The Disciples asked for lessons
with the perfect exemplar among them.
“Now I lay me down to sleep”
with for-a-child scary words
won’t create a lifetime of knowledge.
So, how do we grow faith?
Billy Graham’s answer was
the fruits of the Spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control.
We can ask for them,
notice them in others
and in ourselves,
and come to incorporate them.
Kenneth Copeland’s answer is
hearing the Word,
believing the Word,
taking the Word, and
acting on the Word.
One way is to start small.
Ask for guidance in something routine,
then when we are in a bind
asking is easier, understanding
we’ve received an answer
is more natural. Finally
faith becomes our first choice.
Read material likely to lead your thinking
toward faith, talk to people of faith
and look for answers you need
in conversations
with people of faith.
Above all, “Keep on asking,
and you will receive what you ask for.
Keep on seeking, and you will find.
Keep on knocking,
and the door will be opened to you.”*

• Matthew 7:7