Faith. | A Weekly Word 2022
Faith lays the foundation for hope. Hope is a belief based in our desire for something to get better. Faith, which is more spiritual conviction than mental attitude, is a belief that there already is something better. The Bible describes faith as, “the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1] Faith is the thing that backs our hope, as it gives us something to trust and believe in.
Faith is a prerequisite to purpose. The desire to discover one’s life's meaning is rooted in the idea that we have been created for a reason beyond existing merely to procreate. Uncovering our purpose answers the question, “Why did God set man apart from all known creation with gifts of intelligence, introspection and ideation?” Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Faith in God’s intentional design affirms that we were created to carry out God’s plan and purpose for each of us.
Faith unlocks abundance. The Bible, in the gospel of Mark 9:23, proclaims that, “all things are possible for those who believe.” Faith is not just the belief that God exists, but that “[He] is able to do far more abundantly than all that we can ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [Ephesians 3:20] God’s power at work within us is the key to abundance. Faith allows us to tap into God’s infinite power and make all things possible.
Faith fights fear. Fear is a burden under whose weight we may not be able to pursue healing and genuine connection. Its crippling effects keep us isolated, depressed and overwhelmed, unable to make progress on our goals. God says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28] We have been commanded to “Cast all your fears on Him because he cares for you.” [1 Peter 5:7] Faith allows us to take refuge and find rest in the safety of God’s covering, and the knowledge that He will exchange our fears for His peace.
Love, Maaden
Passage
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Prayer
God, thank you for the unmerited gift of salvation for nothing more than our faith in You. Thank you for the opportunity to find our faith simply by hearing the word of Christ. Thank you for our faith that lays the groundwork for hope, purpose, and abundance, and that acts as an antidote to fear. Help me to tap into my faith first, regardless of the circumstance. Allow me to operate in the boldness and power that is at word within me through You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Practice
This week, I will spend five minutes each day getting in alignment with God through His word. I will commit to taking a faith-forward approach to life and the challenges that I may experience.