Four Habits to Fortify Your Faith

by Rick Warren — December 26, 2021
From Transformed

“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit."

1 Timothy 4:7 (TLB)

If you want God to use you—fortify your faith.

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (TLB).

Do you ever wake up thinking, “I get to exercise today?” I certainly don’t. But I do know that we all need both physical and spiritual exercise. I also know this about exercise: I want the most benefit I can get out of every minute I exercise, whether it’s physical or spiritual.

I’d like to help you get the most out of your spiritual exercise by giving you four spiritual habits that will fortify your faith.

1. Study the Bible. You need to study the Bible personally. You can’t depend on someone else’s study of the Bible to fortify your faith. You have to do it yourself.

The Bible says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT).

God’s Word is the “Get Ready” manual for life. If you want to get ready to be used by God, you’ve got to study the Bible.

2. Read Christian books. Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (GNT). You learn a lot more when you read books that help you grow spiritually.

3. Write out your testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study for you, nobody else can tell your story. There are four parts to a testimony: what your life was like before you came to Christ, how you realized you needed Christ in your life, how you committed your life to Christ, and what your life is like now.

4. Join a small group. The Bible says, “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT). When it comes to fortifying your faith, few things can compare to regular contact with your small group. If you are not in a small group, find people who you can share life with and who will support you as you grow in faith.

These four habits will help you stay spiritually fit so that you’re ready to be used by God. Which one will you start practicing today?

Talk It Over

  • Why do you think the process of writing down your testimony is helpful?
  • What are some ways you and your small group can help each other grow in faith?
  • How can you make reading Christian books more engaging and interesting? (For example, you could read a book with a group of friends and meet to discuss it.) Start reading a Christian book this week and find ways to make it more engaging for you.

Do you have a testimony about Jesus transforming your life? If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer?

You don’t have to earn God’s love or work your way into heaven. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to commit your life to him, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.