Operating in Faith.

FAITH

The word “faith” is translated from the Greek pi´stis, primarily conveying the thought of confidence, trust, firm persuasion. Depending on the context, the Greek word may also be understood to mean “faithfulness” or “fidelity.”

The Scriptures tell us: “Faith is the assured expectation (substance) of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Heb 11:1)

“Assured expectation” translates the Greek word hy·po´sta·sis. This term is common in ancient papyrus business documents. It conveys the idea of something that underlies visible conditions and guarantees a future possession.

In view of this, Moulton and Milligan suggest the rendering: “Faith is the title deed of things hoped for.” (Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, 1963, p. 660)

The Greek word e´leg·khos, rendered “evident demonstration,” conveys the idea of bringing forth evidence that demonstrates something, particularly something contrary to what appears to be the case. Thereby this evidence makes clear what has not been discerned before and so refutes what has only appeared to be the case. “The evident demonstration,” or evidence for conviction, is so positive or powerful that faith is said to be it.

Faith is the hardest thing for a christian to gain. Do not be fooled. It takes time to make the foundation, time to test each segment and much time to build. The apostle Peter is a good example of a human developing faith. First he proclaims it loudly, then he falls, then he lifts up again, and falls again…. we are talking serious TIME here.

Most of us have faith occasionally, and we marvel at how things work out. Sometime we have faith for the wrong things and when it falls flat, we blame God.

Faith is the expectation of things not yet seen, but are coming. We can have faith in Gods promise that he listens to us,and that each individual is important to him. We can have faith that Jesus restored us to Gods favor and took away the shackles of deaths grip. We can have faith that the creator helps us with problems by either removing the issue or giving us strength to endure until he is ready to move us onto the path where we can do his will more fully.

Sometimes, when we are in the grip of financial need or health or fear issues, our eyes can not see past the earthly surroundings of reality. This happened way back in Elishas time when he was faced with an invading army looking for him. 2 kings 6. Elisha asked for his servants eyes to be opened to the spiritual realm, where the servant saw gods angels in chariots and ready for war.

We need to understand that faith, is a spiritual element of our life.  Usually, when we can show a determined stand for God, we receive the help neccesary to sustain us on our journey. This may be shown in the earthly realm, but it might be more a peace in our spiritual life until the trial is over.

However the answers are manifested, we need to keep building our faith  in good season. We need to learn to trust God for all his goodness and support when times get rough. Nothing is easy. Jesus knew that while on earth. He encouraged love and faith beyond all things.

One day, our faith will be completed by the establishment of Gods kingdom.