The word, ‘Faith’ means to have a belief or a trust in God . It could also mean the observance of an obligation or fidelity to one’s promise or oath.

‘Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.’ – Hebrews 11:1-2.

 Here are two significant ways by which your faith can be developed and strengthened. 

Through Good Works.

Good works here literally mean how we replicate the love of Christ towards one another, and our response to the Call of God. 

Good works include every attitude and action consistent with God’s standard of what is right. Showing love to others, helping in the work of God, giving out time to the things of God, drawing other people who are not in Christ to God, giving alms to neighbours, friends, and family, helping the poor, sponsoring or supporting the work to advance the kingdom of God on earth etc. These are mostly the good works that the Bible tells us to observe and to do. You must exhibit or practice the good works in a godly manner in: kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness, and faith. The Bible clearly points out that faith without works implies faith that is demonstrated in an inaccurate way. 

 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ” James 2:14-17.

Through Consistent Obedience to the Word Of God.

Another way through which faith is developed is when we continuously hearken to the Word of God. 

Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

The Word of God is a sure foundation that we can build our lives upon. When we neglect the Word of God, we are neglecting the very Word that has the power to change our lives, the power to strengthen our faith, build up and sustain our faith.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11).

The Word of God not only builds our faith, the implanted word of God is also able to save our souls. The Word of God not only strengthens our faith, it is Spirit and Life to everyone who believes in Christ Jesus (John 6:63). 

 The just shall live by faith implies that we should live in a way that God would be pleased and honored. 

Through faith, men subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens

(Hebrews 11:33-34).

 Faith is a powerful weapon. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith, without good works is a waste of time. Faith should be developed by the word of God.

The degree to which you love God must be seen in your desire and hunger to hear the Word of God daily, meditate upon it and apply it consistently. 

Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”.

 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22

Written By Bro Francis Essang (Team Watchmen)