It was a crisp autumn morning, and Amy’s gaze drifted out the kitchen window as she sipped her morning coffee.
The leaves were turning brilliant shades of orange and red, a vibrant reminder of the changing seasons. Yet amid this natural splendor, Amy’s heart felt heavy with worry and doubt.
For months, she and her husband, Jay, had been grappling with a difficult financial situation. Their savings had dwindled, bills were piling up, and the weight of their circumstances seemed unbearable.
They had prayed fervently for a breakthrough, but the answer seemed elusive.
As Amy’s mind raced with anxiety, a gentle whisper from the depths of her soul reminded her of the words she had read countless times in her worn Bible:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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In that moment, Amy realized that her faith had faltered. She had allowed her circumstances to overshadow God’s promises, and her strong faith had wavered.
But now, a renewed sense of determination welled up within her – a determination to trust in God’s unwavering love and provision, no matter what trials lay ahead.
The Measure of Faith
As Amy opened her Bible to the Book of Romans, she was reminded of a profound truth:
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
Romans 12:3 (NIV)
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This verse revealed that faith is not something we conjure up on our own; it is a gift from God, a measure bestowed upon each believer.
Just as prophecy and ministry are empowered by faith, our daily lives are meant to be lived in unwavering trust in God’s promises.
Growing in Faith
However, the Bible assures us that our faith can grow exceedingly, as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
2 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV)
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As our faith grows, so too does the anointing and revelation we can access in our teaching, preaching, and prophecy.
The truth has the power to set us free, and the greater the truth we embrace, the more freedom we experience (John 8:32).
Preparation and Readiness
In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we encounter the story of the widow and the oil, a powerful illustration of the importance of preparation and readiness for God’s blessings.
When the widow’s creditors threatened to take her sons as slaves, the prophet Elisha instructed her to gather as many empty vessels as possible and pour the little oil she had into them.
As she obeyed in faith, the oil miraculously multiplied, filling every vessel she had prepared. The lesson? Little faith prepares little, while big faith prepares big.
Are we actively preparing and making room for God’s blessings in our lives?
The Role of the Holy Spirit
In John 2:5, Mary’s instructions to the servants at the wedding in Cana offer profound insight: “Do whatever he tells you.”
The Holy Spirit is always ready to act, but we must yield to His promptings and obey His instructions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
Just as Naaman had to humble himself and dip seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:1-14), our obedience to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance is paramount.
When we yield our will to His, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of His power and provision.
Overcoming Frustration and Fear
In the midst of challenging circumstances, it is easy to become frustrated and fearful. Yet the Bible exhorts us to fix our gaze on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)
Just as the Israelites were instructed to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed (Numbers 21:4-9), we must train our minds to dwell on God’s promises and resist the temptation to fixate on our circumstances.
By feeding faith and starving fear, we can overcome frustration and emerge victorious, even in the face of seeming impossibilities.
Conclusion
Amy’s journey reminds us that strong faith is not a destination but a daily choice. Like Abraham, we are called to “grow strong in faith by giving glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21, NIV)
As we cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, refuse to consider circumstances that contradict God’s Word, and actively prepare for His blessings, our faith will grow exceedingly.
And in the strength of that faith, we will experience the fullness of God’s promises, seeing miracles unfold and lives transformed by His power.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is a gift from God, a measure bestowed upon each believer.
- Our faith can grow exceedingly, increasing our access to God’s anointing and revelation.
- Preparation and readiness are essential for receiving God’s blessings.
- Yielding to the Holy Spirit’s promptings positions us for God’s power and provision.
- Overcoming frustration and fear requires fixing our gaze on Jesus and feeding faith while starving fear.
- Like Abraham, we are called to grow strong in faith by giving glory to God and being fully convinced of His promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between faith and belief?
A. While faith and belief are closely related, there is a subtle difference. Belief is a mental acceptance or acknowledgment of something as true, while faith involves a deep trust, confidence, and commitment to that belief.
Faith is belief put into action, a complete reliance on God and His promises.
Q. How can I grow in faith when my circumstances seem hopeless?
A. Even when circumstances appear hopeless, we can grow in faith by fixing our gaze on Jesus and His promises rather than dwelling on our difficulties.
Reading and meditating on God’s Word, practicing gratitude, and surrounding ourselves with faith-filled believers can also strengthen our trust in God’s ability to work miracles.
Q. Is it wrong to have doubts or questions about my faith?
A. Doubts and questions are a natural part of the faith journey, and even the most faithful believers have wrestled with them.
The key is to bring our doubts and questions to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance through His Word and the counsel of mature believers.
Doubts can deepen our faith if we allow them to draw us closer to God.
Q. How can I keep my faith strong during trials and difficult times?
A. Trials and difficulties can either weaken or strengthen our faith, depending on our response.
Staying rooted in God’s Word, maintaining a consistent prayer life, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of believers can help us endure trials with unwavering faith.
Remembering God’s past faithfulness and focusing on His promises can also fortify our faith during challenging seasons.
Q. What role does the Holy Spirit play in strengthening our faith?
A. The Holy Spirit is essential in nurturing and deepening our faith. He illuminates God’s Word to us, convicts us of truth, and empowers us to live according to our beliefs.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and promptings, our faith is strengthened, and we experience greater intimacy with God.
Q. How can I exercise my faith in practical ways?
A. Exercising our faith involves putting it into action in our daily lives. This can include obeying God’s promptings, sharing our faith with others, serving in ministry, giving generously, and trusting God with our finances, relationships, and future plans.
As we step out in faith, our trust in God grows, and we witness His faithfulness firsthand.
