Have FaithSample

Day 1: Faith Comes by Hearing

The foundation of our walk with God is FAITH! Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. So, even in the embryonic stage of our walk with God, we must have the faith to believe that God exists (that HE IS), and as we grow and move into deeper relationship, we must have the faith to believe that He is concerned about and attentive to the cares of those who seek after Him (that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him). With this understanding, we realize that it is highly unlikely for longtime Believers to truly flourish and prosper with small faith. PLEASE do not become offended and stop reading this devotional. I promise it will be worthy of your time because no matter the age or stage in life, we all must consistently work toward growing and maturing our faith in God.

However, faith isn’t something we can just manufacture on our own—it is built and strengthened through the principles and promises of God’s Holy Word. Faith is like a muscle; it will grow if it is exercised. On the other hand, faith will most certainly decline when left, intentionally or unintentionally, in a non-functioning or under-functioning state. One of the primary ways to strengthen our faith is by immersing ourselves in the Word of God. When we consistently intake Scripture, our confidence in the Lord and His abilities increases. Just as our physical bodies need nourishment, our faith requires the nourishment of God’s truths. The more we connect with The Word, the more inclined we are to align our thoughts and beliefs with His will.

Consider how often we entertain words of fear, negativity, or doubt. Think about the voices we allow to speak into our lives. Are they expressing principles of faith or opinions of fear? The news, social media, and even well-meaning friends and family can bombard our minds with thoughts that contradict the Word of God. These overwhelming types of input are strategically working to weaken our faith. The enemy knows that the output or outcome will not result in increased faith, but trepidation, uncertainty, indecisiveness, and unbelief. Therefore, if we desire to build our faith, we must be intentional about choosing the things that help us to do so.

There is a defined recipe for successfully developing our faith, and it is found abounding in the Lord's Holy Word. The Bible is filled with numerous accounts of God’s dedication to mankind amid our dilemmas. Reading these testimonies reminds us that The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). What He has done for others—He can and will do for you and me, for there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11). Thus, our faith is built by what we constantly hear and believe. When we conduct a consistent routine of engaging with Scripture—reading, listening, studying, and meditating—the further our faith is strengthened. The Bible isn’t just a book; it is the living Word of God, full of wisdom and power. The more we absorb it, the more we are transformed by it.

But remember, faith is not just hearing; it’s HEARING AND BELIEVING! Many Christians hear God’s promises but still struggle to believe them, especially when circumstances seem to contradict that assurance. Today, I want you to think back to a time when you needed a miracle. You desperately needed the Lord to show up on your behalf, and HE DID! He showed up for you, and it was exactly what you needed. Keep that thought at the forefront of your mind because it’s going to cause your faith to be STIRRED!!! This is not just a feeling; THIS IS A KNOWING IN YOUR HEART! Now, make a schedule to expose yourself to the Word of God daily. Be devoted to it! This is your season to trust God over every doubt and fear and to grow your faith by leaps and bounds!!!

Reflection:

• Is your faith being fed?

•Are you making time to hear God’s Word daily?

• What other voices are influencing your faith?

• How will you prioritize reading, listening, studying, and meditating on the Word of God?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to develop a deeper hunger and thirst for Your Word, so that my heart and mind will be immersed in Your truths. I desire to focus on Your unfailing promises rather than my current condition. Father, grow my faith and align my thoughts and actions with your purpose and plan for my life. Amen.

Action Step:

Set aside time today to read a passage of Scripture or listen to an audio Bible. Consider memorizing a verse that speaks to your faith journey.

At another point in the day, listen to a sermon or engage in Bible study.