Growing Faith: Trusting in Jesus for Strength

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Can Grow—Ask Jesus to Increase It

Faith is not a static, all-or-nothing reality; it can grow, waver, and be renewed, just as even the apostles recognized their need for greater faith and asked Jesus to increase it. No matter how strong or weak your faith feels today, you are invited to come honestly before the Lord, just as the apostles did, and ask Him to strengthen and grow your trust in Him. Jesus assures us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can overcome great obstacles, and He welcomes our prayers for a deeper, more vibrant faith. [36:17]

Luke 17:5-6 (ESV)
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel your faith is weak or wavering? Take a moment today to pray honestly, “Lord, increase my faith,” and ask Him to meet you right where you are.

Day 2: Fan Into Flame the Gift of God

God has given each of us spiritual gifts and graces, and we are called to actively “fan into flame” these gifts, especially in times of adversity, by remembering His faithfulness and seeking the Spirit’s renewal. Like Timothy, you may feel inadequate or weary, but God’s Spirit is not one of fear, but of power, love, and self-control; He calls you to rekindle the gifts He has placed within you and to step forward in faith, trusting that He will provide what you need. [40:18]

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection: What spiritual gift or calling has God placed in your life that needs to be rekindled? How can you take one step today to “fan it into flame”?

Day 3: Remember and Celebrate What God Has Already Done

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your faith is to remember and celebrate the ways God has already provided, answered prayers, and shown His love—especially through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. When you look back at God’s faithfulness in your life, you are reminded that He is trustworthy and good, and your heart is encouraged to trust Him for what lies ahead. Let your gratitude and remembrance turn your focus away from your own strength and back to Jesus, the true object of your faith. [47:19]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Reflection: Take a few minutes today to write down or share with someone a specific time when God answered a prayer or provided for you—how does remembering this encourage your faith right now?

Day 4: Faith Grows as You Step Out in Obedience

Faith is strengthened not just by belief, but by stepping out in obedience to what God has called you to do—even when you don’t know how things will work out. As you act on God’s commands and trust Him with the outcome, you will see His provision and faithfulness in new ways, and your faith will grow stronger through experience. God meets you in your obedience, and your willingness to trust Him impacts not only your own life but also those around you for His glory. [51:42]

James 2:17-18 (ESV)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to step out in obedience, even if you feel uncertain? What small action can you take today to trust Him and move forward?

Day 5: The Object of Faith Is Jesus, Not Ourselves

The strength of your faith does not rest in your own ability to believe, but in the One you trust—Jesus Christ, who is faithful and true. When you are tempted to focus on the weakness or wavering of your own faith, remember that Jesus is the object and foundation of your hope; turn your eyes upon Him, delight in His goodness, and rest in His sufficiency. He is able to keep you and bring you through every trial until your faith becomes sight. [48:16]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to focus on your own faith rather than on Jesus Himself? How can you intentionally turn your attention to Christ today and rest in His faithfulness?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to remember that our hope, our strength, and our very identity are rooted in Jesus Christ, not in ourselves. We began by lifting up the needs of our world, our nation, and our community in prayer, entrusting every burden to the God who knows and loves us. We prayed for peace, for those in authority, for the sick and suffering, and for the church to be filled with the Holy Spirit and renewed in zeal for the gospel. We also remembered the importance of blessing and nurturing our children, asking God to give us wisdom and patience as we guide them in the way of Christ.

Reflecting on the lives of great leaders—whether in sports, the arts, or the church—we recognized that what sets apart the truly great is not their own strength, but their humility and their focus on something greater than themselves. Billy Graham’s example reminded us that the power of our lives is not in our fame or ability, but in the message of Jesus and the desire to point others to Him. The heart of our life with God is faith—faith that is not static, but can grow, waver, and be renewed.

Even the apostles, after walking with Jesus and witnessing His miracles, recognized their need for greater faith. They asked, “Lord, increase our faith.” Jesus responded by teaching that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, but He also challenged them—and us—to recognize our need for growth. This humility is essential; if the apostles needed a boost, so do we.

Paul’s words to Timothy echo this call. Timothy, though gifted and called, needed encouragement to “fan into flame” the gift God had given him. Paul reminded him—and us—that God gives us not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. We are called to remember what God has already done, to look to Jesus as the object of our faith, and to step out in obedience, trusting that God will meet us with His provision.

