“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NIV

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

The Apostle Paul wrote both of these verses about faith. The first one talks about faith, hope and love. These are like building blocks for our life with God. The second verse talks about faith. We are going to look at faith this week. Paul says that faith is confidence and assurance in what we do not see. Faith is believing in and trusting God even though you can’t see Him.

The first step in building our faith in God and Jesus is believing. Believing that They are who the Bible says They are. You can’t see God, but you can see all that He has created! You can see the sun rise in the morning and the moon at night. You can see the animals He designed and the plants and flowers that cover the earth. Do you believe in God?

You didn’t get to meet Jesus when He was on earth, but you’ve read and/or heard all the Bible stories of healing the blind, the sick, the lame and even raising the dead (Lazarus). You’ve heard and read the stories of the miracles (walking on water, feeding the 5,000) and His death on the cross and resurrection. Jesus died so that you and I might live fruitful lives. Do you believe in Jesus?

The second step in faith is trusting. We not only believe in God, but we trust that He loves us, cares for us and will strengthen and save us. When we pray, we trust that God hears us. When we profess our faith in Jesus, we trust that we are saved! Our joy and confidence confirm our salvation!

This week talk with your parents about faith, believing and trusting. With your parents help, get a piece of paper and fold it in half. On top of the left half write: BELIEVE and on top of the right half write: TRUST.

What things do you believe? Examples:  that God created the world, that God exists and loves you, that Jesus is the Son of God, that Jesus died for each of us. Write things you believe about God and Jesus under BELIEVE.

What things do you trust God or Jesus to do? Examples:  that God listens to your prayers, that God loved you so much He sent Jesus to save you, that God protects you and your family, that Jesus will save you and take you with Him to heaven one day. Write things you trust God and Jesus to do under TRUST.

We build our faith and make it stronger by trusting God more. When we have troubles and we go to God and trust that He will help, our faith grows. When God’s love helps us to love others, our faith grows. When we trust that God has a plan for us and follow Him, our faith grows. Build your faith this week by thanking God for all the wonderful things He has already done for you.

Blessings and build strong, confident faith!

How is your bunch of grapes? Are you being fruitful and coloring in the grapes? Wonderful!