More Than Able | Week 3 - Finding Faith: Igniting the Spark of Belief in Your Heart

In Judges 6:17-40, we find the story of Gideon, a man who sought a sign from God before he would believe and take action. His story teaches us an essential lesson about faith and the spark of Jesus in our hearts.

Gideon, like many of us, wanted a clear sign or proof from God before he could muster the faith to act. He asked for a fleece test, where he wanted the fleece to be wet with dew while the ground remained dry. God granted his request, but Gideon still hesitated and asked for a second sign in reverse. Despite Gideon's doubts, God patiently provided both signs, showing His willingness to meet us where we are in our faith journey.

However, the lesson here is not about the signs themselves but about the importance of trusting the spark of belief in our hearts. We can easily relate to Gideon's desire for unmistakable signs in our own lives. But sometimes, God calls us to step out in faith and believe without needing to see miraculous signs or wonders.

The spark of Jesus in our hearts is a powerful force. It's that inner conviction and faith that can move mountains. We shouldn't wait for extraordinary signs to ignite this spark; rather, we should fan the flames of our faith through prayer, reading God's word, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of believers.

Jesus often emphasized the significance of faith, saying that even the tiniest amount of faith could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). So, instead of waiting for supernatural signs, we should nurture the spark of belief within us. This means trusting that God is with us even in the midst of uncertainty, and acting in accordance with that trust.

Gideon's story reminds us that God's love and grace are always available, even when our faith is weak or we struggle with doubts. As we seek to strengthen the spark of Jesus in our hearts, let's remember that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can lead to incredible journeys of transformation and service.

Here are ten ways to nurture the spark of Jesus in your heart:

1. Prayer (Matthew 6:6): Regular and sincere prayer is a fundamental way to connect with God and strengthen your faith. Use prayer as a means to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes with Him (Philippians 4:6), and be open to listening for His guidance and wisdom (James 1:5).

2. Bible Focus (Romans 10:17): Dive into the Scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of God's word. Reading and meditating on the Bible can help you grow spiritually (2 Timothy 3:16) and provide you with the knowledge and wisdom needed to nurture your faith (Psalm 119:105).

3. Worship and Fellowship (1 Thessalonians 5:11): Attend church services, join a small group, or participate in a faith community to worship with others and build a supportive network of fellow believers (Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship with like-minded individuals can help you stay accountable in your faith journey.

4. Acts of Kindness and Service (James 2:17): Putting your faith into action by serving others is a powerful way to nurture the spark of Jesus in your heart (Matthew 25:40). Engage in acts of kindness and service to reflect God's love to those around you (Galatians 5:13).

5. Reflect and Self-Examination (2 Corinthians 13:5): Take time for self-reflection and self-examination. This can help you identify areas of your life where your faith can be strengthened, as well as areas where you might need to let go of doubts or fears (Psalm 139:23-24). Journaling or mindfulness practices can be helpful in this regard.

6. Meditation and Contemplation (Psalm 46:10): Spend time in quiet reflection, meditating on the goodness and love of God. Contemplative practices can help you draw closer to Him and experience His presence in your life.

7. Fasting and Self-Denial (Matthew 6:16-18): Fasting, when done with the right heart and motive, can help you detach from worldly distractions and draw nearer to God, enhancing your spiritual sensitivity.

8. Acts of Gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18): Cultivate a heart of gratitude by regularly giving thanks to God for His blessings and provisions. Gratitude deepens your awareness of God's presence and love.

9. Seeking Spiritual Guidance (Proverbs 11:14): Don't hesitate to seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors or leaders who can provide wisdom, counsel, and encouragement in your faith journey.

10. Engaging in Worship Through Music (Psalm 95:1-2): Worshiping through music can be a powerful way to connect with God on a deep emotional level. Singing hymns, listening to Christian music, or learning to play a musical instrument can be spiritually enriching.

These practices can help you stay connected to your faith and keep the spark of Jesus burning brightly in your heart. Remember, nurturing the spark of Jesus in your heart is an ongoing journey. It's about building a deep and personal relationship with God and allowing your faith to grow over time.