What Is Faith: Understanding Unwavering Trust and Confidence

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Faith is complex and multifaceted, often characterized by belief, confidence, and trust in one’s values and principles. And while these attributes are integral to embodying belief, they do not fully encapsulate its essence. According to biblical scripture, faith is the essential substance of our aspirations. Faith enables us to believe in the unseen.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
— Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

This profound definition highlights the intangible yet robust nature of faith. Faith’s complexity transcends the limitations of physical perception.

The word “faith” originated from the Greek noun PISTIS, which signifies trust, trustworthiness, faithfulness, and belief. The verb PISTUEO embodies the concept of unwavering trust or confidence in someone or something, a strong belief in religious doctrines based on spiritual conviction rather than empirical evidence. This trust does not mean, however, that faith is incompatible with reason. Faith and reason can complement each other. Faith provides a framework for understanding the world. Reason helps to interpret and apply that understanding.

Trusting God is a Gift

Faith is often oversimplified as simply believing in someone or something. However, if we lack a clear understanding of what we believe and why, we risk adopting a passive attitude of “it is what it is.” This complacency can lead us to accept defeat and settle for far less than our true desires. Yet, when our faith is firmly anchored in God, we gain the power to transform our circumstances. It doesn’t matter how challenging they may seem.

The Bible profoundly proclaims that faith is a divine gift from God. It clearly states that God does not distribute faith in varying amounts. He entrusts each individual with the same measure.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
— Romans 12:3 NKJV

What distinguishes one person’s faith from another’s is not the initial portion granted but the willingness to actively develop and exercise it. By nd embracing the faith we have, we open ourselves to transformative possibilities. This allows our confidence in God’s promises to grow stronger with each step. Nurturing our faith empowers us to face life’s uncertainties with courage and hope.

Developing great faith transcends mere belief; it’s about embodying the same spirit of faith that God exemplifies. It requires an unwavering trust in God and a profound confidence that reflects His own. This absolute faith fosters an unshakeable assurance that empowers us to change our lives and fulfill our deepest aspirations.

Understanding the Parable of the Fig Tree

To maximize your belief in God, you must learn how to fight the good fight of faith. But to understand faith, you must know how it operates. In the book of Mark, there is a story about Jesus and a fig tree. It is a testament to speaking faith in action.

Jesus saw a fig tree by the road and went to it, hoping to find figs. However, when He reached the tree, He found only leaves and no fruit. He told the tree, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately, the fig tree withered and died. The following day, as they passed by the fig tree, the disciples noticed it had dried up from the roots. Peter pointed this out to Jesus, saying, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.”

In response, Jesus said, “Have faith in God. Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:20-24 NKJV). The Revised Geneva Translation reads, “And Jesus answered, and said to them, ‘Have the faith of God.” (Mark 11:22 RGT).

If You Believe, Speak

If you truly believe, your faith will resonate because believing faith speaks volumes. Understanding the essence of faith is vital if you want to harness its power in your life. The Parable of the Fig Tree vividly illustrates this principle: faith that moves mountains embodies both unwavering confidence in God and a reflection of God’s own faith. Just as God believed and then spoke, you, too, must cultivate a dynamic faith that confidently addresses your challenges to manifest positive outcomes. I have personally experienced the transformative power of faith. By faith, I was miraculously delivered from crack cocaine. I affirm that faith is not just a belief—it is a powerful declaration.

Consider how Jesus cursed the fig tree. He didn’t shout or belittle it; instead, He firmly proclaimed, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” In doing so, He demonstrated that speaking directly to your circumstances alters their reality. Avoid perpetuating narratives about your struggles; when you dwell on your sickness, you inadvertently glorify it. Instead, take control of your narrative. Speak confidently to your challenges, declaring, “From this day forward, you will no longer hinder me.” Embrace the authority of your voice and witness the change it can bring.

The Spirit of Faith

When God spoke the universe into existence, He did so with unwavering confidence that His words would manifest into reality. In a similar vein, we possess the extraordinary ability to shape our own lives through our words, speaking with resolute belief. We are empowered to express the same faith that resides within us through the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we realize that nothing is unattainable when we communicate with steadfast assurance.

Today, the challenge with faith stems from a tendency to align our beliefs with our desires, often disregarding factual evidence. Once upon a time, we trusted in God without needing tangible proof of His existence. We had unwavering confidence in the scientific community regarding the threats of global warming; now, we often dismiss their warnings as mere responses to a warm season. Similarly, while we once placed our trust in medical professionals to safeguard our health, many now reject their guidance on crucial matters, such as COVID-19 vaccinations, opting instead to believe that the virus will vanish with faith alone.

