“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Faith is trusting God no matter your circumstances—whether life feels steady or uncertain, whether people support or oppose you.
Faith is foundational because it is the root of everything you believe and do when it comes to the Lord. It shapes whether you believe in Him and His sovereignty. It determines if you believe Him when He says that you have been washed clean, that your sins have been paid for, that you will be healed, that your relationship with your family will be healed, that your financial struggles will not last forever.
What is Faith?
Hebrews 11:1 NLT says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Faith is the evidence of what we are believing God to do. Enduring Word Commentary words it like this: “Faith is needed for the things we can’t see and can’t touch.” This sets trusting in God apart from relying on things or people.
Why Faith Matters in Our Walk with God
“And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Why is faith important? Believing in God is easy when everything is going well—when your bank account is blessed, your health is excellent, your relationships are thriving, and your work is fulfilling. But when challenges arise, are you faithful in believing that God has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you? Do you trust that sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning?
The Bible highlights extraordinary examples of faith where life and death often hung in the balance. Let’s explore a few from Hebrews 11:
- Abel: His sacrifice was more acceptable by the Lord than his brother Cain’s sacrifice because of his faith (Genesis 4:3-4).
- Enoch: He was taken up to heaven without experiencing death because his life pleased God through his faith (Genesis 5:24).
- Noah: Despite never having seen rain, he built the ark by faith, trusting God’s warning of the flood (Genesis 6:12-13, 22).
- Abraham: Without knowing the plan or path, he left everything familiar, living in tents in a foreign land. He looked forward to a city designed and built by God (Genesis 12; Hebrews 11:10).
- Sarah: Though barren and in her old age, she believed God’s promise of a child. Her faith upheld her through the miraculous (Genesis 17:15-21, 18, 21).
These examples—and many more—teach us that faith is central to trusting God’s promises. Hebrews 11 repeatedly emphasizes, “By faith…” God desires for us to trust in Him fully, both in His Word and in His plans.
Faith is evident in your daily life—in prayer, decision-making, and relationships. Your prayers often reflect your level of faith. Are you bold in asking God to completely transform your life? Your decisions and relationships reveal whether you’re trusting God to shift and heal situation. Even if your faith feels small, remember: it can always grow.
How to Grow in Faith
Hear the Word
“So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NLT
Hearing the word of Christ means immersing yourself in content that speaks of the Lord. This primarily involves reading your Bible:
- Read the Bible: Use a physical Bible to avoid digital distractions or listen audibly using a Bible app while commuting or completing tasks.
- Worship Music: Worship songs glorify God and testify to His faithfulness, strengthening your faith.
- Christian Community: Surround yourself with believers. Encouragement and accountability are vital for growth.
- “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Step Out in Trust
Take small steps of obedience to God. Actionable steps like tithing, forgiving someone, or volunteering.
Pray for Faith
“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22
Ask God to strengthen your faith. Like the father in Mark 9:23-24, cry out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Surround Yourself with Faithful People
Join a church or Bible study group. If you are nervous about attending alone, pray for courage and ask God to guide you. Being in community strengthens faith and provides support during doubts or struggles.
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20
Overcoming Doubts and Challenges to Faith
Doubt is normal, even for strong believers. Don’t be hard on yourself if you struggle. Instead, combat doubt with scripture, prayer, and remembering God’s faithfulness:
- Spend time in the Word: Let scripture remind you of God’s promises.
- Pray for strength: Ask God to guide you through doubt.
- Remember His Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has worked in your life.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1: 2-4
Faith is a journey. It grows through the Word and thrives in action. Reflect on your faith today and ask God to show you where He is calling you to trust Him more.
What area of your life is God calling you to trust Him more? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
A Prayer for You
God, I thank You for this opportunity to help Your children. I pray that they are strengthened and encouraged with this post. I pray that they have a deeper understanding of why faith is essential and the ways their faith can be strengthened with Your Word. I pray for encouragement to keep on this path of holiness and that they would surround themselves with other believers who will stand with them in prayer. Your Word in Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” So, Lord, I pray for a community of believers for each person who reads this. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, amen!
Terry’ana xx