Testimonies of Faith

Practical Steps in Growing in Faith

It always helps to realize when God is giving me a 'faith opportunity.' This happens whenever I begin to go through difficult times. The battle is twofold: realize it and embrace it. When I go low on my resources - financially, emotionally, time wise, physical stamina, etc., then I need to

1) Ascertain God's will (to see if he really wants me to do this), and2) Trust Him. Each difficulty is an opportunities for my faith to grow.

If I cannot see the difficulty in this way, then I more than often will miss the opportunity to grow in faith and default to despair or avoidance tactics. I set more time aside to pray and meditate. As my Christian walk has progressed, the Lord has been nudging me to spend more and more time with Him alone. Often this coincides with increasing responsibilities at home, ministry or elsewhere. I have always tried not to become legalistic. For me, it works like this. I sense God wanting me to fast weekly or get up at a certain time to pray. I don't want to break my word to the Lord. I know my weakness, but I also want to show Him my earnestness. I tell Him my heart's desire but refrain from making a time commitment. This usually works okay. I view it better than stating an exact amount of time. I avoid both legalism problems and the breaking of a commitment to God. However, I need to keep highly disciplined. Here is an example of a prayer.

Dear Lord, You know how you have been prodding my heart lately. You want me to get up earlier. I want to. I love you. But you know my problems about getting up and going to bed. Will you please help me faithfully get up earlier. There will be times when because of sickness or other reasons, I probably won't be able to get up earlier, but it will be my regular pattern. I want to seek You because of your love. In Christ's Name, Amen.