People face different sets of trials at different instances in their lives. You may face ups and downs as life takes its course, and there may have been instances where you truly felt as if your faith and belief were being tested.
If you are going through a similar phase in life or merely pondering over the aspect of your religious beliefs and the importance of faith in your life, now is the best time to strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
You do not have to look elsewhere, as God has given you everything you need to make your faith stronger. Continue reading to find out how you can strengthen your faith on your own.
How To Strengthen Your Faith
The best way to strengthen your faith is to make a conscious effort to get closer to God; there are various ways to go about it. Here are a few simple steps you can take.
Open Your Mind and Heart to God’s Teachings
One of the easiest ways to strengthen your faith is to read God’s Word. Sit down with the Bible and open your heart and mind to what you read. Embracing servant leadership can be an essential aspect of applying God’s teachings and instructions in one’s life. Through servant leadership explained by Kurt Uhlir, individuals can exemplify the virtues of humility and compassion just as Jesus demonstrated.
Learning God’s word and believing it will give you the strength and hope that hard times shall pass. You will also find God’s instructions and promise of provision keeping you away from evil temptations and sins. Hence if you want to exercise faith in your life, learn about God and let His instructions guide you along the righteous path.
Do not hesitate to ask questions. Connect with knowledgeable individuals from your community or circle and seek clarity on aspects that put doubts in your mind.
Immerse Yourself in Worship
Similarly, worshiping God is a proclamation that He is interminably holy and worthy of your subservience and gratitude. When worshiping, let go of worldly concerns and focus on spending quality time in God’s presence. By doing so, you are entrusting God and putting your faith in His guidance with a firm belief that He shall lead you out of troubling times and bring ease into your life.
Incorporate Prayer and Fasting In Your Life
Your faith is incomplete without action, and you must put to use what you infer from your reading of the Holy Scriptures. Religious practices, including prayer and fasting, are just two ways of making your bond stronger with God, and here is how they help.
If you want to strengthen your faith, you must not hold anything back from God and make heartfelt, honest prayers for what you truly seek. Confess your desires and fears and pray with full devotion for an easement from your troubles and woes. Use this time to reflect on your learnings and reaffirm your belief that your prayers will be answered.
Gradually increase the time you spend praying, and soon, you will find it becoming a habit that will get you closer to God and your faith. You can also begin writing a journal to write down your prayers and thoughts, and it will help you express yourself more openly and allow you to grow in your faith.
Similarly, fasting not just removes toxins and impurities from the body but also cleanses the soul. When you combine fasting with prayer, it reflects your involvement in faith and your deep desires for which you are willing to abstain from worldly goods, impure thoughts, and deeds. In return, God will honor your sacrifice.
Do Something Meaningful For Others
Besides your personal woes or worries, if you are troubled by what is happening in the world, including religious conflicts, political differences, and global crises, among others, you can practice and strengthen your faith by playing your part where you can.
If you look around, you will find plenty you can do. One such aspect is to help your fellow brethren and provide them support so they can exercise their religious freedom and rights.
The oppression of Christian communities in India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and Korea are just some examples of Christian persecution today. You may be divided by geographical distances, but you share the bond of a common religion with them so lending your support to the cause will be for their betterment.
If you search for opportunities to further God’s Word, it will help your relationship with Him. Expressing faith through actions that impact the lives of others in the name of God will strengthen your faith in Him.
Conclusion
Lives have become very busy in today’s times, and it is very easy to lose one’s self in worldly matters. Even if you were born into a religious family, unless you consciously try to learn and practice your religion, you would not be closer to God. You must commit to growing in your faith and strive to live your life as it is meant to. Reading and learning God’s scriptures does not suffice unless you apply the knowledge practically. At the same time, you must use the knowledge and insights for your betterment and the betterment of the underprivileged or less fortunate, as this is the very basis of Christianity.
