My first response to your question is that I would pray, asking God to make things clear to me regarding His will in the matter. And then, I would watch the surrounding circumstances to see how God is overruling. The apostle Paul gave instructions to, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2) I would let the individual know that I am specifically praying for them. If they are receptive, I would suggest that they, too, could increase their personal prayer life on their own behalf.

The Bible provides a definition of FAITH. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (KJV)  To paraphrase this, faith is trust and belief in God’s word, and though these things cannot be seen, we have an assurance that they will be fulfilled. The New International Bible Version says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

In accordance with this definition, faith clearly involves a belief, trust and hope in God and all the promises He has revealed through His word. In order to know God and His Word, study of the scriptures is an absolute requirement. Without knowledge of God’s promises, there is no purpose for trust or hope. I would certainly encourage a person lacking in faith to read and study the Bible. Our Heavenly Father reveals Himself to His children through His word, the Bible. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15

Through our words and actions in everyday experiences we can acknowledge God in all the things that we do, giving Him the credit, counting our blessings, and trusting that He will overrule our affairs.  Matthew 6:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” It is our goal to give God the glory in all matters of life. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.” (1Peter 4:11)  Those who are seeking God will be interested in hearing how faithful Christians conduct their lives, make decisions, use time, study, worship, what is important to them, etc. By being an example, that is by “letting your light shine,” others observe the power of faith. The faithful Christian’s goal is to give all glory to God. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)  Possibly, it is more important for others to see how Christians grow in faith and are changed through their experiences in life, than it is for us to try to change them. The desire is that they will be encouraged to follow the example so that they, too, may have the peace of God in their lives.

Remembering that we want to be an encouragement, and not a discouragement, consideration must be given to the hearer and their response to our behaviors. In other words, we want to nurture individuals and not push them away. Please keep in mind that we cannot force faith onto anyone. They must have a seeking heart and a personal desire to know our Heavenly Father.

May you continue to give God the glory in your faithfulness to Him.