Faith grows as we remember God’s faithfulness, celebrate answered prayers, and act in obedience even when the outcome is uncertain. Our faith is not in our own faith, but in Jesus Himself. As we come to the table, as we pray, as we serve, we are invited to continually turn our eyes to Christ, asking Him to increase our faith and to use us for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Is Dynamic and Can Grow Faith is not a static possession, but something that can increase or decrease over time. Even the apostles, after witnessing Jesus’ miracles and ministry firsthand, recognized their need for greater faith and asked Jesus to increase it. This humility is essential for spiritual growth; acknowledging our need is the first step toward renewal. We are invited to bring our weakness to God, trusting that He can strengthen and grow our faith. [36:17]
2. The Object of Faith Is Jesus, Not Ourselves It is easy to fall into the trap of measuring our spiritual life by the strength of our own faith, but the true foundation is not our faith itself, but the One in whom we trust. Jesus is the object of our faith, and our hope rests in His character, His work, and His promises—not in our own ability to believe. Turning our eyes to Christ, especially in times of doubt or weakness, re-centers us on the unchanging source of our hope. [48:16]
3. Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness Fuels Present Faith When we recall the ways God has provided, answered prayers, and carried us through trials, our faith is strengthened for the challenges ahead. Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the gospel and God’s work in his life as a way to “fan into flame” the gift within him. Keeping a record of God’s faithfulness—through prayer journals or simply recounting His deeds—helps us to trust Him more deeply in the present. [46:47]
4. Faith Grows Through Obedient Action Stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain, is a catalyst for spiritual growth. As we act on what God has called us to do, we experience His provision and see His reality at work in our lives. Each act of faith, no matter how small, becomes a testimony that strengthens us and those around us, reminding us that God is real and active. [51:42]
5. Spiritual Gifts Must Be Nurtured and Fanned Into Flame God gives spiritual gifts through both ordinary and extraordinary means, but these gifts require intentional cultivation. Paul’s instruction to Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God is a call to active participation in our spiritual growth. Through prayer, remembrance, and stepping out in faith, we cooperate with the Spirit to see these gifts flourish for the good of others and the glory of God.

** [43:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[11:42] - Opening Prayer and Confession
[13:12] - Prayers for the World and Church
[14:28] - Prayers for Sister Churches and Persecuted Believers
[16:01] - Intercessions for the Sick and Needy
[17:42] - Prayers for the Departed and Blessing of Children
[30:41] - Prayer for the Spirit’s Guidance
[31:16] - Reflections on Greatness and Humility
[33:02] - The Example of Billy Graham
[34:46] - The Call to Live by Faith
[36:17] - The Apostles’ Request: “Increase Our Faith”
[39:45] - Paul’s Encouragement to Timothy
[42:08] - The Power of Outward Signs and Sacraments
[43:56] - Fanning Spiritual Gifts into Flame
[46:47] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[48:16] - Jesus as the Object of Our Faith
[51:42] - Faith in Action and God’s Provision
[54:21] - Steps to Grow in Faith
[56:07] - Invitation to Prayer and Worship
[60:53] - Affirming the Faith: The Nicene Creed
[68:25] - The Great Thanksgiving and Communion
[73:29] - Sending and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 17:5-6 (ESV) — > The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV) — > For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Psalm 37:5 (ESV) — > Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Observation Questions

In Luke 17:5, what do the apostles ask Jesus for, and how does He respond to their request? [36:17]
According to 2 Timothy 1:6-7, what does Paul encourage Timothy to do with the gift God has given him? What kind of spirit does God give? [40:18]
The sermon mentioned that even the apostles, after seeing Jesus’ miracles, felt their faith was too small. What does this reveal about the nature of faith? [38:57]
What does Psalm 37:5 promise will happen when we commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him? [52:01]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the apostles, who had already witnessed so much, still felt the need to ask Jesus to increase their faith? What does this say about the journey of faith? [36:17]
Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God. What might it look like for someone today to actively nurture and grow their spiritual gifts? [43:56]
The sermon emphasized that the object of our faith is Jesus, not our own ability to believe. Why is it important to keep this distinction clear, especially during times of doubt or weakness? [48:16]
How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help us face current or future challenges? Can you think of a reason why Paul would remind Timothy of this? [46:47]

