What is faith?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
-Faith is trusting God’s promises as real, even when you can’t see the outcome yet.
-It’s a confident hope anchored in who God is, what He says and what He will do even when everything around you says otherwise.
-It’s like having the title deed to a house you haven’t seen yet. Even though you don’t live there, you own it by legal right—it’s yours because the contract is sure. Faith is holding the title deed to God’s promises.
Faith is tested by trials
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 says
-Trials aren’t accidents or punishments. They are God’s tools to make us spiritually stronger, deeper and more anchored.
-It’s not about enjoying the pain, but we can rejoice because of what God is producing through the pain. It’s producing endurance, the ability to keep standing under pressure.
-Think of a muscle. The more you push against resistance, the stronger it gets. Faith is like a muscle, it needs resistance (trials to grow.
-Believers look at trials as the training grounds for unshakable faith! For those who aren’t sure what to believe, what if your pain isn’t random? What if God is calling you closer through the broken places?
Faith listens
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22
-It’s easy to sit in church, nod at the Bible but walk away unchanged. James says that is self-deception.
-It’s like looking in a mirror, seeing lipstick all over our face and doing nothing about it. That’s what happens when we hear God’s word but don’t act.
-Faith is not just knowing Bible verses. It’s choosing forgiveness when it hurts, praying when we feel like giving up, walking in love when we’ve been wounded.
-If you’re not sure where to start with God, start by asking Him to show you His Word—and give you the courage to act on it.
Faith shows Mercy, Not Judgement
“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But, if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.” James is talking to people tempted to look down on others, to judge by appearance or past mistakes. God’s mercy rescued us—and He expects us to live mercy out.
-There’s a saying: “Don’t judge someone just because they sin differently than you.” God’s mercy levels the playing field—we are all in need of grace.
-Be women who offer mercy first. Love people who don’t love you back.
-Maybe you’ve felt judged your whole life—even by Christians. God offers mercy first, not condemnation.
Faith without Action is Dead.
-Saying you have faith but never living it out is like claiming you’re alive but not breathing. Faith breathes through your actions.
-Imagine someone says they love you but they never call, show up or care about you. Would you believe them? Real love shows up—and so does real faith.
-Show your faith by small, powerful choices:
-Encourage someone who is going through a trial.
-Forgive before you feel like it.
-Pray with someone who is feeling hopeless.
-If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, just know God is not asking you to clean yourself up first and then believe. He is inviting you to believe and let Him change you.
Final challenge:
The world is full of fake-faith that talks big but walks away empty. God is calling us to real faith. A faith that survives heartache, loneliness, regrets, losses. A faith that says, “I may. Be broken, but I’m believing God will heal and restore because He says so. I may be weak, but I’m believing He makes me strong. I may be tired, but I’m holding onto Jesus, the anchor of my soul”
Quote:
“It’s not the strength of your faith that saves you, but the strength of Him upon whom you rely! Christ is able to save you if you come to Him—be your faith weak or be it strong.” -Charles Spurgeon
Prayer of Faith:
“Heavenly Father,
Faith is an action word. If I say I have faith, but don’t walk it out, I am a liar.
Forgive me for not stewarding my faith well.
I give you my apathy, passivity, and tranquility in keeping the status quo.
I’m hungry to do things differently!
To experience what fully trusting in you can do in me and for others!
Today I relinquish all control, lack of trust and unbelief.
I trade these things to make room for more of your Holy Spirit.
I give you full access to my weakness and tendencies.
Reveal them to me!
Help me release every reason and excuse.
Empower me by your Spirit and keep me sensitive to not quench your will or ways.
You’re the Lord of my life so I put my faith and trust in you.”
*A special thank you to Jessica Prines for this teaching!
