Fruitful Living
25 ways to build your faith in God and trust him in everything (Part 2)
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 NIV
PREFACE
Today we bring you the final part of 25 Ways To Build Your Faith In GOD And Trust Him In Everything.
INTRODUCTION
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Since pleasing God is essential to an abundant life, building our faith is a natural and essential step. We are living in a world where the temptation to doubt God is constant. His children need more than ever to learn how to trust in His goodness and have strong faith.
Last week we shared 12 practical ways to move toward a stronger faith and a heart that trusts God’s promises. Please enjoy the rest.
- TAKE YOUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE.
Many Christians struggle with doubt, and God’s Word teaches us that we are not alone. John the Baptist doubted Christ’s identity, and even Thomas did not believe it was Christ when he saw Him after His resurrection.
God is always calling His children out to deeper waters and into unknown areas. Why? To help us learn to trust Him. So, how do we deal with faith-crushing doubt? Let us pray and confess it to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. Let us fight against our doubts with the Word of God. Let us look up Bible verses that will help us make our every thought captive and obedient to Christ. Let us ask the Lord to grant us the faith to overcome our doubts, and it will surprise us how much our trust will grow.
- ALIGN YOUR LIFE UNDER HIS WILL
Sin erodes our faith in God and causes us to feel we have lost God’s love. When we do not feel loved or are ashamed, we avoid God’s presence, just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Our feelings drive us away from faith in God and His Word. A great way to build our faith is for us to repent and confess our sins. Acknowledging God’s holiness and aligning our plans under His sovereignty will open our life up to new and exciting ways to grow our faith. Let us ask God to show us if we have any sin that needs forgiving. As we make His will the desire of our heart, we give glory to God and start our journey to a stronger faith.
- FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF OTHERS
Often, we see people who seem to radiate strength and faith in God. If we are honest, we wish we had that kind of faith. How did they get to their spiritual condition? They stepped out of the boat, tested the waters, and trusted that God would hold them up or teach them to swim. Serving others is a perfect way to step out in faith and see how God works. The first thing to do is for us to find something we enjoy doing and serve in that area. Our church should have many opportunities to serve. If they do not have a ministry for us, then let us start one! God can use our joy in serving as a catalyst for growth in our life and impact the eternal life of others.
- MAKE GOD YOUR SECURITY
What do we depend on for our security and wellbeing? Is it a person other than Jesus? Is it in our job, talent, intelligence, or status? When we base our faith on things or people, then in time, our security crumbles. Jobs and fortunes are lost, and people die or leave us. There is always someone more intelligent, and our status is only a social media post away from being destroyed. It only takes one catastrophe to awaken us to the realisation that we have been building our lives on sand not on the Lord Jesus, our Rock. Let us make a list of the important things in our lives, then let us pray and give them into the Lord’s faithful hands. Let us ask the Father to bless us with the faith we need to trust Him completely. Then, we can stand firm no matter what bad things happen.
- PRACTISE CONTENTMENT
It is hard to be content if things do not go the way we want or when in the middle of a long trial. Discontentment, while natural, shows a lack of trust in God. The children of God must fight against discontentment. We should decide in advance to stand firm in our faith and trust in the goodness of God, no matter what. Whatever we are facing, let us focus on what He is accomplishing through our disappointment or suffering and on the promises of God. Let us remember to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and He will help us grow and trust even in our suffering.
- UTILISE YOUR SHIELD OF FAITH
A great enemy of our faith is spiritual warfare. Even though Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians in AD60, God’s Word is just as alive, active, and relevant today as it was then. Satan’s desire is for the children of God to doubt and lose faith. Satan attacks our faith because it is our shield and protects us from his fiery darts as we read in Ephesians 6:16. Before we find our faith wavering, let us read Ephesians 6 : 10-18 and make the Armour of God a part of our daily life. We find the secret to having enough faith in verse 10, “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” We do nothing in our strength, but our faith in God activates His power. Let us pray and confess our need for His power and protection. Let us ask Him to strengthen our faith so that we can stand against anything the enemy sends our way.
- REMOVE PRIDEFUL THINKING
Pride causes significant damage to our faith by challenging our trust in God. Pride teaches us we have all the answers, so we believe the lie and look to our own understanding more than God’s truth. Psalm 139:23-24 provides a template for testing our lives for any offensive ways. Let us pray and ask the Father to reveal any areas of our life dominated by pride and let us ask for His forgiveness. Let us list what He reveals in a notebook, then let us find Bible verses to help us overcome these prideful areas. As we pray and make a conscious effort to eradicate pride from our life, we will develop a deeper trust in God’s promises. A deeper trust leads to a closer relationship and a stronger faith in His love for us.
- BUILD TRUST THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer is a conversation with the Living God, yet His children often neglect it. When we pray, we get a sense of the heartbeat of God for the lost, our family, and our spiritual condition. When we do not have the words to pray, we can ask the Holy Spirit to pray for us. God has provided all we need to grow through prayer. So, let us start today and spend some time in the presence of the Lord. It may seem awkward at first, but when we pray and feel His presence, our faith will become firmly established. Christians who make prayer a part of their daily life will continue to grow in faith and trust as they see God move.
