Increase My Faith
Have you ever faced a moment that made your faith feel too small? I have. Life gets real—unexpected news, prolonged waiting, or unanswered prayers—and suddenly, the faith you thought was strong feels shaken. If you have been there, you are not alone.
My faith was deeply tested when I had to undergo a major foot operation. The doctors fused the bones, inserted ten screws, and secured a steel plate in my foot. Let me tell you—whether you are the Queen of England or an ordinary woman like me, fear does not discriminate. I remember lying in that hospital bed, gripped by the thought, "Will I ever walk normally again?"
It was in that vulnerable moment that I remembered the disciples' honest cry in Luke 17:5: "Lord, increase our faith." These were men who walked closely with Jesus, yet they still recognised their need for more. That verse became more than a line in Scripture—it became my prayer.
I realised that faith is not about pretending to be fearless. It is about acknowledging when your strength runs out—and reaching for God's. Like the Apostle Paul, who often wrote about relying not on his own ability but on the power of Christ, I found myself leaning not just on my belief, but on God's faithfulness to carry me through. I had to mix my faith with His—and let Him stretch what little I had.
That moment changed something in me. I stopped trying to be strong on my own and started asking God to make my faith stronger in Him, and He did and He is still doing it.
What Does "Increase Our Faith" Really Mean?
The Amplified Classic Bible expands on the disciples' request:
"Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God)."
It is not about striving harder or pretending to be stronger. It is about trusting deeper. That kind of faith does not come from within—it comes from God Himself.
Let's look at why this simple prayer is so powerful:
- It acknowledges our limitations.
- The disciples did not fake strength—they admitted their need for more.
- It invites God into the process.
- Asking for faith is an act of surrender—and God meets us there.
- It pleases God.
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him..." (Hebrews 11:6). God delights in hearts that seek Him more earnestly.
How Does Faith Grow?
Faith grows when it is fed and stretched. Here are a few ways to nurture it:
- Soak in the Word.
"Faith comes by hearing..." (Romans 10:17). Scripture is the soil in which faith takes root. - Obey one step at a time.
Every "yes" to God builds your spiritual strength—even in the small things. - Stay close to faith-filled people.
Community matters. Surround yourself with voices that speak life and truth. - Pray honestly.
Like the father in Mark 9:24: "I believe; help my unbelief!" God honors real prayers more than polished ones.
I've come to realize that faith isn't about pretending to be fearless. It's about recognizing the moment your strength runs out—and reaching for God's.
Like the Apostle Paul, who often spoke of not relying on his own ability but on the power of Christ, I found myself leaning not just on what I believed, but on God's faithfulness to carry me through.
I had to mix my faith with His—and allow Him to stretch the little I had. That moment marked a shift in me. I stopped trying to be strong on my own and started asking God to strengthen my faith in Him.
And He did. He still is.