What is Faith?
Whenever the question arises, “What is faith?” the immediate answer is Hebrews 11:1. Examples such as Abraham, the patriarchs, and the prophets are given. Perhaps what we have is just the theoretical definition, but do we apply it to our lives?
We know that without faith it is impossible to please God and we need to have faith to accept salvation, but what else? Let us take one of the most beautiful definitions of faith–Enoch’s life. He lived in a very special age of the world, the sixth generation after Adam. At that time, there was a common thought that it did not matter whether a person behaved properly or not; the result would be the same: Death. But Enoch had communion with God closer than anyone had, and it is written that he walked with God by faith and was taken to heaven.
But why is it written that he “walked” with God, instead of “lived,” “abode,” or “was”? Would not such verbs be a clearer description of his life? Perhaps. But the meaning of walking involves something continuous–daily and in different locations. When one walks, he passes by different kinds of places. Thus Enoch’s life was a "walk" with God. Furthermore, his daily walk would begin when he got up in the morning, continue all day long, and include his falling asleep; every single moment was with God–living by faith.
Jesus tells us in the first gospel that faith–real faith–is able to move mountains; and if He said it, it is the truth. Now, in our lives, have we walked with Him by faith? Some of us may have experienced a moment when we had to leave behind something very important to us–perhaps because it no longer fit with what we believed. Others may have had work or a job which did not permit them to rest on the Sabbath; but, even though it was a very good job and they really needed it, they made the decision to obey the Lord. Later, the Lord blessed them in a really wonderful way. These are examples I want to use to point out that unless we looked at such cases through the eyes of faith, it would not be possible to obey God’s commandments.
And now the question is: How far does our faith go? Maybe we have taken just a few steps, but Jesus’ invitation is to “walk” by faith with Him. If walking is considered such a healthful exercise, walking by faith is certainly the most wonderful and healthful exercise for our Christian lives.
When you climb high up into the mountains, you take along certain indispensable things. Similarly, when you walk with God, you also need to take along some things. First of all, we should take along Jesus’ promises as found in the Bible, the most wonderful book, which has been given by God; such promises are like water to a thirsty traveler. The second thing you should take along is prayer. "The further you want to go, the longer you should stay on your knees in prayer." It’s like breathing while you walk. Without these two things, one can’t go very far.
When you begin to walk by faith, you discover that there is nothing that is coincidental. Each person you meet, each circumstance, each place you visit, and everything that happens to you will be seen as having a divine purpose. Jesus wants to lead your life completely.
Dear Christian, are you willing to accept Jesus’ invitation? Oh! Don’t worry if you fall or get tired. Breathe deeply, drink water, hold Jesus’ hand tighter, and go on. By doing that, you will find the practical meaning of faith–walking with Jesus by faith every single minute. Let us really walk with God!
–Oscar Oviedo Estupiñan, Colombia
