What Faith Means to Me
Faith is an important aspect in the lives of billions of people on planet Earth, but what is faith exactly? Even the dictionary has a hard time describing it with most major publications giving multiple definitions. Typically, faith is defined as “a strong belief in something of which there is no proof.” However you want to define it, faith is nothing if not personal.
My faith in Jesus is a core tenant of my life and a big part of who I am. It affects just about every part of my life from my marriage to my friendships and my influence as a teacher. I’ve been pondering my faith this week…what Jesus means to me…what it means to be faithful. Here’s what I’ve come up with. I hope it will help you to explore your own faith further, to dig in and explore the nature of your relationship with the Father.
Faith means believing in what I can’t see…
In recent months, my wife has been on a tough and troubling spiritual journey. Her faith has been rocked a bit, and she’s putting in the work to find truth again. As her life partner, her struggle has certainly affected me as well, but not in the same way.
I’m not an analytical thinker like her, but the difficult questions she is now posing have pushed me to ponder. However, the irreconcilable conclusion is that some things cannot be studied into existence. Some things can’t be understood completely or scientifically proven. Some things are true, and you just know it in the core of your being. My faith in Jesus is something I know and trust in the deepest parts of myself.
Faith means obeying when I don’t want to…
I’ve always been a rule follower, so this one usually isn’t too hard for me. I can be really stubborn though when something doesn’t make sense to me. There are times when everything in my flesh wants the opposite of God’s plan. As hard as it is, to me, faith is most exemplified in obedience.
When a Christian is obedient, despite personal feelings, God shows up! Even when God’s rules don’t make sense to me, my experience has shown me that God’s ways are higher. He knows what is best for me, and His word never returns void. When I obey the word of God, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, my life falls right into place.
Faith means trusting when I don’t understand…
While I don’t doubt as much as my better half, I certainly see things around me that are confusing and frustrating. When I think back on some of my experiences on the mission field, the evil and just sheer stupidity in society today is enough to make the calmest person homicidal. There are definitely times when I want to smack someone…or worse!
In a world where the innocent suffer and the corrupt can’t lose, it’s hard to trust in a God that seems absent. But, God is always working on something bigger and more important than my feeble mind can comprehend. I have learned that not only are my feelings untrustworthy, but they can lead me down the wrong path if I don’t take them captive and conform them to the tenets of God.
Faith means loving like Jesus…
Even unbelievers typically like what they know of Jesus. He’s just a loveable dude, and that’s mostly because He loves so well. Loving like Jesus is certainly a big challenge! It means putting others above yourself. It means giving of yourself when you’re tired and just want to rest. It means challenging other believers when they’re walking outside the lines and accepting rebuke when I am. It means sharing my faith with unbelievers in hopes that they will not miss out on heaven.
Being a Christian is much more than just believing that Jesus is who He says He is. That’s a good start, but Jesus says believers must “deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me.” (Matt 16:24) In other verses, He challenges us to love others as we love ourselves, to do all that He taught—to feed the widow, clothe the orphan, and fight for justice for the oppressed. He commands us to make disciples of all nations and to be a representative for His kingdom as His fellow heirs.
It sounds like a big job, but the good news is that Jesus really does the work. All we have to do is be willing to speak and act on His behalf.
Faith means controlling my worry…
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matt 6:25
Worry is not just an emotion, it’s a sin tendency. In multiple places, Jesus tells us directly not to worry…not about what we’ll eat, what we’ll wear, finances, the future, etc. As a directive from Jesus, kicking out worry is not optional. When fretful thoughts come flooding, it’s my duty as a son of God, to take them captive and refuse to dwell in that space of fear.
Growing Your Faith and Mine
These are the few areas of my life where I’ve really been analyzing my faith lately, but I’m sure there are other areas for you. I encourage you this week to take a look at your faith. In what areas do you excel? What parts of your walk with Jesus are easy for you? Take some time to encourage others in those areas. It will help someone else grow closer to the Lord and reinforce your own faith at the same time.
What areas are tough for you? We all have them! They’re nothing to be ashamed of, just a place to put in some extra work. The best place to start is in The Word. Hit the book and find out what Jesus says about your area of struggle. Then, no matter how hard the directive, obey it. If you mess up, repent, and try again. You will likely see that Jesus will reward your obedience and bless you in that area. Soon, your faith speedbump will be a thing of the past.
By encouraging others in our strong suits and finding help in our weak areas, we grow as the Kingdom of God. That’s the ultimate goal, right—to increase the Kingdom of God on Earth? As you analyze your faith this week, know that we’re all in it together. Struggling and fighting right alongside you is a band of billions of brothers and sisters who get it. You’re not alone!
Ryan is a professional travel and relationship writer, originally out of Arkansas. Educated as a health and physical education teacher, he sold all his possessions, uprooted, and went on sabbatical in 2020 to go exploring! He's spent the last four years traveling the world, living and working in more than forty countries. At his side, is his wife of 19 years and fellow travel writer, Abby. Aside from being a sports fanatic and Jesus lover, he's uncle extraordinaire to 14 of the greatest creations on Earth. His passion is sharing cultural finds and encouraging men to experience a more fulfilling life by loving, serving, and understanding their partners better. Ryan is often published on Adventures From Scratch where he shares his relationship advice and family adventure tips, and on Let's Roam, where he details his travel experiences. You can find more from Ryan on he and his wife's YouTube Channel- LostAmongLocals.
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Ryan Davishttps://befunbekind.com/author/ryan-davis/
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Ryan Davishttps://befunbekind.com/author/ryan-davis/
