“Now Faith: The What? The How? The Why” - Rev. Rayne

The What: What is Faith?

Foundational Scripture:

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”

Hebrews 11:1 AMP

Faith is a “now” thing. Understand that faith is current. It exists in the present moment in time and gives us the ability to instantly take possession of what is ours. We have assurance that whatever God promises will come to pass. That his promises will manifest. Our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is where our faith resides. It's the key that unlocks every door and gives us access to the glory of God.

The things of God that we receive in life are based on our level of faith (Matthew 9:29). By believing right now that it’s already ours, we can speak something into existence even if it doesn’t appear to exist (Romans 4:17). Faith is what gives us the ability to presently accept the idea that whatever we want in life is on its way to us; and through continual belief, we will began to see those things manifest (Galatians 6:9).

The How: How does Faith work?

Think of the promises of God as a package that has been ordered. The moment you purchase the package it is yours. Even though you don’t physically have it yet or can’t see it in that moment, you still understand that you have ownership of that package. Faith is the confirmation code with the tracking number to your promise. When you have confirmation, you are already mentally in a place where you can confidently say you have that package even though it’s not in your grasp in that moment. It is not immediately at your disposal nor within your reach. You understand that it may take some time, but it is on the way. At some point the package will reach its destination. It cannot go to any other address, because it is already addressed to you. Your name is the only name on that package, because the package was paid for with you in mind. That is how faith works. It is a “right now” thing even though it seems to be on the way. It is having complete confidence in God’s word at all times. It is expecting everything God promised you to manifest in due season at all costs, regardless of the situation or circumstances; because you know Jesus has already paid the price for your sins when he was crucified.

Faith is essential to a believer (Jeremiah 29:13). We are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith requires absolute trust and enduring confidence in the power of God and his plan for our life (Jeremiah 29:11). Faith is hope that is active (Hebrew 11:1). Faith is an action that is produced by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Faith causes us to believe we can fulfill our purpose even when other people don’t stand in agreement with what God told us (Noah). Faith is saying send me (Samuel). Faith says I will go (Abraham) even when I don’t know where I'm going. Faith is saying “I’m a conqueror” even when we’re facing giants (David). Faith is being fearless in times of adversity because we know God is with us (Joshua 1:9). Faith is not being afraid of failure because we know God’s hand is holding us up (Isaiah 41:10). Faith is believing even if unbelief tries to cause us to question what is possible (Mark 9:24).

The Why: Why Do We Need Faith?

All we need is faith the size of a mustard seed to activate the power of God (Matthew 7:20). We must understand that only takes a small amount of for all things to be possible (Mark 9:22-23). Without belief, it is impossible to experience the power of God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in action produces the kind of power that raised Christ from the dead, heals (Mark 5:34, 36), and does miracles. True faith can cast out demons and renew our minds (Mark 5:1-15). Such power cannot be cultivated without praying and fasting (Mark 9:29). Faith is having such spiritual conviction of the truth of the power of God that it scares people to the point that those without faith will not even want to be around us because they can’t explain away our authority (Mark 5:15-17, Mark 1:22, Matthew 7:29).