Both of my children are avid gym attendees. Me? In a word, no. My preferred method of exercise is walking. However, in the past few years, I’ve noticed that going up hills has become a bit more challenging.
I suspect it may be due to the loss of muscle mass due to aging and maybe, just maybe the lack of regular weight training. Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to realize that just as we need to work out our physical muscles, we also need to work out our faith muscles.
Faith muscles? How do I work those out? I’m so glad you asked!
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 – “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (NKJV).
Faith comes by hearing. So we can see that one way to build our faith is by hearing the Word of God. Perhaps this is at a church service, an online teaching, a YouTube video or the Elevate the Day podcast! (Ok…shameless plug!)
Second Peter 3:18 says “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NKJV). Therefore, we are to not only hear the Word, but grow in it as well. Well, you can’t grow something if you’re not feeding or exercising it.
Hebrews 10:23 says: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” We are to confess, that is, to speak our hope (faith) without wavering.
Hearing, growing, speaking. All of these words are action oriented and require us to do something. Your faith muscles do not grow by themselves. You need to work them out.
To grow your faith, you have to exercise it. You may be thinking, well, there’s no gym that I can go to if I want more faith. And you’d be right. Sorta…
We have the Word of God and that’s better than any gym membership. So, how do you begin?
First, you have to decide that you want to grow your faith. It requires a choice on your part just like joining a gym requires a choice and a commitment to go regularly.
Second, select Scriptures specifically on the topic of faith to read, meditate on, and even memorize. For example, if you need faith for healing, read Scriptures on healing.
Next, speak those Scriptures out loud every day – all day long if needed. If you’re struggling in a particular area (weak muscle), you have to work it out more. Put Post-it® notes around your house as reminders. Listen to teachings on the topic.
Then, try out your faith. Start with something small and build yourself up until you’re believing God for the impossible. As my pastor often says, if you can’t believe God for a cup of coffee, how can you believe him to heal you of a disease?
Lastly, and this may very well be the most important action: ask God to help you….just like the father who came to Jesus with his sick child did:
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NKJV)
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. So seek Him in all things – seek Him as you grow your faith muscles. God wants you to seek Him, talk to Him. He’s your heavenly Father and He wants to hear from His kids!
Our culture is obsessed with physical appearance yet God cares more about what we look like on the inside. And He wants to see BIG faith muscles!
Here’s the thing: If we neglect exercising our physical muscles, they will weaken and eventually atrophy. Likewise, if you neglect exercising your faith…same.
So, today I want to encourage you to start exercising…your faith!