“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17, KJV
The Foundation of Faith
Faith is not a vague hope or a fleeting feeling—it is the unshakable confidence in the character, power, and promises of Almighty God. The writer of Hebrews defines it plainly:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1, KJV
Faith gives substance to hope; it is the invisible assurance that God’s Word is true even when circumstances suggest otherwise. True biblical faith is not rooted in human reasoning or emotion but in the revealed Word of God. Abraham believed God when there was no physical evidence that Sarah could bear a son, and “it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3).
To strengthen faith, one must first understand that it is a divine principle, not a human invention. God designed faith to be the believer’s spiritual lifeline—the means by which we please Him, for “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).
The Source of Faith
Paul declares, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Faith is not inherited, nor is it produced by effort or intellect. It is born through exposure to God’s truth. The more we hear, study, and meditate on Scripture, the more our faith is strengthened.
The Word of God reveals the unchanging nature of the Lord: “For I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). When the believer feeds daily on God’s Word, he is reminded of God’s faithfulness through every generation. The testimonies of Scripture—Abraham’s obedience, David’s courage, Daniel’s steadfastness, and the apostles’ endurance—become living evidence that the same God who delivered them will also sustain us.
Thus, if faith grows by hearing, it withers by neglect. Many believers struggle with weak faith because they rarely immerse themselves in Scripture. The strength of one’s faith will always reflect the strength of one’s relationship with the Word.
The Testing of Faith
Faith must be proven before it is perfected. James writes, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:3). Trials are not sent to destroy faith but to develop it. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.
When Peter’s faith was tested by the storm, his focus determined his strength. As long as he looked to Jesus, he walked above the waves; when he turned to the wind, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29–30). This truth remains today—faith is sustained by focus. To strengthen faith, one must continually fix his eyes on the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The believer who endures testing emerges purified and unshakable. Just as gold is refined in fire, faith is refined through adversity. Trials expose whether our trust is in God’s Word or in our circumstances. A tested faith becomes a testimony of God’s power.
The Exercise of Faith
Faith, like a muscle, strengthens through use. James admonishes, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). Faith must be demonstrated through obedience. Noah’s faith was made visible when he built the ark before a single drop of rain had fallen. Abraham’s faith was perfected when he offered Isaac upon the altar.
Faith without action is mere profession. To strengthen faith, believers must practice obedience even when outcomes are unseen. Every act of trust—praying in uncertainty, giving in lack, forgiving in pain—builds spiritual strength. Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed… nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). The smallest seed of true faith, when exercised, grows into immovable confidence in God.
The Shield of Faith
In the armor of God, faith is the shield that protects against the enemy’s attacks: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).
Satan’s primary weapon is doubt—whispering lies that question God’s goodness, His promises, or His presence. The shield of faith is raised whenever the believer responds, “It is written.” Jesus demonstrated this when tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4–10). Faith is strengthened when Scripture becomes our immediate defense against fear and deception.
The more one knows the Word, the more effectively one wields the shield. A faith built on feelings will fail, but faith built on the eternal Word will stand firm under every assault.
The Victory of Faith
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” — 1 John 5:4, KJV
Faith is the victory that brings believers from defeat to dominion. It triumphs not because of human ability, but because it connects us to divine power. When faith is strengthened, fear loses its hold, and the believer walks in the confidence of Christ’s authority.
The world may tremble, kingdoms may fall, and hearts may fail, but those who stand in faith remain unshaken. Strengthened faith transforms adversity into opportunity, weakness into worship, and impossibility into testimony.
Conclusion
Faith is not a momentary spark but a lifelong flame that must be fed by the Word, refined through trials, and exercised through obedience. The believer who seeks to strengthen faith must daily hear, believe, and act upon the promises of God.
When faith is anchored in Scripture and fixed on Christ, it cannot be moved. As Habakkuk declared, “The just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). To live by faith is to walk in steadfast confidence that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised.
Therefore, let every child of God take up the shield of faith, stand upon the Word, and declare with Paul, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12, KJV).