We have several groups at church that are going through Multiply by Francis Chan. I was taken to Romans 4 as I was reading the chapter about God’s covenant with Abraham. One particular statement stood out to me from verse 20:

he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God…

I imagine that every true follower of Christ craves a strong faith. Here are a few observations:

• Faith is important – it counts as our righteousness (4:5) and justification (5:1)
• Faith is always active (4:12)
• A person of faith doesn’t ignore his or her circumstances. Life is often difficult, if not impossible (4:19)
• A person of faith is focused on God through his or her circumstances (4:20)
• Faith grows stronger as you give glory to God (4:20b)

So, if my faith is strengthened as I give glory to God, how do I give glory to God? Here are a few more observations:

• Confess sin (Joshua 7:19-20)
• Know God (through His Word)
• Trust God’s promises
• Worship God
• Obey God
• Find satisfaction/joy in God

Here is what I conclude from this passage – growing strong in your faith is inevitable when your life is consumed with Jesus.