Four Steps to Build Your Faith

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is a requirement, not a suggestion because faith is how God operates, and faith is how we have to operate to receive from God. We received our salvation by faith, and we receive everything else we need in this life the same way.

According to the Amplified Bible, faith is the leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust in his power, wisdom and goodness (Heb. 4:2). Faith is strong confidence in God to take care of you. When you are really in faith and not just human "wishing", you have joy and peace. That's the indication that faith is working in you, according to Rom. 15:13-

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. KJV

Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter of the Bible where God defines faith in verse 1-

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. AMP

Faith believes that what is not seen is just as real as what is seen. Consider 2 Kings 6:14-17-

So [the Syrian king] sent there horses, chariots, and a great army. They came by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. Elisha's servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do? 16[Elisha] answered, Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them. 17 Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the young man's eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. AMP

Elisha and his servant were surrounded by enemy troops, thoroughly upsetting the servant. Elisha prayed that his eyes would be opened to see the heavenly troops that were there, far more powerful than the earthly ones. Even though those angels could not be seen with the human eye, their presence was very real. Faith believes what it cannot see, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

Faith in God for our daily lives will drive out fear. Fear is the spiritual opposite or reciprocal of faith. If there is fear in you about anything, that is an indication that you need to work on your faith in that area.

Faith puts you at rest. In Hebrews 4:3, Paul tells us that true Biblical faith will give us rest-

For we which have believed do enter into rest...KJV

When you are really walking in faith, you have no doubt that God is in control and you have nothing to fear. It is the "full assurance of faith" (Heb. 10:22). When you are completely trusting God for your life, all joy and peace will follow (Rom. 15:13), and you will find rest for your souls (Matt. 11:29).

4 steps to faith follow that will help you learn to "let go and let God". God needs faith in you to work in the earth; faith isn't a hard thing. He's made it available to everyone.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  KJV Rom. 10:14-17

When you first heard the Word, faith came into your heart to believe that Word of salvation, and that Word brought life to your spirit.  There is power in the preached Word-

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  KJV 1 Cor 1:18

As the Word is spoken in preaching, it brings power into the hearer to bring salvation.  The first time you heard the Word, it brought salvation for eternal life.  But salvation covers more than just your eternal destination- it is the Greek word soteria meaning material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension; personal deliverance; safety. (From Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)  It covers all aspects of life here and now, not just in the sweet by-and-by.  The Word brings salvation for every aspect of your life as you hear the Word preached concerning the promises that cover your circumstances.  You can hear it from preachers, but more importantly, you can also hear it coming out your own mouth. The more you hear it, the more you believe it because faith cometh by hearing the Word.
 

Faith must be in your heart as well as in your mouth.  Believing the Word, getting the Word into your heart, comes first.  Jesus spoke of hearing the Word and keeping it-

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.  KJV Luke 8:15

Hear the Word, then make the decision to keep the Word in your heart.  You choose to believe what you want to believe.  As you surround yourself with the Word and guard your heart, faith will come.  

My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.  21 Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.  22 For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.  23 Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.  24 Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.  Prov 4:20-24 AMP

Hearing the stuff of the world continually will undermine your faith.  It is so important to guard your heart.  Keep the Word foremost before you, for they are life and health to you.  Proverbs is loaded with exhortations to hear the Word and keep it in your heart.  Hearing the Word continually is what will bring life and deliverance into your circumstances.  Faith comes by hearing, and faith is what God needs in you to work in your life.  Guard your heart from the influences of the world.  Thinking like the world will keep you from believing God's promises for your life.  Paul exhorted the Romans to renew their minds:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  Rom 12:2-3  KJV

The measure of faith that God placed in you when you were born again will develop as you continue to hear the Word from preachers as well as out of your own mouth.   Which leads to #3- Speak the Word.
 

Faith has to be in two places- in your heart and in your mouth.  As you speak the Word over your situations, it brings the power of God into that situation to bring salvation.  Speaking the Word builds your faith in that Word, and that brings the power of God into your life to change things according to that Word.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.  2 Cor 4:13 KJV

Faith speaks:

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)  7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)  8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.  Rom 10:6-8 KJV

The next two verses are the blueprint for salvation:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Rom 10:9-10  KJV

Salvation is obtained by believing in your heart, then confessing with your mouth.  Everything we receive from God is received in the same way- believe God's promises in your heart and confess them with your mouth.  Faith speaks.

Now look at Mark 11:22-24:

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.  23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  KJV

Notice how Jesus connects believing with saying.  Believe in your heart, say with your mouth.  Faith speaks.  For more on the power of your words, see my lens Death and Life Are in the Power of the Tongue; links are below.

There are 2 main aspects to doing the Word.  The first is a repeat of #3- speak the Word.  Speaking the Word is doing the Word.  The second aspect is to walk in love.  Faith only works when we are walking in love.

For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.  Gal 5:6 AMP

Jesus left us with one main command- to love; to love God and to love one another.  Selfish people can't operate in faith because there's no love in selfishness.  You can't be in faith and be selfish and walking in offense or anger.  Love is concerned with others, and is concerned with ministering the love of God to those around them.  When you're walking in love, you don't have you on your mind, you have others on your mind, and you are believing God to take care of you.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.  James 1:22-25 KJV
 

The four steps to faith are easy- hear the Word, believe the Word, speak the Word and do the Word. The key is diligence. As you stay consistent in feeding the Word into your heart and in speaking the Word over your situations, faith will come. And as you walk in love, that faith will begin to work in your life to bring deliverance into your circumstances.

