Exercise: 2 Ways to Exercise Your Faith Muscle

Is our faith real, if it has not been tried? When the “rubber meets the road,” we may become painstakingly aware of the lack of depth to our faith. How does our faith grow strong? Well, we can use the typical comparison of a muscle. A muscle grows and becomes stronger by exercise. In the same way our faith grows and becomes stronger by exercise.

“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).

You’ll find that the two essential ways to build up your faith muscle are knowing God’s word and prayer. These two go hand in hand. If we know God’s word we will pray according to His will, and He will hear us.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). To exercise our faith muscle we begin by reading the scriptures.

First then we need to ask ourselves; do we know the word of God? We can only know God’s word by reading it. But we cannot know God’s will or promises if we don’t read His word. Additionally, we should make Bible study a life long habit.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

Next we need to devote ourselves to prayer. This takes time, self discipline, and focus. Folks I’m sure you realize by now this is not an easy task. Finding a daily time, staying alert and awake, keeping our minds from wandering and praying for specifics rather than being vague is a challenge for all of us.

“Now he was telling them a parable to show that all times they ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Exercising our faith muscle takes perseverance.

One thing we cannot forget after practicing the two essentials (scripture reading and prayer) is perseverance. The story of the widow who comes before the judge (Luke 18:2-5) is an example of genuine persistence in prayer that is rewarded.

Indeed this kind of praying increases our faith. We mustn’t stop praying when we go to the Lord with a problem or a need and He doesn’t answer it speedily.

“I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me” (Habakkuk 2:1a). The prophet expected an answer.

One last point about prayer. The prophet Habakkuk had determination which we can so often lack, and he got away from the distractions. Equally important, rather than an attitude of complacency, lethargy, or half-heartedness, he expected an answer and had an attitude of expectancy (Psalm 17:6a – “I call on you my God, for you will answer me”).

Now it so happens, God allows our faith to be tried. We are then forced to exercise our faith muscle. In the aftermath we find ourselves praying more frequently and more fervently.

We must remember that what God says is true and what He promises will come to pass. Let’s value his promises, see the unseen, and start exercising our faith muscle.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).