Faith in God: The Reality of What You Hope For

We hear the word "faith" all the time, but what does it mean to a Christian? Faith is more than just believing something exists; it is actively trusting in what you cannot see.

The best definition comes from the Bible itself:

“Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith vs. Belief: A Key Distinction

While the words are often used interchangeably, Biblical faith is different from simple belief:

• Belief is a deep conviction in a concept or worldview (James 2:19 says even demons believe in God, and it makes them tremble).

• Faith is a trust that is personal and active. It is the conviction that God is at work in your life and that He is who He says He is. True faith influences the way you live every day.

The Foundation of Faith

The good news is that faith is not something you must earn or build from scratch—it is a gift from God.

• A Gift of God: You are saved "by grace... through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). God grants you a new heart and opens your eyes to see that He is your God.

• Active Trust: Faith is not foolish or blind; it is the ability to trust God based on the assurance of His revealed Word (the Bible). It is trusting Him for what He has promised, even when you can't see the immediate outcome.

5 Ways to Grow and Maintain Your Faith

Faith is like a muscle: it must be exercised and fed to grow stronger. These actions will help you maintain your trust in God, especially when things are difficult:

1. Invest Time in God’s Word: Spend time daily reading the Bible. This is the truth that keeps you grounded and prevents you from straying due to confusion or doubt.

2. Pray Specifically and Earnestly: Pray not just for your circumstances to change, but for God to strengthen your faith itself. Give God control of your situations and trust Him to drive.

3. Worship with Others: We were created to worship and share our faith journey with others. Connecting with fellow believers for prayer, accountability, and hearing the Gospel message is essential for growth.

4. Practice Generosity: Be generous with your time, resources, and finances, even when it feels difficult. Giving away what God has given you is a sincere act of faith that demonstrates you trust God (your Provider) more than your own resources.

5. Obey God’s Commands: Everyone makes mistakes, but when you concentrate on following God's commands and seeking to obey His Word, your faith will naturally mature and solidify.