Faith is the chief way mankind is to respond to God. He has directed it and enabled it for all. You enter into a relationship with the LORD through the door of faith (Acts 16:31). And, it is how you are called to live out the Christian life (Galatians 3:11).

If God has placed such emphasis on faith, it is extremely important that we understand what it is. What does faith involve? In the Bible we find that it entails three things.

  First, faith involves choice. This is foundational to what faith is. You can believe or not believe. In fact, it can be said that everyone is choosing to trust in something or someone. Jesus directed people to believe with the full assumption that they could, if they chose to. He was amazed at both great faith and unbelief, as though the individuals in question could have done otherwise. Jesus frequently scolded His disciples because of their unbelief, doubt or little faith. They could have chosen to trust God more. You have a choice to make also. What choice are you making?

Second, faith involves confidence. If you trust someone, you have confidence in their character and ability. It is part of the definition of faith. “Faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV) We cannot rightly say we have faith in someone if we do not have confidence in them. How is your confidence in God? Do you believe God’s character is trustworthy? Are you confident that He is able to fulfill all that He has promised?

Third, faith involves commitment. The word translated “faith” in the Bible does not only entail confidence. It also involves an active trust and reliance. You can stand from afar and intellectually say you are confident that a chair can hold you up. But, you can only say you are trusting the chair when you make the commitment to actually sit in the chair. When Jesus called people to faith, He called them to commitment. He called them to an actual reliance upon God. Perhaps you say you are confident in His character and ability… Are you willing to trust your life fully into the LORD’s hands and actually depend upon Him?  

Faith involves choice, confidence and commitment. This is what faith is. Remember: The righteous shall live by faith. It is how you are to live your life. Jesus said, “Have faith in God”. (Mark 11:22)  

TAKE ACTION: 

1. Search your heart whether you are confident in God and are willing to commit your life into His hands.

2. Pray to the LORD and affirm your choice, confidence and commitment toward Him.