Imagine What Faith Can Do For You

Faith. It’s a word used in so many different contexts that it’s hard to know how to define it. We use it to describe everything from our confidence in the law of aerodynamics (immensely helpful when you’re flying along in an airplane) to the resilience of the American people during difficult and trying times. And just about everything in between.

The dictionary isn’t much help, either. If you look it up, there’s actually an entry that defines it as “belief in anything.” Seriously. I couldn’t make that up.

But that’s probably as good a way as any to describe how some people live their lives. They’ll believe in just about anything, regardless of whether it holds up under closer scrutiny. A cursory glance through paid programming on late-night television will more than illustrate what I mean.

The Scripture, however, holds a very different view of what it means to have faith. Biblically speaking, faith has one, singular focus — always. While we might be tempted to put our trust in other people, or in our ability to make things happen on our own, or in a particular philosophy about life — or any of the other myriad things people place their trust in — the Bible is quite clear about where our faith should reside: In God.

From a Scriptural standpoint, faith is never about trusting some thing, or philosophy, or even another person. It’s always about trusting God. Period.

As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, two issues are simultaneously important, when it comes to having faith in God: Believing that He is — in other words, that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be through Scripture — and believing that He rewards those who seek Him (see Hebrews 11:6).

Stop and think about the number of times you’ve been disappointed recently. Perhaps you thought your employer would come through with a new position, or a raise, but instead you were passed over. Maybe you’ve experienced the heartache of a failed relationship. Or perhaps it was something as simple as thinking a new possession would bring you greater joy and satisfaction than it actually did.

When we put our faith in other people, or in things, we set ourselves up for a let down. But when we keep our faith where it belongs — squarely, solely and solidly anchored in God — we can expect a very different result. And while it may not always be tangible, something we can touch or see, God’s reward for our faith is very real, nonetheless.

Because, in the end, our faith in God will always lead us to a place that is pleasing to Him — which brings its own reward, in the deepest part of our being.

Biblical faith is not merely “intellectual assent to doctrinal beliefs,” and it’s certainly not “belief in anything.” Instead, it’s trusting that the Creator of Everything has your best interests at heart. It’s believing that God wants to reward you — beyond what you can ask, think, or even imagine — when you place your complete and utter confidence in Him.