If you’ve just begun your journey with Christ, you may have wondered: What exactly is faith? Is it simply believing in God? Is it a feeling? Or is it something deeper—something that transforms the way you live and see the world?
In this post, we’ll explore the biblical essence of faith, drawing inspiration from Apostle Joshua Selman’s teaching, “What Faith Is and How It Works.” You’ll learn what true faith means, how it grows, and how it shapes every part of your spiritual walk.
1. Defining Faith: More Than a Mere Belief
Faith is one of the most central themes in the Christian life. Hebrews 11:1 defines it clearly:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)
Faith is not a vague optimism or a wishful thought—it’s a confident trust in the character and promises of God. Apostle Selman explains that faith is not just believing that God exists, but believing God enough to act on what He says.
True faith moves beyond mental agreement. It is the conviction that God’s Word is true, even when circumstances say otherwise. It’s what moves you to pray, obey, and keep believing when you cannot yet see the result.
When faith becomes active, it fuels obedience, shapes our speech, and strengthens our endurance through trials. It becomes the foundation of a life rooted in God’s truth.
2. Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 10:17 says,
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This means that faith grows through consistent exposure to God’s Word. The more we read, hear, and meditate on Scripture, the more our hearts align with God’s truth.
But Apostle Selman emphasizes that hearing alone is not enough—it must become revelation. When the Holy Spirit brings light and understanding to what we hear, the Word moves from our heads to our hearts. That’s when faith becomes alive and powerful.
If you’re struggling with doubt or fear, saturate yourself in the Word. Listen to sermons, read Scripture aloud, and spend quiet moments reflecting on God’s promises. Faith flourishes where the Word of God is planted and nourished.
3. Faith and Obedience Are Inseparable
James 2:26 reminds us,
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
Faith is more than what we believe—it’s what we do with what we believe. Every act of obedience is a demonstration of faith in motion.
When God gives you a promise, He often also gives you an instruction. Abraham’s story beautifully illustrates this. When God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place He would show him, Abraham obeyed—even without knowing the destination. His obedience was counted as righteousness because it flowed from faith.
Faith calls us to take steps even when we cannot see the full picture. It’s trusting that if God has said it, it will come to pass, and therefore we act accordingly.
4. The Power of Speaking in Faith
Proverbs 18:21 says,
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Words have power. Faith is not only believed in the heart—it’s spoken through the mouth.
Apostle Selman teaches that faith-filled speech creates an atmosphere for miracles. When you declare God’s Word over your life, your words align your world with His promises. This is why Jesus said in Mark 11:23:
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
Speaking in faith is not about pretending; it’s about agreeing with heaven’s reality. When you speak words of life, hope, and truth—even before you see results—you demonstrate that your confidence is in God, not in circumstances.
Make a habit of declaring God’s promises daily. Speak healing over your body, peace over your home, and strength over your mind. Faith grows stronger every time it’s spoken.
5. Faith Is Tested—But It Produces Results
Faith will always face tests. The testing of faith is not a punishment—it’s preparation. It refines your trust in God and produces spiritual maturity.
James 1:3–4 says,
“Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Every believer experiences seasons when faith is stretched. Maybe you’re waiting on a promise, praying for healing, or believing for provision. In those times, your faith is being strengthened, not diminished.
Apostle Selman encourages believers to hold firm, even when things seem delayed. God uses waiting seasons to purify motives, deepen reliance, and produce fruit that lasts.
So, when you face trials, see them as opportunities to grow stronger in faith. Stand firm, knowing that your perseverance is shaping you into a mature and steadfast believer.
6. Faith Operates on the Principle of the Seed
Faith, like a seed, begins small but holds great potential. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20:
“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.”
Apostle Selman describes faith as a seed that must be planted, watered, and nurtured. It grows through consistent prayer, obedience, and meditation on God’s Word. Just as a farmer patiently tends to his crop, we must nurture our faith daily—trusting that growth will come in due season.
Faith requires consistency. It’s not built overnight. The more you feed your faith with truth and starve your doubts, the more resilient it becomes. Eventually, that small seed of belief produces visible fruit—answers to prayer, open doors, transformed hearts, and a deeper intimacy with God.
7. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Strengthening Faith
The Holy Spirit is the unseen power behind a life of faith. He helps us understand God’s Word, reminds us of His promises, and empowers us to keep believing when everything around us says otherwise.
Jesus called the Holy Spirit our Helper, Teacher, and Comforter (John 14:26). Through Him, faith becomes more than human effort—it becomes divine partnership.
The Holy Spirit gives discernment to act wisely, courage to obey, and peace in uncertainty. When we walk in step with the Spirit, our faith operates at its highest potential because it’s no longer dependent on sight or feelings, but on divine revelation.
8. Walking in Faith Daily
Faith is not a one-time act; it’s a daily lifestyle. Apostle Joshua Selman’s message reminds us that faith must be lived, not just believed.
To walk in faith daily:
- Stay rooted in Scripture. Let God’s Word be your compass.
- Pray consistently. Prayer strengthens the connection between faith and obedience.
- Speak life. Use your words to align with God’s promises.
- Obey promptly. Each act of obedience builds spiritual muscle.
- Trust through trials. Remember, faith is often tested before it is rewarded.
Faith transforms ordinary living into supernatural partnership with God. It’s how we experience His provision, protection, and power.
Conclusion: Living by Faith, Not by Sight
Faith is not a doctrine to be studied—it’s a life to be lived. It is hearing God’s Word, believing it with your heart, speaking it with your mouth, and acting on it with conviction.
As you continue your journey with Christ, remember that faith grows with practice. Keep your eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
When you walk by faith, you are saying, “God, I trust You even when I don’t understand.” And that trust becomes the very ground on which miracles are born.
So today, choose to live by faith—anchored in God’s Word, guided by His Spirit, and confident in His unchanging promises.
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