Sometimes, we make spiritual growth far too mysterious or complicated.

We’re told there's a hidden formula for how to build faith or that only "super Christians" know the right way to connect with God.

Why? If you buy my book, sign up for my class, and come to my conference, I’ll teach you what you need to know…

But the truth is, growing in faith is much simpler.

Do you think God would play hide-and-seek with us?

Is he trying to make money off our desire to know him?

No. He’s a good Father. He’s delighted when his beloved sons and daughters know him. He wants us to thrive as we follow Jesus.

I would like to make it simple.

Here’s how you grow in faith: Consistently respond to the reality of God’s love.

It’s no more than a two-step process:

Step 1: God loves you

Step 2: Respond to God’s love

Think about it like this. How would you “grow in faith” in other areas of your life?

If you're trying to determine whether you're ready for retirement, no good financial advisor would say, “Just have faith!”

What would that even mean?

It’s a weird, desperate thing to say. No financial advisor would stay in business with that attitude.

To “have faith” in your retirement plan means checking your bank accounts, reviewing your savings, and developing a solid plan. What will happen if you are in touch with the reality of sufficient savings in a diversified portfolio? You will inevitably “have faith” that you can retire.

Faith isn’t a magical reality disconnected from the rest of life.

So, how does this apply to developing our faith in God?

We start by remembering that God is the source of life. God is the infinite, holy, all-knowing, all-powerful rock of our lives.

Anyone who places their faith in a good savings plan or, far more, our Triune God of Love, will find their faith rewarded.

If you want to have a strong faith in God, you only need to connect with the reality of God.

So, how can we connect with God?

By ourselves, we can’t. It’s a fair point. We are totally incapable of forcing God to do our bidding.

But here’s the good news: God’s word assures us that God loves us and wants to help us connect with him.

So that part is solved. “Step 1: God loves you” is a done deal.

For instance, Romans 5:5 assures us, “God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

To have faith in God is to internalize the reality of who God is within your own heart, mind, will, and relationships.

Let’s get practical.

Given that God loves us, what does it look like to develop our faith in God?

Developing faith in God with our minds:

• Develop the habit of reading the Bible — and eventually, develop the habit of studying the Bible

• Read articles and books that help you understand God and his wisdom

• Sign up for the Uncommon Pursuit Academy and engage with over 300+ lessons

• Memorize Bible verses so you can apply them in everyday life

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11).

Developing faith in God with our hearts:

• Openly share your inner thoughts, emotions, and perceptions with God in prayer

• Keep a prayer journal to record and reflect on God’s work in your life

• Meditate on Scripture passages that help you to trust God

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Developing faith in God with our will (volition):

• When you have a significant decision to make, intentionally seek God’s wisdom first

• When it’s clear what would honor God, act accordingly

• Start each day by making a short list of ways you can love God and love others

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Developing faith in God in our relationships:

• To the best of your ability, arrange your life so that you have time for friendship with at least one other active Christian

• To the best of your ability, regularly gather with other disciples at a healthy local church

• Join the Uncommon Pursuit community: participate in weekly Zoom calls and our private discussion areas (included as part of the Academy)

And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Developing faith in God with our souls:

• Create a “rule of life” (e.g., a one-page summary of your priorities) that reflects a life devoted to God

• Learn to ‘practice the presence of God’ with our Together course (included in the Academy)

• If your schedule allows, take a solitary retreat once a year to be with God

I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways (Psalm 119:15).

To wrap it up…

God is always inviting you into a deeper relationship with him. There are hundreds of ways to respond in faith.

What’s your next step? 

If you’d like, you can discuss this article in the Uncommon Pursuit community.