How do I strengthen my Faith?
Faith is the foundation we need to build our future. In this present moment, we don't know what will or what can happen to us. As believers, we put our faith in God to determine how our future will play out. We become less worried because we know we can trust God is working for our good.
The level of your faith is determined by the strength of your connection to God.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. - John 15:5-8
Your life is fruitful when you abide in the word of God. This can only be experienced by first trusting God. The second step is to build a relationship with God.
Building a relationship requires time and proximity. You start by engaging with the person. How do you engage with God?
The easiest place to start is to find a community of believers. This could be a church, a bible study, or even online. Pray to God to help you find a place to worship and learn more about him.
The next step is spending time with them. How often will you seek God? The more time you spend with someone, the more likely you get to know them better. How are they with you when you're happy? How are they with you when you're sad?
God is faithful in all circumstances, even the times when you don't feel his presence. He is always working for your 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 level of your relationship becomes deeper as you continue to build your relationship. What level is your relationship with God?
Getting to know God
This stage is exciting and confusing. God has invited you into a relationship but it's confusing because unlike a human relationship, a relationship with God is spiritual and not physical. Although, as you build your relationship with God, the Holy Spirit can feel tangible.
You may not understand everything about God but there is a feeling in your spirit that somehow you can trust him.
Falling in Love
The more time you spend in God's word, the more you realize the deep irrational love of God. That love is unconditional, exponential, and unwavering. You feel chosen, seen, and understood.
Challenges
Every relationship has its challenges. God works in mysterious ways and the uncertainty can make you weary in the relationship. Sometimes you will be tested and some days the enemy will cause problems. However, a relationship is strengthened when you overcome the challenges.
You can overcome these challenges by understanding and trusting God.
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
Stability
Over time, your relationship will have built a stable foundation. You understand how God works. When challenges arise, you are able to overcome them because you know God is working for your good.
Strengthening your faith doesn't happen over night. It happens over time and with consistent proximity to God. Through challenges, you are able to deepen your relationship with God because you begin to see the faithfulness of God.