The Nature of Faith

Trusting Beyond Sight

The Christian walk is defined by faith—the spiritual conviction that trusts God beyond what can be physically seen. It is a dynamic state of active reliance that impacts not only our actions but also our endurance through trials.

Faith in Action: When Small Faith Makes God Big

Faith is the mechanism by which we connect to God’s unlimited power. Your notes highlight a crucial paradox:

• The Inverse Rule: When your faith seems small, your God becomes big. Jesus often used the analogy of the mustard seed to show that it is the quality and object of your faith—not its quantity—that matters. Even a small amount of genuine faith has access to immense power.

• Growing Faith: Genuine faith goes beyond mere theological belief in who God is; it is also rooted in believing and acting upon what God believes in (His promises). It is a commitment to the infallibility of His Word.

• The Faith of God Takes Over: We all have limits. There comes a point in challenging circumstances where your personal faith has gone as far as it can. It is then that the faith of God (or Christ’s own faithfulness) intervenes to take over, secure your miracle, or save you. It is God’s grace completing what our human effort cannot.

The Reward of Endurance: The Crown of Life

Trials are the proving ground for authentic faith. The way we navigate these difficult seasons determines the depth of our spiritual reward.

• The Key Quality: The pathway to receiving the promise is loving God under trial. This steadfast devotion amidst hardship is what God honors.
• The Crown of Life (James 1:12): This reward is more than just eternal life in heaven. It is a reward of a fuller life here and now—a life unclouded by spiritual dullness, bitterness, or the weight of unmanaged suffering. It signifies spiritual maturity and completeness (telios).

The Enemy of Stability: Double-Mindedness

The most significant barrier to living a life of faith is spiritual instability.

• The Double-Minded Man (James 1:8): This individual believes, but doubts. They lack the consistency and confidence required for God’s promises to take root. This instability in faith is a fundamental barrier to receiving assurance and divine provision.

Waiting on the Lord: An Active Posture

Waiting is not a passive activity; it is a spiritual stance of active readiness and trust.

• Jesus Modeled Submission: Jesus provided the ultimate example of perfect submission to the Father’s timing. His entire ministry—and the outcome of the cross—depended on waiting for the right moment.

• Attitude is Key in the Gap: Your attitude between the pain and the prize of the promise is everything. The attitude must be joyful, not complaining or negative, as patience produces endurance (James 1:3-4).

• Divine Encouragement: When suffering makes God feel distant, remember this: When it feels like “Jesus is silent,” He is actually “on His way.” Furthermore, “Jesus is suffering along with you” (Psalm 34:18), interceding for you until the promise arrives.