Faith

BIBLICAL DEFINITION - Faith is the reality of what we hope for and it is the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11).

MY DEFINITION - Faith is active trust in God, belief in what He says and confidence in His promise for us as His children.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FAITH

Abel is introduced to us in (Hebrews 11:4), he had faith in the gifts God had given him which meant he was able to provide an acceptable offering towards God. The offering was based on his gift to plant crops, which he did wholeheartedly and produced good fruit. This shows us that as Christians we should never hesitate to use our gifts for God. We should not let the fear of first-time failure or anxiety stop us from producing good fruit, instead we should have faith that God will give us confidence and never fail us when need be.

Enoch was a man who constantly pleased God, we are told about him in (Hebrews 11:5). It is impossible to please God without faith. Why? Without faith, you will doubt and second guess everything God asks you to do. We often ask God ‘what ifs’ and ‘what about’ questions rather than telling him ‘I’ll go for it’. Enoch never doubted God and it was by faith he came up to heaven rather than dying. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe His promises and that he has the power to reward those who continue to seek Him and desire to please Him in eternity.

In (Hebrews 11:7) we are told the example of Noah. He was someone who needed a great amount of faith in God. His faith in God was a life or death situation. His correct choice of having faith is what lead him to build an ark which ended up saving him and his family. It was also faith that lead Noah to preach and condemn the world about events that were to come, Noah wasn’t able to see the future for evidence that God would destroy the world but be had faith in God’s word so he obeyed immediately.

Preaching the gospel and prophesying takes faith because you do not know exactly when Gods word will come to pass, meaning it is possible people will mock you and call you crazy. However, it is important to keep your faith in God and His word, for it will surely come to pass. ‘GOD IS NOT MAN HE DOES NOT LIE’(Numbers 23:19).

Abraham is mentioned in (Hebrews11:8).

He showed faith in God when God asked to move from his normal environment to a place he had never even heard of. Abraham didn’t know what he would face or go through but he had faith that Gods plan was the only perfect plan. He obeyed and set of for new land, yes there were problems and issues on the way but God was with him every step of the way and no harm came onto Abraham because he had faith. ‘All things work together for the good of those who love the lord’ (Romans 8:28).

So, what do we learn? If God tells us to step out of our comfort zone it is important to obey God and do so. It may be a new job, a new course or even an alternate university it is important to take that step of faith. God does things for your greater good not your temporary good, we only see a piece of the puzzle whilst God sees the master piece He is trying to create from us. It was also by faith Abraham was able to dwell on a large promise of becoming father of all nations. If he didn’t have faith in that promise his opportunity might have passed away. It is important to trust God so we don’t miss out on our blessings, lack of faith could have deprived Abraham completely.

The last person I want to touch on is Moses. It was by faith Moses was able to help deliver the Israelites. Moses was threatened and mocked by Pharaoh. He was even talked about by his own people continuously, yet he had his eyes on the invisible prize, the promise land. Again, like Noah, Moses didn’t have evidence or knowledge about where God was taking him but he had God’s word to hold onto and that was all he needed. He knew God would never put his people through harm. ‘For I know the plans I have for you, they are plans for good and not of evil to give you future and hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11).

There are many more examples of faith shown in God. If God can come through for them, He most definitely will come through for us.