A Life of Faith: Increase Your Faith

by David Chadwick

The only definition of faith found in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen. Assurance is defined as "being certain in the mind." Conviction is "a strong persuasion or belief."

As you can see, Biblically, faith is being certain of what you hope for and having a strong persuasion that what you can't see can actually happen.

Note that we can't see faith. But it is an integral part of practicing a life full of the Spirit. In fact, faithfulness is one of the fruits of the spirit. How we learn to steward a life of faith and being faithful is directly attached to our hope, which we will look at next week.

2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight."

Faith is the atmosphere of heaven. It is the rarified air that we will naturally breathe in eternity one day. It's the mark of a life that is dependent on God's promise and presence.

When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, he tells them to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). When we operate in faith, we are believing God for a glimpse on earth of what heaven is like.

How can you begin to practice a life of faith? Begin by asking God for his perspective on situations – big and small. Start to exercise a certainty of what you hope for. To believe against all odds, even if you can't see or feel it.

Even if the outcome on this side of eternity is overshadowed by the brokenness of this world, you have spent time and energy developing a heart of faith that can never be taken away from you.

Faith will increase miracles. Remember in Matthew 9:22 when Jesus turned to the woman who had been bleeding and said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." She was instantly healed.

Start today to live by faith. Walk by faith. Believe in faith.

And watch as God meets your faith with his power, peace and presence.