Do you ever find yourself questioning your faith when trials hit, thinking, “Is my faith in God strong enough?” You are not alone. Strengthening faith is a journey, not an instant fix. From Abraham to the apostles, Scripture shows that faith is a living, active trust in God—shaped, tested, and matured through daily surrender and obedience. Today, we explore practical steps to strengthen your faith, deeply rooted in the Word, historical context, and the person of Christ.
Why Faith Was Central? #
Throughout Scripture, faith is portrayed as the cornerstone of a relationship with God. In the Old Testament, faith was often tested through covenant promises, physical trials, or waiting for God’s fulfilment. For example, Abraham (Genesis 12–22) lived in a nomadic culture, relying entirely on God’s guidance and promises, without the security of land, wealth, or family. His culture valued visible proof, yet Abraham trusted the invisible God—a revolutionary act of faith.
In the New Testament, the apostles wrote to communities struggling under persecution and false teaching. Faith was not theoretical; it was practical trust in God’s promises, evidenced by daily obedience. Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) summarises this beautifully:
“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.”
Here, the Greek word “pistis” (πιστις) conveys confidence, trustworthiness, and reliability. Faith was the very ground of life, enabling believers to stand against fear, sin, and uncertainty.
Step 1: Immerse Yourself in God’s Word #
Faith grows when we engage with Scripture deeply. Romans 10:17 (AMP) states:
“So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.”
The Old Testament uses “shama” (שָׁמַע) for hear, implying attentive listening that leads to obedience. Faith is not passive; it requires a responsive heart.
Practical Application:
- Dedicate 15–30 minutes daily to reading Scripture.
- Read passages aloud to engage both spirit and mind.
- Journal promises and meditate on them, particularly in trials.
Visual Comparison: Old Testament → New Testament → Christ
| Era | Faith Example | Key Lesson | Fulfilment in Christ |
|---|---|---|---|
| OT | Abraham trusts God for Isaac (Genesis 15:6) | Faith in unseen promises | Christ embodies ultimate trust and obedience to God |
| NT | Apostles persevere under persecution (Acts 5:41) | Faith in action despite danger | Christ’s resurrection ensures eternal victory for believers |
| Today | Believers face daily trials | Faith in God’s guidance and Word | Christ in you empowers practical, living faith |
Step 2: Pray with Expectancy and Confession #
Prayer strengthens faith when it is rooted in Scripture and aligned with God’s promises. Mark 11:24 (AMP) encourages:
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you pray for and ask, believe that you have received them, and you will have them.”
Confession turns Scripture into a living reality. Speaking God’s truth strengthens our internal conviction. For example, declaring “I am healed by His stripes” (Isaiah 53:5 AMP) is both faith and obedience.
Application:
- Keep a prayer journal of requests and answered prayers.
- Speak God’s promises aloud each day, integrating them into your life.
- Encourage others by sharing testimonies of faith in action.
Question: When you pray, do your words align with belief, or are they driven by doubt?
“Faith is living trust in God that produces obedience, hope, and perseverance.”
Step 3: Walk by the Spirit, Not by Sight #
Faith matures when we rely on God’s Spirit rather than human understanding. Galatians 5:16 (AMP) teaches:
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
Walking by the Spirit is trusting God’s invisible guidance, just as Abraham trusted God’s promise long before it manifested physically. Faith grows through obedient action, not just hope.
Application:
- Begin each day by surrendering decisions to the Spirit.
- When anxiety rises, remind yourself: Christ in you is greater than any trial.
- Take small steps of obedience to strengthen spiritual trust.
A young believer named Miriam faced job uncertainty. Instead of relying on anxiety, she prayed Scripture daily, followed God’s guidance in interviews, and trusted His provision. Over time, her faith grew as she saw God’s promises unfold.
Step 4: Engage in Community #
Faith flourishes when shared. Romans 1:12 (AMP) says:
“…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Hearing the stories of others builds confidence, while sharing our victories reinforces belief. Paul often pointed believers to examples of faith from earlier generations (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP), highlighting that we stand on the shoulders of faithful witnesses.
Application:
- Join a Bible study or small group for mutual encouragement.
- Share your testimonies and pray for one another.
- Celebrate faith milestones together to reinforce God’s faithfulness.
Question: Who in your community encourages your faith, and whom can you encourage?
Step 5: Reflect on God’s Faithfulness Through History #
Faith strengthens when we see continuity in God’s work. Consider this chain:
- Abraham trusted God’s promise (Genesis 15).
- Israel survived trials in the wilderness (Exodus 14:13–14 AMP).
- Christ fulfilled all promises (Luke 24:44–45 AMP).
- The Spirit confirms God’s work in believers today (Romans 8:16 AMP).
Connecting Scripture across eras shows faith as an ongoing journey anchored in Christ.
Application:
- Memorise key Old Testament stories and track their fulfilment in Christ.
- Let these stories strengthen hope in present trials.
- Recognise your faith journey as part of God’s eternal plan.
Step 6: Obedience and Patience Perfect Faith #
Faith is tested and strengthened through obedience. James 2:17 (AMP) reminds us:
“So faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.”
Hebrew “shamar” (שָׁמַר), meaning careful attention or watchfulness, illustrates that faith grows through intentional action. Small, consistent acts—serving, forgiving, giving—train faith to mature.
Practical Application:
- Take deliberate steps to act on God’s Word daily.
- Celebrate small victories of obedience as tangible expressions of faith.
- Recognise that trials are growth opportunities (Romans 5:3–5 AMP).
| Step | Action | Scripture | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Immerse in Word | Romans 10:17 | Daily reading & meditation |
| 2 | Pray & Confess | Mark 11:24 | Speak promises aloud |
| 3 | Walk by Spirit | Galatians 5:16 | Surrender decisions |
| 4 | Engage Community | Romans 1:12 | Share testimonies |
| 5 | Reflect on History | Genesis 15 → Luke 24 | Connect OT → NT → Christ |
| 6 | Obedience & Patience | James 2:17 | Act on God’s Word daily |
Bringing Faith to Life #
Faith is not merely a concept—it transforms choices, relationships, and character. When you strengthen your faith, anxiety becomes peace, doubt becomes courage, and ordinary moments become opportunities to glorify God. Strengthening faith is ongoing: immersing in Scripture, praying with expectancy, walking by the Spirit, engaging community, reflecting on God’s faithfulness, and practising obedience.
In Christ,
Godwin.
