“How do I get faith like the one you have?” I get this question a lot lately.
While this always humbles me, I cannot take credit for my faith. There is only one answer to that question.
I can tell you that it happens through GOD. He is the sole answer.
The following is an excerpt of my side of a recent conversation (via text), word-for-word when someone asked me this very question. I have removed their pieces of this discussion as I did not think it was right to use their words and I value their anonymity.
When I sat down to write tonight, this was weighing on my heart. I can only assume it is because there are others out there may be wondering how to have faith and their readiness for these same words is ripe.
While I understand it can be a vast topic, I share this advice based on the ways I’ve experienced growth in my own faith.
When you stop fighting against his plan for your life and accept Him into your heart, everything changes.
BUT there is some work that is needed on your part. You need to read and learn and be open to letting Him change you in only ways He that He can.
I’m living proof that He is very real.
He can and will change your life completely just like He has done for me.
The more you put into developing a spiritual practice and relationship, the more you’ll see it. And the more you will find peace.
I so badly want to share with you the love of God because I know how powerful it is.
It is the single most important and best decision you will EVER make in your life. Once you have accepted and invited him into your heart, there are so many levels to how deep your relationship can go with him after.
I could talk to you for weeks and it would never cover how amazing He is. It’s bringing tears to my eyes right now just thinking about it.
And remember…
[Tweet “When God wants your attention He will break you down until you have no choice but to turn to Him.”]
From there, it honestly all starts with a prayer.
Really the bottom line I’ve realized is that it is simply impossible to live a life full of real love, joy and happiness without Him.
All you have to do is tell Him you need Him and ask Him to show you how to believe in Him.
Pray to Him to help you. To save you. And to bring you closer to Him.
And if you really mean it in your heart when you pray, He will take care of the rest.
But you have to seek Him. You have to truly believe He has the power to help you change your life and you have to be willing to read the Bible and talk to Him daily. The more you do, the more He answers. And the more you’ll start to understand.
Even if you don’t understand what the Bible is saying, in the words of my father, “Keep reading.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
The way I look at it is: What do you have to lose?
I mean really. Obviously doing things on your own and continuing the way you have been isn’t working out so well.
So, what IF He could help you? What IF you could experience His miracles?
For me I know it’s not a matter of IF, it’s when.
Matthew 7:7-8
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Trust me, the devil will creep in whenever he gets the chance. I’ve been there, too. I know how awful it is. It’s those times that eventually make you appreciate the good times more and it is also in those times that you should want to have God to turn to for protection, strength and perseverance.
God can change it all for you if you let Him. He is ready for you.
You have to be willing to change. You have to step up and change your ways. He will support you, but you have to make an effort to read His words and learn about Him by going to church and stepping out of your comfort zone.