We live in a world that seems normal, until something happens. Changes can come harshly, and our peace is seemingly ripped away. Then, we must face intentional choices at a time when we feel like just giving up.
It’s especially hard when others tell you that things will be “fine” or “it will get easier.” You can’t believe it during a time of turmoil, and frankly, you probably get tired of hearing that. Those words make you feel like you must be missing something or operating by the wrong standard. No matter your level of faith, you feel the hurt, sometimes very deeply.
Although stories and cultures may be different, this experience is universal. And it’s taking place more often than ever before. These scenarios can make it challenging to have faith.
In This Article
Overview of Faith
If any of this sounds familiar, you understand that it’s a tough time to remain faithful. Even the most seasoned follower can end up in a tailspin when the rug is pulled out from under them. But it’s important to find a way to lean in and remember where your strength comes from.
What if you’ve never really known how to cope or what thoughts help you build strength? We all need to know how to overcome. A guiding hand, good advice, encouragement when we’re down, and so many other high points. What we don’t need is an empty gesture that ends up holding no weight in the long run.
Regardless of circumstance, we can all gain this strength. It simply takes growing in faith. No matter your current beliefs or how faithful you feel, there’s always room for improvement. Optimism can waiver on even the most normal day, but when you’re faced with legitimate difficulties, it will surely be tested.
You might get swept into a whirlwind or just ride the waves and let them dictate your direction. Perhaps you feel like you’re drowning when everything presses in. Your reaction and mindset to these circumstances are birthed by your beliefs and faith. This is usually based on what has been modeled or taught.
Riding the waves and fighting the current can be exhausting. The good news is that it’s never too late to develop a firm foundation. It’s the best way to keep from drifting away when times get tough.
Who You Can Rely On
Sometimes, in anger, we wonder why circumstances are allowed to happen. We think God let the tough situations come to pass. However, that’s not how God operates. He has sorrow when things don’t go as we hoped, and He even understands our frustration or anger. If all was well every time, this would be Heaven, not Earth.
Even society recognizes faith as trusting in something or someone, but often bases this off being afraid or dependent on them. Your reliance on their outcome determines your wellbeing. However, that mindset brings more pressure than peace because we’re placing our faith in people.
After all, it’s much easier to glance around and see the difficulties and fallen world than counting all things as joyful. It’s challenging for most people to truly lean into a person and concept they can’t see or touch. It takes faith and an eternal view of somewhere more promising and perfect than what you currently see.
In opposition to worldly faith, Heavenly faith is based on goodness rather than fear. Simply knowing God enhances your wellbeing beyond what you expect to gain by placing faith in people.
9 Simple Steps for Faith
Anyone who has told you to “just believe” has likely suffered insecurities and shaky ground just as you have. It’s not realistic to tell a new believer, someone curious about God, or anyone struggling with life to “just have faith.” It’s more important to be an example of this but also understand how to encourage growth throughout the journey.
God knit us together with a purpose and included the giftings needed to succeed. The world beats us up, makes gaps, and creates questions to our faithfulness. Or even teaches us to depend on ourselves rather than increasing faith.
We are often led astray before any tangible belief can even be developed. When the world tries to veer us off path, God can make and keep us whole for the journey. It’s always our choice.
Let’s look at some simple steps you can take to grow in faith.
1. Assess Your Perspective
It’s good to be honest and first decide what viewpoint you have about the whole idea of faith. Is it based on something you’ve been taught or what you’ve heard others say? Perhaps your decisions come from the thought that it’s strange or too much trouble. That’s okay.
Almost all of what we believe is what we’re taught or things we hear. Do you feel empty even when things are going well? Simply start with a decision to lean into a place that will bring better steps and outcomes for you.
An easy judgement that people follow is deciding that the world is a tough place and people can be cruel and hurtful. That might seem true when your expectations include gaining positive steps based on the actions of others. Unmet expectations can cause chaos. Consider putting less expectations on others and more on God for a more powerful perspective.
2. Curiosity is the Opposite of Faith
One misconception that religion leads you to believe is that you’re “supposed to do it this way.” Rather than create your own personal relationship spiritually, there are many expectations, guidelines, and rules. It’s easy to feel trapped when in this realm.
Instead, consider that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and that you might even feel like you’re starting off confused with tons of questions. You don’t have to know it all and there is no magic formula to gain everything immediately. Faith is not that hot and cold.
The reality is that there are ongoing stages. These take place as you gain knowledge and have more curiosity. And everyone’s stages are individualized, and personal. Not filled with rules and “must dos.”
