We claim to live by faith, yet we live most of our lives as if we are part of a grand science experiment. We use our senses to gather data; we formulate a hypothesis, test, sample, and then proceed down a path we consider is the best and the safest. Now we can look at a chair and feel confident it will hold us. We apply the same formula and determine that some people are safe and others are dangerous. We consider this faith, but it is not faith. Confidence based on our senses may help us pick a secure chair, but it will not help with many of life’s more significant issues. To be the person God designed you to be will take real faith and grit.
What is faith, and why is it important? The Bible speaks a lot about faith. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The Greek word for faith in this verse is “pistis,” and means persuasion, moral conviction, assurance, belief, faith, and fidelity. Faith is more than just intellectual belief in something; it is a conviction about the truth of something. Christian faith is a conviction about the truth of God, Christ, and God’s Word. Faith in God is the confidence that He exists, is the creator of everything, and desires a relationship with humanity. Faith in Christ is the confidence that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and through Him, we have eternal salvation and a restored relationship with God the Father. Faith in His Word is the confidence it is His inspired Word and that God is a keeper of His promises.