The word faith doesn't possess the same mystique it once had. Perhaps that is thanks to elected officials and politicians, who many view skeptically with a hint of persistent distrust. Maybe the athletes we "worship" who often find that "edge" over their competition by using Performance Enhancing Drugs deserve some of the blame. The weakening perception of faith may also result from relationships and marriages that are so often clouded in suspicion and jealousy as couples fail to trust one another. Possibly various "faiths" themselves have soiled the meaning for many of its followers who have left brokenhearted.

            The pursuit of faith is demanding, trying and arduous. Placing faith in anything or anyone puts us in a most vulnerable position in which we place ourselves fully at another's mercy. When the faith we speak of happens to be of the spiritual kind, it is even that much more of a courageous endeavor. Despite the perception, religious faith is not for the weak; it takes a brave and daring soul to step out on that limb.

            I am more comfortable viewing my faith as a journey that I am committed to for the long haul (Something resembling John Bunyan's "The Pilgrims Progress" comes to mind), as opposed to something that I pledge to and thereafter become spiritually complete. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Church "as their faith continued to grow". A commitment to faith is simply the beginning of the story and not an end. Personal faith is a continuously evolving process within our spiritual lives. We don't enter into a "heavenly" setting until our legs have ached from conquering vast mountain peaks and our throat has been parched and our skin scorched as we've crossed through deserts. That experience of perseverance is the fertilizer that allows our faith to grow into maturity.

            In fact, it seems a rather arrogant boast to ever consider that a person's faith can ever be made complete or at least near completion. Wouldn't we be minimizing the great vastness and mysteries of God in believing man could so easily unravel them in his short lifetime? As the song asks "who can grasp his infinite wisdom, who can grasp the depths of his love?" Job was a righteous man who thought he knew a thing or two about faith until God asked him "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand." Job responded wisely "Surely I spoke of things I do not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." We should always approach our faith humbly, because it is a gift from God and is nothing of our doing. If we ever begin to proclaim that we fully understand our faith and our God then we should brace ourselves for a terrible fall.   

            Our relationship with God is personal and He works with each one of us individually. The development of faith varies in every individual, being that we are so different in our personalities and character. For some faith comes easy and growth rapidly while for others it requires a lot of attention and extra nurturing. To quote Philip Yancey on the subject of faith, he writes "we go through stages and manifest the works of God in distinct and unique ways. Sometimes we never attain the faith for which we strive". This is an encouragement to me. I may not obtain the level of faith I strive for, but that is okay, God in his mercy will supply what I lack.       

           We are envious people with low self-esteems, constantly comparing ourselves to others, wanting our neighbor's house, job, car and spouse. We do the same with our faith, measuring ourselves by others, envious of their strong faith. Yet, to consider ones faith stronger and another's weaker is harmful and leads to pride and inferiority. The truth is that through Gods grace our faith is made complete. If we are willing, humble and honest to admit our limitations then God will complete our faith where we are lacking. I believe that if someone has ten percent faith than God will provide the other ninety percent. As the Apostle Paul said, "If we are faithless, He will remain faithful".     

          The strengthening of our faith isn't limited to our "spiritual rites" like prayer or the study of scripture, but can take place within our "mundane" everyday lives. We shouldn't discount the significance of our relationships and life experiences or the work God can accomplish through them. Nor should we overlook or shamefully ignore our weaknesses as well. Every part of life can positively impact our faith.

          Pain, doubt, failure and struggle are often viewed as enemies to obtaining a strong faith. Perhaps you have heard someone say "don't doubt, just trust God and believe." Although their intentions may be sincere, these words often produce guilt within those struggling with their faith. There is this fear within many churches, beliefs and religions of being too transparent about our weaknesses and doubts. Perhaps worried that our inadequacies and  "shortcomings" will soil the "family name". Sadly they completely miss the incredible grace and compassion of God. 

           The truth is these "negatives" can be invaluable tools to reveling truth into our lives. Like the saying goes "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger". As we persevere through these periods of life we emerge a more mature person. All of our questions and doubts do not change who God is. If everything they say about God is true, then all of my questions will be returned as confirmed and my faith will be made more complete.   

            There is no more efficient way to grow in faith than to face hardships that force us to our knees in desperation and hopelessness gasping a desperate prayer to God. This world views strength as ones abilities to pull up their bootstraps and preserver on their own. However, only when we admit that we have nothing left can God rescue us and begin to rebuild us. As the great theologian Paul Tillich said "doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith". We need to view our doubts, hesitations and questions positively as tools that will help us uncover truth in our lives.  

            What is important regardless of whether it is a struggle or a blessing is that there are signs of spiritual growth in our lives. As I heard it said recently "don't ask God to give you more faith, until you initiate the faith you already have".

           We are broken people with flaws, questions and doubts, who must present them to God who is merciful and doesn't condemn us for a lack of faith. Like the father who brought his boy to Jesus for healing desperately proclaims, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief". A prayer that, if we are truly honest, we should recite daily. Our faith is far from perfect in this life; often our belief resides under the same roof as our unbelief, yet it is in progress and growing. The important thing is that we exercise our faith, even if that simply means uttering such a "faithless" prayer.

            Most often having faith is a conscience decision that builds strength as trust is earned. Whereas people grow tired and become uninterested, giving up the pursuit of earning another's trust. God is persistent and will continue to prove himself to us continually and faithfully.