Nurturing Faith: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth

The Practice of Faith: Getting Back to the Basics of Growth

As a teacher and coach, I’ve spent my life teaching, mentoring, and preparing others for the challenges that lie ahead. Whether it’s on the field or in the classroom, I know one fundamental truth: Success isn’t an accident; it’s the result of hard work, preparation, and consistent practice.  Faithfulness is often not practiced like football, wrestling, baseball or track.  Faithfulness requires a consistent and steady dose of God daily in our walk.

Today, as I sat down with my “Coach’s Bible,” I realized that I often apply that same discipline to my professional and family life, yet I occasionally let my spiritual growth become passive. I have always relied on God—He is the foundation of my life, my work, and my family. I seek His guidance, I pray daily, and I look for the doors He opens.  But, at times I fail to do what I should do to practice my faith.

But as I was reading today, it hit me: Am I nurturing that relationship with the same intentionality I use for everything else?  I had to ask myself, where am I at in my faith walk?  What am I doing daily to grow my faith?  Am I falling short in my practice of being a faithful person, husband, father, teacher and coach?

I’ll be the first to admit that I often fall short of His expectations—and my own. I realized that if I want to truly deepen my faith, I need a roadmap. That road map is God’s word (Bible). It takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to meet God on His terms, not just my own.  It takes faithful practice to get to the level I want to be.  It takes commitment to be committed.  

I’m committing to doing better—to working smarter and staying open to His will. I know I’ll fail at times, but the pursuit itself is where the transformation happens. Just as I have a daily teaching plan or practice plan for sports.  Here is the “practice plan” I’ve put together to help me grow my faith daily:

1. Read the Word Daily

The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s a manual for life. It’s packed with encouragement, wisdom, and parables that speak to our current circumstances. I’m committing to taking a few minutes every single day to read, open my heart, and see the world through His eyes.

2. Surround Yourself with People of Faith

We are the average of the people we spend the most time with. I love my friends and family, but I’ve realized how important it is to be around those who have experienced God’s grace. I want to be around people who have been broken, hurt, and weary, but who have found their healing in Him. Their stories are a testament to His power, and their presence is life-giving. I am blessed to work with some of the most faithful men and women.  I have seen the power of faith do great things as I walk and work with these people.

3. Put Messages into Practice

Faith is not a spectator sport. It’s “on-the-job training.” When I read a message or gain an insight, I have to go out and live it. The best results in faith, just like in coaching, come from simple obedience—doing what you are supposed to do and trusting God for the outcome. As a friend of mine once said, “Don’t talk about it, be about it”.

4. Seek Out Faith-Based Wisdom

I’m expanding my intake. By reading faith-based books, watching uplifting media, and listening to the advice of fellow believers, I can view my life through different perspectives. It reminds me that this is my journey; I get to learn, grow, and discern how God is speaking to me personally.  Writing my blog daily on various topics of the Bible enables me to see more words and gather more wisdom and knowledge.  This will help me better seek Wisdom.

5. Trust the Process

I’m in my late fifties, and like many of us, I’ve hit some unexpected corners and challenges recently. I don’t always know the direction I’m headed, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to. My job is to get into the Word, be patient, listen, pray, and wait for God to work. His timing is rarely mine, but his timing is always the best.  I tell my football players and wrestlers to trust the process.  I have to do the exact same in being faithful.  

A Final Thought from the Sidelines

Whatever or whomever you choose to worship, I encourage you to find your way of growing. For me, it is the Living God and His word. Set goals for your spiritual life. Practice your faith like you practice your craft. When you do, you’ll find that the inner peace you’ve been searching for has been there waiting for you all along.  God bless and I hope this helps you to set a plan for faithfulness.  Faithfulness applies to all aspects of life!  Spiritual, Mental and Physical!

Let’s get to work.

Coach B!