The bible talks a lot about faith, but what is faith really? Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” But what does that really mean? In Tim Mackie’s words: “Faith is an experience that you have that puts you in touch with the reality of the thing you are hoping for.”
In other words, faith is not an internal state of mind that we whip ourselves into so we can make ourselves sure about a thing we can’t really be sure about. Tim Mackie says that “faith is an experience you have because of the choices you are making.” When you live and act in faith, you actually begin to get a taste of the reality of the thing you are hoping for.
The faith that we are called to have is a faith that will always do something. It is not a bare belief or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in God; to rely on Him, and to cling to what He says. In the same Hebrews 11 chapter, we see people who all had different circumstances and personalities but one thing in common—faith.
- By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. The difference between the sacrifice of Cain and the sacrifice of Abel (Genesis 4:3-5) was not between what they brought before God. The difference was that Abel’s sacrifice was made by faith.
- By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen moved with godly fear prepared an ark for the saving of his household (Genesis 6:9-22; 7:1-24). Noah was warned of something that had never happened before. His faith was shown in not merely agreeing that the flood would come, but in obeying what God told him to do regarding the flood – he built the ark!
- By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Faith comes down to judging that God is faithful and able to keep His promises (Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-7).
Like these people of old, God wants our faith in Him to be sure. He wants us to have the kind of faith that obeys, even without reason. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. He expects us to have faith and to grow in it! If we really believe God and live according to that faith, then He will be pleased!
Faith is not something we can just wish for or whip up; we need the help of God to grow in it. Friends, we need to have a faith that is always growing. None of us has enough of it. Ask the Lord to increase your faith and he sure will!
Questions for contemplation: How much faith do you currently have? Is it one that’s constantly growing? How dedicated are you to grow in your faith?
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.