By Andrea Compagnoni Wright, Faith Contributor, Valley Ag Voice
Faith is the foundation of how you live. It is a personal matter. My faith’s journey is a journey of blessings of faith-filled moments. It is the human element of life. The basis of the belief that we have a Creator (God).
Faith is a noun, but in reality, it is a verb because it is a call to action. According to the Oxford Dictionary, this noun comes from the Old French word feid, meaning “faith, belief, trust, confidence, and pledge.” Faith is the meaning by which believers come to God and put their trust in Him for salvation. Faith, at its core, is deep-rooted in the hope of good things to come. While much of hope lives in the mind, faith comes from the heart and the spirit. It plays a significant role in our spiritual growth. Belief and faith are very close in meaning. Understanding God’s love and direction are the beginnings to lay the foundation of our faith.
God provides believers with the faith needed to believe in Him: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, New International Version).
The Bible is filled with stories of faith; one such example is in Hebrews 11. We learn what faith does and what faith can do for you. The Bible teaches that, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). God’s word also says that “Faith, because, without Faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, King James Version).
In today’s society, we are constantly busy with our lives, and with that comes daily struggles. Faith helps us overcome our challenges in our everyday lives. It is sometimes difficult to maintain faith during hard times. These times are exactly the time when faith is most needed. Implementing your faith can give you peace and bring you some comfort. Knowing what faith is, is one thing. Having faith and putting your faith to work is another matter. Faith is a great value in the hands of those who possess it. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (John 5:4, New King James Version)
Despite all the research and scientific breakthroughs and innovations in technology, farming remains largely an act of faith. Jesus was no stranger to farming in his day. The Bible stories of gardens and fields, farmhands, and harvest time tell us that farming is part of God’s country. A farmer, perhaps more than most, knows about faith. The farmer’s livelihood depends upon a working plan with God. The weather with the sun and rain showers working together to make the crops grow are the factors of a bountiful harvest. “The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he has giving you.” (Deuteronomy 28:8, New International Version).
Here are ten ways your faith throughout your busy schedule can provide you with a sense of comfort and relief:
1. Pray Throughout Your Day
Prayer is just one way that you can implement your faith silently. Prayer is very important. Prayer is communicating with the God that we serve.
2. Read Your Bible
A way to implement your faith is to know what you believe. Reading the Bible is a way to hear from God knowing how to live a faith-filled life. The Bible teaches us to be honest, to have integrity, treat others with love, dignity and, respect, be generous, and share our faith.
3. Read a Devotional
Devotionals are a way to get into reading the Bible, but they should never replace the Bible.
4. Listen to Positive and Encouraging Music
Listen to music that uplifts and encourages its listeners.
5. Continue to be Involved in Your Church
The church is more than a Sunday assembly. Being involved in your church’s activities means offering your time when needed.
6. Write Your Thoughts Down in a Journal
Be creative in your writings and take pictures. These are all great ways to portray memories and moments that will last forever.
7. Believe
Believe that God always has your greatest interest at heart.
8. Share Your Faith
Sharing your faith with others expresses how your life is. When you share your faith in both the little things as well as the big things in life, happiness shows.
9. Help Someone
Be a good listener.
10. Be Kind
Show kindness and that you care.
Faith is everywhere if we just believe. The world, with an incredible variety of cultures and acts of faith, helps us shape our lives. Faith is an expression of our love for God and what He brings to us. Our Faith is God’s, unending love. God wants to bring love, joy, and peace into our lives. Living with faith can simply mean having a positive outlook and attitude in your life journeys. It’s all yours by faith. And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The entire Christian life is lived out on the foundation of faith, and faith is the fuel of the Christian life.
“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, New International Version). We Believe!