Faith is key to our Christian walk.

Because we live in a culture that increasingly relies on commercialism, materialism and secularism, it’s not always easy to keep our faith, let alone increase it. But God expects us to grow in faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is key to our Christian walk.

If you believe you lack faith, don’t be discouraged. Many great men and women of powerful faith struggled at times with various faith-testing challenges. But they “won strength out of weakness” (Hebrews 11:34). Even through setbacks and failures, they grew in faith.

Choosing to obey and serve God will lead to difficulties that challenge our faith. But the Holy Spirit will enable us to endure such trials.

When you pray for a stronger faith, be aware that you will be given opportunities for your faith to grow; it doesn’t just happen. If we pray for courage, for example, God doesn’t just make us courageous. He gives us opportunities to be courageous. When we pray for patience, we don’t instantly become patient. Instead, we are given circumstances in which to exercise patience. And so, with a prayer of increased faith, we must be on the lookout for opportunities to put our faith into action.

A life of faith requires that we get out of the box and, at times, step into uncomfortable situations. We may no longer be assured of our customary comforts. Even our personal safety may be threatened.

Faith is a by-product of godly living. Faith increases over time, just as a wall is built brick by brick. While we like the instantaneous, faith just doesn’t work that way. We develop and enrich our faith through frequent, regular contact with God.

We cannot muster up faith on our own and determine we will never doubt or question again. Living faith comes as a result of a maturing relationship with God.

No matter how long you’ve been saved, you can establish a pattern for Christian growth that can last a lifetime. Here’s how:

• Meditate on Scripture. The Bible is packed with faith-strengthening verses that we should ponder as we commit them to memory because “faith comes from what is heard and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Make it a habit to read your Bible daily with the express purpose of increasing your faith.
• Be aware of your blessings. Faith wanes when we forget the blessings of God. Perhaps this is why God admonishes us so many times in Scripture to “remember” and “not forget.” When we consistently recall what the Lord has done for us as well as for others, our faith is strengthened. It’s a way of preparing ourselves for future trials.
• Be a river, not a lake. A river is constantly flowing, whereas a lake is stagnant. For our faith to be strong and vibrant, we must continuously allow the things of Christ to move through us and on to others. Don’t build a dam of self-protection; let the river flow.
• Speak words of blessing. Our words bring life—or death. Some of the most life-affirming words we can speak to others can be found in Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” As we speak words that uplift, encourage and affirm others, we not only bless them but build up our own spirit as well.
• Pray without ceasing. Spend as much time in prayer as possible. Attend prayer meetings. Participate in a prayer chain. Keep a record of answered prayers to look back on regularly. The more time we spend in communication with God, the more our faith will grow.
• Share the journey. Get together regularly with a fellow believer who is also seeking to grow in faith. “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another” (Proverbs 27:17). Spend time together studying and reflecting on spiritual matters.
• Restore someone’s faith. Your own faith will increase as you boost the faith of others. Extend kindness and unconditional love wherever you go. Help heal a wounded heart. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
• Fast. While many of us neglect this spiritual discipline, it is biblical and necessary. Jesus fasted; so should we. Combine your prayer time with fasting, seeking a vibrant faith.
• Consider God’s greatness. “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Meditating on the awesomeness of God is a great faith-booster.
• Develop an attitude of gratitude. Start each day with a prayer of thanks to God for the gift of a new day. We can be grateful for God’s presence and involvement in our lives no matter what we are going through. This is why we are told to give thanks in all things. While we don’t have to give thanks for them, we can give thanks in the midst of them.
• Step out in faith. Faith must be activated for it to be of any use. A vibrant faith is characterized by a willingness to take a leap of faith whenever needed. We will never have all the pieces of the puzzle in place at once. As we take a step of faith the next step becomes obvious and so on until the picture is complete. Trust God for what lies ahead but be willing to move when he says, “Go.”

Tammy Darling lives in Three Springs, Pa.