If you lean in and feel compelled to jump into faith with both feet, there’s certainly nothing against going “all in.” But God knows that’s not always the case. He’s accepting of either way because He can ultimately see the outcome. He simply wants your heart.
3. Ask God Questions and Talk to Him
You don’t spend all your time with friends or family asking continuous questions and dominating the conversation. You listen after talking. It’s the same with God as someone standing in front of you. Don’t come with a laundry list of requests or complaints then walk away.
Prayer is simply talking to God and listening.
We grow when spending time with someone. God is no different. Picture Him beside you leaning in and intently listening. The Bible teaches us that God hears everything we say and takes interest. Don’t assume He’s unreachable, unapproachable, or unforgiving. Make a habit of going to Him first, even to share your thoughts. He already knows them but loves to hear from you.
4. Lean In and Learn Through the Bible
There are great examples of people in the Bible, like Elijah and Kind David, that had close relationships with God but were still in turmoil with angst. Their lives weren’t perfect, and they were transparent about it.
Talking about growing faith through the Bible often makes people immediately run. But don’t get weighed down. It’s okay not to know verses by heart or understand what everything says. Better recall and understanding come with time.
Ask God for motivation to read and hunger to understand the Word. It will be granted if you’re willing. Instead of viewing the Bible as challenging, see it as words of wisdom that are full of advice. It has something for everyone in every part of life.
5. Make a Faithful Friend/Mentor
There is something powerful, as well as Biblical, about baring your soul for healing. This is different than complaining and wanting someone to agree with you.
A faithful friend or mentor is someone you can talk to and be real with through your struggles. Not someone that gossips and repeats what you say. The key is for this to be a person that leaves you better than they found you by pouring into you.
If you want true growth, listen to what your mentor offers. There should be words of wisdom and guidance. If you’re leaning into someone that agrees with everything you say, it’s hard to expect growth, especially in faith.
6. Question but Don’t Walk Away
One key to building faith is not to turn your back on God when you feel like you don’t understand. Especially if you’ve already built a foundation.
Just as a journey includes steps, you shouldn’t judge your relationship with God on one occurrence, request, or misunderstanding especially where other people are concerned. No matter the weight it brings.
He never leaves nor forsakes. That means not only will God always stay, but He won’t turn his back on you either. So, before you face any crisis, commit to this mindset because you never know when the tide will turn in life.
Burdens can be heavy, but it’s better to allow God to carry them rather than try on your own. This is true each time. Try not to turn your back on Him.
7. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Sin happens daily. We often attempt to overlook and decide to bury a misstep rather than admit it. Be realistic instead of expecting perfection.
Shame can create lies and deceit about how you feel, especially projected inwardly. Emotions can wreak havoc on a situation when you’re determined to do the right thing but fail. However, there’s an easy remedy for this kind of turmoil. God doesn’t want you to stay ineffective and beat yourself up.
It only takes one glance at the cross. Jesus went to the cross for your sins. Past, present, and future. With this gesture in mind, you might think that a poor choice would create a gap between you and God. Instead, lean in with the understanding of what it represents. Your freedom. Accept the forgiveness once and for all.
The victory is already there and won’t be removed. When we let Him work, we begin to detest the very thing that caused us to sin and the act of it. We decide against living in temptation. This takes the place of despising yourself, or even turning away from God. He can change anything about us easily.
8. Believe God is Doing a Work in You
Rely on God. Rest in knowing He’s your strong tower. This is true no matter how disappointed you may be with yourself or even with Him.
As you lean in, request wisdom and growth. He rewards that. Ask and trust and it will be done.
Keep watching and listening as you spend quiet time to hear what God is teaching you or asking you to do. Changes happen. Addictions are broken, chains fall away, negative emotions are overcome, and baggage becomes weightless. As blinders fall from your eyes, everything looks different. Your heart will feel the peace that God brings. This will enhance your faith.
9. Be Willing to Give Him Credit
Recognize that God’s doing a work in you and trust your ability with Him leading. This and the previous point go together closely. Evident victory is always worth celebrating, but even when you may not see it, still celebrate. He honors this.
Celebrating miracles, giftings, or blessings creates even more room for further victories. Giving credit to the One who deserves it is powerful.
When you speak what you don’t yet see, there is power in your words. Also, don’t be shy about listening to music that praises God. Absorb these encounters. It creates supernatural peace.
Final Thoughts About Growing Your Faith
Each of the points discussed create ways to grow in faith. It’s important not to judge yourself as you try these steps. Have great expectation of God rather than putting the weight directly on yourself. He can do amazing things and desires a close relationship. That’s the best mindset to have moving forward in your journey. It will help you grow in faith.