Why do some people have a strong faith in God and others have a weak faith? Ten years ago, a friend and I became Christians at the same summer camp in high school, but my faith is so weak compared with his. Does God just give some people a strong faith, and the rest of us will always be weaker? — L.L.

God wants every one of us to have a strong faith—one that not only sees us through the rough times in life, but shapes us and makes us more and more like Christ. The Bible commands us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

And this is possible for every believer, because God has given us everything we could possibly need for our spiritual growth. For example, He has given us the Bible, which tells us what we should believe and how we should live. I've never met a Christian who ignored their Bible and yet was spiritually strong—and I have never met a Christian who regularly spent time in their Bible who was spiritually weak. Is the Bible part of your life every day?

God has also given us the privilege of prayer. Think of it: You and I have the privilege of bringing all our needs and requests before the God of the universe! When God answers our prayers, it strengthens our faith. In addition, God helps us grow spiritually through our contact with other Christians. An isolated Christian is a weak Christian.

What has been missing in your life? Whatever it is, confess it to God, and ask Him to help you use these resources to become "strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10).