This is a good and practical question for the Lord does want us to be strong.  It was said of Abraham in Romans 4:20, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was STRONG IN FAITH, giving glory to God.”  We read in Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be STRONG IN THE LORD, and in the power of his might.”  We read in 2 Timothy 2:1, “Thou therefore, my son, BE STRONG IN THE GRACE that is in Christ Jesus.” The source of our strength, as believers, is Christ, Himself.  We read in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  In Darby’s translation (a very good and accurate translation), that reads, “I have strength for all things in him that gives me power.” 

The beginning of our faith comes from the Word of God.  Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  It is logical to think that if faith begins through the hearing of God’s Word, then faith will grow through continuing in God’s Word.  When we continue in reading our Bible, we learn more of Him and learn of His constant blessings to those who obey Him. 

There is a proper way to test the Lord, to allow Him to show His faithfulness, thereby causing our faith in Him to grow.  In Malachi 3:10 we have the words of the Lord to His people, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and PROVE ME NOW herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”  The lesson the Lord was teaching His people is that when we obey His Word, He will bless us with endless supply, especially of heavenly blessings.  When we see the Lord being true to His promises, we experimentally learn to trust Him for all things.  Consider the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”  Through continued experience, Paul’s faith in the Lord increased to the point he was fully persuaded that all Paul committed to the Lord, He would keep.  The Greek word for ‘persuaded’, is better translated as ‘convinced.’  Paul grew to the point where He was absolutely convinced in the care of blessings of the Lord, even if he was going through great trials of suffering. 

There are many things that will cause our faith to grow and help us to be strong in faith.  Just a few ways include:

  • Being constant in prayer. 
  • Keeping our eyes on the Lord. 
  • Having a forgiving spirit. 
  • Feeding on God’s Word daily. 
  • Trusting God for all the promises in His Word. 
  • Leading a life of surrender to the Lord and not relying on our own ideas and plans. 

We will end this meditation with one more encouragement from God’s Word.  Isaiah 41:10 gives us this powerful promise from the Lord. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  Dear fellow believer, the Lord wants us to be strong in faith and in many other ways.  He has promised to strengthen us, to help us, to hold us up by His mighty right hand of righteousness.  May we learn to trust Him in all circumstances and situations.  (CC)  (679.6)