FAITH DEFINED
Saran Sloan
Today’s Scripture: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Theme: It requires faith to choose Jesus and walk with Him. Even a little grain of faith is enough, and the Spirit of God will confirm and strengthen your faith!
THE TENSION
Faith is not about having all the answers or seeing the full picture. It’s all about trusting the One who does.
In Jesus Revolution, Greg Laurie wrestles with this very tension. Worn down by life, by his lack of belonging, and by his constant pursuit for something that satisfies, Greg finally comes face to face with the question of Jesus and whether he should put his faith in Him. Standing at this moment of indecision Greg asks, “What if it’s just another high and I’m let down again?” Greg echoes the fear that many of us know all too well. Disappointment, heartbreak, and betrayal can make it feel risky—even foolish—to trust again.
IN THE FACE OF FEAR
But faith in God doesn’t mean we never doubt or question. It means even in the face of fear and doubt we take a step toward Jesus. Hebrews 11:1b (ESV) reminds us that faith is “…the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This hope is anchored, not in wishful thinking, but in the person of Christ. The essence of faith is being convinced, deep down, that even if we don’t see it yet, God is always faithful. Even when life lets us down, Jesus won’t.
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
The beauty of faith is that your faith doesn’t have to be massive to be real. It just has to be greater than zero. Jesus said that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. In God’s economy, the amount doesn’t matter. Faith isn’t dependent on you or on your strength; it’s only dependent on the One you trust and His power to remain faithful. Thank God that when we are faithless, He remains faithful!
Make It Personal: Have you ever felt like Greg Laurie—afraid to trust Jesus fully because of past pain or fear of disappointment? If so, you are not alone. God can and will meet you right there in your uncertainty. Pray and ask God to strengthen your faith muscle. Ask Him to bring to mind all the times He has shown up in your life. Think about prayers He’s answered, peace He’s given, or ways He’s changed you. Ask God to use your story to help strengthen the faith of others. Just like Greg, your experiences and your faith journey—no matter how messy—can strengthen someone else’s faith.
Pray: Jesus, sometimes my faith feels small and uncertain. But I want to trust You. Help me to believe, even when I can’t see. Remind me of how You’ve always been faithful. Give me the courage to take the next step. Use my life and my story to encourage others who are searching. Thank You for being patient, kind, and faithful to me, even in light of my doubt and faithlessness. Amen.
Read: 2 Timothy 2:13; Matthew 17:20; Mark 9:23-24
Weekly Memory Verse: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11, ESV