God has given them. These rules help people decide how to act and treat others. With God’s teachings, they learn to be kind, honest, and fair.

Finding Strength in Tough Times

Life can be hard sometimes. When people face problems, they may pray to God for help. They believe God listens and gives them strength to get through tough times. This belief can make them feel less alone and more able to handle life’s challenges.

Bringing People Together

Belief in God can bring people together. In churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship, people gather to pray and celebrate their faith. This creates a sense of community and belonging, which is very important in life.

Hope for the Future

Thinking about God can give people hope for the future. They believe that God has a plan for them and that everything will work out for the best. This hope can keep them going when things are difficult and can inspire them to work towards a better future.

500 Words Essay on God’s Importance In Life

Many people believe in a higher power known as God. They see God as a source of strength, guidance, and love. In this essay, we will explore why God plays a significant role in the lives of believers.

Comfort in Tough Times

Life can be hard. Sometimes, we face problems that seem too big for us to handle alone. This is where God comes in. For those who believe, God is like a friend who is always there to listen and help. When something bad happens, like losing a loved one or feeling very sad, believers find comfort in praying to God. They feel that God understands their pain and helps them through it.

Guidance for Right Choices

Every day, we make choices. Some are easy, and some are hard. Believers turn to God for help in making the right decisions. They may read holy books, like the Bible or the Quran, to learn what God teaches about living a good life. By following these teachings, they feel they can choose the path that will make them and the people around them happy.

Feeling Loved and Valued

Everyone wants to feel loved. Believers find this love in God. They think of God as a parent who loves them no matter what. This love gives them confidence. It makes them feel important and valued. When they know God loves them, they also learn to love themselves and others.

Thinking about the future can be scary. There are so many unknowns. But believers find hope in their faith in God. They trust that God has a plan for them and that everything will work out for the best. This hope helps them stay positive, even when things look uncertain.

Learning to Forgive

We all make mistakes, and sometimes we hurt others. God teaches about forgiveness. Believers try to follow this teaching by forgiving those who have wronged them. They also ask God to forgive their own mistakes. This helps them live without anger and bitterness.

Building a Community

Believing in God often brings people together. They gather to worship, celebrate, and help each other. This creates a community where people care for one another. In this community, they share their love for God and find friends who support them in their beliefs.

In conclusion, God holds an important place in the lives of those who believe. God offers comfort, guidance, love, hope, and a sense of community. These things help believers lead a fulfilling life. Whether it’s finding strength in tough times, making the right choices, feeling valued, looking forward to the future, learning to forgive, or being part of a community, God’s role is central to many people’s lives. While not everyone believes in God, for those who do, God’s importance in life is clear and deeply felt.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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What Is God: My Personal Faith Reflection

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Topic: God , Self Reflection

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Humanity Essays

Kindness Essays

Hope Essays

Adversity Essays

Empathy Essays

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