What is Faith?

I just completed a 21-day fast, with the Catalysts, and it was great!

Out of the three weeks, we spent one week on the topic of consistency. We were challenged to think about what being continuously expectant looked like and focused on James 1:6-7 (CEV)—

But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.

Wow. 

Faith is complete trust in someone or something. When we ask God for something, we need to give it completely to Him. It’s easy for us to give in to our flesh and worry that we won’t get what we want, but we need to remember God is our Father. What do fathers do? They provide for their children because they love them. We are children of God and He loves us. In case you missed it, this means that what we ask for will be given to us, but here’s the key: we need to have faith that He will do it. I understand that we may have trust issues, but God has never ever strayed from His Word. We can’t treat God like those around us because He is perfect and wants only the best for us. God will never disappoint us, so it’s okay for us to expect things from Him.

So upon reading these verses, I finally understood why I didn’t get what I was praying and fasting for last year. Even though I was constantly praying for this one thing, I was also second guessing God (smh). Faith and doubt cannot coexist. Our doubt will cast out any potential of us getting what we desire. I didn’t understand this, but…I’m back and I’m better (I get it now)! Have I gotten what I’m asking for yet? No. I’m still waiting, hoping, and (consistently) EXPECTING for it. I am trusting that God will give me what I’m pleading for because I know He can do great things for me as I let go and fully give them to Him.

I encourage you to take that leap of faith. Remember that the same God who parted the Red Sea, helped David defeat Goliath, and gave us His Son, is the very same God that still exists today. He did great things for those who loved Him in the Bible days, and He STILL does to this day—if we are ready to completely trust Him. Don’t worry how crazy you’ll look; think about Noah. Don’t think that there’s something hindering you from doing great things; think about Moses. There is absolutely nothing that He can’t do for us. All we have to do is simply have faith.