A Deeper Meaning to Faith
A couple weeks ago we discussed the topic of faith. If you remember, we discussed that the Christian faith is hope in things unseen. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. However, the English definition of the word “faith” does not do it justice when in this context. Oftentimes today, when we hear the word “faith” we associate it with a strong belief. This is not a bad association and it definitely gets the point across. However, when we consider the word “faith” in terms of Biblical aspects, there is a greater definition. When we come across the word “faith” in the Bible, we really should be replacing it with the word “trust”. This is not an issue with the Bible but a correction of the English language and the slow metamorphosis of the meanings of words for us.
When viewed in this context, the word “faith” means that you have complete and utter trust in something (in this case God). Jesus uses the word “faith” quite often, however I will list a few and as you read them I ask that you replace the word “faith” with “trust” and see how much deeper the meaning becomes.
“And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him, and touched the border of His cloak; 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His cloak, I will get well.” 22 But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And at once the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:20-22
“And some men were carrying a man on a stretcher who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But when they did not find any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 And seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”“ Luke 5:18-20
“Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”“ Matthew 14:31
“19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 And He *said to them, “Because of your meager faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:19-20
Do you see the difference it is when you connect the word “faith” to “trust”? These individuals had enough trust in Jesus that it allowed them to be healed of their burdens. Trust in Jesus allowed them to perform miracles and walk on water, it was doubt that caused them to sink or be unable to perform miracles. Our faith is not in ourselves, but is our trust in God to do what we cannot. I would encourage you that any time you see the word “faith” to reread that verse and see how the meaning is deeper when placed with the word “trust”. For example read Genesis 22, in this passage Abraham is told to sacrifice his only son, the child that his wife and Abraham waited anxiously to have. The son that God promised to Abraham who would be the father of nations. And yet through Abraham’s faith (trust) in the Lord, he would have sacrificed Isaac not knowing how God would complete His promise if this was done. I would encourage you to look at your own life, are you harboring doubt in your life? Is there something that you believe that is simply to big for God to handle? If so, then this is an area where your faith, meaning your trust, needs work. As difficult as it may be, give this area over to God. He can complete His work and strengthen your faith, all you need to is ask. “37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex