How to Help a Friend Grow in Faith during Tough Times

While we grow in our own faith, we can find great joy in encouraging others to also grow in theirs (Philemon 1:7).

Our faith journey continues throughout our lives, and the good news is that we do not need to reach a certain level in our spiritual maturity to encourage others in their growth (Romans 3)

The following are some suggestions for providing spiritual support to a friend at various stages in their own discipleship faith journey.

When we pray with others, it deepens our personal journeys with God, as well as our bonds with fellow believers.

We get to encourage each other in any challenges we’re facing in life, as well as by sharing stories of how God has answered our prayers.

Spend as much time as possible praying with each other. Prayers can be silent, said out loud, and intertwined with discussions about Scripture and personal testimony. Welcome the Holy Spirit to guide your discussions and prayers to help you all deepen in the presence of God (Romans 8:27).

Worship is an important part of drawing closer to God, and worshipping along with others is instructed in the Bible (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Much like prayer, when we sing songs to God together with others, we have the opportunity to share with each other our love for God and we also draw closer to Him as one body, often resulting in a shared experience of being touched by the Holy Spirit.

Few things can bond believers together as strongly as a shared blessing from the Holy Spirit.

Life-long friendships have been formed because a group of people were in the same room when the Holy Spirit impacted each one. It is exciting to hear about a group of believers who have been best friends because the Lord touched them all at the same time 40 years prior!

The Bible tells us that God created the heavens and the earth. If you or your friend have trouble with the concept of a creator God, this may offer you insight into the private place you should seek for inspiration.

Spending time in nature brings people closer to God or makes them more aware of God’s presence. Visits to beloved parks, greenways, and other natural areas with a friend are fantastic ways to spend time together and others to discover the beauty of life at a difficult time of the year.

For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. – Colossians 1:16

When we write a note to someone (whether in the form of a card, a letter or even just a simple piece of paper stuck to a mirror), we don’t realize the major impact that that simple act can have on someone.

If we ask the Holy Spirit to guide our writing, we may say something in the note that that person needs to hear at that moment to encourage and bless them.

What makes written notes different from spoken ones is that they last longer, meaning that a person can keep a note and read it again many times. A spoken encouragement can be remembered, but there is something special about having the words in writing. Rereading it is like having the person say it to you over and over again. Of course, the most significant example of this is the Bible! God left us this long note, for us to enjoy and reread throughout our lives.

Sometimes it can be difficult to read the Bible by yourself. Distractions, laziness, and even doubts can interfere with our personal Bible study time.

God knows we all have weaknesses, so He gave us each other to help us. This includes helping us read the Bible together.

Reading the Bible together can help you focus, feel like you are learning with others, and provide an opportunity for you to discuss the passage together. Discussing what you are reading with fellow believers helps you to see different perspectives on the writing, and your understanding of the Bible can deepen as you share ideas with each other. An important note, however, is that you must be careful to always encourage each other, and not let disagreements in opinion lead to resentment or damage to your friendship (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Some of the ways that we can bless others can seem trivial, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the smallest gesture can impact a person for life.

A simple gift, quick phone call, or little note left on their door can break down years of doubt that a person has had about whether God is real or whether anyone really cares. That one gift could be the answer to a prayer unspoken and a confirmation that their prayer was heard and answered in an undeniable way.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!