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5 Examples Of Devotion In The Bible To Ignite Your Faith

Learn from inspiring Bible stories of unwavering faith. Discover how to apply these examples of devotion in the Bible to your own spiritual journey.

Have you ever heard of anyone who loves taking tests? I would say it is quite uncommon to enjoy a test! In school, the test was the part of the class that everyone looked forward to with fear and anxiety!

But tests are important for the teacher to be able to determine a student’s ability or understanding of the subject and how much they still have to learn. Sometimes students don’t pass the test, but they still benefited from taking it because they learned what work they still needed to do in order to succeed.

In the same way, when you go through trials and tests as a Christian, you are learning whether the quality of your faith will stand up to pressure and be a reliable, durable source of strength for you. The process of going through the test teaches you how to endure and strengthen your faith.

James 1:2-4 says:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

The goal of testing is to make sure you are mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Tests are never fun, of course! They can be difficult and discouraging. As GotQuestions says in an article about how the testing of faith produces endurance:

“It is one thing to stand firm in our convictions when everything is going well and our faith remains untested. But how do we react when God seems silent, when everything is falling apart, when our hearts are broken, and our dreams are shattered? It’s then that the trials of this life truly test our faith and provide an opportunity to produce perseverance—a steadfast endurance that develops spiritual wholeness and maturity in us. When our confidence in Christ is proven unshakable through the fires of adversity, we can face any situation with joy, determination, and ever-increasing hope. We can trust God to uphold us through it all and reward us in the end.”

GotQuestions

The Bible is your study guide and source of inspiration for being able to deal with tests and trials, and it will help you strengthen your relationship with Christ. Not only do the words of Scripture alert you to areas in your life that need to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, but they are also a great source of encouragement and comfort in times of difficulty.

God’s Word is full of stories of Biblical characters who went through great testing and came through it with strengthened faith.  These inspirational Bible stories showcase the importance and rewards of unwavering devotion, ultimately leading to a stronger connection with Christ.

This article will explore 5 examples from the Bible of people who remained devoted to God in spite of trials and testing:

  • Abraham’s unwavering trust when God asked to do the most difficult thing imaginable;
  • Ruth’s unflinching loyalty and compassion for her mother-in-law;
  • David’s deep love for God as shown through the Psalms;
  • Mary’s humble submission and acceptance of God’s call even when facing uncertainty;
  • Jesus’ life as a perfect example of devotion to God and to humanity

If you are seeking a deeper connection with God, but you find it challenging to maintain your faith amidst life’s distractions, difficult times, and a constant battle against doubt, then read on! Learn from inspiring Bible stories of unwavering faith and discover how to apply these examples of devotion in the Bible to your own spiritual journey.

5 Examples of Biblical Devotions to Strengthen Your Faith

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Example #1: Abraham’s Unwavering Trust

The first example of someone with unwavering faith in God was Abraham. The story of Abraham reveals that he was a man who trusted God continually as he left his home to journey where God was telling him to go (Genesis 12), and believed God’s promises to establish him and make his descendents into a great nation (Genesis 12:2–3; 15:4–5).

Abraham was elderly and had no children at that time, but he still believed God’s promise; he was rewarded for his faith when a son was miraculously born to him and his wife in their old age. This son, Isaac, was promised to be the one through whom succeeding generations would come (Genesis 21:12).

Imagine his consternation and fear when God later told him to sacrifice this son of promise as proof of his faith (Genesis 21:12) ! Even so, Abraham did not hesitate to obey God. He did not delay, question, or argue. He immediately packed up what was needed for the sacrifice and set out with his son, Isaac, on the journey to the mountain where God had instructed him to go.

Abraham’s willingness to go through with sacrificing his son Isaac was a supreme act of trust in God’s plan. If God required it, then he would do it. He trusted God so much that he fully believed that God would fulfill His promise, even if it meant bringing Isaac back from the dead after being sacrificed (Hebrews 11:19).

