What is faith? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary faith is a “strong belief or trust in someone or something.” It is also the “belief in the existence of God.” The Webster Dictionary describes faith as “belief without proof.” If we ask people what faith is according to the Bible, most likely they will quote the Scripture, Hebrews 11:1. Hebrews 11:1 says that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Second Corinthians states, “for we live by faith, not by sight.”
What does it mean to have faith in God? It means that we believe God is real and He will do what is best for our lives. First Peter 1:21 says “through Him [Jesus] you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Our faith comes from God.
It is important to build our faith with a strong foundation in Christ. We must believe that He is good and will never forsake us. A faith that wavers under pressure has no foundation. This kind of faith will fluctuate according to a person’s emotions. A strong faith takes courage to stand against any circumstance. A person who owns this kind of faith finds joy in every situation. We must allow God to be in control over our situations and not be overwhelmed with emotions.
For us to “live by faith and not by sight,” we must know that God directs our path. We need to trust God with our lives. Faith requires us to be uncomfortable and to follow God into the unknown.
In the book of Matthew, Peter walks on the water toward Jesus. As long as Peter stayed focused on Jesus, he did not sink but, once Peter doubted his ability to walk on water, he began to sink. In Matthew 14:29-30 it says that “Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” How many times do we lack in our faith with God and, like Peter, we sink and cry out for God’s help? We may be struggling in life and we have doubts whether or not life will get better. Matthew 14:31 states that “immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught [Peter]. ’You of little faith,’” He said, “’why did you doubt?’” Even when we doubt God, He still rescues us and brings us to safety.
My question for you to ponder is, “do you own your faith?” and is God asking you, “why did you doubt?”. This is not an easy question to ask yourself because it means that you have to look within yourself. You have to ask yourself if you are putting your faith in worldly matters or are you putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith.Hope.Love 