We Need Faith!

Faith That Moves Mountains: From Belief to Action

Faith is the foundation of Christianity, but many believers struggle to understand what true faith looks like in practice. Too often, we confuse mere belief with biblical faith, leaving us frustrated when we don't see the breakthrough we're praying for.

What Is Biblical Faith?

Faith Has Substance and Evidence

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This isn't blind faith - it has substance and evidence. The Amplified Bible describes it as "the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see."

When we have true faith, we possess conviction about God's reality and promises, regardless of what we see or feel in the moment. There's a crucial difference between facts and truth. We don't ignore facts, but we stand on the truth of God's Word above circumstances.

Faith Grows Through God's Word

Scripture tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Every believer has been given a measure of faith, but our faith can and should grow. Second Thessalonians 1:3 speaks of faith that "grows exceedingly."

Testimonies of God's faithfulness also build our faith. When we hear how God healed someone's eye condition or delivered another person from addiction, it strengthens our confidence in His power to work in our lives too.

Why Faith Without Works Is Dead

The Airplane Illustration

You might believe an airplane can fly you from one city to another - that's intellectual belief. But if you won't get on the plane, you don't really have faith in it. Similarly, you might believe Jesus died for your sins, but unless you're willing to put your faith in Him and surrender your life, that belief is worthless.

99% Obedience Is Still Rebellion

Many Christians want God to focus on all the things they're doing right while ignoring areas of disobedience. But God calls us to 100% obedience. When we partially obey while holding back in certain areas, we're not demonstrating faith - we're showing rebellion.

Faith Like a Mustard Seed

It's Not About Size - It's About Action

Jesus said if we have faith "as a mustard seed," we can move mountains. Many focus on the size aspect, thinking they need only tiny faith. But the Greek word means "in the manner of" a mustard seed, not just the size.

What's the manner of a seed? A seed must be planted to produce anything. If you keep a seed in your pocket, it will eventually die and produce nothing. But when planted, even the smallest seed can grow into something magnificent.

Faith Must Be Released

Faith only grows when it's released from our control. Like a farmer who plants a seed and then trusts God for the harvest, we must pray, believe, and then release the outcome to God. We can't control how or when God works, but we can trust that He will.

Faith Expects Results

When farmers plant seeds, they expect a harvest. When we pray in faith, we should expect God to move. This doesn't mean we dictate the timeline or method, but we should anticipate that our prayers will make a difference.

Watering Your Faith

Thanksgiving Activates Faith

The best way to "water" your faith is through thanksgiving. Instead of repeatedly asking God for the same thing, begin thanking Him for what He's already doing. Thank Him for the healing before you see it. Thank Him for the breakthrough before it manifests.

This isn't denial of reality - it's standing on the truth of God's promises while circumstances catch up to His Word.

When Faith Requires Action

Sometimes God Gives Wisdom Along with Miracles

Not every healing comes through supernatural intervention alone. Sometimes God provides wisdom about practical steps we need to take. If you're praying for lower blood pressure, God might lead you to exercise and eat better. If you're believing for back healing, He might show you specific exercises to strengthen supporting muscles.

This isn't a lack of faith - it's cooperating with God's wisdom for your healing.

Calling on the Elders

James 5:14-15 instructs believers to "call for the elders of the church" when sick, so they can anoint with oil and pray. Yet many Christians suffer in silence instead of reaching out for prayer support. This represents incomplete obedience to God's prescribed method for healing.

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you've been believing God for breakthrough but haven't taken corresponding action. Maybe you're praying for healing but haven't asked for prayer from church leadership. Perhaps you're believing for financial breakthrough but haven't been faithful in giving. Or you might be hoping for restored relationships while avoiding difficult conversations.

Take your "seed" of faith out of your pocket and plant it through obedient action. Then water it daily with thanksgiving, praising God for what He's doing even before you see the full manifestation.

Questions for Reflection:

• What "seeds of faith" have you been keeping in your pocket instead of planting through action?

• In what areas of your life are you demonstrating 99% obedience while holding back in others?

• How can you begin thanking God for breakthroughs you're believing for but haven't yet seen?

• Who in your life needs prayer for healing, and when will you offer to pray for them instead of just saying "I'll pray for you"?