Abraham had unwavering trust in God and it strengthened his relationship with God and he was commended for it.  Romans 4:20–22 says this about Abraham:

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:20–22

Abraham’s faithfulness in obeying highlights the importance of trusting God even during difficult times. Abraham remained convinced that God was able to do what He had promised, and God was glorified by his unwavering faith.

In the same way, you can trust God to do everything for you that He has promised, even when you are faced with seemingly impossible tasks or difficulties. God’s promises are a source of strength and encouragement and He is trustworthy to fulfill those promises when you trust in Him and are willing to obey and surrender to His will.

The following scripture verses talk about trust in God; trust and obedience to God go hand in hand to strengthen your faith as you rely on Him:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Example #2: Ruth’s Unflinching Loyalty and Compassion

The second example of someone with unwavering faith in God was Ruth. The story of Ruth is one of unflinching loyalty and compassion. Ruth was the Moabite daughter-in-law of Naomi, who had moved to Moab from Judah in Israel with her husband and two sons.

After the death of the husband and both sons, Naomi and Ruth were left as destitute widows.  Naomi decided to return to Judah and encouraged Ruth and her other daughter-in-law Orpah to stay in Moab and return to their families because Naomi felt there would be nothing for them in Judah.

Orpah reluctantly kissed Naomi goodbye and returned to her family. Ruth, however, refused and would not listen to her suggestions to leave. She begged to be allowed to stay with her mother-in-law. She was deeply loyal to Naomi and also to Naomi’s God, as revealed in her plea to stay by her mother-in-law’s side, But Ruth replied,

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth gave Naomi her unwavering support and dedication. In her loyalty, she was willing to forsake her homeland and help provide for Naomi with no guarantee of security for herself. Upon their return to Judah, she remained committed to Naomi’s welfare, gleaning in the fields for grain to provide them with food.

God rewarded her compassion and loyalty by bringing her a second husband to care for her and Naomi, as well as a child who was the ancestor of King David and eventually Jesus Himself.

In the same way, just as Ruth was loyal to God and compassionate towards Naomi, you should also give your full loyalty to God and serve others with love and compassion. Treating others with compassion means to give them the same care, understanding, and kindness that we desire for ourselves, acting out of concern for their well-being.

When you show compassion, you are making God’s love tangible in the lives of others. This can serve as a way to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with Christ as you live out His teachings to love others as yourself.

The following scripture verses talk about loyalty and compassion; by practicing these Christian virtues, your faith will be fostered and grow as you serve:

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 13:34

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:17

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

Example #3: David’s Deep Love for God

The third example of someone with unwavering faith in God was David. An entire book of the Bible is devoted to David’s communication with God as he poured out his heartfelt love, praise, and gratitude towards the One who meant everything to him.

Throughout the Psalms, David expressed his love of God through words of praise, thanksgiving, and adoration and constantly turned to Him when he needed help or encouragement, or when he was going through trials and difficulties.

Psalm 73:25-28 is a perfect example of what a relationship with God meant to David:

Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

 My flesh and my heart may fail,

 but God is the strength of my heart

 and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73:25-28

As Deanna Brooks says in an article about David’s prayers and communication with God,

The Psalms show how David walked with God in all stages of life. He turns to God as we often do to a close friend who knows all our joys, hurts, and secrets, and that open communication molds David into a man after God’s own heart.”

Deanna Brooks

By continually entering into praise and worship, David was able to change his perspective on his trials and difficulties. When David was praising and worshiping the Lord, he knew he was in the  presence of God, and this allowed him to see his problems in a different light. He entrusted all his struggles to God and he was strengthened so that he was able to praise the Lord continually (Psalm 34:1).

In the same way, you can strengthen and nourish your own faith and cultivate a thriving relationship with Christ as you are reminded of God’s love and greatness and His power over every circumstance. Like David, you can walk closely with God through every joy and every difficulty.

