Is it possible for our faith to get stronger? Can our faith grow so that we have a closer relationship with God? The answer is a resounding yes. Faith is not static; it is dynamic and meant to grow as we become more like Christ.

The Essence of Faith

The writer of Hebrews describes faith this way: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This description reveals faith as a confident trust in God's promises, even when they are not yet visible. Hebrews 11 continues with powerful examples of what faith accomplishes, demonstrating that we, too, can be transformed by a growing trust in God.

Faith is a vast subject. The words faith and believe appear hundreds of times in both the Old and New Testaments, each demonstrating different kinds of faith. For instance, saving faith, which involves trusting Christ as your Savior, is not the same as trusting Him for daily provision. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” But in Matthew 6, Jesus castigated the crowds for not trusting God for daily provision, saying, “You of little faith.” We place our faith in God for many things.

The Object of Our Faith

When it comes to salvation, it’s not the quantity of our faith that matters, but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Genuine faith isn’t measured by how much we have but by the One in whom we place our trust. It is through faith in Christ alone that we are saved.

But saving faith is just the beginning of the Christian life. From that point onward, we embark on a journey—a life lived by faith, just like those great heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11. This daily faith deepens as we rely on God's presence, promises, and power. We should seek to be like Abraham: “With respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20-21).

How Faith Grows

Through God’s Word

Scripture is foundational for a growing faith. The more we understand God’s character and promises, the more our trust in Him deepens. This is a lifelong pursuit, for we can never plumb the depths of God’s Word. However, our study must be more than just knowing the Word; it must also be reflected in our actions. James reminds us of this simple truth: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). Like the faithful men and women of Hebrews 11, we must live and obey God’s Word to us.

Through Trials

James also encourages us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). Trials refine our faith, teaching us to depend on God in the midst of life’s difficulties. Every trial has a divine purpose—to strengthen our trust in God’s goodness and to make us more like His Son.

Through Church Fellowship and Individual Ministry 

We are not left to ourselves to grow in faith, independent of others. We grow in faith together. Paul expressed gratitude for the Thessalonians, saying, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Faith flourishes within a fellowship of believers. 

Additionally, God has entrusted church leaders to teach His Word, equipping us for maturity: “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). This comes as each person is instructed, equipped, and by faith employs their spiritual giftedness so that we all grow together in the unity of the faith.

A Call to Grow

Growing in faith is not optional; it’s the essence of the Christian life. As we engage with Scripture, endure trials, fellowship with, and serve one another, we are transformed, becoming more like Christ. I urge you to lay hold of this promise by faith, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6).