According to the Bible, faith is the unwavering trust and belief in God and His promises, even though we cannot physically see Him or always understand how He works. As described in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (KJV). Faith is not just a vague hope or wish; it is a deep conviction that what God has promised will come to pass, even when it is beyond our human perception.
Biblical Examples of Faith
One of the most profound illustrations of faith in the Bible comes from Matthew 17:20, where Jesus says, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (KJV). This passage shows that even the smallest amount of true faith has the power to bring about miraculous change, not because of the greatness of our faith but because of the greatness of the God in whom we place our trust.
Another powerful example is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold, even when faced with the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Their faith in God was unshaken, as they declared, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace… but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17-18, KJV). Their faith was rooted in absolute trust in God, regardless of the outcome.
The Journey of Developing Faith
To have true faith, we must first learn to trust. Trust, however, requires knowledge, and knowledge of God comes from seeking Him sincerely. The Bible urges us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (KJV). This seeking must be wholehearted, humble, and with a desire for real transformation. It begins with repentance and a deep longing for change, as we turn away from our old ways and move toward God.
Next, we must study the Scriptures for ourselves. 2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (KJV). It’s not enough to rely on what others say; we must personally dive into God’s Word, seeking His truth. Not the Worlds “truth”, and surely not searching for our own “truth” in an attempt to justify ourselves. There is but one, and only “Truth.” That is the word of God. With out Christ in you you hold no truth and will be deceived.
Prayer is also essential in developing faith. Through prayer, we confess our sins, ask for God’s guidance, and seek His Spirit to reveal truth to us. The Bible teaches us in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (KJV). This means that true communion with God is only possible when we approach Him sincerely, with a pure heart and in alignment with His will.
Fasting is another critical discipline that helps to strengthen our faith. Fasting crucifies our fleshly desires and clears the way for the Spirit of God to move in our hearts and minds. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” (KJV). By fasting, we bring ourselves into submission to God, allowing His Spirit to guide us more fully.
Faith in Action
Once we have sought God, prayed, fasted, and studied the Scriptures, we must act on our faith. James 2:17 reminds us, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (KJV). As we begin to turn away from sin and walk in obedience to God’s Word, our faith is demonstrated through our actions.
Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, KJV). To love Jesus means to honor His commandments and follow the path He laid before us. He is our perfect example, as declared in Psalm 37:37, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace” (KJV).
Faith is more than belief; it is trust in God’s Word and His love for us. As we lean into the mystery of God, trusting in His promises, our faith will grow. Jesus spoke of the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, yet with the potential to move mountains (Matthew 17:20, KJV). This teaches us that even the smallest amount of faith, when placed in God, can have a profound and transformative impact on our lives.
In summary, faith is not a passive feeling; it is an active trust and confidence in God, nurtured through seeking, studying, praying, and living in obedience. And as we decrease, humbling ourselves before God, His power increases in us, guiding us toward His divine purpose for our lives. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, KJV
Let us help you understand the Truth and how Faith works!