Many people exercise their bodies but not their souls. Strengthening your faith takes time and effort, similar to getting into physical shape. In this podcast we explore ways to enhance your faith journey.

Strengthening Your Faith ~ Episode 370

Welcome back to A Few Minutes with God Podcast! In a recent episode, we explored how to put our faith into action—living it out through love, service, and sharing the Good News.

Today, Episode 370 dives deeper into Strengthening Your Faith. How do we build a faith that is not only active but also deep, resilient, and unshakable? That is the vital question we should ask ourselves.

Faith is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use, yet it also requires daily nourishment and spiritual discipline. Whether your faith has wavered in difficult seasons or you long to draw closer to Christ, strengthening your faith is a lifelong journey that equips you to live out His call with courage and joy.

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The Foundation of Faith: Assurance in the Unseen

Scripture gives us the very definition of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 (RSVCE), we read: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This verse shows us that our trust in God’s promises is important even when the path ahead is hidden. True faith is not blind; it is rooted in the living God who never fails. Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11; it recaps the faith throughout Biblical history, with Enoch and Abraham as examples for us. The idea of faith isn’t new, and sadly, the faith placed in politicians, athletes, or actors is a distraction.

Deepening Your Faith Through Prayer

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen faith is through prayer—not just a list of requests, but a heartfelt conversation with the Lord. Prayer draws us into His presence and reminds us He is always near. Taking the time, just a few minutes (or longer) a day, exercises your spiritual muscle.

I remember a spiritually dry season when life felt overwhelming, and my prayers became routine. Through an inspiration which I can only attribute to the Holy Spirit, I committed to just five quiet minutes each morning, sitting with God and listening. No fanfare, no charts or books, or a checklist of what I expected to happen. Just a blank journal, a Bible, and time. Over a period of dedicated time, His peace filled my heart. As Philippians 4:6-7 (RSVCE) encourages: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Illuminating Your Path with God’s Word

Another essential key is immersing ourselves in Scripture. Psalm 119:105 (RSVCE) declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Even one verse a day can transform our outlook. Try reading the Gospel of John slowly—one chapter daily—asking the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. The Bible is God’s living Word that reveals His truth, love, and perfect plan. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RSVCE) reminds us: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Consider these words. They are not just “nice” or “encouraging, they are true! God’s Word is a lamp; all scripture is inspired! God is here today just for you and for me. He is here waiting for us to give Him the time He rightly deserves.

Growing Stronger in Community

We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surrounding yourself with fellow believers—through your parish, a Bible study, or a prayer group—builds encouragement and accountability. I once joined a small faith-sharing group at my parish, and hearing others’ stories of struggle and victory inspired me to persevere. I’ve recently joined another monthly prayer group, and it, too, has encouraged me to grow in faith.

Proverbs 27:17 (RSVCE) tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Even more beautifully (if that is possible), Hebrews 10:24-25 (RSVCE) urges: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

Faith isn’t exclusive. It isn’t faith or works, but both together. One is the manifestation of the other, and while both have value, only through Christ are they redemptive. Being alone with the Lord is also valuable, but encouragement from others of faith is what often keeps us strong.

Trusting God Through Trials and Tribulations

Strengthening faith also means trusting God amid life’s storms. Doubts may arise when circumstances turn difficult, yet our Lord is never surprised by our trials. As I reflected on Maria Vadia’s inspiring book Healing is For You!, I was reminded that true healing—especially spiritual healing—flows from a relationship with Jesus, not from visible signs alone. Her book, every other sentence, almost, has a scripture verse that proves her point. It is a call from the Lord to be healed inside and outside.

As frail humans, we can fall into conditional faith, but God calls us to deeper trust. The “prosperity gospel” that promises health and wealth if we believe hard enough misses the heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught the narrow road: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14 RSVCE).

Trials produce endurance. James 1:2-4 (RSVCE) beautifully explains: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Spiritual Endurance: Running the Race of Faith

Watching my son, who recently visited, run four to six miles in the hot, humid Florida mornings reminded me of spiritual discipline. He runs for his health, his job, and his goals—not because it feels easy, but because the results are worth it. The same is true for us. Life demands endurance, yet we often choose scrolling or entertainment over the challenge that deepens our faith.

