A life of strong faith doesn’t happen automatically or without any effort on our part.  Spiritual growth requires the appropriation of all the means God has provided to help us walk faithfully with Him.

From Hebrews 12:1-2:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”