HOW CAN I HAVE FAITH?
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1 (NASB 1995)
Faith can feel like a tricky thing, especially when life has been tough. If you’re reading this, you might be wondering if believing in Jesus is really worth it. You might even question if He is who He says He is – God. Trust me, I’ve been there, wrestling with these same thoughts.
First, let’s talk about what faith is. Faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trust and hope. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is believing in something even when you can’t see it right in front of you. It’s trusting that God has a plan for you, even when it seems like life is just one big mess.
So, what evidence is there for believing in Christ? For me, it’s about looking at the bigger picture. The Bible is filled with stories of people whose lives were changed because they trusted Jesus. Think about the disciples – they were regular people like you and me. They doubted, they were scared, and they made mistakes. But their encounters with Jesus transformed them. They saw Him perform miracles, they heard His teachings, and ultimately, they witnessed His resurrection. Their lives are a testimony to His power and love.
Now, I get it – it can be hard to believe in something you can’t see. You might be thinking, “Why should I believe Jesus is God? Why should I trust Him with my life?” It’s natural to have doubts and questions. After all, we’re good at rationalizing our hesitation to believe. We come up with reasons why it might not be the right decision. Maybe it’s fear of change or the pain of past experiences. Maybe it’s the voices around us telling us that faith is foolish. But here’s something to consider: what if those obstacles are actually holding you back from something amazing? What if your doubts are like walls that are keeping you from experiencing true freedom and peace? Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “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.” Even a tiny bit of faith can make a huge difference.
So why do we rationalize our hesitation? Maybe it’s because stepping out in faith requires vulnerability. It means admitting that we don’t have it all figured out. It means trusting someone greater than ourselves. And that can be scary. But it’s in that place of vulnerability that we can truly experience God’s love and power.
I encourage you to take a step of faith today. Start small. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you. Read the Bible and see how His words speak to your heart. Talk to others who have faith and listen to their stories. And remember, faith is a journey. It’s okay to have questions and doubts along the way. What’s important is that you’re open to seeing what God can do in your life. Believe me, I’ve seen the difference faith can make. It’s given me hope in the darkest times and strength when I felt weak. It’s shown me that I’m never alone, no matter what I’m going through. And I believe it can do the same for you.
Take that first step. Trust in Jesus. He won’t let you down.
Prayer
Dear God, I want to have faith in You, but sometimes it’s hard. Help me to see past my doubts and fears. Show me the evidence of Your love and power in my life. Give me the courage to trust in Jesus and to believe that He is who He says He is. Thank You for loving me and for the hope that comes from having faith in You. Amen.