How to Increase Your Faith (Even When You Struggle with Doubt)

Faith is a curious thing.

It can feel strong one moment and fragile the next.

I’ve walked with God for decades. I’ve trusted Him for big things—my family, health, finances, ministry—and He has proven faithful again and again. But I still have thoughts of doubt sometimes. Maybe you do too.

Not huge, soul-shaking doubt—but little whispers:
“Is that really true?”
“Am I really hearing God right now?”
“Do they really believe that?”

If you’ve ever wrestled with those kinds of thoughts, you’re not alone. The good news?
👉 Faith can grow. Here’s how:


1. Feed Your Faith with God’s Word

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

Spend time daily in the Scriptures. Let God’s promises speak louder than your fears. Read about Abraham, Moses, Esther, David, Peter—people who faced impossible odds and learned to trust.

Tip: Try a daily Bible reading plan. I read from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs every morning. It feeds my faith and anchors my heart.


2. Speak Faith, Not Fear

Faith grows when we say what we believe. Fear grows when we say what we fear. Be intentional with your words.

🗣️ Speak Scripture aloud.
🗣️ Declare God’s promises over your life and family.
🗣️ Push back doubt by speaking truth.

When Jesus was tempted, He said: “It is written…” (Matthew 4). Let’s do the same.


3. Remember What God Has Already Done

One of the best ways to strengthen your faith is to look back. God has been faithful before—He will be again.

Start a faith journal:

  • Write down answered prayers.
  • Document moments when God spoke to you or provided.
  • Share testimonies with your family and friends.

Like David facing Goliath, remind yourself: “God helped me with the lion and the bear. He’ll help me now.”

I started my personal timeline to remind myself of the goodness of God in my life.


4. Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith is an action word. It grows strongest when we step out. Has God called you to do something? Don’t wait for every detail to be clear. Take the next obedient step.

  • Peter didn’t walk on water until he stepped out of the boat.
  • Abraham didn’t see the promise fulfilled until he left everything familiar.

💡 Is there a faith step you’ve been hesitating to take?


5. Surround Yourself with People of Faith

We become like those we spend time with. Stay close to people who believe big and speak life. Avoid negativity, cynicism, or constant doubt.

📚 Read books, listen to podcasts, and spend time with believers who inspire you.
🙌 Worship in community.
👥 Share your journey with others growing in faith.

Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).


6. Be Honest with God About Your Doubts

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24

This prayer, spoken by a desperate father, wasn’t rebuked by Jesus—it was honored. If you have doubts, bring them to God. He’s not afraid of your honesty.

Faith isn’t the absence of questions.
It’s trusting God in spite of the questions.


Final Thoughts

You don’t have to manufacture more faith. You just need to nurture what you have. Plant it in God’s Word. Water it with worship. Strengthen it with obedience. And trust the God who grows it.

When doubts come—and they will—remember:
🌱 Faith isn’t about being perfect.
🌱 It’s about coming back, again and again, to the One who is perfectly faithful.


🙏 Small Group Discussion Guide

Topic: How to Increase Your Faith
Recommended Scripture: Mark 9:14–29, Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 5:7
Time: 60–75 minutes


OPENING QUESTION

  • What’s one area of your life where you feel strong in faith right now?
  • What’s one area where doubt creeps in?

READ TOGETHER: MARK 9:14–29

  • Why do you think the father in this story said, “I believe; help my unbelief”?
  • What do you notice about Jesus’ response to his honesty?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. How can spending time in God’s Word strengthen your faith? Share a specific verse that builds you up.
  2. How do your words affect your level of faith? Have you ever seen the impact of negative or positive self-talk?
  3. What “stones of remembrance” (past experiences of God’s faithfulness) encourage you today?
  4. Has God ever asked you to take a step of faith before seeing the outcome? What happened?
  5. Who do you surround yourself with? Are they people of faith or people of fear?
  6. When you experience doubt, what helps you process it and turn back to trust?

ACTION STEPS

This week, challenge your group members to do the following:

✅ Start a “faith journal.” Write down 3 times God has been faithful in your life.
✅ Memorize one Scripture about faith.
✅ Speak a faith declaration each morning this week.


PRAYER FOCUS

  • Pray for increased faith in each member’s life.
  • Ask God to reveal any area where someone needs to take a step of obedience.
  • Invite the Holy Spirit to build a faith-filled culture in your group and church.

Here is a downloadable .pdf of this blog and study guide.

About Mark Cole

Jesus follower, Husband, Father, Worship Leader, Writer, Pastor, Church Consultant, Founding Arranger for Praisecharts.com, squash & tennis player, blogger & outdoor enthusiast.. (biking, hiking, skiing). Twitter: @MarkMCole Facebook: mmcole
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