How to Grow in the Christian Faith

To grow in one's faith means to develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God. The Christian journey can be exciting and deeply satisfying. There are times, however, when the Christian's faith may stagnate, and a sense of separation from God causes restlessness, doubt and apprehension. Like trying to tune into a station on the radio and receiving only static, efforts to commune with God fail to bring about a satisfying connection. Perhaps weeks or months pass when the Christian just doesn't feel that much progress is being made toward a greater understanding of God, or doesn't experience a deepening of a spirit of willingness to respond to God's leading. Every Christian struggles with these plateaus in their faith and there are time-tested disciplines that will ensure continued growth.

Prayer

Prayer is the bedrock of a Christian's relationship with God. It is through prayer that one communicates with God on a personal level. Successful prayer does not depend on a particular tone of voice, elaborate phrasing, physical posture or setting. Rather, it is achieved simply through humble, honest sharing of thoughts and feelings with God. Daily prayer is an essential part of advancing a relationship with God. It is not at all uncommon for Christians to experience periods of drought in their prayer life. Words refuse to form and even if they do, there's no sense of depth to them, no feeling of connection. These are normal growing pains for the Christian and is not something over which to get too discouraged. The key is to continue to have quiet time set aside for prayer, even if it's used simply to sit still and quietly listen. Don't give up and soon the dry spell will pass and prayer will once again become rich and rewarding.

Bible Study

Bible study and daily devotional reading are other disciplines that contribute greatly to the development of Christian faith. It is believed that the bible is the Word of God, a living text through which God makes known His nature and His will. Reading about God in the bible will teach the Christian much about who God is and what is important to Him. In order to develop a deeper relationship with God, one must continue over time to learn more about Him. It is this quality relationship that will lead to an expanded faith in God.

Fellowship

Fellowship with other believers is another vital aspect to a growing Christian faith. Church membership and regular participation in church activities provides a place in which to worship together and to learn more about living a life of faith. Getting to know other Christians and being involved in their lives lends toward opportunities to experience first hand God working in their situations. Nothing bolsters one's faith more than praying with others and for others, then witnessing God's perfect timing and answer to that prayer. Whether it is healed relationships, recovery from addiction or abuse, remission of cancer or any other turnabout of seemingly hopeless situations, walking through these trials and experiencing the joy and gratitude that results from their resolution will undoubtedly result in a deeper faith. Without fellowship and participation in Christian life with others, this priceless experience will be missed.

Service

Finally, a tremendous way to grow in faith is through acts of service. It seems to go against human nature to selflessly serve others for no apparent gain. Much more natural is acting in one's self interest, or engaging in activities that are self-gratifying. It seems perfectly reasonable that this leads to a happy existence. Ironically, it is when self is denied in place of other's interests that ultimately one's own interest is served. When presented with an opportunity to help another, there may be some reluctance or resistance, and a desire to stick with more self-serving plans. However, when the act of service is done in love and with no thought of compensation, a deep sense of satisfaction and joy is the reward. This is a direct communion with the heart of God and brings about intimacy with Him and a further deepening of faith.

The Christian journey consists of small steps of progress over a lifetime. It includes a growing understanding of God's will in one's life and a process of continued submission to His leading. Prayer, bible study, fellowship and service are foundations of Christian living and if practiced regularly, will over time build an unshakable faith in God.