The Encouraging Rise of Faith Among Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha

I do a lot flying to various destinations to cover various sports and the impact it has on our lives by talking to athletes and their preparation. It is one of the most rewarding work that I have done.

In a world dominated by screens, skepticism, and rapid change, it is profoundly encouraging to witness Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha actively exploring faith. Surveys and anecdotal reports reveal growing numbers of young people turning to spirituality, seeking purpose beyond material success or digital validation.

This resurgence highlights faith’s enduring power—not as abstract belief, but as a transformative force integrating mind, body, and soul. Yet faith remains notoriously difficult to describe. It is more than intellectual assent or emotional comfort; it demands action. I explain it this way, just replace the word Faith with perseverance that athletes are all too familiar with in their training and conditioning.

The Apostle Paul and James, the brother of Jesus, turned to sports to illustrate influence of faith. Paul compared the Christian life to rigorous athletic training. In 1 Corinthians 9:25-26, he writes: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control.”

James echoes this by insisting that faith without works is dead (James 2:17-18): “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

Scripture consistently shows that genuine faith is preceded by a physical act of obedience. This pattern reveals faith as holistic—engaging intellect, will, and body.

Consider Joshua leading Israel into Canaan. As they approached the flooded Jordan River at harvest stage, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to step into the swift, dangerous current first (Joshua 4:18). Only then did God stop the waters, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground toward Jericho. Their faith was not passive waiting; it required stepping forward into uncertainty.

Also as Paul alluded to about fitness, I follow a BAJA FITNESS & MAC DIET PROGRAM AT AGE 68.

A remarkable subplot involves Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho who hid two Israelite spies. One spy, Salmon of the tribe of Judah, later married her. Rahab became the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth. Their lineage produced King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Rahab’s physical act of courage and hospitality demonstrated faith that altered history.

Another powerful example is Naaman, the Syrian general afflicted with leprosy (2 Kings 5). The prophet Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the muddy Jordan River. Naaman protested—surely Syria’s cleaner rivers were superior—but at his servants’ urging, he obeyed. His flesh was restored. Like the Mississippi, the Jordan was no pristine stream, yet Naaman’s humble physical obedience brought healing.

In the New Testament, four friends lowered a paralyzed man through a roof to reach Jesus amid a crowd (Luke 5:17-26). Seeing their faith—demonstrated through determined, physical effort—Jesus declared, “Your sins are forgiven” and healed the man.

Similarly, a woman suffering twelve years of bleeding believed that touching the hem of Jesus’ garment would heal her (Luke 8:43-44). She pressed through the crowd and reached out. Immediately, her bleeding stopped. Her quiet, courageous action embodied living faith. Jesus knew something had occurred because He felt power leaving Him.

These stories underscore a vital principle: faith without corresponding action remains incomplete. Whether stepping into a river, digging through a roof, or stretching out a hand, the physical deed activates divine response.

Today’s young generations intuitively grasp this. Many Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha believers engage faith through tangible practices—serving in communities, pursuing justice, maintaining spiritual disciplines amid social media distractions.

This holistic understanding revitalizes the churches across our wonderful country. As Paul and James taught, faith is similar to athletic perseverance. It calls us to move, serve, and obey in practice and performance.

For Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha leading the way, their willingness to act on belief offers hope for a spiritually renewed future. May we all follow their example, stepping out so that faith—mind, body, and soul—can flourish.

Also, Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, don’t become discouraged with your career opportunities. Our economy has taken a seismic shift from white collar administration careers to blue collar revolution careers. My degree was in Engineering, where I worked with a utility as a grid engineer for 35- years. But before I retired, I attended a community college for 18- months for welding in 2014.

I have had the most enjoyment that was supposed to have been a hobby that has turned into my second career. So take some time and attend a community college and learn a skill. Mike Rowe estimates that there are presently 6,000,000 skills jobs that are needed NOW.

Some employers will pay for you to attend a community college for a trade. None of us knows what our future will be, but this is a huge opportunity for your generation. But GUYS, nothing can replace perseverance! NOTHING!

For those that are delving into the Bible for the first time and would like a road map like Cliff Notes, I wrote three books in common language with background stories to help people understand the text of the Bible:

Select the various exercises elements below to choose my Full-Body Work Program that I perform 6 days per week:

The Widow’s Oil: Faith That Multiplies

In 2 Kings 4, a desperate widow approached the prophet Elisha. Her husband, a faithful servant of the prophets, had died, leaving heavy debts. The creditor now threatened to seize her two sons as slaves. With nothing left but a small jar of olive oil, she cried out for help.

Elisha instructed her: “Go, borrow empty jars from your neighbors—not just a few, but as many as you and your sons can gather.” She obeyed, filling the house with vessels. Then, behind closed doors, she began pouring. The oil flowed miraculously, never stopping until every jar was full.

The lesson is powerful: God’s blessings are limited only by our faith. The widow’s obedience in gathering vessels determined the size of her miracle. When she sold the oil, she paid her debts and lived on the rest. We, too, set the boundaries of God’s provision by how boldly we trust and prepare for His abundance just as physical and spiritual. Remember Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. We are the limit to God’s ability to bless us.