Welcome back to “Friday Feature!” Grab a cup of coffee, relax, and enjoy today’s devotion! If you missed the last devotion, you can read it here!
My sweet sister-in-law, Christy, brings us today’s devotion titled, “Faith.” Christy, happily married and a homeschooling mama of 3 beautiful children, has recently become a newbie blogger. After recently selling their home, Christy and her family are finding out what tiny living is all about! Christy has recently started an Instagram page to document their camper adventures while they build their new home. Give her a follow! @simplelifeofwillingham
Faith
To be completely honest faith wasn’t my first choice when it comes to choosing a topic to write about. When Laura asked me about doing a Friday Feature, I started thinking and praying about what to write. Every time I did so, the word faith came to me. I tried dismissing it because I felt like in order to write about this topic I would need to be perfect in my own faith, like some saint who never doubts God or struggles with unbelief. But the more I opened my heart and mind to this topic, the more I realized I could benefit as much as anyone else. You see, faith is an action that requires a daily choice for us to continue abiding in it. I have to make that choice just like you and just like the strongest of Christians.
Are you struggling to believe? I want to encourage you! First, know that you’re not the only one. We all have times where our faith grows weak. Even Jesus did when he was praying before the crucifixion “if possible, let this cup pass from me” Of course He didn’t change His mind about saving humanity, but for a moment even He needed strength from the Father to keep believing. In fact a lot of times when we struggle to believe God, though it is a hard and trying time, it is actually promoting growth and strength. That’s exciting! Did you know that the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed “let this cup pass from me” was an olive grove? It’s believed to have had an olive press in the grove where oil was made. The word Gethsemane actually means “Oil Press”. Hold on, I’m going somewhere! In order to produce olive oil the olives have to go through a process of grinding, crushing, and pressing and only then will the rich oil be excreted and extracted. We also go through times of pressing and crushing, that’s just apart of our walk with God, it’s not always easy. Often times that leads to questioning, times where our faith grows weak but we can’t let it destroy us. Instead let’s be excited that God is using this time to strengthen us as we grow into all God wants us to be. That is when we’ll walk in his fullness and abundance.
Some of the best things we can do to strengthen our faith in God is;
1. Start each day with prayer. God wants to hear from you! Pray like you mean it, and like lack of faith isn’t an issue. God wants us to give him our burdens and worries. He’s just like a Dad who’s extending his hand to his child in need of help.
2. Read the word. The word is alive, and reassuring your heart with scripture is absolutely necessary as a Christian. Prov. 3:5-6 is a good place to start… Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Google scriptures on faith or get a faith devotional, however you have to, get the word in you!
3. Surround yourself with positivity. Faith grows and flourishes in positive people. Find a mentor, a friend, a podcast or a good uplifting book that will encourage you.
Remember we were not created to be perfect. There will be times that we are pressed and our faith is tested. That doesn’t make us weak. Jesus said (Luke 17:6) “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed”… we can move mountains! The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds yet grows into one of the largest trees. If we allow our trying times to grow our faith and strengthen us, God will do exceedingly, abundantly and above all that we can ask or think (Eph 3:20)
There’s so much more to be said about faith but I hope this encourages someone today. Maybe to renew your faith, keep pressing on or hopefully just encourage someone else in their faith. I’m thankful for every trial I’ve been through because they have only made me stronger in my faith. If we never had a test or struggle we wouldn’t have a reason to trust God. Doesn’t He want us to fully rely on him? He created you to do great things and deepening your faith is just apart of the process.