Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. – Hebrews 11:1-2
Knowing God and experiencing His power in our lives begins with understanding biblical faith. More importantly, faith is the only means by which we can please God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
–Hebrews 11:6
But what does it mean to have biblical faith? What does it mean to trust God for “greater works” in our lives? How can I daily, practically exercise the kind of faith that moves the hand of God? I believe we must understand the foundation of faith, the foresight of faith, and finally, learn how to foster that faith daily.
The Foundations of our Faith
Ultimately, our faith is only as good as its object. Biblical faith is not simply strongly believing or even delusional assurance that something will happen. Sometimes we read words like, “If you will ask anything…” and take it to mean that, if we just believe enough, God will reward our faith.
I believe the Bible clearly gives two foundations on which we should build our faith. Just like the foundation of a structure, these also set the parameters of what we can ask of God believing He will answer.
The first foundation is the Bible.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. –Romans 10:17
While the immediate context of this scripture is faith for salvation, I believe application can be made and confirmed by other passages that the Bible defines the parameters of our faith. When my prayers align with the revealed Word of God and my acts of faith are rooted in a promise of Scripture, I can have confidence that my faith will become sight.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. –John 15:7
James warns us about asking aimlessly with no connection to what God desires to accomplish in and through our lives.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. –James 4:3
God’s Word protects us from asking amiss and with the motivation to consume on our own lusts. Knowing the heart of God and what things He is trying to accomplish can give me the game plan for audacious and courageous acts of faith.
Alone, this foundation seems to limit our faith. It seems as if there is a “cap” on what faith can accomplish. While the parameters are clearly set by God’s Word, the second foundation defies all the limits of our faith.
The second foundation of our faith is the resurrection of Jesus
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. –John 14:12
I love that the greater works Jesus spoke of in this passage are dependent on His return to the Father. Because Jesus is alive and because Jesus is God, anything is possible. When my acts and prayers of faith align with God’s revealed will, there is no limit to what God can do with those prayers!
One passage that causes me to marvel is Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
As I read those words, I believe that what these unbelieving Jews noticed was not that Peter and John behaved like Jesus, but rather that their boldness was rooted in the fact that they had been with the RISEN Jesus.
Let me ask you: if you were to come face to face with the resurrected Christ like Paul did on the road to Damascus, what would change in your life? What action have you been avoiding in fear that you should attempt in faith? In what areas of Christian living have you lacked confidence that you should now live out with boldness? The resurrection of Christ guarantees power for our faith.
The Foresight of our Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
–Hebrews 11:1-2
A crucial element of biblical faith is that it sees beyond what is to what could be by the power of God. If we limit our faith to what we can see, we are not exercising biblical faith.
Faith understands that God did not make the worlds from things that already existed. In the same way, biblical faith sees the potential of what God could do, not through our visible means and resources, but through God’s abundant, limitless resources.
When did you last stop to dream in faith of all that God could do in your life and ministry? Not what He is doing or what He probably will do, but what He could do. If He is God, don’t be afraid to dream BIG.
The Fostering of Our faith
I believe the best way to foster biblical faith in our lives is to frequently exercise biblical faith in our lives. Biblical faith is audacious, courageous, and active.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. –Jeremiah 33:3
Audacious faith shows a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks. If our goal is always within the realm of “what we can accomplish on our own,” we reveal a heart lacking faith in what only God can do. When exercised within the parameters of Scripture and in the power of the resurrection, audacious faith attempts great things for God.
“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” –William Carey
Courageous faith is not deterred by danger, pain, or opposition. Mark it down: if you attempt anything in audacious faith, there will be skeptics and critics. There will be those who question your motives, critique your efforts, and ultimately confirm your failures while criticizing your achievements. It takes great courage to exercise biblical faith. When the obstacles come, remember your faith is grounded in the Bible and in the power of the resurrected Savior. God will not let you down.
Courage and audacity in our faith demand one thing: action. They require a faith that does not simply sit back and passively ask God to act on our behalf. Rather, this faith drives us to do everything we can to see our faith-dreams come to pass. This is not void of faith or delusional confidence. This is God-confidence. We put our necks on the line for those things that God desires, knowing that He will ultimately bring it to pass.
Every name in Hebrews 11 attempted something. They had a promise (God’s Word), they had the power of God, and they simply did something. “By faith, so-and-so did this.” Some of these things were audacious. Some of them expressed courage is extreme opposition. But every one of them did something.
Biblical faith always leads to action. So let me ask you, what is it that you are attempting in audacious, courageous, and active faith? Are you facing obstacles? Is it because you are attempting something with no clear foundation in Scripture? Are you attempting it in your power rather than tapping the limitless power of the resurrection Christ? Are you failing to see beyond what is to what could be by God’s power?
Whatever it is, don’t grow weary. Unleash the power of God through biblical faith.
