“Then he said to Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe… Blessed are those who have not seen me, but still have believed.” – John 20:27-29

One of the most challenging parts of non profit work is never knowing how projects, rescues, ideas, fundraisers, or collaborations are going to work out. There is a constant battle in my mind between “Am I doing the right thing in the right way” and “ I’ve got this, let’s go!” Somedays carry more of one of these than the other. And maybe you can relate! But Jesus clearly tells one of his closest disciples to stop doubting and believe. Not to believe in himself and his qualifications, but in God and his presence and power. Jesus understands it’s easer to believe when we see the steps or the objectives clearly outlined – as it was for Thomas to see him with his own yes – rather than believe he was already there.

And Jesus further shares that we who have faith in him must practice and grow in the uncomfortable faith of believing without seeing. This sometimes feels crazy and it’s easy to question yourself while doing so. But it is exactly the kind of faith that will lead us to victory in battles, because it teaches us to not depend on our own understanding, but on his strength and ways working through us. We have no other option with this kind of big faith!

And although I am imperfect and continue to learn, this is the kind of faith I strive to operate Frost Fund within. I encourage you to grow your own faith in whatever God is walking you through as well. You may not see him, but he is more alive and with you than ever.

Here are some practical steps I take to grow in this kind of faith and in a relationship with Jesus:

1. Get yourself a version of the Bible you can actually read and understand. My granny bought me a “kids” NIV version of the Bible in 1998. This is the Bible I still read and mediate on to this day.
2. Consider a simple google search on a specific verse topic to get you started and thinking about God’s promises.
3. Journaling is huge for me. I try to start everyday with at least 10 minutes of journaling. Often times this is about a verse I have read after asking God to reveal more about himself to me while doing so.
4. Write a prayer down and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Pray it everyday regardless of how you are feeling. And focus on believing the words you are saying and putting your faith in Jesus as you do so.
5. Smile more and show others the grace you also need – a heavy heart leads to a broken spirit. And that can suffocate faith if left unhealed.

I hope this little post gave you some encouragement today. If so, share with a friend so they might feel hope and faith as well! We all need it. Thank you for supporting my crazy faith on this Frost Fund journey.