Faith is hard to put your finger on sometimes…

I mean, yes, faith is where a relationship with Christ begins when we place our faith in Him…

But it doesn’t stop there…

We are called to live by faith (Rom. 1:17, Heb. 10:38). Faith is one of the distinct characteristics of those who call themselves God’s people (1 Cor. 13:13). And faith prompts us to love others and live out God’s will for our lives (1 Tim. 1:5).

So, what does it mean for the Christian to continue walking in faith?

We had our second son, Coen, in January and the prayer we formed for him is that he would be a man of faith and courage who reconciles people to God.

Faith and courage are married to one another. Practically, for me to live by faith requires that I be courageous. And courage comes from faith. I love the example of Joab in 1 Chronicles 19.

“When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and they were arrayed against the Ammonites. And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you. Be strong, and let us use our strength for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” -1 Chron. 19:10-13 (emphasis added)

May the Lord do what seems good to him??? Not the assurance I would want if I’m about to take the hill. And yet, this seems to be the substance of faith – not a guarantee of a specific outcome, but a trust in God that allows me to be courageous, even in the midst of great uncertainty.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, before the most powerful man on the face of the earth, threatened with execution by being burned alive, declare these words…

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” -Daniel 3:16-18 (emphasis added)

God is able, but if He chooses not to save, we will still do what’s right in His sight.

I hope my son is marked by that type of courageous faith, and I hope that I am as well.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” -Hebrews 13:7

It’s amazing that what followers are called to imitate in this passage is not talent, performance, or even character, but FAITH. And my faith (or lack of faith) is what will be my legacy.