Faith

What it means

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is certainty about realities we cannot yet inspect.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the Bible's own definition, so it guards you from calling wishful thinking faith.

Cross references

• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• Romans 8:24-25
• Hebrews 11:6

Pray it back

Lord, give me settled confidence in what you have said, even where I cannot yet see it.

What it means

We walk by faith and not by sight. Faith is a way of walking, a daily manner of life rather than a single decision.

Why every Christian should know it

Short enough to recall in a moment of pressure, and it names the exact choice in front of you.

Cross references

• Hebrews 11:1
• Romans 8:25
• 1 Peter 1:8

Pray it back

Father, I will walk today by what you have said, not only by what I can see.

What it means

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. God gives faith through his own message.

Why every Christian should know it

It tells you what to do when faith feels thin. Go back to the word, because that is where faith is created.

Cross references

• John 20:31
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13
• Psalms 119:105

Pray it back

Lord, my faith grows where your word is heard. Give me hunger for Scripture today.

What it means

Jesus says all things are possible to the one who believes, and a desperate father answers, I believe, help my unbelief.

Why every Christian should know it

It is honest faith. Jesus does not reject a believing man who admits his doubt, and neither should we.

Cross references

• Matthew 17:20
• Luke 17:5
• Matthew 14:31

Pray it back

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Take the faith I have and strengthen it.

What it means

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who seek him.

Why every Christian should know it

It makes seeking God a matter of faith from the first step, and promises that the seeking is not wasted.

Cross references

• Jeremiah 29:13
• Matthew 7:7-8
• Deuteronomy 4:29

Pray it back

God, I seek you believing that you are there and that you answer. Reward this seeking with yourself.