The Importance of Having Faith

Faith is a word we so often hear everywhere. “Just have faith,” “Keep the faith,” “Walk in faith” – these are the common expressions about faith that people throw around all the time. However, what exactly is faith?

In general, faith is the complete trust or confidence in something or someone. It is ubiquitous, and it manifests in even the most mundane tasks. For example, every time we sit down on a chair, we are putting our trust and confidence in that chair. We believe that the chair will hold us, and not collapse under us. Hence, in other words, we have faith in that chair.

Faith is an essential part of life. More often than not, however, people associate the term faith with religion. In religious sense, faith is a strong belief in God and His Word. It is something so noble to have. It is the foundation of goodness and salvation. It is an expression of confidence in and love for God.

Leelia Carolyn Cornell, in her book entitled In the Shadow of God’s Love, expressed her strong faith and devotion to God through words beautifully weaved together in poetry and verse. In the Shadow of God’s Love is a collection of poems and stories about God’s presence in everyday life. It is a manifestation of a strong faith that Leelia Carolyn Cornell has in something yet unseen, but evidently powerful.

According to the Bible, faith is defined as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Indeed, religious faith is the confidence in what is not seen and experienced yet. It is being certain of what is yet hoped for. With this, one may ask: Is it really necessary to have faith? Can’t just people believe and trust in something when it has already manifested itself in actuality? To answer these questions, here are three of the main reasons behind the importance of faith:

Faith helps us discover our purpose in life

Life is a journey full of rough patches. It is never an easy road. Whether we like it or not, we are all bound to go through the ups and downs of life. However, sometimes, the challenges and uncertainties of life can take a toll on us. They can become heavy enough to make us question our very existence and purpose in this world.

During those times when the burdens of life become too heavy to carry, it is faith that gives us a helping hand. Through all of the trials and tribulations that we face, faith is the one that guides us and helps us move closer towards our purpose. It provides us with the strength that we need to make it through everything. Regardless of whether it is faith in God or in something else, faith generally has the power to set us free from our cynicism and lack of purpose.

Faith strengthens our character

Because life is full of challenges and uncertainties, there is always the temptation to give up. Pessimism may inevitably linger in the mind, especially in those times when the burdens of life become too heavy to carry. When life constantly batters us with difficulties, we tend to become frail and forbidding.

However, faith gives us the ability to remain firm, even amidst constant chaos. It helps us remain strong during those difficult times when we feel like giving up is the only option. It acts as a shield that protects us from the schemes and plots of our enemy. It bestows on us the capacity to become brave, courageous, and vigorous. To put it simply, having faith strengthens our overall character.

Faith helps us inspire others

Having faith means we are able to see the world in a positive and beautiful way, regardless of whatever comes our way. Having such positivity and unshakeable faith is noticeable, and it allows us to encourage others to be positive and firm in their faith too. It turns us into a beacon of light – a role model that inspires those who are in their darkest hour.

Indeed, it is easier for people to stay committed to faith in God or in something else when they see others doing the same. For this reason, it is important that the initiative to hold to a strong commitment to faith begins with us. Because when our faith is strong, genuine, and evident, it can be passed on to others including our family and friends, hence making a difference in their lives as well.

Overall, faith is important not just because it leads us towards salvation, but also because it makes us better individuals. As mentioned, faith is the foundation of goodness. When one has faith, he or she is able to live a more positive, altruistic, and abundant life. Having faith in something yet unseen or unknown is not naiveté. It is being committed to the truth that the Creator Himself has revealed. Taking an inspiration from Leelia Carolyn Cornell who has manifested her unwavering faith to God through her written words, may we all become and remain faithful individuals living in the shadow of God’s love.