Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 11/1/2009

Question
I heard that God does not expect our faith to be perfect. I often worry over my eternal state and worried that I am not a real christian. Is this normal?

Answer
Dear Kitty,

          Faith is really trust.  Are you trusting Christ and Him alone for the forgiveness of your sins?   

Luke 17:5-6

5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. KJV

A mustard seed is not much bigger than a pin head.  See anyone moving mountains lately??  That means all who are trusting in Christ do not have that much faith.  Note the Apostles asked to have their faith increased.  

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. KJV

Stay in the Word and as He changes you through it and you start to see His Word being fulfilled in the world you will start to trust Him more and that is faith!  

Start with the book of John.  Read it through slowly at least three times and ask God to reveal Jesus to you in ways you have never experienced. Obey what you read there and soon you will see your faith grow.

Heb 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. KJV

Be sure to find a good bible believing church and be faithful in attendance.  Get into Sunday School. As you learn the Word, fellowship with the saints and hear what God has done for them your faith will grow and you will trust Him even more for your needs.

Matt 10:40-42

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. KJV

If a cup of cold water will assure a person a reward than how much trust does it take to be saved?  Less than a mustard seed. It is good that you want your faith increased. We all need that.  

Rom 5:1-6
5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. KJV

Sometimes our faith is increased through tribulation or trouble.  When we see what God does for us we rejoice and our faith/trust is increased.  This takes time and experience just like build a trust in any human relationship.  The longer you are seeking Him, walking in His will the best you know how and watch what He does in your life and others the more faith/trust you will have.

Here is a link to a tract I wrote. If you believe what is in it and have prayed something similar to the prayer at the end and believe you are saved with small faith.  God will grow it. The words are not important only the truths they convey.  Believe the truth always and you will know Him and that you are His.  May you come to peace and joy in the trust you have looking to the Savior that loves you and wants you to trust Him.  Blessings, dear Sister!!!

http://www.mavmin.org/page2.html