God calls us to run with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1-2 (RSVCE) invites: “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 perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Strengthening your faith is not a one-time event but a daily choice to pray, immerse yourself in Scripture, walk in community, and trust God through every trial. Like a well-trained runner, you will face discomfort, yet the reward—deeper intimacy with Christ, unshakeable peace, and eternal inheritance—far surpasses any hardship. May you run this race with courage, knowing Jesus walks beside you, equipping you every step of the way. Your faith, strengthened by grace, will become a beacon of hope for a world in need of the Savior.

Amen!

For more encouragement on growing in faith, check out these related episodes from A Few Minutes with God Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network:

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Many of us find ourselves praying daily, but often the call is praying for a friend. It is such a blessing and privilege to bring you this episode and share some ways we can help others in need.

Praying for a Friend ~ Episode 350

Welcome, friends, to A Few Minutes with God Podcast! I’m Felice Gerwitz, and today we’re talking about something close to my heart—praying for a friend. There’s something powerful about bringing a friend before the Lord, whether they’re facing a storm, celebrating a joy, or just need a touch of God’s love. Prayer is a gift we can offer, and it’s a way to show care and compassion. Let’s dive in with a prayer.

(Prayer said on air.)

Why Pray for a Friend?

Prayer is a bridge that connects us to God and to each other. When we pray for a friend, we’re not just asking for blessings—we’re partnering with God in His work. It’s a way to show love, bear burdens, and trust God’s plan. The Bible calls us to this in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Praying for a friend also changes us. It softens our hearts, deepens our empathy, and reminds us to rely on God. Whether your friend is struggling with health, relationships, or faith, your prayers are a powerful act of love. Let’s explore how to pray effectively with some practical steps.

Steps to Pray for a Friend

1. Listen with Love

Before you pray, take time to listen to your friend. What’s on their heart? Are they overwhelmed, grieving, or seeking direction? Listening helps you pray with specificity. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.” Show your friend you’re there by truly hearing them. Maybe they’ve shared a specific need, like a job interview or a family challenge. Use those details in your prayer.

Reach out via a call, text, or coffee date. Ask, “How can I pray for you?” Then, jot down their needs in a journal. Or better yet, if you forget and you are praying, ask the Lord to help you remember, but either way, the Lord knows their specific needs.

2. Pray with Scripture

God’s Word is powerful, and praying Scripture over your friend brings truth and hope. For example, if your friend is anxious, pray Philippians 4:6-7: (Read on air)

Choose a verse that matches your friend’s situation. Write it on a card or pray it aloud.

3. Be Consistent

Prayer isn’t a one-time event—it’s a commitment. Set a routine to pray for your friend daily or weekly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 urges us to “pray without ceasing.” Consistency shows your friend they’re not alone.

If you have one available, be sure to add their name to a prayer list or set a phone reminder.

4. Trust God’s Plan

Sometimes, we want to “fix” our friend’s problems, but prayer reminds us to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, (Read on air, one of my favorite verses!) Lift your friend up, then release the outcome to God.

After praying, say, “Lord, I trust You with [friend’s name].”

5. Follow Up

Prayer doesn’t end with “Amen.” Check in with your friend to see how they’re doing. This shows your prayers are backed by care. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

You don’t have to let your friend know you prayed, unless they ask. OR you can send a text like, “I prayed for you today—how’s it going?” Share praise reports on our Facebook page, A Few Minutes with God.

Friends, praying for someone you love is a beautiful way to serve. It’s not about having perfect words—it’s about a heart turned toward God. Think of a friend who needs prayer today. Maybe they’re facing a trial, or maybe they just need encouragement. Take a moment now to pray for them silently. This is our mission field we aren’t always able to go on the mission field, but we can serve the Lord in this mighty and powerful way. Never underestimate prayer.

Thank you for joining me today, friends! Let’s close with a prayer: Prayed on air.

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend. Join our community on Facebook or Instagram. Until next time, may you find joy in spending a few minutes with God!

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