Introduction
Lack of faith is one of the most common struggles among Christians, both new and experienced in the spiritual journey. There are moments when life’s circumstances seem larger than God’s promises, and the heart wavers between trust and doubt. Insecurity about the future, financial difficulties, health problems, broken relationships—all of this can shake the certainty that God is in control and that He is faithful to His promises.
The Bible does not hide this reality. It presents men and women of faith who, at some point, also doubted. Abraham laughed when God promised a son in his old age. Moses hesitated before the burning bush, questioning his own ability. Peter sank into the water when he took his eyes off Jesus. Thomas demanded tangible proof of the resurrection. These accounts show us that doubt is part of the human experience, but they also teach us that faith can be strengthened, cultivated, and increased.
Jesus himself addressed this issue when his disciples asked him: “Lord, increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5). Christ’s response reveals something profound: faith is not a matter of quantity, but of where it is placed. A small but genuine faith, directed toward the Almighty God, is capable of moving mountains. The problem is not the size of our faith, but the greatness of the One in whom we trust.
Increasing trust in God is not an instantaneous or magical process. It is a path of intimacy, knowledge, obedience, and experience. The more we know God through His Word, the more we relate to Him in prayer, the more we see Him acting in our personal history, the more our faith solidifies. Faith grows as we expose ourselves to the truth of who God is and what He is capable of doing.
This article was written for you who feel that your faith is weak, who struggle to fully trust God in the face of life’s uncertainties. We will walk together through the biblical principles that teach us how to strengthen our trust in the Lord, remembering that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). May this study be an instrument of the Holy Spirit to renew your hope and restore the firmness of your heart in God.
1 – Knowing God Through His Word
The foundation of all solid faith is the correct knowledge of who God is. We cannot trust someone we do not know. Often, our lack of trust in God is directly related to a distorted or superficial understanding of His character. When we do not know who He truly is, we become vulnerable to the enemy’s lies, adverse circumstances, and our own emotions.
The Word of God is the primary means by which He reveals Himself to us. The Bible is not just a book of rules or ancient stories; it is the living and active revelation of God’s character, purposes, and promises. When we read the Scriptures with an open heart, we find a God who is faithful, loving, powerful, just, merciful, and present. Every page testifies to His greatness and His goodness toward His children.
The apostle Paul teaches that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). This means that faith is not something that simply appears; it is generated and nurtured by constant exposure to God’s truth. When we meditate on the Scriptures, when we memorize verses, when we reflect on biblical accounts, our minds are renewed and our trust in God is strengthened.
Consider the example of the psalmist David. He faced giants, enemy armies, betrayals, sin, and guilt. Yet, his faith remained firm because he knew God intimately. In the Psalms, we see David recalling God’s past works, declaring His attributes, and trusting in His promises. In Psalm 27:1, he declares: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”. This confidence did not come from nowhere; it was built on the foundation of a deep knowledge of who God is.
Likewise, when we face moments of doubt, we need to return to the Word. It reminds us that God is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change. His promises do not fail. His faithfulness does not depend on circumstances. The more time we spend in the Bible, the more our faith is built on the solid foundation of eternal truth.
Furthermore, the Word of God has the power to transform our perspective. When we are anxious, it reminds us to “not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6). When we feel alone, it assures us that “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5). The Bible is the divine antidote to unbelief.
Therefore, if you wish to increase your faith, start by dedicating daily time to reading and meditating on the Scriptures. Do not read it merely as a religious duty, but with an open heart to encounter God Himself in the sacred pages. Let the Word penetrate deeply into your soul, transforming your thoughts, renewing your mind, and strengthening your trust in the Lord.
2 – Cultivating a Life of Constant Prayer
Prayer is the second essential pillar for the growth of faith. If reading the Word teaches us who God is, prayer allows us to experience Him personally. It is in the intimate dialogue with the heavenly Father that our trust deepens, as we discover that He is not a distant God, but one who is near, attentive, and loving.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God Himself, lived in constant communion with the Father. He often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed this intimacy to fulfill His mission, how much more do we! Prayer is not optional in the Christian life; it is vital. Without it, our faith withers like a plant without water.
Lack of faith is often related to a lack of prayer. When we do not talk with God regularly, we begin to rely solely on our own strength, wisdom, and resources. We lose sight of His powerful presence in our lives. On the other hand, when we cultivate a life of constant prayer, we experience His faithfulness in a practical way. We see answers, feel His peace, receive direction, and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul exhorts Christians: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Note that Paul does not say “pray only when you are in a crisis.” He says “in every situation.” Prayer should be a constant attitude of the heart, an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day.