The following Psalms are just a few among many that express devotion; by expressing such prayers and devotion to God, you will be able to change your perspective to one of worship, joy, and increased faith in God:

  • In this Psalm, David declares his need and longing for God’s presence, and declares,

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 63:1-8
  • He glorifies God for his majesty as the creator and ruler over everything saying:

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:9
  • David praises God for saving him and declares God’s trustworthiness and care for the individual, saying,

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

Psalm 40:2
  • David sings a song of joy celebrating God’s creation and the care He has for each part of it, saying,

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 65:8
  • David worships God for all He has done, proclaiming,

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

Psalm 150:6

Example #4: Mary’s Humble Submission Deepens Faith

The fourth example of someone with unwavering faith in God was Mary. Even when facing the uncertainty of what life as an unwed mother would mean, she willingly accepted God’s call to be the mother of Jesus.

At first she was confused and troubled when the angel Gabriel announced to her that she was favored and would conceive a child who would be King (Luke 1). Yet when the angel explained how it would come to pass, and reminded her that nothing would be impossible with God, she humbly submitted to God’s will and said, “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She knew it was going to be a very difficult time ahead, but she accepted God’s promise in faith that He would go before her and that it would work out according to His plan. She later said in Luke 1:49, “the Mighty One has done great things for me …”, proving that Mary knew God was faithful and good and would be with her.

In an article about Mary’s call and the cost it would have on her life, Thomas A. Tarrants shares, “Mary’s pregnancy was a calling from God that carried a high personal cost. But because of her trust in God and her devotion to Him, she willingly accepted the call, knowing full-well that the road ahead would not be easy. Mary’s response invites us to examine our own trust and devotion to God. Are we willing to follow her example of faith and costly obedience?”

It requires humility, trust, and faith to believe that God’s ways are beyond your understanding, but like Mary, you can agree to let God’s will be done in your life. Rest assured that God will be with you and guide you as He did Mary!

When you surrender to God’s will and find purpose in His plans, your faith will be deepened and your relationship with Christ will be strengthened.

The following Scripture verses reveal how you can follow God even when the path is not clear; this will result in strengthened faith as you see how faithful God is in fulfilling His promises to you:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 56:11

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 9:10

…the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:8

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.

Isaiah 30:21

Example #5: Jesus, The Ultimate Example of Devotion

The fifth example is Jesus, who is the ultimate example of devotion to God and to humanity. Even though Jesus was fully God, He laid aside His glory to come into the world as fully human and lived in voluntary submission to God His entire life.

Everything Jesus did was part of His service to God’s plan for the world and it was all done for God’s glory and not His own. Even though He knew it was leading to painful death on the cross, He submitted to God’s plan and pursued it wholeheartedly because it was the only answer to salvation for humanity.

Jesus’ life was a one of constant service to others as an example of how God cares for His people. John 13:15 tells how Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humble service and commanded them to do the same for each other.

He spent time with people who were considered outcast and unacceptable and treated them the same as everyone else. He miraculously provided food for thousands and healed the sick and brought the dead back to life.

Though you may not have power to heal or miraculously produce food, you can follow Jesus’ example of love for others by serving them willingly and pursuing God with complete devotion.

You can spend time with God daily in a quiet place just as Jesus did, knowing He needed God’s presence and guidance to strengthen Him for His mission. Loving God with Jesus-like devotion will bolster your faith like nothing else can!

The following are just a few among many scripture passages that emphasize Jesus’ message of love and servanthood; as you seek to be like Jesus in all that you do and say, your faith will grow and increase exponentially:

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:37-40

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

…and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

Igniting Your Own Devotion

Hopefully something you have read here in these inspirational Bible stories will provide a spark in igniting your own devotion. If you need more guidance in how to become more devoted to God and strong in your faith, try implementing some of the following Christian virtues that will help with your spiritual growth.

Prayer Life

A relationship with God is vital to spiritual growth, and the best way to strengthen your personal bond with Him is to talk to Him. Prayer allows you to be honest with God as you share with Him your struggles as well as your joys and your needs — just as David did in the Psalms.

