What Is Faith?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) Faith is trusting God with total reliance when looking toward the future. Faith requires obedience, even when we don’t fully understand all the details. In faith, we have confidence and hope in the promised word of God that has been revealed to us. Walk by faith, not by sight, meaning do not focus on the circumstances but on the promise God has given you. Faith is a daily journey and growth alongside God. In my faith walk with the Lord, I have experienced faith through reading the word of God, evidence of personal testimony, and promises that came to pass. Reading the word of God Throughout the Bible, we read stories of faith and how individuals walked in faith with God. As we read the Bible, you will start seeing the small nudge of faith in your life. The stories help us when we are struggling and having doubts in life. They teach us that we are not the first or last to face life’s challenges. But when we walk with God in faith, He will help us overcome challenges. If you are new to reading the Bible and want to know more about faith, start in Hebrews 11. Also, one of my favorite stories in the Bible that helps my faith when I am struggling in my faith walk is the faith of Abraham. You can read about his walk with God and Abraham’s faithfulness towards God, starting in Genesis 11-25:11. Evidence of Personal Testimony In 2019, I went back to college and got a bachelor’s degree. I lacked the financial resources to cover the cost of my education. I did not want to take another loan from OSAP because I had already paid off my loan 2 years before going back to college. I stared at my computer, stressed out, researching on Google how to go to school for free in Toronto. So, I asked God in faith that He would be able to help me go to school for free through scholarships. A few days later, I spoke with a financial aid worker on the phone when I started the process of applying to OSAP. I shared and expressed my concerns regarding the OSAP loan. But she said I could skip the loan and take the grants when applying to OSAP. I was shocked and got so excited when she explained it to me. So, I logged into my account, did the application process, and the grants covered all the tuition fees and books. In faith, I decided not to take the loan and worked part-time to cover my monthly expenses. In faith, God answered my prayer! And I was able to go back to college for free. The Promise Came To Pass I took my G test in 2021 and failed it twice! Before leaving the parking lot, I failed the first exam. The driver examiner explained I passed the test, but I failed because of a driver error coming out of the parking lot. So, I booked a second test outside of where I live, and I was so anxious that I failed the second test. Now, after failing the second test, my driving instructor dropped me off at the GO station. I walked to the GO station washroom and cried because I was so discouraged after failing once more. Regarding my G test, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me. He said, “The next time you do the test, you shall pass and book at Downsview.” So, I returned home that same day and booked another G test for the week before my birthday. Fast forward to the week before my birthday, I prayed on my way to the driving ministry and before I did the test. As God promised, I passed my G test at a Downsview driving test location. All in all, I talked about a few of my encounters with my faith in God. It is my goal that you will learn that faith is a journey. During certain periods of your life, your faith will be put to the test. But if you are going through a difficult moment, remember the times you had faith and had encounters with God. Just so you know, I have been here before, and I believe God will provide help just like the other times. Faith is the hope that God will fulfill all of His promises and the trust that He will guide you through all of life’s obstacles. Never forget to plant a mustard seed of faith and watch it grow.