What is FAITH?

What is FAITH?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

            Most Christians know the above passage concerning faith. The reality, however, can become quite a challenge for many of us. We know that God can do the impossible because we have and read the stories in the Bible of Him parting the Red Sea, healing the sick, raising the dead, putting coins in fish and so much more but there can still be moments in our lives where we doubt if God will come through. You may have had a diagnosis where the doctor shook his head and said that there was nothing more that he could do. You may have gone through years of marital problems where the main topic of divorce is forever present. You may have tried to earn a good grade in class, but the hard work is not proving to be successful. You may be faced with a number of challenges and you wonder will God help you to make it through THIS time.

            Many of us have seen God perform miracles in our lives over the years, but the seed of doubt is ever so present as to if God will do it once more. Well, He can, and He will IF it is in His divine plan. Yes, we see that there are many name-it and claim-it ministries out there that tell people that all you have to do is have “positive” thinking, but this is only true to a certain extent. Anything that is not in the will of God will not be positive in the end regardless of how much positive thinking that you have. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV) And yet, the Bible lets us know that when we come to God, we must expect that what we have asked for will be granted. James 1:6-8 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (NIV) So, you may ask, “Isn’t this two conflicting opinions?” No!

            When we ask God for something, we must ensure that it lines up with His will for our lives. For example, if we were to pray for something that goes against His commandments, we cannot expect Him to grant it because it would go against who God is. On the other hand, if we pray for something that does not go against God’s word, we must also pray that His will be done. Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (NIV) Jesus knew that He had been sent to die for the sins of all mankind and yet, He asked the Father’s will as to if the cup of death could pass from Him. As we know, the Father’s will had to be fulfilled and Jesus carried it out in perfect obedience. We too must have the same mindset of faith and obedience that Jesus had.

            Faith is about knowing that even if God does not grant us the desires of our heart that He knows what is best for us. Because He is an all-knowing God, He can see what we cannot, and He alone knows if what we ask for will be in our best interest. Sometimes, God is testing our faith to see if we will remain loyal to Him despite His answer being a yes, no, or wait. Faith in God helps us to grow in our relationship with Him and as we learn to lean on Him, we become unshaken regardless of what the answer is. Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)