Have you ever encountered someone who seemed so easy to talk with, whom you share a lot of things in common, and it seemed like you have been friends for a long time even if it was the first time that you met?
Yes, there indeed are friendships that are easy to forge yet, should still be nourished with close and continuous regular communication. This is because even though we may seem like we have a great connection with someone, if we do not try to get to know the person more, and tell her more about yourself too then the friendship will not grow. If both of you will not nourish your relationship with constant communication, then the instant connection will quickly fade away too.
It is the same way with growing our faith. Our faith in God does not grow overnight, and is not instantaneously built when we surrendered our lives to Jesus and proclaimed Him as our personal Lord and Savior. It takes effort to know God and obey His word.
“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Like any special human connection, it takes time to nurture a personal relationship with the Lord. It takes time, sacrifice, and discipline. Willingness is not enough, interest is not enough, like what the Apostle James said, “Faith without good works is dead,” and so in this illustration the effort exerted to nourish a relationship with God is an expression of faith.
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:19-20
So how do we grow our faith? Praying daily is one of the foremost ways to cultivate a strong faith in our Heavenly Father. It is our way of keeping in touch with Him, and the best time to do so is first thing in the morning, when our mind is fresh. It is best to talk to God when we have not yet been saddled with the stresses of the day.
Jesus Himself modeled this devotion to us as He intentionally wakes up early, goes away from the crowd, and seeks His Heavenly Father in prayer.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35
Another way to grow our faith is by reading the Bible daily, and reflecting on the lessons therein. When we read the Bible, it is like listening to what God has to say. It is allowing Him to guide you in His ways, convict you of your sins, tell you what to do to repent, and how to avoid sinning moving forward.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Practically speaking, seeking God intentionally whether early in the morning or before sleeping at night would mean an earlier wake up time, a later bedtime, or a shorter TV or lounging time.
Worshipping every Sunday can take away some rest or relaxation time, and attending bible study classes and church activities can be a hassle to some. But all these things will help grow our faith. All these indicate that we are serious in committing ourselves to the Lord and in following His ways. All these indeed take commitment and discipline. And when we pursue these things, and pray sincerely that we grow closer to God and get to know Him more, God promises to reveal Himself and His will to us.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7
Pursuing a relationship with the Lord will not only grow our faith it will also help us gain spiritual strength. The strength that comes from being in God’s presence will give us a deep sense of contentment no matter how much we have in the bank or how much we own. It will open our eyes to the truly important things in life. It will also give us the fortitude to endure hardships, and allow us to have peace and joy that transcends difficult circumstances.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on James 2:14-26 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you grow your faith and cultivate a deep relationship with the Lord?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to draw near you. Please give me the strength and the grace to fully commit to the discipline and effort needed to grow my faith in you. I want to be closer to you and help others to come to you as well. Amen.
