Do you fully understand what it means to walk in faith?
Faith is an essential component of the Christian life. In fact, it is critical to your walk and relationship with God. However, many people in the church partner with a superficial faith that isn’t authentic at all.
First, let’s define what faith isn’t. It is not positive thinking. It isn’t a presumption, and it most definitely does not encompass self-confidence. Faith is quite the opposite of what the world says it is.
What is Faith?
God’s Perspective on Faith
Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV, NIV, NASB, The Message, and NLT Translations)
In times of studying God’s word, it can be fruitful and helpful to read different translations so that you can gather a broader picture of what scripture is saying. Together, let’s explore five different translations of Hebrews 11:1. (Be sure to read each verse slowly and meditate on this divinely inspired definition of faith.)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1, NKJV
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1, NIV
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1, NASB
“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.”
Hebrews 11:1, MSG
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1, NLT
What consistent theme did you notice? How did these different translations shed a new light on your understanding of faith?
Faith in Impossible Circumstances
It was revealed in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is putting our trust in what we cannot see.
Life presents many challenges that can cloud our perception of the character and goodness of God. Most times, when faced with adversity, we rely and trust on our personal hopes, abilities, and confidence, ultimately believing in only what we see.
As we engage with our faith by having a firm conviction and confidence that God will do the impossible, we create a space to witness God do what can’t be humanly done.
Faith is surrendering your tithe even when you don’t have enough money to pay your bills.
Faith is believing God will heal you even when the doctors are positive you won’t survive.
Faith is believing God will change your wayward child’s path even when they are running down the road of destruction.
Faith is submitting to the will of God for your life, believing that He will cover you and work it out in His perfect way and timing. It is a firm conviction, trust, and reliance on the One who holds the world in His hands. And as you believe and obey the God that will always make a way where there seems to be no way, He will work out the miraculous in your life.
So, how can we partner with true faith in both seasons of blessing and opposition? Let’s look at three truths about faith we can apply to our lives today.
3 Truths to Remember About Faith
Faith is a Requirement to Walk With God (Hebrews 11:6)
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6, NKJV
Do you identify as a Christian? If so, faith is a requirement to walk the walk and talk the talk. In fact, it is impossible to cultivate a flourishing relationship with God without faith.
Hebrews 11 gives us an inside look at those in the Bible who lived by faith. Unfortunately, some of these identified people never witnessed the promises of God in their time of walking this earth. But all experienced the heart transformation of God at work on their behalf as they made the choice to have great faith.
By faith, Abel offered a more extravagant sacrifice to God.
By faith, Enoch walked with God until he was taken into the heavens, avoiding death’s sting.
By faith, Noah built an ark on dry land, waiting for God to open the heavens with torrential rain.
By faith, Abraham left the comfort of home to go to a place unknown to him.
By faith, Sarah, well past childbearing age, believed God would give her a son.
By faith, Abraham offered his one and only son to be sacrificed, knowing in his spirit that God would raise him back to life.
By faith, Moses’ mother would hide him in a tar-lined basket, believing God would spare his life.
By faith, David defeated a giant with only five smooth stones and a slingshot.
I believe you or someone you know has experienced God’s miracle-working power by way of faith. When our faith moves God, He opens doors, answers prayers, gives promotions, and heals bodies.
God desires for His children to walk and live by faith. Be encouraged; when you trust and obey Him by applying His word to your life, God is faithful to move!
Godly Faith is Pointed Toward God (Hebrews 11:1)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1, NKJV
To be a person of faith requires us to believe what we do not see, which encompasses the sovereignty of an unseen God. When we live in such a way that our circumstances reveal the supernatural provision of God’s peace and assurance, we become a testimony of God’s goodness to the world around us.
I know many of us put our hope in many different things, but God wants our faith to remain steadfast in Him and know that He will work things out. We believe in people, finances, places, and job security. However, our one true provision comes from Jesus Christ alone.
Do you believe it, or are you just going through the motions, relying on the work of your hands?
Faith Without Works is Dead (James 2:20, 26)
“But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
James 2:20, 26, NKJV
Unfortunately, a significant amount of believers claim that they are Christian, but their actions say otherwise, and doing so proves that their faith is dead.
When we accept Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we begin the process of spiritual transformation. This causes us to walk the path of life, making decisions that coincide with our new identity. Because we now have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, our thoughts, actions, and attitudes should come in agreement with that.
Maybe you have lived a life without faith and are struggling with questions and doubt. Perhaps you have walked away from God altogether and are now a prisoner of the choices you have made. Can I encourage you? If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven can be yours.
Help My Unbelief
If you have a glimmer of belief that a baby was born to a virgin and lived a sin-free life, God will draw near. If a small part of you believes that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose from the grave after three days, God will welcome you to His throne. If a small part of you believes Jesus will come again with all power in His hands, He will call you son or daughter.
Mark 9:23-24, NKJV says, “Jesus says, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’”
Jesus welcomes us in our unbelief and desires to come alongside us and strengthen our faith in him. What a faithful Savior he is!
Jesus promises to save and forgive you with even the tiniest speck of faith. Are you willing to believe in God’s word as you obediently walk in light of faith?
For more on strengthening your faith as a disciple of Christ, check out Pastor John’s sermon, Faith Towards God.
