Part 1: 8-Week Faith Challenge: Simple Daily Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God
Introduction
At the beginning of the year, I spent time praying and asking God what He wanted to do in my life. Rather than giving me a detailed roadmap, He gave me one simple word:
Grow.
At first, I wasn't exactly sure what that would look like. What kind of growth? Over time, I began to realize that the word grow could be in several different areas in my life, but I knew that I wanted to start with my faith and grow closer to God. At first, I thought that I could just jump in with new habits, but I realized that growth rarely happens overnight. It happens through small, faithful steps repeated day after day.
That's how this eight-week faith challenge was born.
My prayer isn't that you simply complete eight weekly tasks. My prayer is that these practices become rhythms that continue long after the challenge ends, helping you build a deeper relationship with Christ one step at a time.
I have split this challange into two parts. In this post will be weeks 1-4.
Before We Begin
As we go through the challenge, it is not about perfection, it is about consistently showing up. We are human and can make mistakes or even miss a day. That is okay. If you miss a day, you can start again whether it is from the beginning or where you left off. It is important that you do not compare yourself and your journey with someone else’s. You are just where you are supposed to be. As long as you are growing and inviting God into the process, you are doing well.
What You Will Need
For this challenge, you will need:
· A Bible
· A Journal (Prayer and/or Gratitude Journal)
· A pen
· Highlighters
· 15-20 minutes a day
· A Willing Heart
If you are looking for a journal perfect for this challenge, here are some options from Normal Inspiration.
Week One – Grow through Gratitude
Theme
Gratitude
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude can positively change your perspective on your day and on God. When you are grateful, you focus on the goodness of God instead of just on your own needs. Also, when you have gratitude, you recognize the impact that God has in your life, both in the little things and the big things.
Challenge
Thank God for three things every morning. For an extra challenge, make sure they are different every day. I encourage you to write them down in a prayer journal.
Why Gratitude Grows Faith
You will find that you have much more to be grateful for. The more you focus on gratitude, you acknowledge that God is in control and will work everything out for your good, and it will renew your spirit in Christ. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness as we choose to focus on it. Gratitude also lays a foundation in our hearts to trust God, because we have acknowledged and remembered His faithfulness to us, even when we felt we don’t deserve it most.
Scriptures to Meditate On
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Gratitude isn't dependent on our circumstances. It is rooted in God's unchanging character.
Colossians 2:7
“ Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Gratitude is the result of growing in your faith and creating a deep strong foundation in Christ.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Gratitude comes with knowing that all circumstances will work out for the good, even when we can’t see it in the moment.
Reflection Questions
What are three blessings you've overlooked recently?
Where have you seen God's faithfulness this week?
What prayer can you thank Him for before it is answered?
Week Two – Grow through God’s Word
Theme
Reading Scripture Daily
Why Reading Daily Matters
Reading Scriptures or God’s Word can positively change your perspective on the day and on God. Scripture isn't simply information; it transforms us, shapes our thinking, and equips us for life's challenges. When you read the Word, you will gain wisdom and understanding, as well as sharpening your armor of God.
Challenge
Start your day with reading the Bible. It can be a small section, a paragraph, a chapter, or even a book. For those just starting out it is ok not to understand everything and to start in bite sized pieces, try starting your reading in one of the Gospels. For those who have been reading for a while, challenge yourself. Read an extra chapter, do a word study, or meditate longer on what the scripture you read means. The goal is to challenge yourself to go deeper. Start your reading with a prayer for God to open your mind and heart to what you are reading. Jot down notes and highlight what stands out to you.
Why Reading Scriptures Grows Faith
You will find that you have a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the Word the longer you read. The Word is living and no matter how many times you read there is always something that God will reveal to you. Reading Scriptures will give you the building blocks and a stronger foundation for your growing faith and it will renew your spirit in Christ. It transforms our minds, shapes how we think, guides who we should act, and is a blueprint on how we should approach the challenges life throws at us.
Scriptures to Meditate On
Psalm 119:11
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
As we read the Word, we are to store it up in our heart (memorize it), put it into practice, and fall back on it as a reminder when we are tempted to sin against God.
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes from hearing the message through the Word.”
We need to hear and read the Word to grow our Faith.
Psalm 119:105
“God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.”
Reading God’s Word will help keep us from stumbling through life and give us light on the path on which we should go.
Reflection Questions
What is one verse that stood out to you in your reading today?
What is God trying to teach you today?
Week Three – Grow through Identity
Theme
Discover Your Identity in Christ
Why Your Identity Matters
Identity is foundationally your sense of self and belonging. It shapes our thinking, our beliefs, and how we interact with others. The world has so many things that is vying for us to put our identity in. We have identity in our role in the family, at school, at work, and our personal beliefs. It is the foundation of who you are.
Challenge
I encourage you to write down in your journal all the things that God reveals to you about your identity throughout the duration of this challenge. Start with five things. As time goes on, you will find that the list of things that God says about you will become more like a love letter from God to you.
Why Understanding Your Identity Grows Faith
You will find that when you understand who you are in Christ and what God says about you, you will find it easier to love yourself as a person but also love others. Your identity will not be defined as the world will want to label you as, but as a loving Father who loves His daughter sees you as. You will stop trying to earn love, because you will understand that you are loved. Failure and your mistakes will no longer define you. You will become more stable as your identity is build upon the solid rock of God’s Word instead of the ever-changing ideals of the world. Believing in what God says about you will build your reliance on Him, strengthening your faith in both the easy and heard moments.
Scriptures to Meditate On, and Starter List
Scripture
What God Says About You
Psalm 139:14
“I am wonderfully made.”
Romans 8:1
“I am no longer condemned.”
Ephesians 2:10
“I am God's workmanship.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“I am a new creation.”
John 1:12
“I am a child of God.”
Reflection Questions
Who are you?
What does God say about you?
What is God trying to teach you today?
Week Four – Grow through Encouragement
Theme
Encouraging Others
Why Encouraging Others Matters
Encouraging others matters because it can help both you and the person receiving the encouragement feel lighter and more uplifted not matter how light or heavy the situation is, it helps ease the present discomfort, build trust, and spurs on motivation to do what is good and right.
Challenge
Encourage another person during the week.
· Send a thoughtful text.
· Write a handwritten note.
· Pray with someone.
· Buy coffee for a friend.
· Leave an encouraging comment online.
Why Reading Scriptures Grows Faith
When we encourage others, we apply what we have learned in the previous weeks’ challenges. We are shifting our focus from ourselves, the current situation, doubts, and fears to others, how God is working, and speaking about God’s faithfulness. When you are encouraging others in many ways it also encourages your own heart because of the reminder to look for God’s goodness and you also get to see how God is working in other people’s lives. It also helps you become more Christ-like as Jesus Himself encouraged the broken and hurting.
Scriptures to Meditate On
Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
As Christians, we should encourage each other and build each other up. Building each other up can mean supporting, empowering, edifying, and inspiring others in Faith and doing good.
Hebrews 1:24-15
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
We are to find ways to encourage others more and more but not giving up on each other.
Reflection Questions
Who would you encourage today?
What is one way you can encourage someone this week?