There’s a kind of faith we inherit—and then there’s the faith that grows in the soil of our actual lives.

In the storms, in the waiting rooms, in the still moments when God becomes more than an idea.

One is acquired.One is experienced.Both have purpose.Both shape us through sanctification.

But to grow, we have to recognize the difference.

How We Learn

There’s a season for taking in truth. Where we are studying, absorbing, listening, understanding.

And there’s a season for walking out what we’ve learned.

I get weary of faith that only lives in the mind.

Faith that knows theology but hasn’t had to cling to God through the night.

There is nothing wrong with head knowledge, but Scripture reminds us:

“…we defeat the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

Revelation 12:11

Our testimony requires lived experience.

Maybe it’s time to experience life or maybe it’s time to dive deeper into the Word.Wherever you are, God will meet you.

Acquired Faith

Acquired faith is the faith we receive through:

teaching, tradition, culture, community, repetition

It’s the faith that says,“I believe because I was told God is true.”

It’s something steady to lean on while we learn to stand.

Paul honors this kind of faith when he reminds Timothy of the faith that lived in his mother and grandmother before him (2 Timothy 1:5).

Acquired faith gives us vocabulary.It gives us story.It gives us belonging.

Faith can be passed down like a torch, carried through generations.

Experiential Faith

Experiential faith forms when God steps into our narrative — when the words on the page breathe, when the promise becomes personal.

It’s the faith that says,“I believe because I have seen God move… in me.”

This is the faith of:

* Jacob wrestling (Genesis 32:24–30)

* David crying out yet still trusting (Psalm 34:4–8)

* The woman who reached for healing (Mark 5:25–34)

* Thomas touching the wounds (John 20:27–29)

* And You surviving the thing you thought would break you

Experiential faith doesn’t live in the mind —it roots itself in the heartand becomes muscle memory.

It grows through encounter.Through surrender.Through seasons that stretch us.

Like my mom always says in times of hardship, “keep the faith” — now I know what that means having lived through some things.

Why the Difference Matters

Acquired faith can inform you.Experiential faith will transform you.

Acquired faith can teach you who God is.Experiential faith lets you taste and see (Psalm 34:8).

One builds knowledge.The other builds intimacy.

And intimacy is where love grows.

When the two work together, that is where we find deep intimacy with God what James describes as:

“Perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”James 1:4

Someone else may need to hear this.

The Growth

This isn’t a rejection of acquired faith — it’s the invitation to let it deepen.

Sometimes that depth comes gently.Sometimes it comes through heartbreak.Sometimes it comes through miracles that nobody else saw but you.

I know because I’ve lived it.

Every lived moment becomes a stone of remembrance built on the true cornerstone, Christ.

6 Ways to Deepen Your Faith

and experience a life with God, fully.

* Sit With God for at least 5 Minutes

No agenda.No perfect words.Just breathe and say,“Lord, I’m here and I invite you in.”Presence is where intimacy begins.

* Read Scripture Slowly

Choose a single verse.Read it out loud.Ask: “What does this mean for me today?”Let it move from information to encounter.

* Notice Where God Already Showed Up

Think back over the last 24 hours.A kindness.A provision.A moment of peace.Write down one thing.Awareness awakens gratitude — and gratitude awakens faith.

* Take One Small Act of Obedience

Surrender is the first step, obedience comes after.

Step out on faith with that thing God placed on your heart.

He is in the details.

* Get Outside and Touch Creation

Look at the sky.Feel the air.

Touch grass.Remember you are alive on purpose.Romans 1:20 says creation reveals God — so let it remind you.

* Tell God How You Actually Feel

Not the polished version.Not the church answer.The truth of your heart.Real relationship requires honesty.

Your Life Is Sacred Ground

You don’t have to force a breakthrough...

Just keep showing up — and you will find that God was already there.

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