“But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).

Soft may be desirable in pillows and toilet paper, but not in body tone or faith. As I evaluated where I want to go in the new year, I realized my faith needs toning.

Both my body and soul require good nutrition and exercise. My Bible feeds my faith, but I must read it and apply it to be strong. Knowing the perils of fragile faith and the benefits of firm faith motivates me to build my faith muscles.

Let’s take inventory of the condition of our faith so we’ll know where to begin.

Fragile Faith:

• Frets because it forgets our heavenly Father knows our needs. (Matthew 6:30, Psalms 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)
• Lacks spiritual power (Matthew 17:18-21)
• Limited freedom to enjoy life (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; Mark 2:5)
• Restores our sight — Literal sight in this passage, but also spiritual sight (Luke 18:32)
• Grows stronger in impossible circumstances (Romans 4:19-20)
• Expands our personal freedoms (Romans 14:23)
• 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 (Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 12:2)
• Is bold (2 Timothy 1:7)

How did you do? If you checked too many in the fragile faith category, don’t fret (see #1 in fragile list). Create a plan to renew your mind and strengthen those faith muscles. 

• When will you read your Bible? If it helps, write it on your daily calendar.
• What will you read?
• Ask God to strengthen you in the areas you’re weak.

Like any living thing, faith needs constant care to stay healthy. No one brushes her teeth and says, “Good, 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 won’t.

My goal for this year is to choose faith! May we exercise our faith and face each day with the attitude that says, “Wow, what a Savior!”

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