Growing Faith

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise (2 Cor 10:12).


We want to grow in Christ. Growth needs a measurement, and sometimes we use the lives of others to measure our lives by. Sometimes we use our past to measure ourselves by. Paul is telling us that this type of measurement is not wise.

God has a rhythm in our lives, seasons of growth that probably differ from other’s seasons. They may be in a winter season, with seeds growing unseen beneath the soil of their lives. We may be in a harvest season, having just received fresh rains. Yet each season is necessary and are in our lives by the Lord’s design.

We may look at our faith as failing because the Lord isn’t guiding us the way He used to. This happened to my husband and I when, after years of prophetic dreams, there were seldom any. The Lord knew it actually took more faith to hear His word and obey, then to receive a message in a dream and obey. The message in a dream is visual, therefore making a greater impression. The messages we receive when we “hear” the Lord are more easily argued against by our own understanding, and by our enemy. Yet, having stood on God’s personal words to us He has increased our faith tremendously. Instead of thinking our faith was failing, we understood that it was growing stronger.

God’s rains and sunshine often come in surprising ways. This week I received an unusual answer to prayer. My husband and I had been praying for a financial blessing so that we could move forward with the building project the Lord has called us to. We both said that, when it was the Lord’s time, He would supply the money. His supply came as a job offer of increased pay. To tell you the truth, I would have thought the Lord would “give” us the money. He, knowing the thoughts in our hearts, answered me by saying “I don’t want to give you money because it would cause you to depend on circumstances to validate My will. You must trust Me with the seasons of your life.”

I was sitting in our back yard and my eyes became aware of a flowering bush. He continued, saying “See how I bring the rains and sun in due season? The plants have just what they need. This is the season for you to work.” I have to admit, I thought His provision would mean I could quit working. Wasn’t it a greater walk of faith to rely only on Him?

Then I thought on the parable of the Talents (Lk 19:11-27). “The faithful servants received more responsibilities, not less . . . they had more work, not less,” I heard. Faith, coupled with their obedience, brought growth and maturity. The faithful servants were then able to care for more. God did not say “Let me give you everything and do everything for you,” because that would have stunted their future growth. And, no one else could have benefited from their faith unless they were still serving God.

And that is the bottom line; being a servant. Those who want the Lord to do all for them, and give them everything, want God to serve them. They will not grow in faith, though they think their faith is manifested by what God does for them. God already knows what He can do; He wants to see what we will do with what He has given us. This demonstrates our faith; our works.

Today when looking at your growth in the Lord, ask for a glimpse at the way He looks at you. Perhaps you will be in a summer season, or a winter. Whatever the Lord shows you, trust your growth to Him. He cares for us and is always faithful. Amen.