Trust His Plan: Building Faith through Experience

Scripture:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

Truth to Hold On To

Faith is the currency of heaven. Just as money is exchanged on earth to access what we need, faith is what “transacts” in the kingdom of God. Jesus said: “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’” – Matthew 9:29 (NKJV).

Faith is not wishful thinking, it is confidence in the character of God. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV). It treats God’s promises as reality before they are visible.

But here’s the truth: faith grows through experience. Each trial, delay, or moment of uncertainty becomes an opportunity to see God’s faithfulness at work. Abraham learned this as he waited for Isaac. Joseph learned this in prison. The disciples learned this in the storm. And we learn it each time we choose to trust instead of panic, pray instead of complain, and believe instead of doubt.

Paul writes: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3–5 (NKJV).

Faith is like a muscle, it grows stronger through resistance and use. Every time we lean into Him instead of ourselves, our faith account increases.

Where This Gets Real

There was a season when my finances felt impossible. It seemed like there were more bills than dollars, and raising kids only made the needs greater. The mortgage was due, insurance premiums were coming up, and groceries cost even more now that we had to eat gluten free. On top of that, there were two sets of braces to pay for, math tutoring, and dance classes to cover. The list felt endless.

I remember sitting at my desk, adding up the numbers, and realizing there was no way I could make it work. Worry tried to grip my heart, but instead I turned to prayer.

That’s when the Lord reminded me of Mark 11:22–24: “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’” (NKJV).

I began to pray differently, no longer begging, but believing. I thanked God in advance for His provision and declared His Word over my situation. And at just the right time, He provided in ways I could never have orchestrated myself.

That experience taught me that faith really is the currency of heaven. Money didn’t solve my problems, faith in God’s promises did. And He was faithful to supply.

Prayer

“Father God, thank You that faith pleases You. Strengthen my faith through every experience, both the easy and the difficult. Help me to trust Your Word above what I see, and remind me that every trial is an opportunity to grow. Let my faith be the currency that releases Your will in my life.” In Jesus name, amen.

Reflection Question

How has God used a financial trial or another season of lack to strengthen your faith?

Another great question to ask is: "Lord, what can I learn in this season?"

Challenge

Write down one testimony of God’s faithfulness in providing for you. Each day this week, thank Him for it and then declare Romans 1:17:“The just shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:17 (NKJV)