Faith is the substance* of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
Faith – complete trust or confidence in someone or something (Merriam-Webster)
*substance – the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence.
Sometimes I think that we forget what faith is. We use the word as if it explains everything. It is not in our words; it is in our actions, that show how much faith we have. You see, it is easy to say that I have faith in something and never be tested or tried or held accountable to it. For the most part, we use the word “faith” as a descriptor of what our religious beliefs are – not as the action word that it really is. We only quote the scripture, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26) when it suits us. Other times, we just tend to forget that scripture even exists.
How do we rely on our faith? How do we use our actions to convey our faith? First, I believe that this is dependent on where you are as a believer. If we believe what the Bible tells us; that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed (have you seen the size of a mustard seed?) we can say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move. NOTHING is impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20)
This Scripture actually says a lot about our faith levels. How many of us even have faith the size of a mustard seed? A mustard seed is 1-2 millimeters (0.039 – 0.079 inches). In other words, it is VERY tiny. You can find places that sell mustard seeds encased in a pendant or a pen. It shows how small one is. I would almost recommend getting one, just as a reminder, how small our faith can be and God still works in our lives. Yet, it’s not enough to just believe it can be done. I remind you that faith without works (actions, movement) is dead. This means that WE need to move forward in faith; working towards the goals that we want to achieve while resting in the knowledge that God will provide.
Here is where, I feel, a fine line is often drawn. Just because WE want something and have faith and work toward it, doesn’t always mean we will receive it. WHAT?? If we believe that God is a good and just father and we are trusting Him to do what is best for us, then we also have to accept that what we want (our will) might be in conflict with what God has for us. We need to learn to trust God and have the confidence to realize He does know what is best for us. Moving forward in this knowledge will direct us toward the places He wants us to be and open out hearts to hear His voice as He directs us.
Prayer
Father God,
We just come before you and ask you to lead us and guide us. Teach us what faith is and how to grow in it. When to be still so we can hear your voice and have you direct our path. Show us which direction you would have us go on a daily basis.
We thank you for giving us the opportunities to grow our faith to the size of a mustard seed. Teach us how to take that first step. We thank you for helping us to grow our trust in you. For recognizing you for the loving father that you are.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen