If you have been living the Christian life for very long, you probably know how easy it is to drift away from a passionate pursuit that you once had. Sin, circumstances, tragedy and every-day life can take their toll and extinguish the fire in your faith.
I know how difficult it is to wake up one day and ask the question, “Where did my desire and my pursuit go?” The good news is, God’s love for you hasn’t gone anywhere, regardless of how cold your faith feels at the moment. Here are just a few practical things that have helped me during those times.
1. Read the Bible as if you have never read it before.
I know what you’re thinking—“How in the world can I read the Bible like I’ve never read it before?” What I mean by that is, pick up a Bible and before you crack open the pages, spend a moment attempting to remove all pre-conceived notions of what you plan to read.
That may sound strange, but you would be surprised at the freshness that it brings to the scripture. I know that I’m often guilty of skipping over certain portions of scripture, because I already know what it is supposed to mean or I’ve already read it one million times.
Unfortunately, when I make that assumption, I completely forfeit something new or fresh that God might want to teach through that very scripture. I’m ashamed to admit that I sometimes reduce His Words to just another part of my to-do list. God’s Word should never become a chore or another line on a to-do list.
God’s Word is alive, active and powerful. The Word of God doesn’t change, but the way we experience it does.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
2. Take action on what you read.
One of the quickest ways to activate and ignite your faith is to take action on the Word of God. Don’t just read it; do it! Whenever we trust in God’s promises, we are forced to draw close and rely on Him.
We have the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us in miraculous ways, but we must be ready and willing to act!
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1.22″>James 1:22
