Daily Devo

Stretch Your Faith Muscle

By: Kathie Welch

Friday, March 13, 2026

For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

The above verse from the NKJV implies that faith is an action we must take. Indeed, it's our proper response to life's challenges. The NIV translation says we “live” by faith, which indicates an ongoing, daily, intentional mindset. Think about that for a moment... Paul says that faith is a belief, but it's one we must live out intentionally. Faith is similar to a muscle because it needs to be exercised, stretched, and strengthened. Every step of faith we take builds upon the faith we used to take that step.

So, how do we live out our faith?

First, we must know that strong faith is rooted and built on God's Word, not our feelings. “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17 NKJV). Strong faith comes from spending time in God’s Word and developing a personal relationship with Him. Read your Bible daily and try to memorize a few key verses. They will strengthen you in times of temptation and be invaluable in your trials. You may even want to try speaking those verses (God's Truth) aloud when you're in the middle of a trial.

Second, recognize that God will use our trials, troubles, difficulties to build our endurance and increase our faith (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we're struggling, we must stand on this truth, despite our circumstances. Israel was tested at the Red Sea, but when God rescued them, it increased their faith!

Third, remember God’s history with His people. He proclaimed that Israel was His chosen nation and He preserved them throughout history. Despite their failures and disobedience, He faithfully honored all His promises to bless them. He eventually blessed them with a Messiah, but it happened in an unlikely manner. We must also remember the price our Messiah paid for us.

Fourth, remember your personal history with God. Remember how God honored your faith in His Son. Remember how God used your trials and what seemed like impossible situations to strengthen your faith. All of it brought us closer to Him. Then, remember how God provided for all your needs (Philippians 4:19).

Fifth, thank God for the gift of faith that has helped you be victorious over sin and evil. Praise Him, even in the hard times, because He loves you enough to count you worthy.

God promises to uphold us when we fall, but living by faith requires us to trust God with everything (Proverbs 3:5-6). But don't get discouraged, faith-building is an ongoing process!

Christ follower, be sure to flex and stretch your faith muscle. If you are being strained, you are being strengthened.