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Faith: Trusting in God

bring instant healing to his servant, even though he was some distance
away (Matthew 8:5–13). In the second case, the Canaanite woman kept
asking Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter even though He did
not at first respond to her plea. She asked again, and once more she was
denied. However, this time she sensed something in Jesus’ tone that gave
her hope. In her determination she said words that meant something like
this: “Lord, I may not be one of your people, but I am one of God’s creatures,
and I believe your message. Out of your abundant mercy, give me just a
little portion” (see Matthew 15:27). Recognizing that her faith would not
give up, Jesus commended her great faith and healed her daughter.

Another example of great faith is that demonstrated by Abraham. Even
though he was old and his wife was not able to bear children, he believed
God’s promise that he would have a son. In spite of the physical
impossibility, Abraham persisted in believing God because he had strong
faith that enabled him to be “fully persuaded” that what God promised He
would do (Romans 4:18–21). Strong faith holds on until the answer comes.

Hebrews 10:22 says we are to
draw near to God “in full assurance
of faith.” This speaks of confidence Abraham believed
we have as we draw near to God. God because he had
“Fullness of faith” refers to the
certain trust, the settled conviction, strong faith and was
and the supreme confidence we fully persuaded that
have in our wonderful Lord.
God would do what
Every Christian experiences He promised.
various degrees of faith in his or her
life. Most of us have come to some
circumstance that has shaken us for
a moment, and we have responded with little faith. Whatever our past
experiences have been, we can be sure that our faith will be tested.
Tested faith is faith that proves its vitality. Testing is to faith what the fire
is to steel: the heat of the fire strengthens the steel, and testing develops
strength and endurance in Christians.

As you read Hebrews 11, notice the activities of those who were tested
and how they stood the test. Some lived on through many tests and in

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