“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22-24 NIV
When people say they have faith, they may mean any number of things. They may mean closing their eyes, squeezing them tightly shut, and believing really hard. They might mean intellectual assent to a set of facts or beliefs. Or, it could be they think they can believe with enough emotion to manipulate the outcome. Perhaps they consider faith to be saying something will happen long enough that it finally does. Or sending and getting good vibes. Or having overwhelming positive thinking that refuses to give up. It’s not even simply believing God exists and He is powerful. James said, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19 NIV).
Authentic, life-changing faith is none of that. Authentic faith is rooted in a Person, the Person of Jesus Christ. He is the One who is wise enough to know what is best, loves us enough to give us what is best, and is powerful enough to provide what is best. True faith is intimacy with Him so deep that we are convinced enough to take action as He directs, even when we don’t see or understand. This faith leads to transformed behavior and a living relationship with God. True faith isn't passive; it actively trusts in God's promises, takes risks stepping into obedience, service, and a growing dependence on Him.
Authentic faith is not simply about a situation. It is about a living and active relationship with Jesus, choosing to trust Him so much that I am willing to obey all He says, no matter the risk. This faith is entrusting myself to God and believing in His goodness and faithfulness, even in the most difficult of times. I trust Him so fully that even if the outcome is not what I had thought and hoped, I know that God is working for my good and there’s a part of the story I don’t know yet. One day it will all make sense, and it will all be evidence of love beyond anything I could imagine or understand.
The critical difference is transformation of actions and life to become more like Jesus. Simple belief can stay in the mind and make no lasting difference, but the true faith God desires is active, living, and seeks far more than an outcome. It results in changes in daily behavior, relationships, and decisions. This is the faith that moves the heart of God.
- Jesus, I can get so caught up in outcomes that I am either afraid to take a risk, or I go all out trying to make it happen. Help my faith be in You, not what I want or what I can do. Help every day bring me closer to You.