Do you recall the famous verse, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6)? “Impossible!” That’s a hard word, narrow as well.

The author of this great chapter on faith and its all-stars lets us know up front that faith is essential in the Christian life, and that it is much more important than simple belief.

Faith is confidence in God and in His ability. Further, faith that is tested intensely becomes trust…if the test is passed. Under tough conditions, faith and trust are ripped from the realm of religious terminology and placed alongside courage, determination, and perseverance.

I don’t subscribe to the concept of “blind faith.” Faith is not blind. Faith may find itself in a maze, or being buffeted with ferocity, but I disagree with the picture of helpless, meaningless, doubting, blind faith.

Followers of Jesus Christ don’t look at circumstances to acquire a heading for their faith. Circumstantial faith is whimsical and works only when your belief is broad enough to accept that wherever life goes, that is where you’re supposed to be.

Your soul—my soul—desires something grander than that! True faith looks at its object, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ah, yes! That sounds nice, religious, and unrealistic, doesn’t it?

Next blog? How faith is forged.