Faith: A Closer Look

Faith. It's a word that we hear a lot. You can have faith, be faithful, and even have the name Faith. The word "faith" is present in almost all aspects of our lives.
The dictionary describes faith as "confidence or trust in a person or thing." So, what does the Bible say about faith?

The Bible is chock full of people that have faith, but Matthew 8-9 and Hebrews 11 have several options. Hebrews 11 is famous for the "Hall of Faith" passage, which is a list of people from the Old Testament that had impressive faith in God.

Matthew 8 and 9 have an impressive list of people with faith, as well. In these two chapters alone, Jesus notices and is impressed by the faith of five totally different people. The statement that should drive us the most towards pursuing greater faith is found in verse 10 of chapter 8:

"10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, 'Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'" -Matthew 8:10

What a statement! Who wouldn't be PUMPED to have the God of the universe tell you that you are known by Him for your exemplary faith?!

You may be wondering, "what is this faith?" Hebrews 11:1-3 says,

"1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." -Hebrews 11:1-3, NIV

Faith, according to the author of Hebrews, is having confidence and assurance in God. We lean on him, completely sure that He not only exists, but will come through when He says He will. Hebrews goes on to say that it's through faith that we see that God made the universe, and ultimately is in charge.

2 Corinthians also says that we are to live by faith, not by sight. We cannot see God Himself, and so we must live in confidence that He is there, regardless of His invisibility.

So, why should we care to have this faith? Matthew 17:20 says that by faith, we can do amazing things and change the world, but it is Hebrews 11:6 that gives the best reason to have faith:

"6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." -Hebrews 11:6

Wow. This, my friends, is huge. Without having faith and without believing that He exists and seeking Him, you cannot please God. The Bible doesn't just say that it would be hard to please Him; it is impossible. This should be all the reason to be like the centurion in Matthew 8 that Jesus congratulated for his faith. It isn't complicated: just trust God.

Yes, this is hard to do. Times will get tough, and we will feel like God is not around. Our faith will waver, and we will be unsure if He is what we should put our faith in. I beg you, though: please seek God and put your faith in Him. The rewards for such faith are beyond worth it.