The apostle Paul gave thanks to God for the brethren in Thessalonica. 2 Thessalonians 1:3a “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly.” The apostle had started the church in Thessalonica. He had seen men and women come to believe in Jesus as the Christ. But now he was witness to a great growth in their faith. What about you? Is your faith growing?
Do you have greater belief that there is a creator God that made everything that you see? Romans 1:19-20 “Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” When you look at the beauty and symmetry of a flower, when you see the birth of a baby, when you experience the wonderful functions of a human body, and when you observe the changing of the seasons and return of the rain, do you confess that there must be a God? When scientists search deep within the cells of living organisms and report the immense complexity and amazing functionality that they find, there has to be a master designer; does this strengthen your belief?
But beyond your belief in God, have you grown to trust Him? Do you see the fulfillment of His promises in your life? Hebrews 13:5b-6 “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” Do you pray to Him often and seek His guidance in your life? Do you see His blessings upon you? If you faith is growing, you will experience that growth in your trust and reliance upon Him. 1 Timothy 4:10 “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”
Do you need greater faith? Luke 17:5 “And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” If you, like the apostles, want to have more faith, my recommendation is to “get into the word”. In other words, do more reading and studying of the Bible. Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Read about people of faith in the Bible. The 11th chapter of Hebrews has a long list of those who had great faith, such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Rahab and Daniel. Read their stories in the Old Testament. The gospels have examples of people with great faith, such as the centurion asking for healing for his servant (Matthew 8:5-13) or the woman with an issue of blood that touched Jesus (Luke 8:43-48) or Peter who walked on the water (Matthew 14:25-32). When you read about these people of faith you can see the trials they went through and the result of living their lives in faith. You can also read about the miracles of Jesus and the apostles or the miracles of the prophets Elijah and Elisha; reading how God worked great miracles through these individuals should also increase your faith.
When you read your Bible you should come to understand some of the mysteries that God has revealed there. The Old Testament repeatedly foretells the coming of Jesus the Christ. 2 Peter 1:19-21 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” When you see the fulfillment of prophesies of the Old Testament made hundreds of years before the coming of the Christ, does this strengthen your faith? When you experience the wisdom and truth of God as it applies to your life, does this strengthen your faith?
Another way to have greater faith is to be around people of faith. Romans 1:12 “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” The church assembly is just one time to be around other Christians of faith. Find other times to be around brothers and sisters of faith. Do you know someone who demonstrates great faith? Spend time with that individual and see why they have faith and how they live their life in faith.
My encouragement to you is to find ways to grow your faith. Hebrews 11:6 “But 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 diligently seek Him.”