Let us rekindle that same spirit of conviction and trust that once guided us, recognizing that true faith transcends mere wishful thinking.

Nothing Is Impossible

Faith embodies the unwavering assurance that our deepest aspirations will come to realization, even in the absence of tangible proof. This powerful conviction reinforces our belief in the realization of our hopes through divine intervention. Faith acts as the vital link to the spiritual realm, making the presence of God a palpable reality in our lives and consciousness. Through faith, we harness the ability to shape our surroundings, firmly acknowledging the existence of an invisible realm that ultimately brings our spiritual visions into the physical world.

Additionally, faith serves as the dynamic force that transforms our dreams into tangible realities. It solidifies our conviction, turning abstract aspirations into concrete manifestations. With faith, our hopes gain substance, empowering us to believe that we already hold these dreams within the spiritual domain. Absolute faith unlocks the potential for remarkable achievements, enabling us to accomplish the seemingly impossible, such as healing the sick, resurrecting the lost, and restoring sight to the blind.

By embracing faith, we cultivate an unwavering confidence in the truth of God’s promises and the revelations found in scripture. Even when divine assurances remain beyond the reach of our physical senses, our trust in God ensures the fulfillment of our hopes and expectations.

Remarkable Faith

In the Book of Daniel, Chapter 6, we encounter a compelling narrative centered on a man named Daniel, who embodies steadfast faith in the face of adversity. As one of the three administrators chosen to oversee the Persian governors, Daniel distinguished himself with his remarkable character and unparalleled abilities, garnering the king’s intention to elevate him to reign over the entire kingdom. This growing favor, however, incited envy among the other administrators and governors, who were unable to find any fault to tarnish his reputation.

In their scheming, these administrators and governors took note of Daniel’s unwavering commitment to daily prayer. They cunningly persuaded the king to enact a decree that prohibited prayers to any deity or human save himself, with the dire consequence of being cast into the lions’ den for any infraction.

Unfazed by the new edict, Daniel boldly continued his routine of open prayer to God, deliberately challenging the unjust law. When the jealous officials reported his defiance to King Darius—who deeply respected Daniel—the king desperately sought a means to rescue him until sunset, but his efforts proved futile. Ultimately, the king gave the order to throw Daniel into the lions’ den.

Confident Belief

The king hastened to the lion’s den early the following day and urgently called out to Daniel. Upon Daniel’s response, the triumphant King Darius immediately commanded his servants to take Daniel out of the lion’s den. After inspection, the king found Daniel to be unharmed.

Immediately after discovering that Daniel was falsely accused, the king commanded that Daniel’s accusers be thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. Before they reached the den’s floor, the lions overpowered them and crushed their bones. Daniel had trusted God to deliver him from certain death, and God honored his faith. All the odds were against Daniel, but he remained confident in God. Daniel’s accusers meant to harm him, but God favored Daniel because of his faith.

In the face of danger, it’s imperative not to succumb to panic. Let’s draw inspiration from Daniel, who fearlessly stood firm in the lion’s den. His unwavering faith in God empowered him to remain resolute in the face of adversity. Despite the grim circumstances, Daniel placed steadfast trust in the Lord. Let’s remember the word of God. The Scripture unequivocally assures us that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13 [NKJV]).

Consistently Trusting God Produces Results

Jesus demonstrated the incredible power of faith when He fed five thousand people with just a little boy’s lunch. When He prayed, He showed the same kind of faith as God, and His faith produced miraculous results. While some may argue that Jesus performed this miracle because He was the Son of God, we must remember that Jesus came to earth as a man, voluntarily leaving His power and glory in heaven to become like one of us. It was through His unwavering faith that Jesus, as a man, fed the multitude. He prayed with absolute certainty that God would work a miracle, and indeed, He did.

Nothing happened after Jesus prayed, not until He broke the bread. In other words, Jesus had to do something. He had to act upon His faith, which was the substance of His prayer. When Jesus broke the bread, He gave it to His disciples, showing evidence that He believed God could do what He asked.

How to Know You Have Faith

It’s not enough to say you have faith; you must put your faith into action. The Bible defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Everyone hopes for things, but not everyone shows proof of their hope. If you have hope but don’t show it, your hope lacks faith, and the things you hope for will not come to pass unless you take action.

Because of our faith in God, we have the first fruits of the Spirit. We have repentance, hope, and love. God calls them first fruits because they appear first after salvation. You know you have faith in God because your faith believes unconditionally. It does not see what is; faith does not see the current conditions; instead, it sees what it wants the current conditions to be. If you believe, your faith will speak and act on your beliefs.