Consequently, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard
comes through the preached Word of Christ (Romans 10:17)
Let’s begin with some online definitions of faith. Faith has been defined as a complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith is a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.
And of course, the bible also defines faith, and it goes thus: “To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1). Our Daily Manner (ODM) says: “Faith is believing and being convinced that you will receive those things you have prayed for, even when it has not yet happened.”
When you think about faith, does it give you confidence and hope or does it speak to you about your human vulnerability and inadequacies? Well, faith may have one or both effects on a person because by itself, it contains both elements.
When your faith grows, your confidence grows and so does your hope. This then points out to you that there are situations, circumstances and conditions that are simply beyond your control and/or human intervention. Perhaps, this is where that feeling or acknowledgment of your vulnerability and inadequacy come in. Well, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Sounds familiar?
The focus of this piece is this, that, “…Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). So, if you want to have faith? Then hear the Word of God.
Time to Grow Faith
Do you need to grow your faith? Then hear the Word. But how do you hear the Word if you do not give time to hearing the Word?
Today, our attention is easily taken by so many things. Worse of all is the social media and other technological innovations that are now all around us and easily accessible on our fingertips or by a simple stretch of the arm.
We are bombarded by news stories, entertainment, updates, notifications, group chats, social media chat messages, posts, TV programmes, movies, radio programmes and lots of other daily commitments and concerns. When do you really get to hear the Word of God? Just on Sundays? Grossly insufficient if you know.
It takes time for faith to grow. It requires commitment and a better use of your time. The devil will do anything to steal our time away from us. This is because when we get carried away by various things that cause distractions, then we do not have the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to the Word of God.
A friend recently told me about something she joined online that requires that she makes input to it every day and a couple of times each day just to earn a little money. As I heard that, my mind pricked me. Instantly, I was concerned that there are several gimmicks out there designed to keep people busy and occupied and hence no time to hear God’s word.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Mathew 6:33).
Many of our preoccupations, associations and use of our time seem innocent and harmless, yet they take us away from spending quality time to seat with the Word of God or dedicate ourselves to the things of God. Everything is justifiable today as a good cause.
Faith needs to be gradually nurtured. And this is why it is awesome that we bring our children to faith early in their lives and help them become lovers of Christ Jesus. Over time, they develop their own conviction about the godly things we are teaching them.
Three Ways to Help You Grow Your Faith
Three things you can do daily to grow faith are:
1) Invite the Holy Spirit, and read the Word of God daily;
2) Meditate on what you read, and dedicate yourself to prayer;
3) Everyday, fill your sight and listening space with audios, videos, podcasts, and messages that build your hearing and understanding of the Word of God.
Let no day go by without engaging your mind, your time and your space in this way.
The beauty of having faith is this, that: “…Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Matthew 21:22).
(To be continued – Part 2)
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