How would you finish the title-statement above?
The writer of Hebrews described faith like this:
(“Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.”
–Hebrews 11:1, NIV)
Other commentators and authors have added the following:
- “Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.” – St. Augustine
- “Faith is believing that Christ is what He is said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, and then to expect this of Him.” – Charles Spurgeon
- “Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good…Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.” – Max Lucado (1)
- “Faith is more than a feeling; it is acting on our belief that God is able to bring a redeeming value to any situation.” – Carole Ladd (2)
And my personal favorite:
- “Faith is expectancy.” – Selwyn Hughes (3).
Now if true expectancy characterizes my faith, it’s going to be evident in the way I live.
That evidence will no doubt include:
- Optimism and hope, not pessimism and despair.
Scripture provides numerous statements that generate a positive outlook. One of my favorites:
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.
For you are their glory and strength.”
–Psalm 89:15-17a)
Collecting faith-building quotes can also contribute to a positive outlook. For example:
“He is beneath me as my foundation, beside me as my friend,
within me as my life. There’s no need to worry about limited visibility.”
–Barbara Johnson
- Gratitude, not grievances.
“Our words are the evidence of the state of our hearts
as surely as the taste of the water
is an evidence of the state of the spring.”
– J. C. Ryle (3)
That includes the words I speak only in my mind. Silent prayers of gratitude to God will bolster my faith; rehashing the challenges I face will weaken it.
- Affirmation of truth, not doubts.
Isaiah 41:10 might be a good place to begin.
Am I feeling afraid and alone? God says, “Do not fear; I am with you.”
Am I plagued by worries and what-ifs? God says, “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
Do I feel weak and helpless? God says, “I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Pressing on, not giving up.
Exercising my faith will move me forward; giving in to despair will bring me to a dead stop.
But just how do I move forward by faith? Philip Yancey says, simply respond to the next task that lies before me (4)—in a faith-directed manner. That might include making the bed while humming a praise song, sending the kids to school with hugs and a prayer, entering the office with cheerful greetings and a smile.
That monstrous problem may not be solved yet, but positive action while I wait will affirm my faith: God is at work; I can rest in his supreme competency. (That’s easier-said-than-done for me. I must continually reset my mind and spirit on him and the truth of his Word.)
- Confidence, not discouragement.
Yes, I may be stymied by the circumstances facing me now. And who knows what will happen tomorrow? But you and I do know the One in charge!
He is:
Almighty (Revelation 11:17)
All-wise (Romans 11:33)
An immovable pillar of strength (Psalm 46:1-2)
Rich in love (Psalm 103:6)
Sovereign (Psalm 22:28)
Gracious (Exodus 34:6)
Trustworthy (2 Samuel 7:28)
Our Provider (Philippians 4:19)
Our Protector (Psalm 32:7)*
Our Guide (Psalm 48:14)
Perhaps our exercise of faith should begin with attribute stretches—stretching the mind and spirit with a character-review of the One in whom we trust, to build our muscles of confidence and strength.
_________________________
*Protection sometimes comes through trouble rather than from trouble. If God chooses to bring us through, he provides the wisdom and fortitude necessary. Either way, the outcome is always for his glory.
Notes:
- Grace for the Moment, p. 70.
- Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, p. 93
- Same as above, p. 130
- Every Day Light , p. 253.
- Grace Notes, p. 233.
What evidence of faith have you witnessed in others or recognized in yourself? Please share in the Comments section below!
(Art & photo credits: www.etsy.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.allpoetry.com; http://www.turnbacktogod.com; http://www.godinterest.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).
From the Inside Out 