When Faith Gets Rusty

20 Sep When Faith Gets Rusty

When any metal, especially tools, gets rusty, it neither looks good nor works effectively. Most metals get rusty when they are not well taken care of or when they have not been put to adequate use. Faith can get rusty too if is not taken care of or not exercised.
You hear people say things like:
“My tennis has gone a little bit rusty.”
“I have gone a bit rusty with biking.
“I think the boy got rusty in Maths over the summer.”

All of these are examples of rustiness that results from inactivity in the specified areas.
When we do not engage in the things that keep our faith alive and working, it will eventually get rusty.

Rusty defined
Weakened or impaired  by neglect, disuse or lack of practice. – The Free Dictionary

Signs of a rusty faith:
1. There is no zing in your prayer or study life or they both non-existent.
2. You are simply going through the motions of Christian activities.
Spirituality seems boring.
3. You feel empty.
4. You know there should be more, but cannot seem to get a hold on it.
5. You would rather not believe for anything you cannot attain “by yourself”.
6. You walk more by sight than by faith.
7. You no longer believe for the super natural and extraordinary.
8. You often question your belief.
This list is not conclusive but if you are currently experiencing any of these, there is  a chance that your faith is getting rusty or already is.

There Is Good News!
I asked an accredited Engineer if rusty metals can be redeemed and put back to use and he answered in the affirmative; simply applying grease, oils or paint. Rusty faith can be redeemed too, it can be revived and better than rusty metal, it can be made brand new. This can happen by the following major ways:

1. Spend a lot of time worshipping in songs.
Whether or not you think your voice is beautiful, sing all the same, after all it is between you and God, and your voice will always sound beautiful in His ears. You could play some of those worship songs you really love and sing along in worship. Worship draws God’s presence and in His presence the fullness of His joy fills your spirit for a revival.
… In Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 AMP

2. Read and study the Bible.
Reading God’s word will energize your spirit even if you take it in bits at first. I would always recommend that you read your favourite books of the Bible and make written notes of what you are learning, it will trigger an excitement in your spirit. I would also recommend The  Books Of John and Acts, I cannot say why,  but these books have a way of waking up your spirit, they really have a striking in me, but of course the entire Word of God will give life to your spirit.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

3. Talk To God.
At first it might seem like a drudgery but as you continue, it takes on a whole new dimension. Especially if you talk to Him based on His word that you have been reading. When you pray, the power of God is released and from that power you also receive power in your spirit man.
…The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available dynamic in its working. James 5:16 AMP

4. Spend Time In Fellowship With People Whose Faith Are Alive And Active.
Who you spend time with will affect you ultimately. People cannot give you what they do not have, so endeavour to spend time with the right kind of people.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

5. Do Not Stop.
Continue in the afore mentioned, do not stop, even if you miss a day do not stop. The  enemy will fight very hard to make you stop, refuse him. If you are able defy him and continue, then it will not take too long before the rustiness will become a thing of the past and your faith will become alive and active once again!
Remember the saying: “Quitters never win and winners never quit”.

You will win if you do not quit!
Have you ever battled with a rusty faith, how did you beat it?

© 2013 Ugochi Oritsejolomisan

Photo Credit: photoinf.com