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Keep belief strong with faith-filled conversations

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

We all have something we hope to happen. Whether it be the manifestation of a prayer for a loved one or a dream and vision of something we desire for ourselves, it may be related to work, play, relationship or some material possession. It may involve healing or a major change of some kind. But it just has not manifested itself into our lives yet. Although many times in His grace, God makes things come to pass or brings unexpected things our way; but for most things to happen, it requires faith. Often, we try to console or encourage one another by telling them to have faith.

But what is faith? Faith is a spiritual force on the inside of us given to us by God. It's what helps us form our spiritual beliefs. And faith is an essential component in beginning our relationship with God.

Just because we don't feel we possess faith, doesn't mean we don't. It's more of a knowing than a feeling. The thing about faith is it can grow or wane.

Sometimes we start out believing in something but get doubtful along the way. That's not unusual. One of Jesus' disciples struggled with doubt, and Jesus showed him proof, thus quenching his misgivings. I believe when doubt creeps in, we can ask God to help us keep our faith strong.

When we feel our faith needs strengthening, we can ask a trusted friend or someone from the faith community to pray for us. The Bible gave illustrations when men of faith grew weary, and someone came alongside them to pray for them and encourage their way.

I saw an example of this a few years ago when a close friend was having severe pain in her hips. She could hardly walk or function; her pain was so bad. Her pain was so intense; she shared with me that she didn't think she would ever walk again. I encouraged her to keep her faith. She said she couldn't envision ever walking again. So I told her I would have faith for her. Within a few months of our conversation, my friend received a double hip replacement with remarkable results, and is now on the go and living an active life.

The most important tool that fuels our faith is what we put into our minds - we must keep them filled with positive things. To accomplish this, some people post sayings on their walls. Others read encouraging stories or watch inspiring movies. But the greatest tool God uses to build our faith is the promises found in the Bible. Beautiful promises such as the one in Jeremiah 29:11 from the New Living Translation Bible: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to you to give you a future and a hope."

As we go about our day, having a faith-filled conversation can keep our belief strong as well.

Whatever we are going through, let's hope God will fill us with the faith we need to carry it through. And if we lack faith, pray and ask God for the faith, we need to shower us with His blessings.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, Life Coach and Nurse. Annettee is available to speak to your church group, business, civic organization or be your personal life coach. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.

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