By Faith: Understanding its Meaning and Power
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Welcome to Avelyn Lane: All Roads Lead Home! I’m Jessica, and I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast is a place where we talk about faith, family, home, health, and homeschooling—all the things that make up the heart of our daily lives.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that is both beautiful and powerful: living by faith. What does that really mean? How do we apply it to our lives when circumstances are uncertain? Last week we talked about standing up for your faith. Faith isn’t just a word we throw around—it’s the foundation of our relationship with God. So grab your Bible, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or tea!), and let’s settle in for this conversation together.
Segment 1: Defining Faith
Let’s start with a simple but profound question: What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1 gives us an answer that many of us have heard before: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
But let’s break that down. Faith is about confidence and assurance. It’s not wishful thinking or blind optimism—it’s trusting in the unseen promises of God, knowing He is faithful even when we can’t see the outcome.
Think about this in everyday life. Have you ever had to trust in something before you saw the full picture? Maybe you started a new job, moved to a new city, or made a big decision without knowing how everything would unfold. That’s a glimpse of what faith looks like—it’s stepping forward, believing that God has already gone before you.
The reality is, faith isn’t always easy. It’s one thing to trust God when things are going well, but what about when you’re in the middle of hardship? When prayers seem unanswered? That’s when faith becomes an anchor, holding us steady when life feels uncertain.
Segment 2: The Hall of Faith – Hebrews 11
If you’ve ever wondered what faith in action looks like, Hebrews 11 gives us an entire chapter of examples—what many call the Hall of Faith.
I love how this chapter takes us through the stories of ordinary people who trusted God in extraordinary ways.
By faith, Noah built an ark when there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight (Hebrews 11:7). Can you imagine the looks he got from his neighbors? But he trusted God’s warning and obeyed.
By faith, Abraham packed up his entire life and set out for an unknown land (Hebrews 11:8). He had no map, no final destination—just trust in the One leading him.
By faith, Sarah believed that she could conceive, despite her old age (Hebrews 11:11). She laughed at first, but God was faithful to His promise.
One thing all these stories have in common? Faith required action. It wasn’t passive. It meant obedience, patience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. And God proved Himself faithful every single time.
Maybe today, God is calling you to trust Him with something big—or maybe something small. Either way, He is faithful, just as He was for Noah, Abraham, and Sarah.
Segment 3: Practical Application – Living By Faith Today
So, what does this look like in our daily lives? It’s easy to read about faith, but how do we actually live it out?
Trusting God in Uncertainty
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
We don’t always have the full picture, but we don’t have to. God does. Whether it’s in parenting, health decisions, homeschooling, or finances—He is already working things out for our good.Taking Steps of Obedience
James 2:26 reminds us: "Faith without works is dead."
Faith isn’t just a belief—it’s something we live out. Sometimes that means taking the first step, even when we feel unprepared. Maybe for you, that’s starting a new homeschool curriculum, launching a business, or reaching out to someone who needs encouragement. Faith is walking forward, trusting that God will provide along the way.Anchoring in God’s Promises
Romans 10:17 tells us: "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
If we want to strengthen our faith, we have to be in God’s Word. When doubts creep in, His promises remind us that He is faithful. So make time for Scripture—whether it’s a morning devotional, listening to the Bible in the car, or writing verses on sticky notes around the house. Let His truth sink deep into your heart.
Segment 4: Faith in Times of Waiting
One of the hardest times to live by faith is when we’re waiting. Waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, a prayer to be fulfilled—it can be challenging.
Think of Joseph in the Old Testament. He had dreams of leadership, but before those dreams came to pass, he went through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, by faith, he trusted that God was still at work.
Maybe you’re in a season of waiting right now. Waiting for a job, a relationship, healing, or clarity on a big decision. It’s in these moments that faith is tested, but also strengthened.
Psalm 27:14 says: "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Waiting isn’t passive—it’s an active trust that God’s timing is perfect. If you’re in a waiting season, hold onto His promises, knowing that He is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see.
Segment 5: Reflection and Encouragement
Living by faith isn’t always easy. We all have moments of doubt, fear, or frustration. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t ask us to have perfect faith—He just asks us to trust Him.
Let’s hold onto His promises today:
Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
2 Corinthians 5:7: "For we live by faith, not by sight."
Whatever you’re facing today, God is with you. He sees the big picture, even when we can’t. So let’s keep walking forward, one step at a time, trusting in His unfailing love.
Closing Segment:
Thank you for spending this time with me today. I hope this episode has encouraged you to embrace faith in a deeper way.
Right now, I’d love to pray for you…
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith and for the examples in Your Word that show us how to live by faith. Help us to trust You in all circumstances, even when the way forward seems unclear. Strengthen our hearts, guide our steps, and remind us of Your promises daily. May we walk in obedience and bring glory to Your name in all we do. Bless each listener today, and may their faith grow deeper as they seek You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
If you enjoyed today’s discussion, please share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe to Avelyn Lane: All Roads Lead Home. Until next time, keep walking by faith and trusting in God’s unfailing love. See you soon!