Build Your Faith: Declaring the Word of God, Praying, and Fasting

Build Your Faith: Declaring the Word of God, Praying, and Fasting

December 5

Faith, an essential element of a believer's spiritual journey, begins small but holds immense potential for growth and transformation. This article delves into a three-fold approach to nurturing and strengthening faith, as illustrated in the Bible: hearing and declaring the Word of God, engaging in prayer (both in our known and spiritual languages), and fasting.

The Bible underscores the power of God’s Word in building our faith. Romans 10:17 states, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God", and “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). This principle teaches us that immersing ourselves in the Scriptures and actively declaring them plays a crucial role in faith development. As we absorb and vocalize God's promises, our faith aligns more closely with His will.

Prayer is another vital component. Jude 20 highlights the importance of praying in the Spirit to build ourselves up in faith. This involves not only praying in our known language but also engaging in a spiritual prayer language, offering a deeper connection with God. This dual approach to prayer enriches our spiritual life and fortifies our faith. Fasting, as Jesus taught His disciples, is instrumental in enhancing our faith and reducing unbelief. In Matthew 17:19-21, when asked why they couldn't cast out a demon, Jesus emphasized the necessity of prayer and fasting. This teaches us that fasting, coupled with prayer, sharpens our spiritual focus and prepares us for confronting spiritual challenges with steadfast faith.

Another parallel biblical narrative that encapsulates these principles is found in Mark 9:14-29. Here, a father seeks Jesus' help for his demonized son. Jesus' response to the father's plea, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24), illustrates that even our smallest faith, when nurtured through these practices, can lead to miraculous outcomes. The story of Jesus fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) before facing temptation further exemplifies the strength that comes from combining these practices. Fasting not only prepares us for spiritual battles but also enhances our ability to hear and declare God's Word with conviction.

In summary, our faith, no matter how small, can be strengthened and grown through a balanced integration of hearing and declaring the Word of God, engaging in prayer in both our known and spiritual languages, and fasting. These practices lay a robust foundation for our faith journey, opening us to God's miraculous interventions and leading us to the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10), a source of immeasurable strength and blessing. Embrace this three-fold approach and watch your faith transform into a powerful force in your life.