What is faith? It is defined in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This verse sets the foundation for understanding faith as a confident trust in God’s promises, even when they are not visible. It is through this assurance that believers can face trials and uncertainties with a steadfast heart.

Examples of faith in action are in Hebrews 11, where it is also referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame.”

We have Abraham in Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Abraham’s faith led him to trust God’s call, despite the unknowns.

We also have Moses in Hebrews 11:24-27, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” Moses’ faith empowered him to choose God’s people over the comforts of Egyptian royalty.

These examples demonstrate that faith is not passive; it requires action and sometimes significant sacrifice, but it ultimately leads to God’s promises being fulfilled.

Through faith, we overcome the world. It is a victorious force as in 1 John 5:4-5: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” These verses affirm that faith in Jesus Christ is the key to overcoming worldly challenges. The victory here is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who believe.

Jesus Himself frequently taught about the power of faith. In Matthew 17:20, He says: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” This metaphor illustrates that even the smallest amount of genuine faith can lead to unexpected outcomes. Faith enables believers to tap into God’s power, making the impossible possible.

Faith is also crucial for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation is a gift from God that is received through faith, underscoring the fundamental role faith plays in the Christian life.

The Apostle Paul also emphasises the importance of living by faith in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Living by faith means allowing Christ to live through us, guiding our actions and decisions according to His will. This transformative faith leads to a life that reflects Christ’s love and sacrifice.

It is inevitable that we would encounter challenges to our faith. James 1:2-3 provides encouragement for believers facing trials: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Trials test and strengthen our faith, leading ultimately to spiritual maturity and resilience. The victory in faith is often seen in how it sustains us through tough times and grows our character.

Paul describes faith as part of the armour of God in Ephesians 6:16: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” The shield of faith protects believers from spiritual attacks, symbolising how faith serves as a defence against doubt, fear, and temptation.

“Faith Is the Victory” is a profound truth woven throughout the Bible. Faith in God provides confidence and assurance, and it enables unexpected actions, overcomes worldly challenges, and is essential for salvation. It sustains believers through trials, shapes their lives, and protects them from spiritual harm. By living in faith, Christians experience the victory that comes from trusting in God’s promises and power. This understanding of faith calls believers to trust deeply in God, act boldly on His promises, and rest in the assurance that through faith, they have already overcome the world.