Remember, too, that prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say to you in return, as He encourages and guides you.

Devotional Reading

The Bible itself declares the benefit of reading and studying the scriptures in 2 Timothy 3:16–17:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

In order to grow in your Christian faith and your understanding of God’s will, you need to be consistently studying the Bible in order to learn and apply Biblical wisdom to your life.

It can also be helpful to read devotionals based on scripture or that cover specific topics where you might be struggling. These devotionals, along with reading the Bible encourage you and guide you in a deeper understanding of your faith.

An excellent devotional I have read myself is Fear Less: 30 Devotions for Courageous Faith.  It is an excellent and helpful resource for strengthening your faith as you learn to put aside worry and fear.

Another devotional I have read and highly recommend is the Christian Weight Loss Devotional. It is such an encouraging read, especially if you are struggling with weight loss, but it is also a wonderful resource for helping you to better understand your true worth in Christ as you learn to lean on Him for strength.

Community

Community is important to you as a believer. Being part of a church or a faith-based group provides support for when you are going through difficult times, or just supplying the encouragement you need as you share with others and worship together.

Worshiping collectively will benefit you in your journey to deeper devotion, as you praise God together with other believers.

Communities of believers who are going through similar struggles can hold each other accountable as well as provide valuable insight and encouragement.

One such community that I have found helpful and of great comfort during my weight loss journey is the Faithful Finish Lines community at The FREE Christian Weight Loss Program. Check it out if you are in need of similar encouragement, you won’t regret it!

Acts of Service

Service to others is also a vital part of igniting devotion. You are imitating the example of Jesus when you perform acts of service, and mirroring Christ’s devotion to God with your actions on behalf of others.

FAQs About Examples of Devotion in the Bible

How can I identify the type of devotion that aligns with me?

The best way to create a devotional practice that works for you is to simply start devoting yourself to God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you go. The Spirit knows what you need and knows what works well for you. The ultimate goal is to learn the joy and deepened faith that comes from walking steadily through life with God.

Is it okay to find struggles along my path to stronger devotion?

  1. Is it okay to find struggles along my path to stronger devotion?

It is definitely okay, and in fact, there are numerous places in the Bible where it says you will surely encounter struggles in life as a believer. So you should expect it and not be discouraged when it happens. God will sustain you during those struggles! As God said to the Apostle Paul in 12 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Where can I find resources to deepen my understanding of devotion?

The best resource for deepening your devotion is the Bible itself, particularly the book of Psalms which are devoted to proclaiming devotion to the Lord. If you are looking for help in how to study the Bible more effectively, an article providing guidance on having daily devotions might help.

Tools for prayer might also prove useful, since prayer is communicating with God and you will certainly experience deeper devotion as you get to know God better.

GotQuestions is a helpful website for giving biblical answers to your questions about God, the Bible and theology. Two articles in particular might help as you seek to increase your faith and to deepen your devotion.

Finding Strength and Resilience in Biblical Examples

If you are seeking a deeper connection with God, but you find it challenging to maintain your faith amidst life’s distractions, difficult times, and a constant battle against doubt, then remember the examples of Biblical characters who were fully devoted to God.

Abraham was unwavering in his trust; Ruth was unflinching in her loyalty and compassion; David loved God deeply and expressed his love in psalms and songs; Mary humbly submitted to God which deepened her faith; and Jesus served as the ultimate example of devotion in His service submission to God’s plan. 

Take these inspiring Bible stories of unwavering faith as your example and embrace devotion for a deeper, more resilient faith.

Ignite your own devotion by increasing your bond with God through prayer, consistent Bible study, joining a faith-based community for support and encouragement, and being willing to serve others with Christ-like love.

As you do this, you will soon experience for yourself the importance and rewards of unwavering devotion, ultimately leading to a stronger connection with Christ.

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