by James Lynne

Created on: September 02, 2008

"Faith in your heart wasn't put there to stay. Faith isn't faith until it is tested one day." It is when we are challenged, fearful, hurting, and needy that we begin to understand the power of faith as the tool for overcoming life's obstacles. During times of prosperity it is easy to recognize God in our lives. It is when times are difficult that faith becomes our most powerful coping mechanism against adversity.

The scriptural definition of faith is, "the substance of things hoped for and the hope of things unseen." We are further told in scripture "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Faith is the key to overcoming physical and spiritual obstacles. Believers know and understand the power of faith in their lives when times become challenging. There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome by the power of faith in God.

The Christian faith is predicated upon the concept that "trust" in God through his son Jesus the Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life," (John 14:6) is the solution to the problems of humanity. Jesus commands believers, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God" (John 14:1) It appears overly simplistic, but this is all believers are required to do in overcoming physical and spiritual obstacles, trust. What does it mean to trust in God?

Trust can be defined as "relying on the confidence of" or "believing in or depending on something or someone." In other words, "trust" conveys the idea of a predictable outcome based on a stated promise. In Christian terms the promise is that God is in charge of the universe, that he will take care of the needs of his followers, and they need not worry nor be anxious about his doing so. Trust in God means believing that he will deliver as the Bible claims he will. (Php. 4:6-7) "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Christians have at their disposal the most powerful coping tool available to anyone for dealing with the spiritual and physical obstacles in life. We have promise in the word of God that our faith will give us the resources we need to manage any trouble or difficulty that might arise in life.

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you

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