The Oxford dictionary defines faith as complete trust or confidence in some
one [person or group etc] or something – religious or other beliefs, some medicines, foods etc].
The Bible defines faith as
“… the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
What is Christian Faith based on?
For the christian, it is the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as the son of God, who God sent to come and die for mankind, rise up and through that save mankind from sin. This is an active belief in the Lord jesus Christ that leads to obedience to him and helps man in several life situations.
What is the Role of Faith in our Lives
God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). When one becomes born again the way he does certain things change. Prayer may come naturally and so is the act of turning to God with one’s needs because of trust in Him.
With previous knowledge of his workings. It is just natural to turn to him as a way of life or when there is the need for it. Making true the command in Rom 1:17 that “the just shall live by faith”.
We also know that God expects us to walk by faith, which is one of the ways by which we can please him. Hebrews 11:6 confirms this, that “without faith it is impossible to please Him” … Do you notice the other people mentioned in Hebrews 11 who walked by faith in God and the results they attained?
Is it Easy to Walk in Faith?
It is not always easy; this happens especially in difficult situations; though the walk of faith continues when one accepts Christ as his Lord and Saviour, and communes with him all the time. But one is not expected to doubt God and go back to his old ways but rather turn to trust God in all circumstances. Wisdom and guidance is received this way, to move forward and relate to others.
Thus the hunger of man always searching for fulfilment is attained. Faith in God starts to grow through such communion with God. So we learn to please him by walking in his ways and continuing in the christian life through faith; also during difficult times. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb 11:6
What causes Lack of Faith?
Not learning the word of God through reading, and meditation is one of the ways that lack of faith results. The gospel message has attendant problems of
- not being shared so people do not hear of it or are ignorant; or Rom 10:17
- It is shared but it is ignored, but not listened to or believed in, and faith is not applied so it disappears
- It is also not lived out for people to see
- Lack of studying the Word of God
- Lack of meditation on the Word
Consequences of Unbelief and Doubt
- Rejection by God, Rom 1:28; and
- Not enjoy the benefits of having faith in God; Rom 15:13
- Destruction will occur in various ways due to lack of knowledge e.g harmful behaviours or attitudes etc. and
- The inability to tap into what will make us succeed
Results from Exercising faith in God
By turning to God in faith our inner man is strengthened especially when answers are obtained. Even when an immediate answer is not received, it is not for the christian to take steps that would send him back to his old ways when he did not know the Lord. E.g a call girl wouldn’t go back to that job simply to have her physical needs met.
- We also receive salvation, fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives, freedom over sins and bondages.
- Knowing how true God’s word is. ….‘if you continue in my word you shall know the truth and it shall make you free. John 8:31-32
- sharpening of our spiritual senses leading to hope instead of despair, in ways that using our minds alone cannot bring about
- We can have our needs met through bringing the needs before God in prayer. The woman in Matthew 9:20-22 touched Jesus’ garment in faith that she will be healed and she had her healing.
The Result of Faith Exercised in Real Life
Because of her new found faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, a lady started living out the fruits of the spirit as found in Gal 5:22-23 i.e love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; without which she would have continued in a life of anger, oppressing others, depression, loneliness, unforgiveness, etc.
“ Worshipping kept my faith up high, kept me in peace and gave me joy”. She testifies
Quote
Faith goes with waiting on the lord. Apart from strengthening our faith, we get
- a testimony of how God relates to us that we can use to encourage others.
- To know and learn of him in ways that would not be possible if we didn’t spend time with him.
- We grow in our knowledge of Him. Heb.4:2
- Miracles follow our prayers. Helps you understand God more.
- Not only acquiring knowledge or studying but also believing what you read. Eph.4:16
What to do when in Doubt
Having doubt is a human tendency as the disciples themselves doubted Jesus at some point. Matt 28:17
When in doubt we can do the following:
- Search the Bible. Acts 17:1 where the Jews of Berea searched the scriptures…
- Think of and speak words of affirmation from the Bible
- Ask other christians
Being a christian does not mean to accept things blindly. God allows us to question him by ourselves and bring things to him. With God we have a listening ear, which is a sharp contrast to when we don’t know him at all. Having him relieves us of despair, despondency, and depression. He sometimes answers even before He is asked.
There are solid reasons to believe based on Heb 11; Lk 1 and Acts 1. Also peoples testimonies in real life. Relying on God through faith takes time in some situations.
How does Exercising Faith Affect your Growth as a Christian
- We learn more of God, how he relates to us as individuals
- Our faith in God is strengthened
- Faith in God is renewed
- We learn to search the scriptures
- We apply the efforts needed to find an answer
- Learn to live by faith
- Get the shield of faith to face trials
- Learn of God’s promises for our lives
I hope you’ve been refreshed about your christian faith and gained some insights into why christians doubt sometimes and the benefits of our faith to our christian growth. Please share and leave me a comment.