The definition in Webster's dictionary says Faith is an "allegiance to duty or a person; loyalty; fidelity to one's promises; sincerity of intentions; firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust."
God's word describes faith as "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version)." The New Living Translation says " Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." The beginning point of our faith, you see, is believing that God is who he says he is. And then ending with believing He will do what he says He is going to do. That is truly why it is so important that we read God's Word so we have the knowledge of God's promises. If we don't know what He has promised us, then how can we have faith in what He says? But when we know what those promises are, but we don't see them actually happening, yet we still believe that they will come to pass, then we demonstrate true faith.
I like the following example of how faith may play a part in an everyday life scenario..."Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached? You were excited and anxious. You knew you would certainly receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does faith!"
One thing about God's word I will say is that like pretty much anything in our life...His promises are conditional, and there are some things we must do. God's word says this about diseases and healing, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26 New Living Translation).
When I say that His promises are conditional, I mean that we must heed to what God impresses upon our hearts and what His word says. You must "fight" with your faith and God's word. One example might be, if you ask God to give you a raise or promotion at work...it is not to say that He can't just make it happen, but it might be likely that He may want you to do your part by working hard, showing up to work on time, researching ways to improve your job, learning ways to handle your money by investing, etc. This may be His way of preparing you to be equipped and ready for the position that He is about to put you in. Another example may be that you want to make an "A" in a class or that you want to pass an exam for your job...you can't expect that you will will make that "A" or pass without having studied for your tests or done your homework in the class. Also, if we are wanting to be healthy...we must eat right (e.g. not eating too much of the things that are unhealthy for us and eating the healthy things) and exercise.
If you have never given your life to Christ, you need to let Jesus be the Lord over your life. Romans 10:9,10 says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." When you repent of your sins and confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you can have confidence to believe God for the prayers you ask of Him. If you are a new Christian or if you don't know the Lord's promises, then I would encourage you to read's God word, memorize it, and keep it in the "...midst of your heart; for they [God's words} are life to those who find them and health to all of their flesh. (Proverbs 4: 20-22)"
Believe in the power of your prayers and confess with faith without wavering, because Jesus is faithful to what He has promised.
I pray that these words have encouraged your heart and that you always pray with faith. Even webster's got it right when they said faith is defined by "firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust."
Con Amor, Tina
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