But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).
Is anybody else feeling the need to tone up after the holidays? While tight pants scream the need for physical discipline, Paul reminds us, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8 NLT).
Soft pillows and sweaters enhance our rest and keep us warm. But a flabby body and faith hinder us in everyday living. We know our bodies require the right fuel and exercise to flourish, but have you considered the important role spiritual nutrition and exercise play in vibrant faith?
[bctt tweet=”We know our bodies require the right fuel and exercise to flourish, but have you considered the important role spiritual nutrition and exercise make in vibrant #faith? #RechargeWednesday @DebbieWWilson” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Studying my Bible feeds my faith, but I also need to exert my faith to thrive. Knowing the perils of fragile faith and the benefits of firm faith helps me utilize my faith muscles.
Here are two lists to help us take inventory of the condition of our faith.
Fragile Faith:
- Worries, frets, and forgets we have a Father who knows our needs (Matthew 6:30, Psalm 23:1).
- Is timid and fearful (Matthew 8:26).
- Is easily sabotaged by distractions (Matthew 14:30-31).
- Quickly forgets God’s history of faithfulness (Matthew 16:8-10).
- Limits our spiritual power (Matthew 17:18-21).
- Limits our options (Romans 14:1-2).
Firm Faith:
- Believes what God says (Matthew 8:5-10).
- Provides healing of body and soul (Matthew 9:2, 22, 29, 15:28).
- Restores our sight—literal sight in this passage, but also spiritual sight (Luke 18:42).
- Grows stronger through impossible circumstances (Romans 4:19-20).
- Is demonstrated through obedience (Romans 16:26, Hebrews 11).
- Is based on God’s power not man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:5).
- Has Christ as its object (Gal. 2:20, Hebrews 12:2).
- Is bold (2 Timothy 1:7).
How did you do? If, like me, you checked too many in the fragile faith category, don’t fret! (see #1 in Fragile list!) Instead, create a plan to renew your mind and strengthen your faith muscles.
- Schedule time to read your Bible and talk with Jesus each day.
- Plan what you will read next (Click here for a free resource on how to read your Bible and get a personal word from God.)
All living things need constant care, including faith. No one brushes her teeth and says, “Done, I never have to do that again!” So it is with faith. Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, we must choose to walk by faith, or, by default, we defer to sight.
[bctt tweet=”Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, we must choose to walk by faith, or, by default, we defer to sight. #RechargeWednesday @DebbieWWilson” username=”PatHolbrook”]
This year, let’s choose faith! May our lives flourish as we walk with Jesus.
P.S. My book Little Faith, Big God, which looks at Hebrews 11, comes out February 10th. I’d appreciate your help in getting the word out. If you’d like to consider joining my launch team, please contact me.
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[bctt tweet=”#Recharge LINKUP party is back after the Holidays! This week, my friend @DebbieWWilson invites us to start the New Year by honestly evaluating our faith. Join us and share your blog!!” username=”PatHolbrook”]
Good thoughts, Debbie. Sometimes we pray for more faith, which is good, but we forget that we need to feed our faith with God’s truth. I saw a quote from Mary Winslow recently (in a devotional book titled Seasons of the Heart) which said, “We often pray, ‘Lord, increase our faith.’ In answering this prayer, the Lord places us in such circumstances as call it forth.” Sometimes those circumstances we fret against are the very ones God wants to use to grow and develop us.
Barbara, that is a wonderful quote and truth! Just as our physical muscles require use to be strong so do our spiritual ones.
Thank you, Debbie, for this much-needed New Year’s challenge. I got a Fit Bit from my kids for Christmas, so I”m putting it to good use!
And am eager to dive into your good writing in this new adventure of Faith!
Michele, I got one last year. And some nights I’m doing laps around the dining room table before I go to bed. 😉 Happy New Year!
This >> “All living things need constant care, including faith.” May we stay in God’s Word and let it tend to the soil of our hearts so our lives bear much fruit.
Amen, Joanne. His word waters and feeds us. Blessings to you this year!
I remember a version of this previously posted because it was so helpful to me then. It is now too! Especially the tooth brush illustration! Thanks and happy new year!
Yes, I used it on my site. 🙂 Thanks, Bethany. May the Lord grant you special favor this year.
Such great encouragement.
Thank you, Lauren. Happy New Year!
Debbie, sorry for the delay in commenting. This message came at the perfect time for me. I’m in the middle of one of the darkest valleys ever. And even though I may feel fragile, I want my faith firm, walking in faith and not by sight!
Karen, thank you for letting us know so we can lift you up today. In the last month I’ve been faced with challenges that have made me feel weak and want all the more to walk by faith. I want to heed Jesus’ words, “Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God.” Blessing to you.
I pray for a firm faith this year too. And to keep it from being flabby, I know I need to exercise it! Lord, have mercy to help me do it. Thanks for this resolution worth keeping.
Let’s spur one another on! Thanks, Lisa.