I get it. The waiting can feel long, and sometimes it’s tempting to think, “Did God even hear me?” 

Something powerful I’ve learned is that faith isn’t just about waiting; it’s about preparing.

The Seed, the Ground, and the Action

Faith starts as a seed. 

In Mark 4:30-32, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed—it starts small, almost invisible. 

But with the right ground and the right environment, it grows into something mighty. 

And that’s how faith works. It starts small, often hidden in broken or unseen places, but when it is nurtured, it will grow into something beautiful and powerful. We nurture faith by hearing, meditating, and speaking the Word. 

But here’s where many of us get stuck: we have faith, but we don’t always act on it.

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

The seed of faith needs action to take root.

Faith without action is like a seed that never sprouts. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight to make it grow. Read further down to see examples of how to action your faith.

The Power of Gratitude

I’ve seen it firsthand—gratitude is a gateway to a good mood. It changes everything. 

Recently I moved into a new home, and I picked up an old habit I practised years ago. 

I write down the major things I’m praying for. But here’s the key: after I’ve prayed to God for my needs, I write my prayer with thanksgiving. Like this: 

“I am so happy and grateful for [the thing I’m believing God for].”

This could look like: 
“I am so happy and grateful for my wonderful, kind, loving, understanding husband who helps me with the kids and around the home”

or;

“I am so happy and grateful to God for blessing me with multiple streams of wealth allowing me to give my time and gifts to share His love to help uplift other women.”

Before I see any signs of my prayers being answered, I thank God as if they have already happened. (Obviously, your gratitude needs to align with His will, which you come to understand by spending time with Him in the Word and in prayer.)

I believe as I speak gratitude to God in advance, He will be pleased, and doors will open and I will see His goodness and miracles invade my life. 

As I read my thanksgiving prayers each morning, I need to actually believe what I’m reading and thank God for His goodness. I’m still learning and putting this into practise. This is key; belief. Just as faith is the substance of things hoped for, prayer requires us to believe in both God and the things we’re asking of Him.

When we thank God, even before we see the breakthrough, it’s a declaration of trust. It’s saying, “I believe You, God, even though I don’t see the full picture yet.” 

That kind of faith is precious to Him. Gratitude will boosts your mood while you’re waiting on God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Faith moves before the miracle

Faith is about preparation. It requires us to do something.

Here’s some examples of how you can activate your faith:

• If you’re believing for a future spouse, start praying for your spouse now—even before you’ve met them. Speak life over your relationship.
  “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
• If you’re dreaming of starting a business, take a step forward—buy the domain name, register the LLC, write down your vision, or get the necessary certifications.
  Even if you don’t feel ready, faith prepares the ground for God to move.
• If you’re struggling financially, trust God as your Provider. Sow a seed by tithing, even when it feels counterintuitive.
  Malachi 3:10 promises, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
• If you’re struggling in your marriage, speak life over your marriage and thank God for the qualities you want to see in your spouse. Write them down as gratitude prayers (more on that below). Declaring goodness over your marriage and thanking God for what you want to see in your spouse, even if they don’t seem to reflect those qualities yet, is believing and having faith in God before we see it. And when we speak life over our marriages, we invite God to transform them.
  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7).

The Audacity of Faith

A little warning: living with childlike faith in expectation of God may ruffle some feathers. Many people, even Christians, don’t have faith in the impossible. 

I’ve noticed pessimistic people will be used to make you discouraged and lower your faith and expectations. I’ll be talking in email 3 (of this 3-part series) about how to guard your heart and protect your faith (because God loves childlike faith).

PS. Exciting News! I’m creating something truly special—a new membership designed to help women deepen their faith journey. This membership will offer exclusive emails, prayer chats, Godly love letters, and even some thoughtful Christian merch to support you along the way. Be a part of a supportive community of women. I’m opening the waitlist now, so you’ll be the first to know when it launches. Reply “waitlist” to be notified. I can’t wait to tell you more soon!

Wrap up: 

Steps to Activate Faith Through Gratitude ~

1. Take Action: Don’t just ask God for things, show Him you’re serious by taking action on the thing you’ve been praying for. This could mean joining a small group in person or online if you’re looking for connections, or preparing yourself for the spouse or that dream business.
   
   
2. Thank & Praise God in Advance: Write down the things you’re believing for and thank God for them like they’ve already happened. Even before you see them, thank Him in faith. Reflect on your prayers each morning, thanking God everyday. This simple practice invites His presence into the waiting.

Hearing and speaking the Word is another great way to activate your faith. It prepares the ground for the breakthrough.

Look out for part 2 of 3 on the faith series; where I’ll talk about how to guard your heart and mind as you put faith into action.

There’s something exciting about knowing that your faith can move mountains, . 

Remember, your faith is seen, and believe your breakthrough is coming, my dear sister.

God bless you in abundance . 

Sarah | Woman of Faith xx