Believing and having faith in God is portrayed in a variety of ways, throughout the Holy Bible. Here are some examples of what believing and having faith looks like in the Scriptures:
- Trusting in God’s Promises:
The biblical heroes of faith are often those who trusted in God’s promises, even when the circumstances seemed impossible. For example, Abraham believed God’s promise that he would become the father of a great nation, despite being old and childless (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:18-22). - Obeying God’s Commands:
Believing and having faith in God often manifests itself through obedience to His commands and teachings. Noah, for instance, demonstrated his faith by building the ark in accordance with God’s instructions, even though it had never rained before (Hebrews 11:7). - Relying on God’s Strength and Provision:
Faith in God is seen in the willingness to depend on Him for strength, guidance, and provision, rather than relying on one’s own abilities or resources. This is exemplified in David’s trust in God to deliver him from Goliath, despite the overwhelming odds (1 Samuel 17:45-47). - Persevering through Trials and Difficulties:
The Bible shows that true faith often shines brightest in the midst of adversity. Job, for example, maintained his faith in God even when faced with the loss of his family, his health, and his prosperity (Job 1:20-22, 13:15). - Boldly Proclaiming God’s Truth:
Believing and having faith in God can also lead to courageous proclamation of His truth, even in the face of opposition or persecution. The prophet Daniel, for instance, continued to pray to God despite the king’s decree forbidding it (Daniel 6:10). - Surrendering to God’s Will:
Ultimately, believing and having faith in God involves a willingness to submit to His sovereign will, even when it does not align with our own desires or expectations. This is seen in Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He surrendered to the Father’s plan for His crucifixion (Matthew 26:39).
Throughout the biblical narratives, we see that believing and having faith in God is not merely a passive, intellectual assent, but an active trust that manifests itself in obedience, surrender, and a willingness to risk everything for the sake of God’s kingdom. This kind of faith is a gift from God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is essential for pleasing God and experiencing His extraordinary power in our lives.
Lord, help us for vain and worthless is the help of man!