Moreover, prayer is not just about asking God for things. It involves worship, confession, gratitude, and interceding for others. When we worship God in prayer, we acknowledge His greatness and our dependence on Him, which naturally strengthens our faith. When we confess our sins, we experience His forgiveness and grace. When we give thanks, we remember the countless times He has already been faithful. When we intercede, we join in God’s purpose for the world.
A powerful example of prayer that strengthened faith is found in the life of the prophet Daniel. Even under the threat of death, he continued to pray three times a day, on his knees, with his windows open toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6:10). His unwavering faith did not emerge in the lions’ den; it was built over years of constant communion with God. When the trial came, he already knew in whom he had trusted.
If you want to increase your trust in God, commit to seeking His face daily. Set aside a specific time to pray, but also develop the habit of praying throughout the day—at work, in traffic, at home. Talk to God as you would with a close friend. Open your heart, share your concerns, ask for help, give thanks for blessings. And then, wait. Watch. You will begin to see the hand of God at work in ways that will profoundly strengthen your faith.
3 – Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness
One of the most effective strategies for strengthening faith is to look back and remember how God has been faithful in the past. Spiritual memory is a powerful tool that the Bible teaches us to use constantly. When we forget God’s works, our faith weakens. When we remember, our trust is renewed.
The history of Israel is filled with moments when the people were called to remember. God commanded them to set up stone monuments to mark His miracles (Joshua 4:6-7). He instituted annual feasts so that future generations would remember the deliverance from Egypt. The psalmist frequently exhorted: “Remember the wonders he has done” (Psalm 105:5).
Why this emphasis on remembrance? Because human nature tends to forget, especially in times of difficulty. When we face new challenges, it is easy to feel that God has abandoned us or that He is not able to help us. But when we stop to recall all the times He has sustained us, guided us, healed us, provided for us, and protected us, our perspective changes completely.
David used this practice constantly. When he faced Goliath, he was not intimidated by the giant’s size. Instead, he remembered how God had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear when he was tending sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Those past victories strengthened his faith to face the present challenge. He knew that the God who had helped him before would help him again.
Similarly, we need to create our own “spiritual monuments.” It can be helpful to keep a journal of answered prayers, of impossible situations where God intervened, of moments when we felt His presence in a special way. When doubt knocks at the door, we can open those pages and see the tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness in our personal history.
Furthermore, sharing testimonies also strengthens faith—both our own and that of those who listen. When we tell others how God has acted in our lives, we are publicly declaring His goodness and power. This not only edifies the Christian community but also reinforces in our own hearts the certainty that God is real and active.
The writer to the Hebrews encourages us with the example of the great heroes of faith: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). This “cloud of witnesses” includes not only biblical characters but also the generations of Christians who preceded us and the personal experiences we have had with God.
So, take a pause now and remember. Think of at least three situations where God was clearly faithful to you. It could have been an unexpected financial provision, a healing, a restored relationship, a door that opened, an unexplainable peace in the midst of a storm. Write them down. Give thanks. And allow these memories to strengthen your confidence that the God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful today and forever.
4 – Acting in Obedience Even When We Don’t Understand
True faith is not just a feeling or a mental belief; it manifests in concrete actions of obedience to God. Often, our faith only grows when we take steps of obedience, even if we do not fully understand the purpose or the outcome. Trust in God is demonstrated when we follow His instructions, even when they seem illogical or difficult.
James, the brother of Jesus, states categorically: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). He is not saying that we are saved by works, but that genuine faith always produces obedience. A faith that does not result in action is just religious theory, not real trust in God.
The story of Noah perfectly illustrates this principle. God commanded him to build a gigantic ark on dry land, preparing for a flood that had never happened before. From a human perspective, it made no sense at all. Noah could have rationalized, doubted, or simply ignored the divine command. However, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). His obedience, even without fully understanding God’s plan, saved his family and preserved humanity.
Abraham faced an even more dramatic test. God asked him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac—the son of the promise, through whom all nations would be blessed. Humanly speaking, this contradicted everything God had previously promised. But Abraham obeyed, trusting that “God could even raise the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). At the last moment, God provided a substitute ram, and Abraham’s faith was confirmed and strengthened through this radical experience of obedience.
In our lives, God may also ask us to do things that do not make sense at first glance: to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us, to be generous when we are in financial difficulty, to remain in a challenging job when we could run away, or to evangelize someone when we feel inadequate. In these moments, obedience becomes the training ground for faith.
Jesus made it clear that obedience is the proof of genuine love: “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). When we choose to obey, even when it is difficult or inconvenient, we are declaring that we trust God more than our own perceptions. And it is precisely at this point that our faith expands.