- BE A WITNESS OF HIS FAITHFULNESS
Talking to others about Christ is scary for many people, mainly because we think we do not have all the answers or we aren’t sure what words to use. Let us pray and surrender ourselves to be instruments for telling others about His love. Let us confess our fears and ask the Lord to help us share the Good News of Jesus Christ. God will open doors of opportunity for us to witness. We will find that God is faithful to give us words to speak, and the power of the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of the people through us. Our measure of faith will increase as we walk under the influence of His love and power.
- CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
We have all been in a situation where we know we need to step out in faith, but we shrink back. How do we overcome those moments when fear rules over our faith? A long time ago, our Heavenly Father provided all we need through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus called Him our Helper in John 14:26, so the next time we find ourselves in a situation where we want to shrink back, let us stop, and pray. Let us ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to strengthen our faith to step out and do what God is calling us to do. When we complete the assignment He has given us, our faith in Him will soar as He uses us to do great things.
- BE A GOOD STEWARD OF FAITH
Often, Christians long to have more faith even though they are not faithful with what they already have. One of the best ways to grow our faith is to be obedient to what we already know we should do but are not. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word of God. The first step toward a strong faith is to compile a list of what we already know we should be doing. For example, prayer and reading God’s Word should be a part of our daily lives. If they are not, our next step would be to make time for each of these things. Let us be faithful to what we have, and we will grow with each step of obedience we take!
- REMOVE OBSTACLES TO PEACE
The lack of peace is an obstacle to building faith and trust in God. There are many times we are not sure what to do, and the lack of peace freezes our progress. Other times, we are not sure we know the will of God, and the lack of peace keeps us from doing anything. In Isaiah 26:3, God promises to “keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Here is the secret to our peace: let us trust in God. Let us pray for God’s guidance and trust that the Spirit of God will not allow us to take one step outside of His will for our life. If we take Him at His Word and trust what He says is true, His perfect peace will dominate our mind resulting in the growth we desire.
- WALK CLOSELY WITH CHRIST JESUS
In Colossians 2:6-7, God instructs us to “walk in Christ Jesus the Lord.” Walking close to Him will give our faith the roots it needs to flourish. Here are some practical ways for us to walk closely with the Lord Jesus. First, let us read about Him in God’s Word. Learning more about what He has done and said will naturally lead us to the next step. Worship Him, praising Him for His sacrifice and love. Secondly, let us follow His lead in all areas of our life, including the service of others. As we walk with Him, we will be strengthened in our faith.
End Piece
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. However, the Bible tells us of many people who did please Him. The significance is that it is possible, so let us pray and seek the faith needed.
Prayer!
O Lord, we ask this day for Your help and provision to live faithful and pleasing lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have not yet confessed Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, this is an opportunity to do so. And when you do, just surrender totally to Him with your eternal future, for He will never leave nor forsake you – Hebrews 13:5
STAY BLESSED!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0243588467 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministries.org
By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Jesus teaches, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, nor it gives light to all in the house.”
Light is not meant to be hidden. In Ephesians 5:8, the Bible says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”
This means our faith should be visible in the way we live. Not in a loud or forceful way, but in a consistent and genuine way.
When we choose honesty, kindness, patience, and love, we are shining our light. People may not always listen to what we say, but they will see how we live.
Your life should point others to god
Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is the purpose of being salt and light. It is not about drawing attention to ourselves, but about pointing people to God.
In 1 Peter 2:12, we are encouraged to live such good lives that others may see our actions and glorify God.
Our lives become a testimony. The way we treat people, the way we handle challenges, and the way we walk in love all speak loudly. Through us, others can begin to see the goodness and grace of God.
6. Being salt and light requires a living relationship with God
We cannot live this life in our own strength.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Without me you can do nothing.” This reminds us that our ability to influence the world comes from our connection with Him.
As we spend time in prayer, study His Word, and walk in obedience, our lives are transformed. From that place, we begin to reflect Him naturally.
It is not about striving. It is about abiding in Him.
A simple reflection
To be salt and light means:
² To influence the world with Godly character
² To live differently according to God’s Word
² To shine through your daily actions
² To point others to Christ
² To remain connected to Him at all times
Conclusion
Jesus has already declared who you are. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. The question is whether you are living out that identity.
The world needs your influence. The world needs your light. In your home, your workplace, your church, and your community, God has placed you there for a reason.
As you walk with Him, your life will naturally make an impact. Shine your light, stay true to His Word and let your life bring glory to God.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee
The internationally accepted definition (from the UN Palermo Protocol, 2000) identifies three elements:
ACT (What is done), which includes:
• Recruitment, transportation, transfer harbouring, or receipt of persons. How it is Applied:
In Ghana, traffickers recruit children from rural areas under false promises of education or employment.
MEANS (How it is done), which includes:
• Threats
• Coercion
• Deception
• Abuse of vulnerability
How it is applied:
Parents may be deceived into releasing children, or victims may be threatened into silence.
