Have you ever noticed how much Jesus talked about “hearing” throughout the New Testament? Or how we see so many times in the Word that people heard and believed, heard and got wisdom, or heard and got healed? There must be something about hearing that makes it an absolutely essential step to walking in all of the blessings that He has for us. If that’s the case, it’s sure worth finding out why hearing is such a vital part of our journey!

Let’s start by taking a look at Hebrews 11:6, which says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). Sometimes we can read that verse and think, wow — God seems so hard to please. But that’s not the heart of God or the heart of this verse. God set up His Kingdom to operate on faith — the way we receive everything from God, including our salvation and more, is by faith. So, God is pleased when we exercise faith and receive the blessings that Jesus already paid for. It pleases Him to see us walk in those blessings!

>>If faith is so important, then how do we build up our faith?…By HEARING!

Yes! The best way to build up your faith can be found in Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (NKJV). To build your faith, you’ve got to be hearing! Hearing what? Hearing the Word…your Bible (reading or listening to it), hearing your Pastor preach, listening to Word-based, faith-stimulating worship music, listening to faith-filled podcasts or CD-series (yes, those still exist) by anointed preachers and Bible teachers. There are so many ways to hear the Word and truly make it part of your daily life.

But today I also want you to see that it’s not just about the “initial” hearing of the Word with your ears…it’s the “second” hearing that happens with your heart — on the inside — that leads to your faith growing. You could say we need to “hear-hear!” As a believer, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you, and as you listen intently to the Word through your Pastor’s sermon or as you read your Bible, etc., the Holy Spirit customizes the Word to you, personally. That’s how you can listen to a sermon or sing a faith-inspiring praise and worship song or be reading your Bible and one sentence just leaps out to you! It may be something that encourages you, it may be the answer to the prayer you’ve been praying, or so many other things — but the point is, it’s personalized and customized to you. God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and the Holy Spirit customizes that living Word to you, He takes the things of Christ and translates it to you for your personal victory, as you hear.

So, in what areas of your life do you need to experience more of God’s blessings? Grow your faith in those areas! How do you grow your faith? By hearing and hearing and hearing the Word of God! If you need wisdom — you have some decisions to make, you’re at a crossroad and don’t know which path to take — grow your faith in God’s ability to guide you by reading Scriptures and hearing sermons about the wisdom He freely gives to those who ask (James 1:5). And then hear-hear, let the Holy Spirit customize what you’re hearing into a hearing inside…and your faith will grow and develop inside of your heart.

Do you need healing? Tired of battling a chronic illness, mental illness, anxiety, back pain, any number of ailments…then get intentional about building your faith in God’s healing! Read, feed (read out loud) and reread out loud every Scripture you can about God’s healing power, His healing miracles — and let the Holy Spirit tailor and customize that Word to you inside. Listen to messages, read books about healing from faith-filled authors — hear and hear about healing and your faith will grow. A prayer of hope is different from a prayer of faith…when you have faith, you KNOW God is well able and willing to heal you, and as you pray a prayer of faith for your healing, it pulls the healing power of God right into your situation. God is still in the miracles business (Galatians 3:5-6)!

But the key here is…faith. And faith comes by hearing and hearing. This is not passive, y’all! Don’t miss out on a single thing God has for you — be active, intentional and passionate about hearing and hearing, so that your faith will grow and develop inside your heart. Then, you can truly experience the blessed, healed, prosperous, victorious and abundant life God has for you.

Pray and Say This Out Loud: “Father, thank You so much that Your Word is living and active. Lord, I need to grow my faith in ____________________ (list areas) — please help me to find all of the ways I can hear the Word on those topics so that my faith can grow. I desire to hear and hear…and hear and hear…so I can grow in my faith and experience the blessed life You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”