Growing Faith

Every Christ-Follower has been challenged with the thought — how can I have more faith? We know God can do anything, but we question, will He help me? Will God guide me in the dark days of my life? Will God show me which way to go? Will God give me all the strength I need to face this awful situation? Will God’s comfort be enough to heal my broken heart? Will God really never give up on me? Question after frightening question puts a crack in our once-upon-a-time peaceful world, leaving us with a widening gap of fear and dread as doubts takes us further into the land of weakened faith.

As I was mulling over the above, a memory came to mind. I was 5 years old but I clearly remember this event. My mother and father planned a picnic in a nearby park. There were walking trails, a stream, squirrels jumping everywhere, and the tallest swings I had ever seen in all my five years of life. “Want to swing?” my Dad asked. “I’ll push you.” I looked from the swing to my Dad. I wanted to swing but they reached nearly to the sky. What if my Dad pushed me too hard? What if I went all the way around the top of the swing set? What if I fell off? What if I couldn’t hold on? Fear gripped me.

I was about to decline the offer, but when I looked at my Dad, he was smiling. “Come on,” he said, as he held the swing for me to sit. I remember thinking my Dad was tall and he had strong arms. I was still scared, but I sat in the swing. I felt his hands give a gentle push on my back. The swing swished through the air. Then, Dad pushed a little harder and the swing went higher. I felt the fear swirl in my stomach, but I held on. Suddenly I was laughing out loud. I was loving my ride to the sky! My Dad was strong enough to push me higher and he could tell if I was going to fall. He would catch me if I did. He would help me. He would protect me and care for me always. As faith grew, fear faded, replaced by a joy that remains in my memory the best swing ride ever!

How did faith grow? I kept my thoughts on the truth of my Dad. He was stronger than me. He loved me. He would care for me — always!. Those thoughts strengthened my faith in my earthly father; the same thoughts will strengthen faith in our Heavenly Father.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

Whatever has you scared today, concentrate on your Father. Then go ahead, sit on the swing.