The Power of Faith: Trusting God Beyond the Visible
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Faith is often described as a powerful force, yet many of us struggle to truly understand its depth and impact. We hear the word faith in sermons, read it in Scripture, and may even try to exercise it in our daily lives. But what is faith, really? And why is it so powerful?
Faith is Confidence in the Invisible
At its core, faith is trusting in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the way forward. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” In other words, faith isn’t about relying on what is visible or tangible. It’s about trusting in the unseen realities of God's power, love, and sovereignty over our lives.
Faith in God means believing that He is who He says He is, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It means holding on to the truth that His plan is always better than ours, even when we can’t see the full picture.
Faith Moves Mountains
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals whose faith moved mountains—literally and figuratively. Jesus Himself said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20).
While we may not often see physical mountains move, faith has the power to change hearts, transform situations, and shift our perspective. When we choose faith over fear, hope over despair, we activate God’s power in ways that might not be immediately visible but are eternally significant.
Faith Shapes Our Actions
True faith isn’t passive. It’s active. It’s a faith that moves us to action, to step out even when the path seems uncertain. Think about the story of Abraham, who left everything he knew to follow God’s call to an unknown land (Genesis 12). Or Peter, who stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:29).
Both men acted in faith, not because they had all the answers, but because they trusted God enough to move forward with Him. Faith propels us to take risks, make sacrifices, and do things that wouldn’t be possible without God’s guidance and strength.
Faith Overcomes Fear
Fear is often the enemy of faith. When we focus on our problems, limitations, or the unknowns of life, it’s easy to let fear take hold. But faith shifts our focus from the problem to the solution—God Himself.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” When we choose faith, we choose to trust that God is bigger than any fear or challenge we face. His power is greater than any obstacle, and His love is more than enough to carry us through.
The Endurance of Faith
Faith doesn’t always work overnight. Sometimes, we have to wait for God’s promises to unfold. Yet, the Bible tells us that faith is what keeps us going, even when we don’t have all the answers. James 1:3-4 says, “The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
In the waiting, faith refines us. It helps us grow in patience, endurance, and character. And it draws us closer to God’s heart, allowing us to see His goodness even when we can't yet see the end result.
Faith is the Key to Victory
At the end of the day, faith is not just about believing in God's existence; it’s about believing in His ability to move in our lives. It’s about trusting His perfect timing, His perfect love, and His perfect plan for us.
As we step forward in faith, we tap into the greatest power on earth—the power of God Himself. It’s through faith that we overcome, that we grow, and that we live in the victory Christ has already won for us.
Reflection Questions:
What area of your life do you need to trust God with more fully? What step of faith can you take today?