World Blog by humble servant.Building Faith not Blind faith by understanding how that faith is build then trust is the builder.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. You can obey God. You can do the right thing and still not be pleasing God because you’re not doing it in faith. How can I build my faith? I can pray and ask God to increase my faith. But how does God build my faith?

Here’s one secret. And it’s not really something you’re real excited about when you first hear it. But the truth is God builds your faith and my faith by testing it. He builds our faith by putting it to the test, by trying it. Faith is like a muscle and when it’s stretched and it’s pulled, then it develops. When you test your muscles against weights then your muscles develop. And your faith develops as it is tested.

Did you realize that God is testing you every moment of your life? Every day you have faith-building opportunities. The problem is most of us don’t recognize them when they’re there. We flunk the test because we don’t even realize it is a test and that God is trying to help us grow.

These are the four most common ways that God tests and builds our faith. You’ll probably get tested on every one of them this week.

1. God tests our faith through difficulties.

That’s trials, problems, pressures, tough circumstances, all the stresses of life. Nothing comes into your life without God’s permission. The bad that happens is a result of our own doing (4:79), but it’s in God’s control. There are no accidents.

For example, Jonah had a custom made problem. It just swallowed him up and got his attention. Sometimes God creates problems that swallow us up. And we have to turn to God.

[21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah) the one with an N in his name) abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish’s belly ) “ There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin.” 

Also [Jonah 2:7] the Bible says, "When I lost all I once again turned my thoughts to God."

God uses these kinds of things to test our faith. If life were easy then it wouldn’t require faith. So what should I do when I’m going through difficulties? How should I respond?

When the problems come, turn to God. When you face trials of any kind, remember that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. He says when you’ve got a test, trust God. In fact He says, rejoice (9:111). Thank God. Praise God (8:45). Why? Because I know that God is with me. God has a plan for me. He has a purpose for my life and He’s going to help me through it. God’s purpose is greater than the pain or the problem or the challenge I’m going through right now.

This is the first lesson. If I want to learn to live by faith I must learn to rejoice continually. He doesn’t say be thankful for the problem; just be thankful in the problem. I must learn to rejoice in the situation continually if I’m going to learn to live and trust in Him. God makes it up to the believers.

2. God tests our faith through commands.

When I have a command and it seems like I can’t do it, then the issue at that moment is:  Who am I going to believe? Who is it I’m going to trust? Am I going to believe what God says to do or am I going to believe what I think is right to do? All of the promises, all of the commands are there to test us. Some ofthem may seem simple at first but when you look at them, they can be demanding.

A simple command like, “Don’t worry about anything.” How often do we forget we have God as an advocate and waste our time and efforts worrying?

[22:15] If anyone thinks that God cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him.

But it is so difficult to do that. We humans choose willingly the path to self-destruction, the path of risk. We try to solve issues our way instead of God’s way, which is simply TRUST IN GOD. This plan is fool proof.

3. God tests our faith with money.

Money is one of the greatest tests of faith in your life. Few people understand how God uses our material possessions as a test of character and a test of faith. For many people finances are the greatest of all. They have no idea that God is actually testing them when they get into wealth or debt, or when they’re going through blessings or problems, or when they’re asked to give to charity. All of these things have to do with faith.

Will we fall into the trap of earning a few quick bucks only to later realize that the price was just too high, and we missed heaven for a measly few bucks. Or when we cheat others of their right in property or deals, do we not think that there is someone above us watching us wronging someone? We must realize that these acts lead only to hell. Nothing is hidden from the One above who knows everything which is revealed or concealed.

4. God tests our faith through delays.

We are called the  Instant Gratification Generation. This is what the world has come to. People take the easy way out through bribery, corruption, status, power, money, all ways to

get things done quickly, but not necessarily the right way. However, sometimes God wishes to teach us the lesson of patience.

Imagine if every prayer were immediately answered, if every need were automatically met, if every problem were instantly solved. Would your faith and trust in God be tested? But it is not that way. We trust that God knows what is best for our souls. It is human nature that we are impatient and we must work on overcoming it.

[21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry.

A large percentage of your life is spent waiting. If you and I can’t learn how God wants to stretch and grow our souls during times of waiting, we miss out on much of the faith lessons that God wants to teach in our lives.

It pays to be patient. Just remember this: while you are waiting, God is in working His ways. You’re not waiting alone. God is doing things behind the scenes, in your heart and other people’s hearts that you cannot even see.

[10:109] Follow what is revealed to you, and be patient until GOD issues His judgment; He is the best judge.

[42:43] Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character.

So what’s the faith lesson? If we really want to learn to live by faith, we have to learn to rejoice continually. We have to learn to obey immediately. We have to give generously. And we must learn to wait patiently. The Inevitable Test

[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.

Praise God.