Billy Graham's Advice For A Man Who Said His Faith Had Faded
June 12, 2015
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15
This is the verse to which Rev. Billy Graham has dedicated his life. Through this dedication, he’s become one of the most defining and recognized evangelists of our time. His life’s work has led thousands to Christ, and he is a constant inspiration.
So, when a reader of the CrossMap blog wrote to Billy to say his faith had plummeted, it’s not surprising that Billy effortlessly responded with an equal mix of encouragement and wisdom. And because faith is a daily struggle for most Christians, I wanted to share this in the hopes that it can be a motivation to you!
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Question:
I really used to believe in God and I had a strong faith, but now all that seems to have faded. Will I ever get my old faith back, or will it probably always be like this?
Billy Graham's Answer:
God doesn't want you to have a faded, lukewarm faith the rest of your life - and you don't need to, because He has given us everything we need to make our faith strong and vital. God's will is for us to be "rooted and built up in him (Christ), strengthened in the faith" (Colossians 2:7).
What can you do to strengthen your faith? Let me suggest three steps. First, focus your faith. For many people "faith" is just a vague feeling that easily fades away. But true faith has a focus: Jesus Christ. Begin your journey by turning to Christ and asking Him to forgive you and come to live within you, and He will. The Bible says, "Whoever has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12).
Second, feed your faith. Just as we'll grow weak and eventually die if we don't eat, so our faith will grow weak and eventually die if we don't feed regularly on the spiritual "food" God has given us: the "food" of the Bible (which is God's Word), prayer and fellowship with other believers. The Bible says, "Faith comes from hearing... the word about Christ" (Romans 10:17).
Finally, follow your faith; that is, put it into action. Make it your priority to follow Christ every day in your thoughts, your speech, your actions, your time, your love for others. Muscles grow stronger when they're exercised, and so does faith. The Bible says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).
credit: CrossMap
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
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