Understanding Faith in Everyday Language
Imagine building a house. Before you can put up walls or decorate a living room, you need a solid foundation—something strong and steady to hold everything together. In many ways, faith in Christ works the same way. It’s not just a single moment or a quick decision, but a lifelong project, like building a house brick by brick. Let’s take a simple look at what it means to build a solid foundation of faith in Jesus, and how this process shapes us throughout our lives.
The Journey Begins: More than a One-Time Choice
Many people think that faith is just about making a single choice—believing once and then moving on. But faith in Christ is much more like starting a journey that lasts your whole life. When you first believe, it’s like laying the first stone of a house’s foundation. After that, every day is another step forward, another brick added. There will be days when things feel easy and days when it feels like everything around you is shaking, but the foundation you build with Jesus will help you stand strong, no matter what comes your way.
Don’t Be Afraid, Just Believe
In the Bible, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). That might sound simple, but it’s powerful advice for anyone who wants to grow in faith. Fear is something we all face—fear of the future, fear of what others think, or fear of not being good enough. Jesus asks us to trust Him, even when we can’t see how things will work out. Believing in Him means letting go of some of that fear and taking things one step at a time, knowing you’re not alone.
A New Way to See the World
Having faith in Christ isn’t about thinking you’re better than other people. It means looking at life in a new way—a way that’s shaped by God’s love and grace. The Bible says that God wants us to help bring people back to Him, sharing a message of hope and forgiveness. Being a follower of Jesus means seeing the world through His eyes, with compassion and understanding, and doing what you can to make a positive difference.
Faith Isn’t Just a Feeling—it’s a Foundation
Sometimes people think faith is just about what you feel inside or what you say you believe. But real faith is like a strong foundation under a house—it’s what holds everything up. When life gets tough, it’s your faith in Jesus that keeps you steady. You build this foundation by talking to God in prayer, reading the Bible, and trying to live out what you learn. Just like a strong house needs good materials, your life needs the truth and promises that God gives in His Word.
Choosing the Right Building Materials
There are a lot of ideas out there about what’s most important in life. Some people say money, success, or popularity should be your main goals. Others chase after the latest trends or try to fit in with whatever’s new. But the Bible warns us not to mix up what the world says is wise with what God says is true. In 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, Paul says not to be fooled by the world’s wisdom, because only what’s built on God’s truth will last. It’s like choosing between building your house on sand or on rock—only the solid foundation will stand the test of time.
Sticking to the Truth in a World of Mixed Messages
Even in the earliest days of the church, believers faced all kinds of challenges. Some came from outside—people who didn’t understand or who tried to make life hard for Christians. Others came from inside, with false teachers spreading ideas that didn’t match up with Jesus’ teachings. The apostle Peter warned about these dangers and encouraged Christians to be careful about what they believed. That same warning still matters today. There are lots of voices and opinions competing for our attention, but we’re called to compare everything to what the Bible says. Faith grows stronger when it’s rooted in the truth of God’s Word—not just in what sounds good or feels right in the moment.
How Faith Changes Us Over Time
Faith isn’t about being perfect right away. It’s a process of change that happens little by little. As you pray, read the Bible, and spend time with God, you start to see things differently. Your priorities shift, your attitudes change, and your actions begin to reflect what matters most to God. This kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, practice, and a willingness to keep going even when you mess up. The good news is, God is patient and keeps working in your life, helping you become the person He created you to be.
The Importance of Gratitude
A thankful heart makes a big difference in building your faith. The apostle Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 that we should overflow with gratitude as our roots go deeper in Christ. When we focus on the good things God has given us—even in hard times—it helps us stay positive and strong. Gratitude reminds us of God’s faithfulness and encourages us to keep trusting Him, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
Looking Past the Here and Now
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s happening right now—the problems at work or school, the ups and downs of life, or the pressure to be successful. But building a solid foundation of faith means thinking about what matters most in the long run. The Bible teaches that this life isn’t all there is; there’s an eternal reward waiting for those who trust in Christ. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 that one day, we’ll all stand before Jesus to give an account for our lives. When we remember this, it helps us make choices that line up with God’s plan, rather than just chasing after temporary rewards.
Encouraging Others Along the Way
One of the best parts of building a life of faith is sharing the journey with others. When you live out what you believe, you inspire and encourage friends, family, and even strangers. Sometimes, the way you respond to challenges or show kindness in tough situations speaks louder than words. Remember, God’s message is one of reconciliation—bringing people back to Him. When you share your story, you never know who might be encouraged to start their own journey of faith.
Staying Committed for the Long Haul
Building a solid foundation in faith doesn’t happen in a day, a week, or even a year. It’s a lifelong commitment. Every day is a new opportunity to trust God more, to learn something new, and to let Him shape your life. There will be setbacks and hard times, but every challenge is a chance to let your roots grow deeper. As you continue to build on what you’ve learned, your faith becomes stronger, able to withstand whatever storms come your way.
A Simple Invitation
If you’ve started your journey with Jesus, keep going! Let Him guide you, teach you, and help you grow. If you’re just beginning, know that you don’t have to figure everything out at once. God is patient and loves to see you take even the smallest steps of faith. Read your Bible, talk to God in prayer, and surround yourself with others who encourage you. Most of all, trust that God is with you every step of the way. As you let your roots grow deep in Christ, you’ll find a foundation that’s strong enough to last a lifetime—and beyond.
In the end, building a solid foundation of faith in Christ is about daily choices, growing trust, and a willingness to let God transform you from the inside out. Take it one day at a time, stay thankful, and remember: you’re not alone in this journey. God, who began a good work in you, will see it through to the very end (Philippians 1:6).
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 