Faith in God

Sermon: Faith in God — Trusting God Even When You Cannot See

Main Text: Hebrews 11:1

> “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Introduction

Faith is one of the most important foundations of the Christian life. We cannot please God without faith, because faith means trusting God even when we do not understand everything He is doing.

There will be moments when you pray and do not immediately see an answer. There will be situations where the future looks uncertain. But faith says, “I may not see the way, but I trust the One who knows the way.”

Faith is not simply believing that God exists. Faith is trusting God, depending on His Word, and acting according to that trust.

 

1. Faith Believes God

Hebrews 11:6 says:

> “But without faith it is impossible to please him.”

Faith begins with believing that God is who He says He is.

When God made a promise to Abraham, Abraham had no physical evidence that the promise would happen. Yet he believed God.

Romans 4:20-21 tells us that Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.

Sometimes God gives you a promise before He gives you the evidence.

Do not allow what you see to make you doubt what God has spoken.

 

2. Faith Trusts God in Difficult Times

Faith does not mean that Christians will never face problems.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace because they refused to worship another god.

Their response was powerful:

Daniel 3:17-18:

> “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… But if not… we will not serve thy gods.”

That is mature faith.

They believed God could deliver them, but they also trusted Him even if the answer did not come the way they expected.

Sometimes faith says:

“God can change my situation.”

And sometimes faith says:

“Even if my situation does not change, I will still trust God.”

 

3. Faith Comes by Hearing God’s Word

Romans 10:17 says:

> “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

If you want strong faith, you must feed your spirit with God’s Word.

When you constantly listen to fear, your fear grows.

When you constantly listen to God’s Word, your faith grows.

This is why prayer, Bible study, worship and fellowship are important.

What you feed your spirit will influence what you believe.

 

4. Faith Requires Action

Faith is not just saying, “I believe.”

Faith produces action.

James 2:17 teaches that faith without works is dead.

Noah believed God when God warned him about the flood, and he acted by building the ark.

Peter believed Jesus and stepped out of the boat.

The woman with the issue of blood believed that touching Jesus’ garment would bring healing, and she acted on that faith.

You may say you believe God for a breakthrough, but faith also requires you to take the steps God is directing you to take.

 

5. Faith Overcomes Fear

Fear says:

“What if it doesn’t work?”

Faith says:

“God is with me.”

Fear looks at the size of the problem.

Faith looks at the greatness of God.

David did not look at Goliath and say, “This giant is too big.”

David understood that Goliath was too big to miss, because David trusted God.

Your problem may be big, but your God is bigger.

 

6. Keep Faith When the Answer Delays

One of the greatest tests of faith is waiting.

Sometimes we pray today but receive the answer much later.

Habakkuk 2:3 says:

> “Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.”

God’s delay is not necessarily God’s denial.

Joseph received a dream, but he had to pass through slavery and prison before seeing the fulfillment of that dream.

David was anointed king, but he had to wait before becoming king.

Abraham received a promise, but he had to wait for its fulfillment.

Never abandon God’s promise simply because the process is taking longer than you expected.

 

7. Faith Brings Victory

1 John 5:4 says:

> “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Faith gives us strength to continue when circumstances tell us to quit.

Faith gives us courage when we are afraid.

Faith gives us hope when situations appear hopeless.

Faith reminds us that God has the final word.

 

Conclusion

Beloved, whatever you are facing today, do not give up on God.

You may not know what tomorrow holds, but God holds tomorrow.

You may not understand the process, but trust the Process Owner.

You may not see the answer, but keep believing.

Your faith may be small, but Jesus said that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.

Keep praying.
Keep believing.
Keep trusting.
Keep obeying.
Keep moving forward.

Because the God who made the promise is faithful to fulfill it.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your unfailing love. Help us to trust You even when we cannot see the way forward.

Strengthen our faith when we face difficulties. Remove fear, doubt and discouragement from our hearts. Help us to stand firmly on Your Word and believe Your promises.

Teach us to wait patiently, obey You completely and remain faithful in every situation.

Lord, increase our faith. Help us to believe that nothing is impossible with You.

May our lives become a testimony of Your goodness, power and faithfulness.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

 

The Evangelist 101
Evangelist James Ken Annan
Faith | Hope | Love
zaatu.com