Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
The word faith appears 458 times in the NIV Bible. It is by far one of the most significant theological themes in the Bible. Our relationship with God is based on faith. Without faith, it is impossible to know God, serve, and please Him. Everything we need from God required faith to be done. God is not a magician, but a miracle worker and all miracles require faith.
In Matthew 21:22, Jesus told His disciples, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Jesus often reminded His disciples to have faith in the Father and faith in Him. He knew that faith is not a natural disposition of the human soul as it tabernacle in this sinful realm. Thus, He took the time to demonstrate the benefits of faith and how it should be exercised in day-to-day living.
Jesus knew that faith was a fundamental piece of His salvation plan. Thus, in John 3:16, we are reminded, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The apostle Paul reaffirmed the necessity of faith in God’s salvation plan in Ephesians 2:8-9, when he said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The journey of faith begins with acknowledging the Sovereign power of God as the creator of all things, the redeemer and savior of sinful humanity. It is sustained by trust in the promises of God according to scripture. But it must be tested by the trials of life so it can be empowering and authoritative.
Indeed, every test is an opportunity for us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our understanding or personal strength. Instead, we are to activate our faith so God can reveal His glory through us in ways that far exceed our expectations. God is always looking for opportunities to show Himself mighty in our circumstances. But without faith, it is impossible to see how God is turning our trials into triumphs and our burdens into blessings.
If we truly believe that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, then who are we to deny what God can do or is doing? Indeed, who are we to deny that God can heal Stage 4 cancer or even raise someone from their deathbed? Who are we to deny that God can fix a broken marriage or help an addict overcome their addiction? Less we forget, one word from God can turn our nightmare into a dream.
Why should we have faith in a supernatural being we cannot see and struggle to hear? “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). God cannot and will not fail. He is invincible and irresistible. His power and authority are far beyond our finite understanding. Who am I to deny that God can tear down spiritual strongholds and turn a desert into an oasis? If God can make dry bones live, who am I to deny that He can bring the poor to a place of prosperity, the weary to a place of peace, and the downcast to a place of hope and joy?
Faith is not just about what we want God to do for us, it is declaring the power of God to do more exceedingly and abundantly than we can ask, think, or imagine. It is more than the substance of things hoped for. Faith is an invitation to the Almighty to reveal His glory in our lives while we behave as overcomers in the name of Jesus.
Though God is doing miracles every day, most people do not see them because their fears and cynical spirits are blinding them to the wonder-working power of God in our world. Reimagining faith is about asking the Holy Spirit to help us remove our spiritual blinders so we can see God high and lifted over the earth and every power and principality. Heaven is not in competition with the demonic realm. The devil is not God’s rival.
God has given those who believe in Him power and authority to walk in victory and to declare things that are not as though they were. Reimagining faith is rejecting the lie that the devil can stop the favor of God from overflowing our lives. We need to think more about how God is making everything work together for our good, instead of fretting about our circumstances. Reimagining faith is about finding the courage and boldness to praise Almighty God while we are wrestling with powers and principalities because we know God is fighting our battles.
Authentic faith is not timid or passive. It is the evidence of things not seen. Such faith is a declaration of war against the forces of evil because, through Christ, the weapons of our warfare are mighty to pull down strongholds. Most believers must stop using faith defensively and go on the offensive to reclaim the territories the enemy has stolen from them. Indeed, we must use faith to reclaim wayward children or failed marriages. When the enemy has come against our physical health, business, ministry, finances, or sanity, we can rebuke him by faith and take back whatever he has stolen from us.
Questions for Personal Reflection
How would you describe your faith in God?
Why do you think some of your prayers are not answered?
Prayer- Father, I praise you for being a Sovereign Lord who cannot be defeated. Please fan the flame of my faith so I can live as a conqueror and not a victim.