What is “faith”? And why do I believe? Paul says it like this:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
For new and seasoned Christians, that really is the best answer we can give. But sometimes we can find ourselves stuck in a conversation, trying to explain why God did this, or why He allows that. You know the usual arguments, ‘if God is so loving why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?’, and all the variations to that one sentiment. Usually when those kinds of questions start being asked the conversation can devolve to a point where you finally realize that it doesn’t matter what you say or evidence you present, the person refuses to be convinced, that by faith we believe in God, that He is full of lovingkindness, but more than that He IS love.
always be ready to make a defense
Make no mistake, it is Satan who is attacking our confidence in God–our faith in Him, no matter who the attack is coming through. Even the Apostle Peter was used by Satan to try and thwart Jesus’ Godly plan to bring the world, the salvation it desperately needs.
“Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Matthew 16:22-23
Without faith we cannot even turn to God and respond to His love, so He gives us the faith we need to love Him. It is because He first loved us that we love, 1 John 4:19. All those that argue against faith in God are believing the lie of the devil, that we don’t need God, our creator, the lover of our soul. Don’t believe this lie, it is Satan that hates God, and us, because God so loved us He sent His Son to die, to rise again, so we can spend eternity with Him!
…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15
The hard part of that verse is, “with gentleness and reverence”, for me anyways. It can only be accomplished through me by the Holy Spirit. But, I must be obedient and love others. In Leviticus, God says, ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. Jesus said it like this, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:43-44.
So where does faith come from?
The Bible tells us where faith comes from. Hebrews 12:2 says “…Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”. Romans 12:3 says “… God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” These two verses clearly tell us that faith is not something that we do nor is it a presence of mind that we develop. But that faith is a gift from God. Romans 10:17 says “… faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.” Faith is a gift from God that we receive from the word of Christ, which we get from the Bible. So, in His time, He will allot faith to us as needed from His Word found in the Bible. Isn’t that wonderful! We don’t have to worry about what we’re going to say or how we’re going to say something to anyone who asks us, why do we believe, why are we so hopeful? We can leave it to our loving Heavenly Father, He will speak to their hearts, just as He did ours. He just asks us to love them, be honest, be thankful that they are asking.
Where to find help when…
Your Faith is being tested or when it fails. I pray these words will encourage you.
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