Keith Butler tells us that there are somethings about faith to remember because faith takes the place of what you do not physically see. It is the confidence of your hope based on God’s Word.

• The first fact about faith is: If God’s Word said it, even though I may not see it or feel it yet, I still believe God’s Word. It’s not what I feel or see that matters, it’s what I believe.
• The second fact about faith is: Faith comes by hearing. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Notice this verse doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard.” It’s not a one-time deal. Hearing is continual, so you have to stay exposed to the Word of God.
• The third fact about faith is: Faith is present-tense only. Hebrews 11:1 says, “NOW faith is….” If it’s not now, it’s not faith. Faith speaks and acts in the present. It doesn’t say, “It’s going to happen one day.” Faith says, “I believe I receive now. It’s mine now! I have the victory!”
• The fourth fact about faith is: Faith affects the words you speak and the actions you take. For example, when you approach God, you must not only believe that He is Yahweh, but you must talk like He is Yahweh. You must not only believe that He can create something out of your nothing; that He can bring cosmos to your chaos; that He is covenant-keeping…you must talk that way and act that way too!
• The fifth fact about faith is: Faith affects your attitudes and thoughts. When you are living by faith, you’re thinking God’s Word and His victory instead of thinking defeat. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it tells us to cast down every imagination and high thing in our mind that comes against the Word of God.
• The sixth fact about faith is: Praise is an expression of your faith in God. As my son teaches, says Butler, when he’s teaching the subject, “Praise is the very language of faith.” Praise is God’s way of talking. When you praise God, it’s music to His ears. When you can praise God in the middle of contrary circumstances, you’re doing all right!
• The seventh fact about faith is: Faith provides an understanding of how God works. Therefore, the only way you can understand how God does what He does is through faith.
• The eighth fact about faith is: The meditation of God’s Word provides a capacity for faith.
• The ninth fact about faith is: Faith sees the victory in advance. Faith expects the victory no matter what the present circumstance looks like. Remember, we are moved by faith, not by sight!
• And the tenth fact about faith is: Faith is of the heart.

The most amazing factor about faith is that it tests our commitment to see the unseen and act as though it is real. King Solomon left us with a saying that we all know well: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.[1] The keyword here is “trust.” It is another way of saying, have faith in God’s ability to do what He said He would do. In other words, do you trust God? Our Lord also stated that whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”[2] And the Apostle Paul tells us how we can get and build our faith that comes from listening and hearing what comes through the Word of God.[3] And why is faith so important? The writer of Hebrews tells us: And without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.[4]

And the Apostle James hits the nail right on the head when he said: If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given. But ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For if that person must not suppose they will receive anything they ask from the Lord, is a double-minded individual, unstable in all their ways.[5] So why not start by asking God what the disciples asked: “Lord, increase our faith!”[6] – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] Proverbs 3:5-6

[2] Matthew 21:22

[3] Romans 10:17

[4] Hebrews 11:6

[5] James 1:5-8

[6] Luke 17:5