Application Questions

The apostles humbly admitted their need for more faith. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel your faith is “too small”? What would it look like to bring that honestly to Jesus in prayer this week? [36:17]
Paul encouraged Timothy to “fan into flame” his spiritual gift. Is there a gift or calling in your life that you have neglected or allowed to grow cold? What is one practical step you could take this week to nurture it? [43:56]
The sermon shared that faith grows as we remember God’s faithfulness. Do you keep any kind of record (journal, notes, etc.) of answered prayers or God’s provision? If not, what is one way you could start remembering and celebrating God’s work in your life? [46:47]
The message warned against putting faith in our own faith, rather than in Jesus Himself. Are there times when you measure your spiritual life by how “strong” you feel, instead of focusing on Christ? How can you re-center your hope on Jesus this week? [48:16]
Stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain, was described as a catalyst for spiritual growth. Is there something you sense God is calling you to do, but you’re hesitant because you don’t know how it will turn out? What would it look like to take a small step of obedience? [51:42]
The sermon highlighted the importance of blessing and nurturing children in the way of Christ. If you have children or influence over young people, what is one way you can intentionally guide them in faith this week? [18:13]
When was the last time you saw your faith grow because you acted in obedience and saw God provide? Would you be willing to share that story with the group to encourage others? [54:10]

Sermon Clips

First of all, it shows that faith is not simply all or nothing. It's either on or it's off. It's there or it's not. Faith is something that can grow. It can increase and it can decrease. It can move and expand. Faith is more like that. And that does mean if your faith isn't as strong as it used to be, that doesn't mean you've lost it altogether, but it means you need to be renewed. And you can be renewed. Your faith can grow stronger again. [00:36:26] (29 seconds) #FaithIsGrowth

How do we fan the gift into flame? How do we put ourselves in a position where God can increase our faith? I think the first and obvious thing is to do exactly what we see the apostles do in Luke 17. Go to Jesus, go to him in prayer and, and ask him, lord, increase my faith, strengthen my trust of you. Help me, help me grow. [00:45:07] (26 seconds) #RememberGodsFaithfulness

And most especially look at what he's done for you. At the cross, Jesus allowed the nails to be driven through his body and suffered and bled and died that we might be forgiven and he rose that we might have new life. We need to pray for strength. We need to remember what he's already done for us. [00:46:58] (25 seconds) #TrustingThroughSuffering

Paul looks around at his world and he does not yet see the full victory of the kingdom of God. He does not yet see every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. He doesn't see it yet. He's walking by faith, not by sight. And in the midst of his sufferings. Then what does Paul say in verse 12? I'm suffering, he says, but I'm not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I've put my trust. His name is Jesus, and I am sure I love. [00:49:07] (30 seconds) #FaithInAction

He's so good, the Savior that I trust. And he will carry me through until my faith is sight. He will bring me to the end and bring me home. I know him. I know his heart. I look at Jesus, I see his goodness. That's what Paul does in the midst of his adversity. I'm suffering now, but I know whom I trust. He's going to bring me through. [00:49:48] (27 seconds) #GodProvidesFaithGrows

Because when you try to put your faith into action, when you try to do the stuff that you are sure that God has called and commanded you to do, guess what? He will meet you with his provision. He will meet you with his provision. And when you see that happen, you're like, well, how about that? Once again, God is real. Once again, he's come through for me. And your faith will grow, your faith will increase because you have seen God act in your life. [00:51:32] (27 seconds)

But what we saw, and we saw this so powerfully, is that when you step out in faithfulness, the Lord provides and the Lord meets you with his provision. And we saw it again and again and again, and we just had to look at each other and giggle like, oh, this is amazing. We saw it so much. We stepped out and God made a way. And when that happens, guess what? Our faith was stronger. And we were like, whoa, you know, this is real. Again. This is real. Our faith grew. [00:53:48] (31 seconds)

``Do you need a boost? Go to Jesus. Ask him. Lord, increase my faith. Remember the ways he's already come through for you and the people around you. Celebrate the answered prayers. Look to the cross and remember the love of your Savior for you. Count those blessings. Remember who he is and how good he is. Remember the one that you're putting your trust in is not you, it's Him. [00:54:18] (34 seconds)

And when he calls you to do something, even if you don't know how this is going to work out or what's going to happen? Take a step and see. See the Lord act and your faith will grow. But not just you. People around you be impacted for the kingdom and the name of God will be glorified. [00:54:52] (22 seconds)

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