How to Strengthen Faith and Stand Firm as a Christian Woman Today
Can I tell you something? There have been seasons where I showed up at church, checked all the boxes, but my heart just felt dry. You see, it’s easy for the outside to look right while inside, faith feels stuck. Maybe you’ve been there too. Today I want to walk with you through what it looks like to break free from passive faith and strengthen faith as a bold, committed Christian woman. I’m right here learning with you.
And here’s the thing - learning how to strengthen faith isn’t about gutting it out or pretending to be perfect. It’s about waking up and making a choice, every single day. Sometimes we need a gentle nudge to remind us that faith isn’t meant to sit on the sidelines. In our recent podcast episode, I shared a few of my own stories while exploring practical steps to move from passive to active faith. I want to bring those same thoughts here for you.
What Does Passive Faith Actually Look Like?
Faith Gets Comfortable Before We Realize
How many of us have thought that showing up or saying the right words was enough? I remember seasons where my calendar said "Christian," but my spirit felt tired. I was serving, smiling, and leading but not growing closer to God. My faith was comfortable but not alive.
Passive faith sneaks in when we slip into routines. We start just attending church, nodding to Christian phrases, and agreeing with the crowd. We dress the part. But inside, something is missing. That's the moment to start asking how to strengthen faith for real - not just with words, but with our hearts.
The Danger of Coasting Spiritually
This hit home for me. It wasn’t an instant fall. More like a slow slide. You do all the right activities and wonder why your soul feels empty. It’s easy to blend in or just follow along. But Jesus didn’t call us to blend in - He calls us to stand out, to stand firm in our faith even when it’s hard.
Here’s what He says, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16, CSB). That’s not meant to shame us, but wake us up. Being in the middle isn’t where we’re meant to stay.
How to Strengthen Faith and Break Out of Passivity
Getting Honest with Ourselves and God
This is where it starts for me every single time. I have to ask myself, "Am I just busy with Christian activities or am I growing closer to Jesus?" Sometimes the answer stings a bit. But it opens the door for real change.
How to strengthen faith? Get honest about where you are. Take a deep breath, sit with God, and ask Him to show you areas where you’ve grown comfortable. It’s never about shame - it’s about letting Him love us back to life, right where we are.
Lean into Scripture with Your Heart Open
Let me tell you what helps me. Opening up the Bible, not just for checklists, but to actually listen. This matters more than we realize. When I started reading the Word to connect with God, not just to finish a plan, something shifted. My eyes opened.
If you want a place to start, I always recommend the book of James. It’s practical, honest, and full of reminders about what real faith looks like. I often go back to it when I need a reset on how to strengthen faith. Even if you’re a long-time Christian, there’s something there for all of us.
Pray All the Time About Everything
I used to think prayer had to be perfect or formal. But God just wants to hear from us. I encourage you to pray when you’re driving, folding laundry, waiting in the school line. Let Him in. I talk to Him like I would a friend because He cares about every little thing.
Paul put it this way, "Pray constantly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, CSB). I love that. Not once a day, not just before meals - but always. The more I talk to Him, the closer He feels. That constant conversation is at the heart of how to strengthen faith.
Step Out of Comfort and Into Courage
Standing Firm Looks Different for Every Season
Standing firm didn’t always look like shouting my faith from the rooftops. Sometimes, it was saying no to the gossip or walking away from friendships that weren’t healthy. Sometimes it was quietly reading my Bible when I could have just scrolled my phone. Choosing the Word over comfort. That’s how to strengthen faith one moment at a time.
Here are some simple ways to step out of passive faith:
- Read your Bible every day, even just a chapter
- Pray throughout the day for big and small things
- Ask God to help you see where you’ve grown comfortable
- Say yes to something that stretches your faith (join a Bible study, serve, give generously)
- Be honest about your struggles with a trusted friend
- Stay open to what God wants to teach you next
I want you to know it’s okay if you mess up. I do too. What matters is we keep moving forward, asking God to help us grow, and saying yes when He calls us to act.
Practical Ways to Build Faith in Community
Let me share something that shifted things for me. Having people around who really want to grow in faith changes everything. I found that when the women in my Bible study group wanted more than surface talk, my own walk got stronger. When we shared honestly, when we prayed for each other, we sparked something in each other’s lives.
If your community feels stale or surface-level, it’s okay to look for something deeper. Maybe start a new group or invite someone over for coffee and honest conversation. You may be the one who helps others learn how to strengthen faith by going first.
Real Change Starts with Surrender and a Simple Yes
Surrendering What’s Comfortable for What’s Better
I remember one morning when I realized I kept holding on to routines just because they felt safe. I wasn’t thriving. I prayed, “Lord, I want more of you.” And can I tell you? When I let go of my comfort, God met me right there. Suddenly my marriage, friendships, and parenting all felt different. Brighter. Freer.
Choosing faith over comfort isn’t easy, but it is always worth it. Every act of obedience, no matter how small, builds spiritual muscles. You want to know how to strengthen faith? Say yes to God, even if it’s scary or inconvenient. He never wastes a single yes.
Remember God’s Promises When You Feel Weak
God’s Word is full of strength for us. One verse I turn to all the time is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (CSB): “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” This isn’t just a nice saying. It’s a command for times when we want to quit. Standing firm means declaring that He is bigger than our feelings, moods, or circumstances.
He stands with us every single day. His promises don’t fail. When you feel weak, that’s when He loves to fill in the gaps for you. Don’t let fear keep you from thriving. Stand up. Call out to Him. This is how to strengthen faith in the everyday, imperfect moments.
How Do You Know If You’re Growing?
Check Your Heart, Not Just Your Habits
I like to pause every so often and ask these questions (not to condemn myself, but to stay honest):
- Do I feel connected to Jesus, or just busy?
- Am I showing up out of love or out of obligation?
- Is there fruit in my relationships because of my faith?
- Have I asked God what He wants for me lately?
Simple questions, right? But sometimes simple is what brings the truth to the surface. This is how to strengthen faith - by keeping it real with God and ourselves. Growth isn’t about never messing up, but always coming back to Him.
Invite God Into Every Part of Your Life
Maybe you’re realizing your faith has gotten comfortable. Friend, there’s no condemnation here. Just an open invitation to step closer to Him, even today. You don’t have to wait for a certain date on the calendar. Now is always a good starting point.
If you want more specific encouragement, check out other podcast episodes about building a real relationship with God or the blog post "Making Prayer Personal." There’s no single formula for how to strengthen faith, but the common thread is always a willing heart and a little bit of courage.
Let’s Decide Together - Standing Over Sitting
Choose One Area to Stand Firm This Week
Can I challenge you? Choose one spot in your life where you know you’ve been passive. Maybe it’s prayer. Maybe it’s speaking up when faith is questioned at work. Maybe it’s searching the Word when your heart feels numb. Name it. Ask God what standing looks like there. Then take one step, no matter how small.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to start. We get to do this together as women who want to love and live boldly. God is cheering us on. I am too.
Don’t Do It Alone - Let’s Walk This Faith Together
Here’s my encouragement: You’re not alone in this. If you need community or want to hear more personal stories, listen to the full podcast episode. We keep it real and cheer each other on.
If you feel stuck or scared, that means you’re about to make a real step forward. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep moving toward Jesus. That’s how to strengthen faith that stands the test of time.
Let’s put these perspectives into practice and step into everything God has for us. I’m praying for you as you move from passive faith into bold, living, growing faith. Don’t wait for perfect. Stand today. And remember, small steps lead to big change.
