What Does it Mean to Have Faith in Jesus?

　　Faith can be defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith can also be a strong belief in God. Where do you place your faith? Have you ever considered the strength of your faith? What does it mean to have faith in Jesus? Scripture shares how faith is the assurance of things hoped for, but not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Can you think of times when your faith helped during troubles or uncertainty? Placing our full trust in God and having faith that His plan is best may bring comfort and peace to weary souls.

　　Praying in the name of Jesus helps us acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God.

　　Reading Scripture reminds us of the love God has for His children. Believing and having faith in Jesus brings us in a closer relationship with God.

　　We don’t physically see Jesus on this earth, yet, we have faith in His promises and love. We can trust He is with us and will guide us through every moment. Jesus died for our sins. Having faith in Jesus reminds us of the sacrifice He made for us, according to the plan of His Father.

　　

What Is Faith in Jesus?

Perhaps you have heard someone say, “I have faith in Jesus. I’ll get through this ordeal.” Or maybe, “Just have a little faith. That’s all you need.” Have you paused to consider what that means? Is the person saying they have faith in Jesus because they are a Christian? There may have been a situation when the outcome is unknown at present and worry invaded all thoughts. You may have been the person saying, “I have faith in Jesus.”

　　Speaking, thinking, or writing those words allows others to know we are believers in Christ and that we have faith even as we don’t know God’s plan. Our faith is the assurance in God’s plan.

　　In 1998, my father had been diagnosed with lung cancer. He endured radiation treatments and medications that caused his body to have pain, nausea, and other issues. Even while going through a tough journey with lung cancer, his faith in Jesus never left. Daddy shared that he knew God had a plan for him and he would have faith as that plan evolved. My father didn’t know what all he would face with the cancer diagnosis and treatments. Yet, he had faith in Jesus.

　　Our family trusted and had faith in Jesus, for whatever the outcome would bring.

　　God chose to heal my father in Heaven, not on this earth. On Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998, with the family at his bedside, daddy went to be with the Lord. An extremely sad day for our family, yet a day filled with faith and hope to know that daddy was with God and free of all pain.

　　I did not lose my faith at that time. I leaned closer to Jesus and felt His presence. Through prayer, tears, and many decisions that had to be made, faith in Jesus led the family while we grieved.

　　I trusted Jesus. My faith grew stronger.

　　I miss my daddy and am comforted knowing he is with Jesus. There is no more pain and cancer in his body.

　　

Why Is Faith so Important in the Lives of Christians?

Faith is important for Christians because we are called to believe, have faith, follow Him, and to share our faith with others through everyday moments. The words we say and the actions we choose can draw others to God or push them away. We can go to God in prayer and share our praises and concerns. Scripture shares that faith comes from God. Through reading or hearing the word of God, our faith can grow.

　　Christians are not called to rely on the word of man, but the power of God. Christians don’t worship people. We worship God.

　　We are saved by grace through faith. Any works that we do will not bring salvation. Because we are saved, we are called to share His love and we want to share the good news with others.

　　Christians believe in the word of God and have opportunities to spread His message.

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　　Having faith means we completely trust God and His plan. We may want to know the answers as to why things are happening. We may try to “fix” things on our own. As Christians, we are able to walk by faith and not have to physically see the answers. There are times when we may be frustrated at not knowing God’s plan. Rest assured His plan and His timing are best.

　　I have faith that the word of God will be shared in Sunday worship service. I have faith that when I fail and stray from the Lord, He will search for me and bring me back to Him. I have faith that when I pray in the name of Jesus, my prayers are heard by God.

　　

Why Is Jesus the Source of Our Faith?

Jesus is the source of our faith because Jesus is the son of God. Jesus gives the living water by which we can be saved through grace. That grace and mercy are given to us by God. Faith is from God (Ephesians 2:8). God gave His one and only Son to atone for our sins. What a precious gift! We don’t deserve this most extravagant gift. Yet, God loves us so much that He made the decision to give His Son so that we may live (John 3:16).

　　Jesus was born in humble surroundings, lived a life of servanthood, preached to thousands, healed the sick, followed the will of His Father, and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.

　　The wounds and agony Jesus suffered on the cross help us remember the dedication and love of Father and Son. The grief of his mother Mary, and the followers of Jesus, are shared in Scripture.

　　Hearing or reading the word of God can bring us closer to Him. Through sharing fellowship, good times, and difficult times, we can call to Jesus and have faith He is with us.

　　Jesus intercedes for us when we pray to God.

　　At the end of prayers, the words, “In the name of Jesus” may be spoken, written, or thought. With those words, we are asking Jesus to intercede on our behalf.

　　

How Can We Strengthen Our Faith in Jesus Today?

I’ve heard someone say, “I don’t have as much faith as you.” Also, “Why do you have faith? Where does it come from?” when they were chatting with a friend. Faith is strengthened by sharing time with God through conversation and prayer, reading His Word, sharing fellowship with other believers, and even through sharing time with non-believers. Our strength can grow stronger through our words and actions. When we help a stranger, pray for a loved one in need, share a Bible story with a young person, volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate clothing to the needy, and many other ways, we are sharing the love of Christ and strengthening our faith.

　　There may be times of distress when we wish our faith was stronger. In those difficult times, pray and ask God for guidance. Pray in the name of Jesus Christ. God is always listening. Jesus is ready to intercede on our behalf.

　　We are loved and cherished children of God. Pray and bring your concerns and your joys to Him. Pause, breathe in, and accept the love of Christ.

　　For those who have not accepted Christ into their lives yet, pray and ask God to guide them along the path to Him.

　　Can you think of ways to strengthen your faith and the faith of those around you?