Examples of Faith

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

How to Study The Bible

Lesson 8 - Wednesday 

Growing a Faith That Lasts

Hebrews 11 highlights the lives of Bible heroes who demonstrated unwavering faith in God despite uncertainty, hardship, and delayed promises. Often called the “faith chapter,” it shows that faith is trusting God’s word enough to obey Him even when the outcome is unseen. Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, Noah built the ark before rain ever came, Abraham left his homeland and prepared to sacrifice Isaac, and Moses chose God’s purposes over earthly riches. Others endured persecution, suffering, and even death while holding firmly to God’s promises.

Their stories reveal that true faith is not passive belief—it moves people to action, perseverance, and obedience. Many of these faithful men and women never saw the complete fulfillment of what God promised during their lifetimes, yet they trusted that God would remain faithful. As it relates to the faith of Bible heroes, Hebrews 11 reminds us that the same faith that sustained them is available to believers today—a faith that looks beyond present circumstances and rests fully in God’s promises.

A strong relationship with God is not built on emotion, personality, or spiritual talent—it is built on faith. Faith is the bridge that connects our hearts to God’s promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Many believers become discouraged because they think their faith is too small to matter. But Jesus gave powerful reassurance when He said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed… nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matt. 17:20, KJV). A mustard seed is tiny, yet it grows into something far greater than its size suggests. In the same way, God is not asking you to bring perfect faith—He is asking you to bring willing faith. If you are willing to trust Him, even in small ways, He can grow your faith into something strong and unshakable.

One of the greatest ways faith grows is through God’s Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith weakens when we neglect Scripture because our minds become filled with fear, doubt, and worldly distractions. But when we consistently spend time reading the Bible, meditating on God’s promises, and praying over what we read, our confidence in Him deepens. God speaks clearly through His Word, reminding us of His faithfulness in every generation. Daily prayer and Bible study are not religious duties—they are lifelines that strengthen our trust in God.

Faith also grows when we honestly bring our struggles to God. The disciples once prayed a simple but powerful prayer: “Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). That should be our prayer as well. In Mark 9:24, a desperate father cried out to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” What an honest confession. He believed, yet he still wrestled with doubt—and Jesus did not reject him. Many people walk away from God because they feel ashamed of their questions or struggles, but faith and doubt can sometimes exist in the same heart. The key is bringing those doubts to God instead of allowing them to drive you away from Him. As Philippians 2:12–13 reminds us, we are to work out our salvation seriously, allowing God to continue His transforming work in us.

Finally, faith must be exercised. Just as muscles grow stronger through use, faith grows stronger when it is practiced. You cannot borrow someone else’s faith, as the foolish virgins discovered in Matthew 25:8. Your relationship with God must become personal. Respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading, seek more of His presence, and choose to trust God even when life feels dark or uncertain. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Faith is not based on feelings—it is a decision to believe that God is still present, still good, and still working even when you cannot see what He is doing. In the darkest seasons, faith whispers, “God is here, and He will not fail me.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me even when my faith feels weak. Please grow my trust in You and help me rely on Your Word every day. Like the father in Scripture, I pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Give me the courage to trust You when I have questions, when life feels uncertain, and when I cannot see the way forward. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to walk by faith and not by sight. Strengthen my relationship with You and help my faith become rooted deeply in Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More on: Lesson 8 Having Faith    

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Growing in a Relationship with God