Faith is hard for us to define in practical terms. Therefore, there is a great assortment of definitions assigned to faith. Some have faith in themselves, their wisdom, wealth, position, or in a set of creeds, a worldview, an organization, or their hero. I’ve been pondering exactly what is the purpose of faith? Why did God have to give us faith? (Ephesians 2:8) Is faith for getting what we want from God? That certainly could be interpreted from what Jesus said about healing. But could it be we are misinterpreting what Jesus was really was saying about faith in that context? After all, John 2:23-25 clearly points out that “… many believed in his name when they saw the miracles He was doing.” John 2:23 (ESV) However the very next verse reads, But Jesus … did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people… John 2:24 (ESV) That is saying that while people had that kind of faith/belief in Him, yet that belief was not the right type of faith that would get Him to give Himself to them. That means not just any definition of faith is acceptable to Him. That is profound and extremely significant. Elsewhere, the Bible places such a profound emphasis on it, especially where it reads, “…without faith it is impossible to please him…” (Hebrews 11:6a, ESV). If we expect to be approved when we stand before Him, wouldn’t it be in our best interest to have His definition of faith and why He must give it to us?
A more literal and complete translation of Hebrews 11:6 reads, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) Many translators replace the word ‘is’ with the word exists, which can be misleading. Demons believe He exists, but that belief is certainly not redemptive! (James 2:19) What is consistent throughout the Bible is that God insists on us believing all of who it says He is in character, sovereignty, all-knowing, all powerful, eternal, and all His other attributes. The “rewarder” piece is a further reference to His character.
The centurion, when requesting Jesus to heal his son, said to Jesus, “I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” Matthew 8:9 (NLT2) Jesus’ response to him was, “… he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, ’I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!’” Matthew 8:10 (NLT2) His answer revealed He saw Jesus to be God in the flesh who had total authority over all creation, not just trivial authority over other humans. That was what Jesus perceived in this man and caused Jesus to marvel! The man had experienced the faith of God, not just the faith in Him. It is that definition of faith, when exercised, that releases Him to be fully God and be “a rewarder”. When given God’s faith, (Eph. 2:8), He “rewards” us with salvation, healing, miraculous interventions, and His ability to continue to change our life into His image.
Connie’s (my wife) prayer journals consistently repeated that she hoped for her healing and became discouraged, since that request was not being answered. However, she consistently followed that sentiment by writing her much stronger desire was to leave that decision up to the all-knowing God, who she passionately loved and fully trusted. When a person genuinely surrenders their natural desires to their sovereign, loving God, that is a divine faith that allows Him to do what is best, not just what we prefer.
I now see faith as the crucial resource for connecting with God, not just to satisfy our desires.
These words are so TRUE. My faith must be in Him for His desire for my life!