No unbelief made [Abraham] waiver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.1
How do we grow in the faith? All growth is a process. There is a start, the continuous intentional walk, and the finish. Faith is a supernatural gift of God—For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.2
The start is the call from God himself. God calls people to be set apart for the gospel of God; to belong to Jesus Christ; and to be living saints.3 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.4 Once called, remorse happens—If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.5 Then a hunger is aroused—The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.6 And a seeking ensues—But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.7 Seeking first the kingdom of God when one is hard pressed is counter intuitive. Yet we are admonished, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.8
Warning! The walk is arduous; it is not easy. There is no bed-of-roses. A lot of shaking will happen.9 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.10 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.11
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.12
IF you receive my words,13 call out for insight, and seek it like silver,14 THEN you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God; and you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.15 SO you will be delivered; you will walk in the way of good and keep to the paths of the righteous.16
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.19 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.20 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.21
Notes:
1. Romans 4:20-21
2. Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Romans 1:1, 6, 7
4. Ephesians 2:19
5. Proverbs 1:23
6. Proverbs 1:7
7. Matthew 6:33
8. Proverbs 3:5-6
9. Hebrews 12:25-27
10. Proverbs 3:11-12
11. Proverbs 1:33
12. Romans 12:2
13. Proverbs 2:1
14. Proverbs 2:3-4
15. Proverbs 2:5, 9
16. Proverbs 2:16, 20
17. Romans 8:18
18. Romans 1:16-17
19. Ephesians 6:10
20. 2 Timothy 2:1
21. Psalm 124:8
