The Hard Work of Growing a Healthy Faith in God

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 30, 2018

Then they asked Him, “What are we to do, so that we may habitually be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered, “This is the work of God: that you believe [adhere to, trust in, rely on, and have faith] in the One whom He has sent. John 6:28-29, AMP

Several months ago, I hired a strength coach—Don. He is teaching me how to use the right form and appropriate exercises to grow my physical stamina in a manner that does not injure my body. After four months of patient instruction in correct form, my trust in Don’s coaching and the hard work of staying in the process—I see progress. Now, when I sit in the floor with the grandchildren I enjoy more mobility (without the accompanying soreness!) and I have more agility to squat and stand. I am learning that effective physical care requires trust and hard work.

Fresh from the feeding of the 5,000 the multitudes track down Jesus for an encore. The next course He served is not what they expected—the Bread of Life. The Lord leans into their listening ears and attentive hearts to explain how the real work of God is to trust in Jesus—to see first, seek Christ’s heart in faith and then seek His hand for provision. To empty themselves, and fill their lives with Himself, Jesus explains the sequence of trust in the Son of God is the work of God that is foundational for all other works of God. Trust is the tedious, weighty work of a growing faith. In good times, in hard times—the hard work of trust in Jesus strengthens our faith.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5, NKJV).

Nothing we do merits our salvation in Jesus, but everything we do should flow out of our faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit molds our inner character for our conduct to model Christ’s. Jesus reminds us the work of God is trust in the Son of God, and not to elevate our experience with the works of God above faith in Him. Some have faith fatigue and give up on forming faith disciplines that grow a healthy trust in the Lord. We all require a “spiritual strength coach” from time to time to patiently remind us how to build a strong faith foundation where God’s works are established.

Consider a Spiritual Formations Study to infuse fresh insight and instruction into your walk with Jesus or learn how to connect with a Spiritual Formations Coach. Another excellent new resource for intentional faith development is the Bible Project, a comprehensive study with engaging videos and compelling biblical content. Deepening your faith takes focused effort, but the rich reward is becoming who the Lord created you to be in Christ. Ever aspire and endeavor to seek God’s heart and you will not be disappointed as your heart grows in grace, faith, hope and love.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

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