As a Christian pastor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many believers on their faith journey. One common thread I’ve observed is the reality that the life of faith is never an easy path. We often struggle with various challenges and face difficult realities that seem to contradict the promises found in God’s Word.

Today, we’re going to dive into a crucial aspect of our spiritual growth: the key to great faith. And at the heart of this discussion is the importance of nurturing intimacy with God.

The Struggle of Authentic Faith

It’s true that to believe in Jesus and to walk in faith are two different experiences. Many sincere Christians find themselves facing moments of panic and uncertainty when the realities of life don’t align with their expectations of what it means to follow Christ.

For instance, consider the issue of money. As much as we may declare that Jesus is the most important thing in our lives, the truth is that the topic of finances often troubles us greatly. Jesus Himself addressed this very issue, teaching us not to store up treasures on earth but to invest in heavenly treasures instead.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

This teaching from Jesus goes against the worldly values we’ve been taught since childhood—the importance of saving money, building up security, and accumulating wealth. Yet, when it comes time to give generously to the work of God’s kingdom, many of us struggle to let go of our financial resources.

The Good News: Faith Can Grow

But here’s the good news: faith can grow to the point where things that were once difficult become easier. I myself can testify to this. There was a time when I struggled to give financially to the church, but now it’s something I do automatically, without hesitation.

The key is to understand that faith doesn’t come naturally; it requires intentional cultivation. We need to nurture certain aspects of our Christian lives in order for our faith to grow and mature.

The Key to Great Faith: Intimacy with God

So, what is the key to developing great faith? The answer lies in nurturing intimacy with God. In Luke 17:5, the disciples asked Jesus to “Increase our faith,” and His response reveals the foundation of true faith:

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Jesus didn’t say that they needed more faith in terms of quantity or size. Rather, He pointed to the quality of their faith and the importance of having faith as small as a mustard seed.

Three Approaches to Nurturing Intimacy with God

So, how can we cultivate this kind of faith? Here are three key approaches:

1. Be Intentional in Your Seeking

Intimacy with God doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentionality on our part. We need to make time to seek God, to spend time in His presence, and to focus on listening to His voice.

The prophet David, a man after God’s own heart, exemplified this kind of intentional pursuit of God. He declared, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

2. Embrace Realistic Expectations

Many people struggle with intimacy with God because they have unrealistic expectations about how He will work in their lives. They expect God to bless them constantly with comfort and material prosperity, but fail to recognize that God’s plans often involve suffering and challenges.

We must be careful not to be disillusioned when our experiences don’t match the “prosperity gospel” messages that promise ease and abundance. Great faith is often forged in the midst of suffering, as we learn to trust God’s purposes even when they don’t align with our own.

3. Live with Purposeful Intention

Lastly, intimacy with God is fostered when we live with a clear understanding of our purpose. God has a specific plan and calling for each of us, and when we align our lives with His will, we position ourselves to experience the depth of His presence.

The apostle Peter reminds us, “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.” (1 Peter 2:19) When we suffer for the right reasons, with an awareness of God’s purposes, we can develop a faith that is truly great.

A Challenge and a Call to Action

So, my challenge to you today is this: Evaluate the state of your intimacy with God. Are you intentionally seeking Him, embracing realistic expectations, and living with a clear sense of purpose? Take time to reflect on these areas and ask God to reveal where you need to grow.

Remember, great faith is not just about seeing miracles or experiencing the supernatural. It’s about developing a deep, abiding relationship with the God who loves us and has a perfect plan for our lives. As you nurture this intimacy, you’ll find that your faith will grow stronger and more resilient, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

May your journey of faith be marked by an ever-deepening intimacy with the God who created you, redeemed you, and desires to walk with you every step of the way.