An Enduring Faith: How to Build a Faith That Lasts

Introduction

“Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to have faith? Not just fleeting faith that wavers under pressure but an enduring, unshakable faith that carries you through life’s storms. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of enduring faith and how to cultivate it in our daily lives.

Why Is Faith Essential?

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God. The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 11:6:
“Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

When we walk in faith:

We declare that God’s character is good.
We align ourselves with His will, which brings joy to His heart.
We step into the blessings and rewards He has for us.

But what happens when we lack faith? Simply put, we become “faithless bodies of flesh” (Romans 8:8). Without faith, we cannot fully align with God’s purpose for our lives.

The Types of Faith in the Bible

The book of Matthew provides six specific examples where Jesus addressed people’s faith. These can be divided into two categories:

1. Little Faith

Matthew 6:30: Worrying about daily provision.
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Matthew 8:26: Fear during the storm.
“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”
Matthew 14:31: Doubting while walking on water.
“You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
Matthew 16:8: Worrying about physical needs.
“You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?”

2. Great Faith

Matthew 8:5–10: The centurion who believed Jesus could heal his servant by simply speaking a word.
Matthew 15:22–28: The Canaanite woman who persisted in faith for her daughter’s healing, despite obstacles.

The Lesson from Peter: Faith with Endurance

One story that stands out is Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22–33). Peter demonstrated great faith when he stepped out of the boat, but his faith faltered when he saw the wind and waves. Jesus immediately reached out to save him, saying,
“You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Here’s the key insight: Peter had great faith to begin with, but it didn’t last. This teaches us that enduring faith isn’t just about how big our faith starts—it’s about how long it can sustain us.

How Do We Cultivate Enduring Faith?

Trust God’s Timing
We often want immediate results, but God’s breakthroughs are life-changing and everlasting, not quick fixes. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7
Stay Rooted in the Word
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Regularly reading and meditating on scripture helps our faith grow deep roots.
Persevere Through Trials
James 1:2–4 reminds us that trials refine our faith:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Act in Faith
Just like the widow in 2 Kings 4:1–7, who obeyed the prophet Elisha and gathered empty jars, we need to act on God’s instructions, even when they don’t make immediate sense.
Focus on God, Not the Storm
When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. But when he looked at the storm, he began to sink. Fixing our eyes on God helps us overcome fear and doubt (Hebrews 12:2).

The Power of Mustard Seed Faith

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus taught,
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

This doesn’t mean faith needs to be large to be effective. A mustard seed starts small but grows into a mighty tree. Similarly, enduring faith grows through consistent watering with the Word and perseverance through trials.

Faith in Action: Humility and Authority

Two stories from 2 Kings illustrate how humility and authority are essential for faith:

The Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1–7): She humbled herself to ask for help and trusted God’s provision.
Elisha and Gehazi (2 Kings 6:15–17): Elisha prayed for Gehazi’s eyes to be opened, revealing God’s greater victory in the unseen realm.

A Call to Enduring Faith

South Africa—and the world—needs believers with enduring faith. Faith that isn’t shaken by trials, opinions, or setbacks. Let us boldly declare God’s Word over our families, businesses, and communities.

Hold on to this truth: “The victory around me is greater than the obstacle before me.”

Equip yourself with the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16), and remember that God is always faithful. He reaches out to us when we falter, saying, “Keep going, your breakthrough is coming.”

Closing Encouragement

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

Let’s be people of enduring faith, whose trust in God carries us to the very end. No matter the storms, keep your eyes on Jesus, and let your faith grow into something unshakable.

Would you like to deepen your faith journey? Share your thoughts or testimonies in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Be Blessed.

Barry.