Biblically, what does it mean to live by faith in God? (Part One)

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Living by faith means basing one's life on a deep, abiding trust and belief in God, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. It involves actively looking for God's presence and guidance in everyday life, trusting in His promises, and aligning one's actions with His Word. This faith is not passive; it motivates believers to act in accordance with their beliefs, expressing their faith through love, service, and obedience to God. Living by faith is about trust and assurance in Jesus. It means having a deep-seated assurance that God is working for the believer's good, even when things are hard. It's about believing in God's promises and trusting that He is in control, even when it's difficult to see. The writer of Hebrews says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Before we examine this verse, in the following verses, the writer of Hebrews will point out examples of believers who demonstrated saving faith in God. Each example of faith demonstrates confidence and trust, based on what that person knew and held as reassurance that God would act according to His promises. The “assurance” and “conviction” of faith is not blind belief, or gullibility, or wishful thinking. Study of the various characters mentioned in this chapter shows that they all had good reasons to trust in God. Their faith was not naively accepting fairy tales; it was acting in full confidence that God would do as He had promised, based on those experiences. As the rest of Hebrews chapter eleven demonstrates, that kind of faith—trust which produces obedience—results in God's blessings and approval. Our perspective, looking back on their example, should inspire confidence that God will make good on His promises, even if our earthly lives don't last long enough to see them come to fruition. Paul said, “(as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist” (Romans 4:17). This is about the power of God’s promises and His faithfulness to keep those promises. Isaac, the son promised by God, was born because Abraham believed (had faith) that God would act according to His promise of him and Sarah having a son. God’s promises will not return empty or void. They’re too powerful. Let’s live by faith! Be encouraged!