For most people, there is a wax and wane to positive thoughts about growing up, whether it be growing in responsibility or age.
Growing up is inevitable. It’s a necessary part of anyone’s story written on the pages of life.
Growing in faith, however, is not guaranteed. We must choose to have that in our story.
The creator and author of life wants a growing faith to be both an integral part of our life’s pages and to continue into reality in the eternal epilogue. By design, faith in God – through Jesus and by the work of the Holy Spirit – affects our life and death.
Since God is the eternal, immutable creator, we can put our faith in him, his promises, and his workings. The apostle Thomas was one who needed assurance of reuniting with his Lord. In one of these instances, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6 NIV, letter Q for Qualified in Follow and Lead).
The author of Hebrews succinctly and splendidly describes the focus of our faith: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV).
“Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16b NIV).
Isn’t this magnificent and overwhelming to comprehend? We put our faith in Jesus, everything about him. Jesus is the firm foundation of a believer’s life.
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV). “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV).
Did you catch the phrases you love him and you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy?
How do we show our love for Jesus and radiate joy because of him?
To love Jesus is to obey him (John 14:23-24). And when we put our faith into practice, we are loving and serving both God and others, fulfilling the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). As we live in God’s presence and truth, he fills us with his joy (Psalm 16:11).
As we grow in faith each day, may it come from a heart that is grateful, humble, and joyful!
Invite the Holy Spirit to work in you as you study God’s Word daily using a Heart Training book.