f asked this question, how would you answer? First, let’s consider the meaning of faith. The dictionary gives two definitions of faith. The first is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” And the second is “strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.”
The Bible explains what faith is: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
For the Christian, the object of faith is complete and unwavering trust and hope in the God of the Scriptures and His unfailing promises. It is this faith that enables us to live victoriously in a topsy-turvy and corrupt world where for many, wrong is right, and right is wrong.
The Bible tells us: “And without faith it is impossible to please [God], for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him ” (Hebrews 11:6). Also, Christians “walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The word walk means live. This means that faith is foundational to the Christian life. There is no other way anyone is able to please God apart from faith.
Faith helps us to look above and beyond the things around us that we can physically see, feel and touch. For this reason, the Bible teaches: “So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). We must therefore pray, read, and meditate on the Word of God every day. God will be honored and glorified accordingly.
It is also important to fully realize that faith is the means through which we have a relationship with God. The apostle Paul writes: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Genuine faith is having the utmost confidence in God who “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).
Faith allows us to seek God’s guidance, strength, and wisdom when the storms, trials, and uncertainties of life assail us. We have this assurance that God is working things out for our good. Consider this about God, which should support and strengthen our faith in Him. “God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it” (Numbers 23:19).
Think about this. When we are ready to sit, we don’t doubt or question whether the chair will collapse or hold us. We simply take a seat. We are most confident that the chair will support us. Why then, don’t we have even more faith in God who will never disappoint?
“Stretch the muscle of your faith.” Writes Dr. Harold Sala. “Has God ever answered a prayer for you? Even one time? I’m certain you can single out at least one time when what you prayed for happened, right? For many years I kept a ledger of crises—situations that were really tough—and as a result of prayer, God answered in very definite ways. Human nature is such that you tend to forget yesterday’s answer” (Today Can Be Different (Nov. 20). Published by Regal Books).
Faith in God means our confident belief that He is the Sovereign Creator of the universe, and all things visible and invisible. And also that God is “omnipotent,” that is, He is all-powerful; “omniscient,” that is, He knows and sees everything; “omnipresent,” that is, He is everywhere at the same time. We must also take into account that faith and trust go hand in hand, because faith leads to trust.
Trusting God means that what He has promised, He is able to perform. Trust is a result of what you believe. It is God’s desire that His children completely trust Him against all odds because He cannot fail.
Here’s another insightful quote by Harold Sala: “Without trust our faith is incomplete. Trust is the assurance that God, who cannot lie, will never let you down. Trust is faith in action, rest from your anxious striving, freedom from worry” (Today Can Be Different (Nov. 21). Published by Regal Books).
Never abandon your faith. Trust in God no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. Remember, the believer in Christ has full assurance of eternal life, and nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
Jeremiah 17:7 says: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.” The Lord will be gracious and bless those who trust in Him.
Also, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). This means complete reliance upon the Lord. Therefore, He says to you and me: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
It was never God’s intent for us to live the Christian life on our own, that is, without His help and guidance.
The Bible says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).