We’re always very quick to say we have faith, and even to tell others to have faith when going through some difficult situations. It’s definitely great advice to give and to receive. The question though is what really is faith? What does it mean to have faith? How do we walk in it? How can we see a persons faith at work? The goal is to answer these questions and get a better practical knowledge of this very important key to living a truly righteous life that pleases God.
So, what is faith? Lets look at Hebrews 11:1 where we typically get our foundation for what faith is supposed to be, ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What does this really mean? Faith is the Greek strongs word 4102 which means firmness, steadfastness, faithfulness, confidence and steadiness. Faith in western culture is defined as ‘knowing that God exists and that He can do anything if He wants to’. Though this is absolutely true, there is an even deeper definition we need to know which is more practical, and involves us actually applying it to our daily lives. Faith is therefore better defined as a person who walks firmly towards Gods will. This means faith or faithfulness is seen in the actions taken. The prerequisite to walking towards His will is knowing what His will is. His will is never outside of that which is revealed, neither will He ever tell us to do anything which is outside of His revealed truth which is in His word.
Now we know what faith is, we need to determine how to walk in it and make it a part of our lives. Real faith produces action – James 2: 17-22 and is aways in the promise. A key example  is with Sarah our mother, who had faith in the promise of a seed in her old age. Because of her faith, she went to the the lengths of allowing her handmaid conceive through Abraham, her husband, so as to make the promise of an heir a reality. Her faith was seen in her actions. When Sarah also conceived, it was a miracle for them both. Also, we see faith in action with Noah. He had faith in the promise that he and his family would be saved, and thus firmly and steadfastly built the ark. Even through the obstacles of being ridiculed by those around him (who did not understand the promise), and even though it took 120 years for the rain to finally come, Noah was steadfast till the end, and saw the promise come to pass. Faith is a personal commitment to follow, observe and obey the words of God. It is also for the most part between you and Him. Faith is not blind trust, rather observable proven trust which is seen all through His written word. It is absolutely impossible to please God without faith, Hebrews 11:6 ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him’. In Matthew 15:28, the gentile woman had faith in the healing power of Christ. She left her home and sought out Christ and asked him to heal her daughter…that was faith.

As we continue to journey through this perverse (faithless) wicked world, we have to become intentional about standing firm and steadfast all the way to the end. Our purpose is to help others also to stand steadfast and steady all the way to the end. We are pilgrims in the world and should daily walk by not being attached to anything. Rather, our eyes and focus should be on the promise of our names being found in the book of life, if we endure to the end, and we are in His presence forever – Revelation 22:3 “No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.”

If a seed is not willing to push through the soil, it will plain and simply die. Faith is the willingness to work through all the obstacles in ones path to get the promise. When it comes to the father and having faith in His promise, no matter how long it takes for it to manifest, we must stay steadfast till the end…that is faith! 

Till next the next time, shalom!

Nikki.