“I need more faith.” Sometimes this is the cry of our heart when we struggle to make sense of our world. As we begin to walk from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo, James 1: 1-18 gives us seven ways to strengthen our faith:
Trials in life produce perseverance which creates maturity, completeness, and fulfilment. When we face challenges it’s not only okay, but it’s necessary to grow us. (v. 1-4)
When we seek wisdom we must ask with belief and not doubt in order to receive. (v.5-8)
When we are disappointed or down when we don’t see earthly riches as much as we’d like, we can strengthen our faith knowing that the pursuit of earthly wealth (money, status) lack eternal importance. (v. 9-11)
Perseverance under trial yields the “crown of life” which is spiritual reward, meaning a reward that is beyond the material things of this world. (v. 12)
When we need more faith to overcome temptation, know thy enemy which is our own desires of the flesh. (v. 13-15)
Our God is consistent and good, all the time. We can trust in Him when we need more faith, always. (v. 16-17)
Knowing scripture produces a “spiritual rebirth” of us to become the best that God made us to be. (v. 18)