Fun fact: the Old Testament has 171 verses about faith, and the New Testament has 287 verses about faith. That’s 458 times God’s Word emphasizes both His faithfulness to His people and the importance of faith in believers. He must really want us to know about faith! Here are some memorable passages to ponder:
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Genesis 17:1
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11
Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117:2
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Matthew 9:29
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.” Matthew 17:20
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5
I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32
In the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12
Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. … Hebrews 11:1-2
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26
Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Revelation 2:10
From Genesis through Revelation, we’re called to remain steadfast in our faith with hearts solely devoted to God. Through faith we revere Him and rely on His provision, and we share the Good News of salvation and reconciliation through Jesus. Faith enables us to live righteously and receive healing in body and spirit. We do good works and advance His kingdom because of our faith, stand firm and have freedom against the evil in this world.
Scriptures teach of God’s faithfulness to us, and that we can ask Him to increase our faith. When we sin and fall short of God’s standards, with repentant hearts He receives, forgives and strengthens us, and we can witness to others needing forgiveness as well. With faith our spirits are at peace and with just a small amount of faith, God can work through us to accomplish His will. Faith gives us confidence and hope in Jesus our High Priest, who represents us before God the Father. Even on the other side of death to this world, through faith we’ll have the victory of everlasting life in His presence.
“David didn’t pick up five stones because he doubted God. He picked up five stones because Goliath had four brothers. That’s not doubt…that’s preparation. Faith doesn’t mean you show up empty handed. It means you trust God with what you’ve got, and you’re ready for whatever else steps onto the battlefield.” (Anonymous)
PRAYER: Lord, with the apostles, I pray “Increase my faith!” I bring what little I have and trust You to provide the rest. Help me recognize Your presence today, to think and see and speak and interact with others just like Jesus would. If I forget that my purpose is to glorify You in all that I do, give me whatever nudge I might need as a reminder…and thank You for loving me. Amen