Real ways to grow in faith when you’re just starting or re-starting and don’t know where to begin
“How do I grow in faith?”
I still remember the exact moment I first asked myself that question. I didn’t want a textbook answer. I was aching for a real connection with the Father. To really get to know Him.
So I devoured books, soaked in homilies — and yes, Googled. I found plenty of advice, some better than others. What I learned was this: Faith is not achieved by following a three-, five-, or seven-step formula. It is a journey you set out on.
If you are about to set out on this journey yourself or perhaps restart it, this simple guide is for you.
What is faith?
Belief? Hope? A feeling? My favorite definition is incredibly simple, beautiful, and comes straight from Scripture:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (NRSVCE)
ASSURANCE. CONVICTION. That’s what faith is! Knowing that your Father loves you. Knowing — deep in your bones, without a shred of doubt — that He will take care of you. No matter what.
But how do you build that kind of faith? Especially when you’re crushed under the weight of career uncertainty, broken relationships, or financial pressures?
Real faith doesn’t come from checking things off a list. It grows when you seek a relationship with God. It is an intensely personal journey that you have to undertake on your own. There are no shortcuts here. But there are starting points, must-visit stops, and must-carry items on this trip.
Here are my suggestions for your journey.
✨Be ruthlessly honest about where you are
When I first felt the intense pull to grow my faith, my prayer life felt dry and withered. I told Jesus exactly what I felt. “I feel distant, Lord,” I said. “I don’t know where and how to start. I don’t even know how to trust You.”
The journey may be different for you. But the first step has got to be complete honesty. Open up your heart. Tell Him how you feel. No need for pretense or perfection.
He already knows you anyway.
📌Today, simply sit and tell Him what’s on your heart. Be real with Him.
✨Ask Him for help
No one knows what you need better than He does. So ask Him to show you what to do next.
Ask humbly. Like a little child asking his mum to help with solving a sum. “Lord, I don’t know how to pray.” “I need more faith.” Speak with your Father from your heart, that’s the essence of prayer.
Once you ask for help, listen. Learning to recognize His voice is one of the joys of growing in faith. He speaks in many ways, often through His Word. Sometimes through friends or family. A line you hear or read.
Find a little time for solitude. If you’re a busy professional or parent, and solitude isn’t one of the luxuries you have, I’ll tell you a secret. I began by using my time in the shower. It was the only “me time” I had in those days.
So bring whatever you have to offer to Him. Even if they’re just two loaves. In His hands, they’re a wedding buffet.
📌No big words or gestures are needed. Just ask, with simplicity and sincerity.
✨Dig into His Word
Scripture is your go-to guide if you want to build faith. It’s also the best place to start when you don’t know how to listen for His voice.
If you’re a first-time Bible student, start small. Begin with a gospel or pick a Psalm and read it slowly, repeating verses that strike a chord. Look up passages that address the specific issues you are facing. Allow His Word to sink in. Let it shape your heart.
📌Open up the gospels, Genesis, or the Psalms. Just begin.
✨Learn to recognize His hand at work
We often overlook the many blessings He sends our way — an encouraging text from a friend, an unexpected solution to a problem, an answered prayer.
Actively look out for ways in which He is working on your behalf. Note them down. As you start seeing Him move in your life, in the small and big things, your faith will grow slowly but surely.
📌Start a list. Every time you see God work in your life, jot it down.
✨Surround yourself with fellow travelers
Faith is contagious. Look for people who walk closely with God, who point you to Christ, who are always ready pray for you, and who celebrate His hand in their own lives. They are the ones to hang out with.
If you can’t find anyone like this around you, check out the folks at Ascension Presents, especially Fr. Mike. Or spend some time listening to Fr. Michael Payyapilly. Look for topics they’ve covered that impact you. Spend time with those who love Him and you’ll be building your own faith reserves.
📌Build friendships with those who are walking with God.
✨Journey to His heart
Faith is a journey.
You start off in your own heart, with honest and humble prayer. Your destination is the Heart of Jesus. Building a real relationship with Him, that’s the goal. Because when you do, you’ll be able to see His love so clearly, your faith will take off. Like a rocket. 🚀 😊
So fix your eyes on Him. And talk to Him. Right now. Right where you are.
🙏Shall we pray together?
Jesus, my brother and Savior, thank You for opening up Heaven for me. I want to grow in faith but I don’t know where to start. So I come to You as I am. You know me and everything about me. As I walk through my day, help me see Your hand at work in my life. Help me recognize Your presence, Your protection, and Your provision for me. Increase my faith, Lord, and help me know You more and more each day. Amen.
Faith is not acquired by following a formula or a checklist. It grows, slowly but surely, when you build your relationship with Christ. So take that first step. Start showing up with honest prayer. And He’ll be right beside you.
In faith,
