How to Build Up Your Faith

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Dear Christ follower, it is critical that we reinforce our faith so we’ll be able to stand firm against the subversive pull of the world. But how? How can we build a stronger faith? The short book of Jude provides some answers to that question. 

First, saturate your mind with the holy, unchanging Word of God. That’s how the Holy Spirit refreshes you and brings new insight while you are becoming more mature. 

Second, pray by means of the Holy Spirit. We can trust the Spirit to guide us in our prayers, leading us with regard to what, when, and how to pray. Paul told the Ephesian Christ followers to “pray by means of the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” [6:18]. 

Third, keep yourself in the love of God. Never take the Lord’s amazing grace for granted. Be like a sentinel and guard your closeness with Him. You can ensure your closeness as you spend uninterrupted time in His presence.

Fourth, eagerly await the Lord’s return. From the Christ follower’s perspective, the Lord’s second coming is the most anticipated event in history. So keep your eyes on the goal. The thought that Christ could return at any moment is a purifying realization for the believer. The beloved apostle said, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” [1 John 3:2-3].

There is no “quick & easy” or “magic formula” for spiritual growth. But these encouraging and exhortative words, laid out for us in Jude 20-23, can serve as a guide while we strive to protect our faith from the snares of the world.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 20-23