But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith? (Luke 18:8, NLT).
In the end-times, trials and difficulties will come with increasing frequency and intensity.
If we are prepared, trials shouldn’t create anxiety. The Bible says that we are to live by faith from the beginning to the end of our lives. Deep faith in Jesus will never fail us.
Okay, the question: We know about increasing difficulties, but do we have enduring faith?
Below are three passages that will increase our faith in preparation for latter-day tribulation.
First: 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (ESV).
Humility increases faith, while denial and blame decrease faith.
Peter tells us to cast our anxieties upon God. If we don’t admit our culpability in the stronghold of fear in our lives, we won’t seek the solution!
It requires humility.
God’s hand is mighty, and He cares for us. We must learn the discipline of casting our anxieties upon Him.
Second: Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (ESV).
Thanksgiving allows us to refocus upon God. When we lose gratitude during trials, we forfeit our path to peace.
When we aren’t thanking God, we begin blaming God (or His church). That leaves us alone and withdrawn, drawing upon our dwindling resources for endurance.
We can refresh our faith by learning the discipline of thanksgiving.
Third: Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (ESV).
When Jesus told us to live for today, He wasn’t saying that we shouldn’t plan, save, or have hope for the future. He said that today’s faith is only good for today, not tomorrow.
Faith is like manna from heaven. Manna lasted one day, and if the ancient Israelites tried to eat yesterday’s manna, they would find it rotten. If we rely today on our devotions or worship from yesterday, a week ago, or a month ago — guess what?
Yep, rotten.
Each day, we must practice the discipline of collecting fresh manna from the presence of God.
Jesus wants us to increase our faith in the latter days. It will take obedience on our part to form disciplines of . . .
- Casting anxieties
- Thanksgiving
- Daily manna
Here’s the thing about these disciplines: Sooner rather than later, we find ourselves absolutely loving having victory from casting anxiety, finding peace in thanksgiving, and refreshing our souls in the presence of God.
Through a growing faith in Jesus, these disciplines become easy.