This past month, I have been dealing with chronic pain caused by two pinched nerves in my neck. It is easy to become discouraged, and then I am reminded of the patterns of Faith recorded in God’s Word. Abraham, Noah, Peter, and Paul—God cultivated their faith through challenges. In Jonah’s life it was correction that strengthened his faith. In Mary’s life, it was the overwhelming blessing of being the mother of Jesus: For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name (Luke 1:49).

In my life and, by the posts I read on Facebook, He is doing the same in the lives of many of His children; cultivating our faith through life experiences: challenges and blessings.

There are times when we do not understand and may wrestle with what God has for us. Struggling faith does not necessarily lead to unbelief. It is allowing doubt and discouragement to invade our thoughts that weakens our faith.

God may give us an enormous task—Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch (Genesis 6:14). Persevering faith is not quitting when it 'humanly speaking' gets overwhelming.

God desires for us to serve Him with an unwavering faith, steadfast and not giving up when His timing does not synchronize with our timetable; with a strong faith, not becoming discouraged; and with a mature faith, accepting His Word without question.

True faith is resting in God and His promises, believing even though we do not see, feeling and acting with confidence that God will perform all that He has promised through Christ. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands (Psalm 138:8)

God primarily develops our faith through His Word—So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).  In addition, God develops our character and cultivates our faith through life experiences. It is our choice whether we allow them to weaken or strengthen our faith.