Friday Devotion and Prayer – June 9, 2023

                                 Friday Devotion and Prayer. June 9, 2023
                                                    “Grow Strong in Faith”

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God,” -Romans 4:20.

I once knew a precious elderly woman at a church I attended. She was strong in her faith. So much that I’d watch people get up from their seats, walk over, and ask her to pray for them. And this woman knew how to pray! Her passion for the things of God was evident. She’d press her eyelids closed and wrap her hands firmly around yours, committed to not letting go until God said so. I saw her as an example of what our faith should look like. God gives us inspiration for our faith journey in Romans chapter four. Through this powerful passage, God is teaching me to view my life experiences as opportunities to develop a deeper faith in him.

Abraham’s story reminds us of what strong faith looks like. He was no stranger to adversity, but he chose to believe. “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” (Romans 4:13). It’s hard to keep believing as time passes and we don’t see any hope. Sometimes we feel weak, and our faith can follow. So, what set Abraham apart as a man of strong faith? Romans 4:18 says, “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken…”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines faith as “belief and trust in and loyalty to God.” In my own life, there have been times when I believed in God, but I didn’t fully trust him. I held onto control instead of holding onto God’s goodness. But God has always been faithful. He taught me how to hope in him, even when my situation appeared hopeless. My faith began to grow when I chose to believe, trust, and hope in Jesus.

I’m thankful today for those faith pioneers who’ve shown me the way. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have that level of faith? To be a person who others come to for prayer and encouragement? Let’s be like Abraham and never waver from our beliefs. Let’s wrap our hands firmly around God’s promises and commit to not letting go. May we grasp every opportunity to grow stronger in the faith.

Heavenly Father,
Your Word tells me that “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) I want to grow strong in the faith, but I’ve struggled to ask for your help. Forgive me for avoiding opportunities you’ve given me to develop a stronger faith. Open my eyes to the path you’ve set before me. Help me grow strong in the faith and show a passion for your Word that draws others to you.

Father, I believe, trust, and hope in you alone. I understand that faith begins with trusting you in difficult circumstances. Help me to change my perspective on the challenges I face. Through adversity, my faith can grow. When I see obstacles ahead of me, help me overcome my fear. I know you are with me through it all, and with you, nothing is impossible.

When someone comes to me for prayer or encouragement, remind me of your promises. Give me the words to pray and the boldness to believe in big things. Thank you for the struggles I’ve gone through in the past that have helped me to be the person you created. When my faith is weak, I will turn to you. Above all, I pray my faith journey will bring glory to you, Lord. In Your Son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.