“Oh Jeff, I don’t think we will have the money to pay our bills”, cried Susan. Gazing into her eyes, Jeff took Susan’s hands in his and confidently spoke. “Don’t worry. Let’s pray. I have faith that the Lord will provide.”
“Owww! Another kidney stone!” squealed Michelle wincing in pain. “Lord,” she prayed, “I have faith that you can heal me.”
In each of these scenarios, a person exhibited faith. Would they have the same level of faith if their circumstances were switched? Would Jeff have faith for healing if he was wincing in pain? Or what about Michelle? Would she have faith for finances if she was broke?
Have you noticed that even with faith, the strength of our faith can vary with our circumstances?
LOOK AT ABRAHAM!
By faith, Abraham obeyed God leaving his homeland and family having no idea where God was taking him, (Genesis 12:1).
Yet when he and his beautiful wife, Sarah, came to Gerar, fear overtook his faith. Fearing that King Abimelech would kill him to have Sarah, Abraham pretended that she was only his sister, (Genesis chapter 20). Abraham’s faith clearly varied with his circumstances.
Because experiences and circumstances vary with the individual, so does the strength of each individual’s faith. In some circumstances our faith will be stronger than in others.
Think about a flu epidemic. A young, healthy person likely has more faith for health than an elderly person with health issues. What about in tough economic times? It may be easier for a person with a large financial cushion to have faith for provision than for someone living pay check to pay check.
No matter what our circumstances, the scriptures tell us to walk in faith,
For we walk by faith, not by sight,
2 Corinthians 5:7
That’s not always easy, is it?
So, when circumstances are a challenge to our faith, what can we do?
1. WALK!
Abraham had to literally walk in faith for 1,025 miles from his homeland to the promised new land. Without goggle maps or knowledge of his destination, he had to rely on God to be his GPS. As he walked step by step in faith, he moved closer to seeing God’s promise.
Just as our bodies are strengthened as we physically walk, our faith is strengthened when we walk in faith. Step by step as we walk in faith, we draw closer to the promise of the future God has in mind for us.
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left,
Isaiah 30:21
2. TAKE SMALL STEPS!
King David’s 1 and Joseph’s 2 small steps of faith led to bigger leaps of faith. Although we don’t know much about Abraham before age 75, we can assume he started with small steps as well. After all, Abraham needed a leap of faith to start his journey.
Small steps of faith prepare us for bigger leaps!
For example; I have a friend who had trouble swallowing. She started with a small step by asking the Lord to help her swallow peas and He did. She then moved onto praying for harder food. Each small step grew her faith to take another step. Eventually she took a bigger leap to eat everything!
3. REFOCUS!
Faith doesn’t deny reality, but trusts God to be victorious.
‘Ah, Lord God! Behold,
You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.
There is nothing too hard for You,
Jeremiah 32:17
Rather than focus on what our emotions are screaming or the reality of current difficulties, focus on God’s victory. In faith give it all to Him and He will replace it with peace.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:6-7
4. USE SCRIPTURE!
The scriptures are full of God’s loving promises. When we pray the scriptures back to God, we know we are praying His will and His promises.
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it,
Isaiah 55:11.
Find a scripture that fits your circumstances and pray it. Every time doubt creeps in, speak the scripture. God’s Word is a weapon that God has given us to defeat the enemy. Reading and hearing God’s Word builds our faith.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, …
And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
Ephesians 6:13a, 17, 18a
REFLECTION
How can you grow your faith today?
PRAYER
Heavenly Faither, as I write 2 Corinthians 5:7 and say it aloud, show me small steps to grow my faith. In times of doubt, remind me of Your Word, love and ability to be victorious. In Jesus name. Amen.
FAITH GROWS WITH THE SMALL STUFF
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
1 Faith – GROW IT STEP BY STEP – DianeLese
2 Faith – BAD TO GOOD – DianeLese
Photo wallet, Emil-Kalibradov
Photo lambs running, hannahlmyers
Photo armor, kar3nt
