How is your faith today?

“If our faith isn’t rooted in the Bible, it will wither like a plant pulled out of the soil.” (Billy Graham)

I heard my pastor speak about faith recently. Often many do on Sunday mornings. What he asked though, made me stop and think.

Is your faith the same today as it was the day you became a follower of Jesus?

Though he was asking in a rhetorical way, for you to answer to yourself, I felt myself shake my head no. I knew I wasn’t the same today as a 34-year-old, compared to that November day as a seven-year-old. The kicker: is my faith weaker or stronger today?

He went on to explain that statistics show that many individuals report their faith is weaker today. Why? Because life happens. Circumstances change us. For many of us, we walk through painful seasons and wonder how and why a good God would allow this or that to happen. It shakes our faith, doesn’t it?

We find ourselves put to the test. Facing one of the worst tactics of the enemy. That of comparison and jealousy. We begin pointing fingers and believing that the Instagram life is reality. Forgetting that whoever posted that photo or reel is human too, and therefore not exempt of any and all struggles that may or may not occur.

Why do we continue to put ourselves through this torture? Mindlessly scrolling and allowing our minds to be filled with lies. Lies that we aren’t good enough. That we will never “be skinny.” That we will never become parents. That prodigal child will never come home. The cancer will never go away. I’ll never graduate. The list is endless.

We can be hit on so many fronts and turning to jealousy can lead to bitterness, which can ruin our heart. Living under the curse of jealousy and/or comparison will break us. Quickly.

You and I were created just as we are by a faithful God. It’s not just cliche, it’s truth. Solid Truth. You are at your job for a specific reason. You were born into your specific family with a purpose. You have extra financial means for a reason. You are single today because God knows the rest of the story. You may not have a baby today, but there’s a miracle awaiting you tomorrow.

I’ve been learning and battling against comparison lately. Maybe you have too. We are all human. It’s so easy to see others appear to “have it all” and wonder what is wrong with us. I get it. I’ve found myself there too. But I’m learning that we have to keep fighting against the enemy’s schemes and be proud of ourselves.

One way we can do this is to find ways to bless others, even when it’s hard. Finding ways to serve others when they seemingly have what we are longing to have on our end. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy but keeping our eyes and ears open for ways to serve those around us. Taking a hot meal after a long day. A gift card for groceries. A bouquet of flowers. A hug.

If you’re wondering today where your faith is on a scale of 0-10, be encouraged. We all go through seasons that are hard. Seasons that challenge us or make us wonder if God is really good, after all. I don’t have all the answers after all. We live in a fallen world and the evil and sin remind us that we are not immune from trouble. But if I can encourage you, may it be in this, you are loved. You matter today. Your circumstances matter. God is sovereign over it all and one day all will be made right. Seek out ways to bless those around you today. I think you’ll end up blessed yourself.

Philippians 4:4-9, NLT

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.