Furthermore, obedience often places us in situations where only God can act. When we step out of our comfort zone because of His word, we create opportunities to witness His power in ways we would never see if we remained in the safety of inaction. And every time we see God act as a result of our obedience, our trust in Him deepens.
Therefore, if you wish to increase your faith, ask yourself: “Is there any area of my life where I know what God is asking me to do, but I have not yet obeyed?” It could be a habit that needs to be abandoned, a difficult conversation that needs to happen, forgiveness that needs to be granted, or a step of faith that needs to be taken. Choose to obey, even if it is scary. Obedience is the path to a deeper and more mature faith.
5 – Surrounding Yourself with a Community of Faith
No one was created to live the Christian life in isolation. God designed us to live in community, and this includes our journey of faith. The company of other committed believers is essential for strengthening our trust in God, especially in moments when our individual faith wavers.
The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Congregating is not just a religious tradition; it is a vital spiritual necessity.
When we are surrounded by people who love God and trust in Him, we are constantly encouraged and challenged. Their testimonies strengthen our faith. Their prayers sustain us. Their wise counsel guides us. Their presence reminds us that we are not alone in the struggle. The Christian community functions as a spiritual support network that keeps us firm when the storms of life threaten to knock us down.
The apostle Paul deeply understood this principle. In his letters, he frequently mentions ministry companions, thanks the churches that prayed for him, and asks for the prayers of the brethren. Even as a spiritual giant, Paul knew he needed the community. He wrote to the Romans: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12).
Note that Paul speaks of mutual encouragement. It is not just about leaders strengthening the weaker ones; it is a reciprocal exchange where everyone builds each other up. Each member of the body of Christ has something to contribute to the strengthening of the collective faith.
On the other hand, isolation is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics. Satan knows that an isolated Christian is an easy target. When we distance ourselves from the community, we become vulnerable to discouragement, doubt, and sin. The Bible compares an isolated believer to an ember that is removed from the fire: it soon cools and goes out. But when we remain together, our individual flames feed each other, keeping alive the passion for God and trust in Him.
Furthermore, the Christian community offers us different perspectives when we face difficulties. Sometimes, we are so immersed in our problems that we cannot see God’s hand at work. A brother or sister in Christ can help us see the situation in the light of the Word, reminding us of divine promises and pointing to the hope we have in Jesus.
However, it is important to carefully choose the community with which we surround ourselves. Not all company strengthens faith. Paul warns: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). We need to seek relationships with people who truly love God, who live according to His Word, and who encourage us to grow spiritually.
If you are struggling with a lack of faith, ask yourself: “Am I truly connected to a community of believers?” If not, make the decision to actively get involved in a healthy local church. Attend services, join a small group, serve in a ministry. As you connect with other Christians, you will see your faith being strengthened in surprising ways.
Conclusion
Lack of faith is a reality that all of us, at some point, face. The pressures of life, adverse circumstances, disappointments, and internal questions can cause our trust in God to waver. But the good news is that faith does not have to remain weak. It can grow, mature, and become unshakable when we apply the principles that God has revealed to us in His Word.
Increasing trust in God does not happen by chance. It is an intentional process that involves knowing God through the Scriptures, cultivating a life of constant prayer, remembering His past faithfulness, acting in obedience even when we do not fully understand, and surrounding ourselves with a community of faith that encourages and strengthens us.
Each of these elements acts as an anchor that keeps our soul firm in the midst of storms. When we dive into the Word, we discover who God truly is—not the God we imagine or that others have described, but the living and true God who reveals Himself in the sacred pages. When we pray, we experience His presence and see His answers, which feeds our trust. When we remember His past works, we are reminded that He has never failed and will never fail. When we obey, even without understanding, we create opportunities to witness His power. And when we surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ, we are sustained by the love and collective faith of the church.
Jesus told His disciples: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Note that Jesus does not demand a gigantic faith; He speaks of a small but genuine and well-directed faith. The power is not in the size of our faith, but in the greatness of the God in whom we trust.
Therefore, do not despair if your faith seems small today. Start where you are. Take the first step. Open the Bible. Bend your knees in prayer. Remember an occasion when God was faithful. Obey what He is asking of you. Connect with other believers. And watch what God will do. He is an expert at transforming tiny seeds of faith into leafy trees of unshakable trust.
The apostle Paul ends one of his letters with a powerful prayer that is also my prayer for you: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). May your faith be strengthened day by day, until you can say with full conviction, like Paul: “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
The journey of faith is lifelong, but each step taken in trust brings us closer to the heart of God. May you walk with courage, knowing that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Your faith may be weak today, but with God, it will be strong tomorrow. Keep believing. Keep trusting. The best is yet to come.
