How do you define faith? To everyone it is something different. We all worship differently, even if we have the same views. Faith defined in the dictionary is “an unquestioning belief that does not require proof.” Without faith life would be very difficult. It takes faith to eat, drive, go to work, and even seek help when you are sick. When you get in your car it is on faith. You have no guarantee whether you will get to your destination, yet you go. When you go to the market it is on faith, faith that the food you are buying is safe to eat and safe to feed to your family. I think I have demonstrated faith according to Webster's.
Now, how would you define faith as a Christian? Hebrews 11:1 answers that question by saying, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is important. It is where the promises and work of God are made real. The dictionary says we do not need evidence to define faith but as Christians we do have evidence for our faith. We have the Bible, 66 books, 40 authors, written in 3 languages, prophecy, and moral spiritual truth. We have the resurrection of Jesus, confidence in his words, his teachings, and evidence of God's truth in our own lives.
Faith is vitally important. It is oxygen for your soul. By faith we understand humanity was saved, you are saved, justified, and cleansed. Faith is where you please God. By caring, sharing, forgiving, helping and trusting in God; these acts please him. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith connects you with God just ask Samson, David, Samuel, Abraham, Moses, and Noah.
In Gen. 6 we have the story of mankind's decline into sin. It's God's grace that triumphs, God saved Noah. In Noah faith manifested itself into deeds. James 2:26 says “as the body without spirit is dead, so faith with deeds is dead.” Noah built the ark because he believed in God. Every tree he cut and every nail he hammered was an act of faith. Faith connects you with God. Faith is your admission that you are dependent on him, even when things are difficult. It is your faith in God that get's you through the hard times.
I cannot think of anyone who demonstrates just how powerful faith is than Job. Job is described as a blessed man who lived righteously. Satan challenged Job's integrity and faith by implying Job serves god only because God protects him. God then removes his protection and allows Satan to test Job's faith. Satan was allowed to take Job's wealth, family, and his health as well. Job suffered but not as a punishment for sin, but as a lesson of faith. Faith allows us to persevere. Job ultimately prevailed over Satan and was restored better than he was by God.
I have had my faith tested and prevailed and was restored with God's help. I close with a few questions for you. What has faith changed in your life? How has faith allowed you to persevere?
