Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne."

Hebrews 12:2 (NCV)

Our ability to live an authentic life of faith rests in the knowledge that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Some people, however, find it hard to live by faith because they are not learning to walk in the truth of the gospel. The real issue is not a lack of faith, but rather the lack of a more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit who lives within us. This keeps us from receiving the full blessing God has given us in His Son.

All the faith you will ever need to live a fruitful Christian life is already within you. God has given you a gift of faith that is as complete as that of Christ. You just have to experience the power of His love working through your faith (Galatians 5:6). Sometimes we put too much effort to have faith for a breakthrough in this situation or that obstacle when we should really be fully resting our faith in the Person of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul tells us that our Lord bore the shame of the cross so that we might enjoy the victory and freedom of the cross. This means the righteousness God demands from us is produced in us by Jesus' faithful and finished work. It is Jesus’ faith, rather than ours (since faith is a gift from God), that justifies us and earns for us our right standing before God.

God provided everything we required for salvation. All He requires from us is that we fully rely on His Son's atoning work. Instead of trying to "fix" your faith by doing more than is expected of you, learn to focus on Jesus, and faith will thrive and grow within you.