trusting god

[guest]

Pastor Mike, as Christians, why do some of us struggle with trusting God?

[Mike Miller]

Thank you for bringing up an issue that most (if not all) Christians struggle with. I am reminded of the father of the boy withe the unclean spirit who said to Jesus, "I believe; help my unbelief!" in Mark 9:24 and the disciples saying to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" in Luke 17:5. Also, there are times when Jesus rebuked his disciples for having such small faith (Mark 4; Luke 12).

Most of us can identify with those examples. We often wonder, however, why we can't be like Stephen and Barnabas, who are both described as being "full of faith" (Acts 6:25; 11:24). We also want to emulate those people Jesus encountered and commended for their great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28). Why can't we be like those folks?

On the one hand, some believers have stronger faith than others (Romans 14; see also 1 Corinthians 12, where some have the spiritual gift of faith), but on the other, we all must have a degree of faith unto salvation (Ephesians 2:8). Moreover, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to have strong faith (2 Corinthians 10:15; Colossians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; many others).

What we learn from this is that faith, like everything in the Christian life is a gift of God that we should strive to receive. It's not that we work to receive it, but that we must do all we can to put ourselves in positions to have our faith strengthened. Just as with the rest of Christian living, our sinful flesh wages war against our spirits. This is why we struggle with all manner of sin (see Romans 7:7-24). In order to overcome sin (such as lack of faith), we engage in spiritual battle.

Now, specifically, if we are to grow in faith, we must do some things. First, we must be immersed in God's Word. Romans 10 says that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." As we read and hear and study God's Word, the Holy Spirit builds our faith. In addition, we must surround ourselves with those who will encourage our faith (Romans 1:11-12). Being around Christians who live by faith helps us to do the same. But beware those Christians who are negative and try to drag you down. Too many of those are out there. Prayer is also crucial. We have to confess our lack of faith to God, and like that father in Mark 9 and the disciples, we have to ask God to increase our faith.

So, the bottom line is that we struggle with trusting God because of our sinful flesh. We can gain victories in these struggles, however, by taking certain steps. How much time are you spending in God's Word? Are you connected with a group of believers (especially a small group) who build you up, hold you accountable, and encourage your faith? And are you asking God for help? Living by faith does not come naturally, and it is a daily struggle. However, as we learn to walk in faith, our faith will grow daily (with some occasional setbacks) so that we too can help others in their journeys.