PURPOSE (Why it is done), which includes:
• Sexual exploitation
• Forced labour
• Slavery
• Organ harvesting
Key Insight:
Even if a victim appears to “consent,” such consent is legally irrelevant if coercion or deception is involved.
Islamic legal principles align with this framework by prohibiting exploitation (ẓulm) and unjust enrichment, rendering trafficking morally and legally impermissible (Bawono & Huda, 2025).
Forms and impacts of human trafficking
Human trafficking manifests in several forms:
• Child trafficking → educational deprivation, psychological trauma
• Forced labour → economic exploitation, health risks
• Sexual exploitation → severe physical and emotional harm
• Organ trafficking → life-threatening and ethically egregious
Human trafficking manifests in diverse and interconnected forms. Child trafficking leads to loss of education, long-term psychological trauma, and entrenched poverty.
Forced labour subjects victims to severe economic exploitation and hazardous working conditions, often resulting in deteriorating health. Sexual exploitation inflicts profound physical abuse and emotional damage, alongside social stigma.
Organ trafficking poses life-threatening risks and represents a grave ethical violation. Collectively, these practices undermine human capital, weaken social structures, and hinder sustainable development. These forms collectively erode human capital and social stability.
Legal and Institutional Frameworks
International Legal Instruments
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)
The UDHR provides the normative foundation for global human rights law:
• Article 1: Affirms equality and freedom of all humans
• Article 4: Explicitly prohibits slavery and servitude
• Article 5: Prohibits torture and degrading treatment
Analytical Insight:
Human trafficking violates all three provisions simultaneously. Victims are deprived of freedom (Article 1), subjected to forced labour (Article 4), and exposed to degrading conditions (Article 5).
These align closely with Islamic prohibitions against oppression and injustice.
Palermo Protocol (2000)
This is the primary international legal instrument addressing trafficking:
• Provides the AMP definition (Act–Means–Purpose)
• Emphasises the 3Ps framework: Prevention, protection, prosecution
• Recognises victim rights and state obligations
Analytical insight:
The Protocol’s emphasis on protection and dignity parallels Islamic legal objectives, particularly the preservation of life and honour. Comparative studies show strong convergence between Islamic law and international anti-trafficking norms (Jamal, 2025).
Regional framework
African charter on human and peoples’ rights
• Article 5: Protects human dignity and prohibits exploitation
• Article 15: Guarantees equitable working conditions
Analytical insight:
The Charter contextualises human rights within African socio-cultural realities, reinforcing communal responsibility an idea that resonates with Islamic communal ethics (ummah).
National framework: Ghana 1992 Constitution of Ghana
• Article 15: Guarantees the dignity of all persons and prohibits torture or degrading treatment
• Article 16: Explicitly prohibits slavery, servitude, and forced labour
• Article 21: Guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms, including personal liberty, freedom of movement, and constitutional safeguard against human trafficking. In particular, Article 21 affirms the right of individuals to move freely, make autonomous decisions, and live without coercion.
Human trafficking directly contravenes these rights by restricting victims’ movement, subjecting them to confinement, and denying their personal liberty through deception and force. Victims are often transported against their will and held in exploitative conditions, thereby violating their constitutional freedoms.
Consequently, trafficking not only breaches specific prohibitions under Articles 15 and 16 but also fundamentally undermines the broader human rights guarantees freedom from arbitrary restraint.
Human Trafficking Act (Act 694, as amended)
• Criminalises all forms of human trafficking, including recruitment, transportation, harbouring, and exploitation
• Provides for victim protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration through state-supported mechanisms
• Establishes institutional frameworks for investigation, prosecution, and inter-agency collaboration
Critical and normative insight:
The Act reflects Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding human dignity and aligns with international standards. However, enforcement challenges persist due to limited funding, weak institutional coordination, and low public awareness, which hinder effective implementation.
From an Islamic perspective, the provisions of Act 694 resonate strongly with core Sharīʿah principles. Islam unequivocally prohibits all forms of exploitation (ẓulm), coercion, and the commodification of human beings. Human trafficking violates the divinely ordained dignity (karāmah) of individuals, undermines justice (‘adl), and disrupts social balance. By criminalising trafficking and promoting victim protection, the Act indirectly advances the higher objectives of
Islamic law (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah), particularly the preservation of life, dignity, and wealth. Thus, both Islamic teachings and Ghanaian law converge in condemning trafficking as a grave moral and legal injustice.
Page | 8
Children’s Act (Act 560)
• Protects children from exploitative labour and harmful practices
• Promotes access to education, welfare, and holistic development
Domestic Violence Act (Act 732)
• Addresses physical, emotional, and psychological abuse often associated with trafficking
• Provides legal remedies, protection orders, and support systems for victims
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Certified
Counsellor and Governance Expert
News3 days agoGhana’s Chris Koney participates in high-level dialogue at Africa Forward Summit 2026
- News1 week ago
Isaac Adongo defends BOG Governor, says Ghana “in safe hands”
- Features3 days ago
Fix It Fast or Lose Them Forever: The Ever-Rising Importance of Service Recovery in Competitive Industries
