Value: Faith 

Definition: Applied belief and trust in God 

Vital Verses

• “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
• “And now as I said concerning faith — faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” – Alma 32:21

Scriptural Example 

There are many famous scriptural examples of faith. Here’s one that’s lesser known: King Jehoshaphat. The Moabites gathered a big, bad army against Israel, and King J was scared. The whole kingdom fasted and prayed, and God told them that He’d fight the battle for them. All they had to do was march out and see His salvation. King J was so confident that God was with them, he placed musicians on the front lines where they sang praises — before they’d even won the battle. Singers aren’t soldiers. If King J didn’t have faith, he never would’ve put those musicians where they could be instantly killed. Read 2 Chronicles 20 to see how the story ends. 

Life Application 

Charles Blondin was a famous tightrope walker in the 1800s. He crossed Niagara Falls many times on a tightrope, and one of those times he pushed a little wheelbarrow across. According to legend, Blondin asked a boy in the crowd, “Do you believe I can cross the rope with this wheelbarrow?” The boy said, “Yes, sir.” Blondin replied, “Do you think I could take you across in it?” The boy said, “Yes, sir.” To that, Blondin replied, “OK, jump in!”

When it comes to our faith in God, it’s not enough to just say that we believe. We have to actually get in the wheelbarrow. But what does that mean? It means living life like we believe God is real and in control. It means not freaking out when we’re thrown a curveball and instead falling on our knees.

It means keeping the commandments even if we look uncool or face discrimination or stereotypes. It means hanging on even when things don’t make sense and we’re getting roughed up in the storm. Faith implies action, which we often understand as trust. It’s the difference between knowing that the medicine your doctor gave you will heal you and actually taking the medicine. 

Points to Ponder

• Does your faith have deep roots, or is it still in the shallow end?
• How is your faith in Christ most challenged by society and the unbelieving world?
• Is it easier to have faith that God will answer other people’s prayers rather than your own? Why?

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.