Faith

What is faith?

Faith as according to the bible is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)". Faith is putting our complete trust in God believing he will help us in whatever we have involved him. 

Faith comes before a prayer is answered or before an individual has received what he or she has requested from God. If we have received what we asked for, then faith is not needed. So it comes by making your request known to God and trusting him to fulfil that request. An example of this definition is found in Matthew 9:27-30 where two blind men came to Jesus and asked Him to heal them. Jesus first asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” and their reply was, “Yes, Lord.” “Then He touched their eyes saying, According to your faith let it be to you. And their eyes were opened.” Their faith and assurance that Jesus could give them sight was the substance or reality they hoped for. It also gave them the evidence or trust that they would receive what they asked for. They believed, they had faith in advance that it would be done.

What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?

It means putting your whole trust in what you cannot yet see physically but you know it is going to be fulfilled.Habakkuk 2:3; "Though it may tarry, it will surely come to pass". All our heroes of faith, take for instance Father Abraham all believed in the promises of God even though they didn't see all being fulfilled in their lifetime. 

Real faith is more than just believing in God alone. It includes acting on that faith in one’s life by serving God and obeying His commandments.

Faith over fear

Fear is a feeling caused by 

uncertainty and doubt which leads to uneasiness. It can be said to be a feeling of not having a complete trust in God. 

Fear is a spirit, it encroaches one's mind and takes full capacity in that person. When you're fearful you won't be able to achieve anything that's why God admonishes us to not be ignorant of the vices of the enemy.

 Fear is another tool of the enemy to make us as believers weak. But yes we have an advantage because we do not have an high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmity, and when we are weak, he is strengthened in us. Psalm 46 gave a clear picture of God's help in our time of fear. We need faith in these times of trouble. God did not promise us a life free from trials but he said he will surely be with us through everything. 

God is ever faithful and he will do all he has promised us but we need to completely trust him. It is mostly said that it is not good to put all your eggs in one basket but when it comes to trusting God with our all, we will have to put all our eggs in one basket and give it to him to carry for us. We need to depend on the Almighty, men will fail you multiple times, your strength also will fail you. Although, we can't dispute the fact that we need man in our day to day life but we can't solely depend on them to adequately provide us what we need.

Our needs as humans are insatiable and we need optimum satisfaction, only our creator can fulfill this need and void. Struggle and hardship have touched every life. No matter how wealthy and sufficient you think you are, there is something you don't have. However, people are differentiated in how they react to trials. Many turn to the things that they can see for comfort and confidence, but these things only provide temporary relief.

Do you know there's a difference between faith and belief as in the bible?

The apostle James wrote in his epistle about what he called

 dead faith. Dead faith is when one believes in God, but does not obey His commandments. James wrote, “You believe that there is one God, you do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20). If you don't put your faith into action, it becomes unproductive. Your faith gains life and purpose when you apply it through meaningful actions by the word of God. Integrating faith with works means pushing yourself forward and making tangible progress. 

How to activate the faith of God?

As children of God we must strive for the living faith which means to belief in the things that inspires us to be obedient to God and change the way we live our life, then we will truly have faith and will be considered faithful, if we consistently increase and grow in our relationship with God. Living faith is not just believing that God exists and he is able to do according to all he says he will but it is demonstrated by one's actions and obedience.

Faith is increased by drawing closer to God through prayer and the study of His Word, the Bible. Paul told the Philippians to “be anxious for nothing [don’t worry], but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Prayer 🤲 

Lord Jesus I have come with an open heart once again, teach me how to have faith in you and apart from applying this principles, I want you to give me the heart to solely depend on you.