The Greatest Challenge

Doubt, fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, taking matters into your own hands—these are the emotional struggles and challenges we face every day. Underlying those problems is the greatest challenge we face each day—to live out Hebrews 11:6, which says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Most of us would say we believe in God, but do we really believe that He rewards those who seek Him? If we lived this verse, would we have doubts about tomorrow? Would we fear loss, failure, or the unknown? Would we become frustrated over the progress of projects? Would we take matters into our own hands? Or would we be able to pray and place everything in the hands of God?

I believe without reservation that our greatest challenges in life are not emotional, not other people, not physical infirmities—our greatest challenge is our ability to believe God.

Since this is our biggest challenge, how do we believe in God more? How do we increase our faith? Here are some ways I have discovered we can do this:

1.  Read God’s Word.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the 

word of God.” Romans 10:17 (KJV)

As we read God’s Word, we get to know Him better. The better we know a trustworthy person, the more we trust them. Additionally, I believe God’s Word serves as a supernatural nourishment to the soul.

2.  Hang out with people of faith.

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Hearing the testimonies and experiences of others helps strengthen our faith, particularly in times of personal crisis. This is one reason I feel church Small Groups are vitally important. In them, we encourage, minister to, pray and support one another in time of need.

3.  Serve God by serving others.

“Faith must act in order to develop and produce.” Dr. Charles Stanley

Faith is not stored up, it is given as we use it. Our service should not only include meeting the physical needs of others, but also offering support, prayer, and sharing our faith. I have discovered that few actions increase my faith as much as testifying to my own salvation and teaching the gospel message. Our memories of our conversion to Christ produces humility, and blessings follow humility.

4. Obey God.

“…and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22

In order to receive more faith, we must be obedient. Hebrews 4:6, 7 teaches about the danger of hardening your heart, “Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience…today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Today, many are often guilty of not obeying what they are hearing. They say, “That pastor or teacher is just not feeding me anymore.” When we don’t obey what God has revealed to us, He will seldom reveal anything else. As in the parable of the sower, Jesus said that when the Word does not take root, Satan is allowed to come and take the Word from your heart. We must obey what we hear and know.

5.  Respond positively to the trials of life.

God placed trials in our lives to bring about spiritual maturity (Romans 5:1-5). This maturity leads us to a deeper faith in God.

6.  Pray.

Ultimately, faith, like all other gifts is given by God. Pray that God will increase your faith.

7.  Understand the dynamics of faith.

It’s easy to ask you to practice the first six things. It’s another to ask you trust God enough to have the courage and tenacity to practice them. That’s why it’s important for us to understand the dynamics of faith. I have written a book entitled Overcoming Spiritual Vertigo that addresses the issue of doubt versus courageous faith. I invite you to preorder your copy on Amazon.com.