Faith // Roman Series

Faith: The Foundation of Our Spiritual Journey

In our walk with God, few concepts are as central and transformative as faith. It's the bedrock of our relationship with the Divine, the lens through which we view His promises, and the key that unlocks the power of His Word in our lives. But what exactly is faith, and how does it shape our spiritual journey?

At its core, faith is "the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It's a profound trust in God that transcends our physical senses and rational understanding. This faith isn't just a passive belief; it's an active force that shapes our reality and connects us to the heart of God.

The story of Abraham beautifully illustrates the power of faith. At 86 years old, God made him a seemingly impossible promise – that he would become the father of many nations. Despite his advanced age and his wife Sarah's inability to conceive, Abraham chose to believe God. This act of faith, long before the establishment of religious laws or practices, was "credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

This account challenges our conventional understanding of righteousness. It wasn't Abraham's works or religious observances that made him righteous in God's eyes – it was his faith. This principle is echoed in Romans 4:5: "But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness."

This truth can be uncomfortable for those of us raised in religious traditions that emphasize works. Yet, it's crucial to understand that while good works naturally flow from genuine faith, they are not the source of our salvation or righteousness. Our right standing with God comes through faith alone.

Consider the implications of this. If our righteousness came through works, our relationship with God would be transactional – we work, and He owes us. But the beauty of faith is that it acknowledges our inability to earn God's favor and instead relies wholly on His grace. As Romans 4:4 puts it, "Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed."

This doesn't mean that works are irrelevant. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." Good works should naturally follow true faith, but they are the fruit, not the root, of our relationship with God.

So how do we cultivate this kind of faith? It starts with a fundamental shift in our beliefs:

1. Believing we are who God says we are.
2. Believing God is who He says He is.
3. Believing God will do what He says He will do.

This simple yet profound framework aligns our hearts with God's truth and opens the floodgates of faith in our lives.

The power of faith extends far beyond our personal relationship with God. Throughout Scripture, we see faith moving mountains, conquering kingdoms, shutting the mouths of lions, quenching the fury of flames, and even raising the dead to life (Hebrews 11:33-35). Faith is the currency of the spiritual realm, allowing us to tap into God's unlimited power and see His promises manifest in our lives.

However, it's important to note that faith isn't about having all the answers. Even in our closest human relationships, there's always an element of mystery. How much more so in our relationship with an infinite God? Faith acknowledges that while we may not understand everything, we trust in the character and promises of God.

This kind of faith can be challenging in a world that demands proof and instant gratification. It requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's bigger picture. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, "We walk by faith, not by sight."

Sometimes, our lack of faith stems not from a failure to believe in God's existence, but from a failure to believe in His goodness or His desire to fulfill His promises in our lives. We might find ourselves, like Sarah, laughing in disbelief at God's promises. But God's response to Sarah's doubt is a powerful reminder to us all: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14).

Our faith journey often involves wrestling with doubt, much like Jacob wrestled with God. But it's through these struggles that our faith is refined and strengthened. We're called to press in, to keep believing even when circumstances seem impossible, knowing that God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

As we cultivate this kind of faith, we'll find it transforming every aspect of our lives. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal comes as we feed our faith with God's Word and promises, allowing them to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

In the end, faith is about placing our complete trust in Jesus Christ. As the old hymn beautifully puts it:

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name."

This unwavering faith in Christ becomes our cornerstone, the solid rock on which we stand when all other ground is sinking sand.

So let us embrace faith not as a religious duty, but as the very essence of our relationship with God. Let's dare to believe Him for the impossible, to trust His character even when we don't understand His methods, and to step out in obedience to His call. For it's through faith that we please God (Hebrews 11:6), receive His promises, and experience the fullness of life He intends for us.

May our hearts echo the words of Jesus: "Have faith in God" (Mark 11:22). As we do, we'll discover a life filled with divine possibilities, miraculous interventions, and the deep, unshakeable peace that comes from knowing we are held in the hands of a faithful God.