Guard your heart. Feeding continually on the world's mess that's on the television will only undermine your heart and your faith. And you may have to part company with people who are consistently negative and will keep you from going where you want to go with God. Faith is a lifestyle, not a fad or something you "try". God is a faith God, and He wants His people to be the same way. A lifestyle of faith is a lifestyle of peace, joy and victory. Life in abundance, to the full, til it overflows!

What follows is a sample confession of the Word of God that you can use for yourself and personalize according to your specific circumstances. Personalizing verses makes the Word really speak to your heart and goes a long way toward building your faith in God. Never beg God for anything; use the Word in your prayer time instead. God honors faith, and the more you pray the Word, the more it will build your faith. The verses used are referenced at the end.

I thank You, Father, that Your Word will not return to You void, but it will accomplish what You please and it will prosper in my life, for You watch over Your Word to perform it. I thank You, Lord, for the covenant of blood I have with You by the blood of Your Son, Jesus. I receive that blood and the covenant promises of life, health and provision over my life today.

Jesus, You were made to be sin for me that I might be made the righteousness of God in You. I receive that life over me and my house today. As for me and my house, we serve the Lord. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and I am saved and my house. The seed of the righteous shall be delivered. I thank You, Lord, that You are pouring Your Spirit upon my house and Your blessing upon my offspring. I thank You, Father, for salvation and the blessing that is working in my house today.

I thank You, Lord, for the healing You have provided my house by the covenant of blood. For You bare my sins in Your own body on the tree that I being dead to sin might live unto righteousness, by whose stripes I am healed. You sent Your Word and healed me and delivered me from my destructions. I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. Your Word is life and health to all my flesh. I receive the healing in my body that You died to give me. By Your stripes I am healed.

Now Father, I receive Your provision for my life today, for I know the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ that though You were rich, yet for my sake You became poor that I through Your poverty might be rich and abundantly supplied. You are making all grace come to my house in abundance that we may always, and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient- possessing enough to require no aid or support, and my house is furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. I thank you Father for seed for the sowing and bread for the eating. I am enriched in all things and in every way. I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and all these things are added unto me. I thank You, Lord, for giving me power to get wealth that You can establish Your covenant in the earth through me today. The blessing is working in my house today.

Now Lord, I declare that I am not weak in faith when I consider my circumstances. No unbelief or distrust makes me waver or doubtingly question concerning Your promises for my life. I am growing strong and am empowered by faith as I give praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that You, Lord, are able and might to keep Your Word and do what You have promised in my life. I have the life of God. I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of my testimony. I thank You, Lord, for the life, health and provision that You died to give me, so that the world will see Jesus in my life. I give You all the glory, in Jesus' Name, amen.

References- Is. 55;11; Jer. 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:21; Josh. 24:15; Acts 16:31; Prov. 11:21; Is. 44:3; 1 Pet. 2:24; Ps. 107:20; Ps. 118:17; Prov. 4:22; 2 Cor. 8:9 Amp.; 2 Cor. 9:8-11 Amp.; Mt. 6:33; Deut. 8:18; Rom. 4:19-21; Jn. 10:10 Amp.; Rev. 21:11.

Ministries Online

Gary Carpenter offers a world of free resources that brings balance to the prosperity message so prevalent in churches today. He has free mp3's and text articles available at his site.

For very practical, down-to-earth teaching that speaks to everyone in their day-to-day lives, see Joyce Meyer Ministries, a ministry that will give you insight into how to deal with the things we all confront every day.

Another website with great teaching available is Andrew Wommack Ministries; I highly recommend his teaching on The True Nature of God, a very good in-depth teaching on the goodness of God that will correct the traditional view of God as a cranky old man waiting to knock you over the head to teach you something.

Other Online Helps

A great Bible reference site with loads of translations and other helps is Biblegateway.com

For communicating with other Christians, try Grace Centered Christian Forums.

For help with troubled marriages, check out Marriage Helper with Joe Beam and Lovepath International.

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We live in very physical bodies on a very physical earth. God has provided us our bodies to function in while we're here, and he created them to be cared for as He intended. Paul refers to our bodies as a temple-

Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

God gave us our bodies to be a testimony for Him and to minister to others while we're here; but if we abuse them and die young, we could miss the fulness of our calling, never seeing the fulfillment of our destiny, all because we were ignorant of God's health plan for us. Since our bodies are not our own, we need to care for them as God intended, and that takes wisdom from Him. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord; so as we choose to walk in fear before Him desiring to be obedient to His will for our lives, we can pray for knowledge from Him about how He would have us care for ourselves. Since we're all so different, it is very important to be led by the Spirit to get God's individual plan for each of us.

But there are some basics that will apply to everyone. One in particular concerns the American diet which is far removed from the diet of Bible days. Christians often think they can eat anything and get away with it if they pray over it. After all, Paul said nothing is to be refused since it's sanctified by the Word of God and prayer, right? But he didn't have Twinkies in mind when he wrote that. The processed, refined "pseudo-foods" many Americans consume regularly is hardly what God intended for our bodies to have to process. The consequences of a died of primarily those kinds of "foods" is drastic over the long haul, manifesting in a whole host of avoidable diseases, and will keep you forever praying for healing when you could change your diet according to God's wisdom, begin to walk in health, and use your prayer time for someone else.

We have been wasting ourselves- physically, financially and spiritually- fighting battles that don't have to be fought. Yes, God is full of grace and mercy, and His love and desire for us to be healed will get us through many battles, but how much better it would be if we were to walk in His wisdom, and not have the battles in the first place! And even if you don't have these battles yet, don't be deceived. Your body will pay the price eventually. You reap what you sow. God didn't put us here to feed our flesh. He put us here to minister to Him and to be a praise to His glory. We need to be obedient out of an attitude of the fear of the Lord and care for the temple of God as he intended.

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