Most of us like to believe we’re living in faith that exceeds the size of a mustard seed. We attend church, pray when times get tough, and say all the right things. But when the storms hit and life doesn’t go as planned, how strong is our faith, really? It’s easy to say, “I trust God,” but we can be sure that when we utter those words, they will be tested by the evil one. Job 1:10-12 (NLT), we see satan challenging God about Job: “10 You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!”12 “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan.”  Just as Job faced unimaginable trials, we, too, may encounter moments when our faith is called into question. In those times, we must remember that our faith can grow stronger through the challenges we face.

Faith isn’t just about how loudly we proclaim our trust during good times; it’s about where we stand when everything falls apart. Take Peter, for example. He was bold enough to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus on the water. Yet, the moment the wind picked up, his faith wavered, and he began to sink. Jesus asked him in Matthew 14:31 (NLT), “Why did you doubt me?”  This same question can be directed at us: Why do we doubt God’s power when things don’t go as we expect?

Let’s be honest—sometimes, we coast. We do just enough to feel like we’re “good” with God, but deep down, we know there’s more. When was the last time you really examined where you stand with Him? It’s easy to mask our doubts or convince ourselves we’re walking by faith, but God isn’t looking for surface-level commitment. He wants real, raw, honest trust. As Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” And that starts by confronting the areas where our faith is weak.

Take Sandra, for example. After her divorce, she thought she was doing alright. She still went to church, still prayed—but her faith was more routine than relationship. It wasn’t until she found herself completely dissatisfied with life that she realized her faith wasn’t what she thought it was. When she finally cried out to God for more, it forced her to take a hard look at what her faith had become. She wasn’t living in the fullness of trust; she was living in the comfort of routine.

We must remember the Words of James 4:8 (NLT), “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” This realization should spark a desire in us to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father, moving beyond habits to a genuine love and devotion to please Him. This kind of revelation—the kind that invites us to embrace the closeness that God offers—is a pivotal moment that transforms our understanding of faith. It encourages us to pursue a life anchored in trust and intimacy with our Creator. This is what He longs for from us.

James 2:26 (NLT) tells us, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” That doesn’t mean checking off a list of religious duties—it means our faith should be alive, moving, and pushing us beyond our comfort zones. Faith isn’t stagnant; it’s active. If we’re not being challenged, if we’re not being stretched, then it’s time to ask ourselves, Are we really walking by faith, or are we just standing still?

True faith compels us to share the Gospel, to be a witness as the Spirit leads, to serve others, and to step into opportunities that require trust in God. When we embrace this active faith, we not only grow closer to Him but also reflect His love and purpose in our lives. God never called us to a life of safety or settling. He calls us to trust Him, even when we don’t see the whole picture. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Real faith steps out before the answer is clear, believing that we can call those things that are not as though they were, and trust wholeheartedly that God is in control even when everything around us feels uncertain.

So, where’s your faith? Is it stuck in a safe place, where you know you won’t be shaken? Or are you willing to take an honest look at where you need to grow, where you’ve been holding back from trusting God fully? Faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about constantly reaching toward God, even when we don’t understand the journey. When we’re willing to examine our faith with honesty, that’s when we start to grow.

Don’t be afraid to face the tough questions. Ask the questions that are critical to your journey forward and upward. God can handle our doubts and our struggles, but we have to be real with Him—and with ourselves. Only then can we start living the life of faith that He has called us to.■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“A Truthful Examination of Our Current Level of Faith”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.