What is Faith?

 

I heard faith simply defined once as “believing in something you can’t see,” and I think that is the perfect definition. There are so many times I simply have to trust and believe that God is real and that what He says is true because God isn’t sitting here beside me to teach or guide me. My faith in Him, even though I can’t see Him, is what drives me each and every day. Faith is a fundamental concept of Christianity, and it encompasses belief, trust, and unwavering confidence in God and His promises. It serves as the bedrock of a Christian's spiritual journey and should shape their relationship with God, their worldview, and their daily lives. It would take an entire library to cover the topic of faith adequately, so there’s no way this blog will do it justice, but what I want to do is give you a basic understanding of what faith is, what it’s comprised of, and how to nurture it. Hopefully, this is just a springboard to launch you into your own journey delving into the depths of this beautiful thing that God has gifted us called faith. 

1. Understanding Faith:

At its core, faith is not just the acceptance of religious doctrines or beliefs, but rather the starting point to a personal, intimate relationship with God. Faith begins by surrendering to God's will and acknowledging His sovereignty while simultaneously understanding, and accepting, our own brokenness and need for Him. Faith enables Christians to embrace the unseen, trusting in God's existence, love, and guidance, even when life throws us trials and challenges.

2. The Components of Faith:

a. Belief in God: Faith begins with the belief that God exists and is actively involved in the lives of humans. This forms the basis for all other aspects of faith. After all, you can’t be a Christian without believing that God exists!

b. Trust in God's Word: Christians place trust in the truth and reliability of God's Word, the Bible. It becomes the lens through which the world is viewed, shaping values, morals, and decisions. The Bible is both a compass guiding our lives as Christians and also a love letter from God revealing His character, attributes, and love for us. Next time you open up the Bible to do your (hopefully) daily reading, read it in that light and see if as a letter from God to you! It might change your whole perspective on the Bible!

c. Confidence in God's Promises: Faith is anchored in the assurance of God's promises. Christians trust that God will fulfill His Word and remain faithful, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise. This is where the “rubber meets the road” with faith. Having confidence in God’s promises and believing that He will always remain faithful is the hope that keeps us afloat in a world that seems determined to beat us down. 

d. Obedience and Action: Genuine faith prompts believers to respond in obedience and live out their convictions. Faith without action is dead, just read James 2:17. This is where, I think, a lot of people stop in their definition or understanding of faith. They see it as a spiritual thing only and they leave out the fact that true faith compels us to act and live out that faith. True, genuine faith will always show itself by the action that it takes in obedience to God’s Word. 

3. Nurturing and Growing in Faith:

Faith is not a static state but a lifelong journey of growth in a process called sanctification. Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ as we grow in our faith as believers. The most basic ways to grow in our faith are through regular (that’s the key) prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. These cultivate a deeper understanding of God and His ways, leading to a stronger and more vibrant faith, not to mention a group of like-minded people to link together and journey with as we seek to grow. 

Faith, simply put, connects believers with the living God. It involves trust, belief, and unwavering confidence in God's promises. Through faith, we find strength, hope, and purpose, relying on God's guidance and experiencing His love and grace as we go through this life. As we embark on the journey of faith, it is crucial to nurture and deepen this relationship with God, allowing faith to shape every aspect of life.