increased faith
The writer of Hebrews gives us the perfect definition of what Faith actually is.
“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is confidence. It is confidence in what we hope for. Faith is also assurance. It is assurance about what we do not see. Faith is manifested as confidence in the things that God desires, and faith is manifested as assurance that the spiritual is alive and active. Faith is constant, but it also increases, and sometimes decreases. Faith is imparted, but faith is also received. It is a confusing concept, but it is also such a simple and clear concept. One thing that we can be sure of, faith holds POWER.
Confidence and assurance are two key words that I have to keep in mind when reflecting on the faith in my heart. Am I absolutely confident that God is with me, and he desires the best for me? The beautiful thing about the nature of God is that he understands that there will always be holes in the boat of faith, but he accepts our faith wholeheartedly. Our actions of faith are gifts of sacrifice for our Father, and those acts of faith move His heart. Faith, even when broken and incomplete, melts the heart of God. Much like a baby girl would draw a messy picture for her daddy, Christians present our actions of faith to our Abba. He receives these gifts, and He loves these gifts.
It is clear that the miracles in the Old and New Testament are connected to the level of faith that a human being was utilizing. I believe that miracles and faith are connected, and I believe this is not because the person with “great faith” is special. Miracles and faith are connected because God’s heart is moved by human beings choosing to believe His Word and choosing to live a life dedicated to Him. He loves when people love Him, and to truly love God, one must operate in great faith.
When thinking about faith, it is not helpful to say to yourself, “I am going to work on having more faith.” Do you want your faith to increase? If so, there are two things that you must do at all times:
1. Receive the voice of the Lord. Hear the scriptures, hear his Spirit, and fix your eyes on our Beautiful Father. Your faith will not decrease if your eyes are on Him.
2. Stop looking at yourself. Stop trying to “be better.” The mere fact that you believe you can improve your own faith may highlight some areas of self-sufficiency and pride in your life. Understanding and knowing the heart of God is the ONLY way to increase your faith. You do not have to muscle your way through this journey, your faith will grow the more you know Him.
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17
God is inviting you on an adventure of knowing Him. Hear his message of love. Hear his heartbeat. I promise, your faith will increase if you spend time with Him.
Prayer:
Father, I pray that as my faith increases by your grace and love, that my faith would not only edify myself. I pray that my faith would manifest I miracles, in breakthrough, and in comfort for my neighbors. I pray that my faith is a substance that I can hold close to my heart, and it is a substance that allows me to know you deeper. I want to believe every word you say. I want to say YES to your beautiful Spirit. I want my faith to be the substance that allows me to taste and see. Increase my faith, Lord. However you would like to do it, increase my faith. I love you.
Questions:
1. If you faith was a boat, where would the holes be? Ask the Lord to search your heart and list the holes in your faith. Write out your doubts. You must know where the enemy is lying to you.
2. Faith is empowering to the believer. Do you feel powerful? Why or why not?
3. What are you having faith for in this season? What do you believe God will do? Pray (out loud if you can) a faith-filled prayer to God about what you are believing for, and tell him that you believe Him.
