
Living by Faith: A Christian's Guide to Trusting God Daily
IK Gibson
Founder & Visionary
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we encounter remarkable individuals whose lives demonstrate the transformative power of trusting God. From Abraham leaving his homeland to follow an unseen promise, to David facing Goliath with only a sling and stones, to Daniel remaining faithful in a foreign land—each story reveals profound truths about what it means to live by faith rather than sight.
Faith is far more than intellectual belief or emotional feeling. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). This foundational verse teaches us that authentic faith provides substance to our hopes and evidence for spiritual realities that transcend physical perception. It's the bridge between God's promises and our everyday experience.
When we examine biblical faith, we discover it's always active, never passive. It responds to God's Word with obedience, trusts His character in uncertainty, and perseveres through trials. Understanding how to cultivate and express this kind of faith transforms not only our relationship with God but every aspect of our daily lives.
The Biblical Foundation: Where True Faith Begins
Scripture provides clear instruction about developing authentic faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, KJV). This foundational principle reveals that genuine faith grows through consistent exposure to God's Word. It's not wishful thinking or blind optimism, but informed trust based on who God has revealed Himself to be.
Consider how the Israelites learned to trust God during their wilderness journey. Despite seeing miraculous provision of manna daily, they struggled to believe God would continue providing. Yet those who meditated on His past faithfulness found their confidence growing. Moses repeatedly reminded them to remember God's works, understanding that faith strengthens when we align our thinking with divine truth rather than temporary circumstances.
The psalmist captured this principle beautifully: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11, KJV). When God's Word dwells richly within us, it transforms our perspective, guides our decisions, and strengthens our resolve to trust Him completely.

Faith Through Relationship: Knowing the God We Trust
Biblical faith is fundamentally relational. It's built on intimate knowledge of God's character rather than mere theological facts. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, KJV).
Abraham exemplifies this relational faith. When God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars, Abraham's trust wasn't based on his circumstances—he and Sarah were elderly and childless. His confidence rested on God's character and faithfulness. "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20, KJV).
This teaches us that authentic faith develops through communion with God—through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word. As we spend time in His presence, we gain firsthand knowledge of His love, wisdom, and faithfulness. The more we know God personally, the easier it becomes to trust His promises and surrender our concerns to His care.
King David demonstrated this principle throughout his life. In Psalm 23, he declared his confidence not because his circumstances were perfect, but because he knew his Shepherd personally. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4, KJV).
Faith in Action: Living Out Your Trust Daily
Scripture consistently shows that authentic faith expresses itself through concrete actions and decisions. Consider Joshua at Jericho—God's instructions seemed counterintuitive by military standards, yet Joshua's obedience demonstrated his faith in God's wisdom over human logic. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days" (Hebrews 11:30, KJV).
In practical Christian living, faith influences every decision we make. When facing challenges, faith seeks God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture rather than relying solely on human understanding. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV).
Faith also transforms our speech and attitudes. Instead of speaking doubt and fear over difficult situations, biblical faith declares God's promises and goodness. The three Hebrew young men facing Nebuchadnezzar's furnace exemplified this: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace" (Daniel 3:17, KJV). Their words reflected unwavering confidence in God's power, regardless of the outcome.
Faith Through Trials: When Trust Is Tested
Scripture teaches that trials often serve as catalysts for faith development. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3, KJV). Difficulties don't destroy faith—they refine and strengthen it when we respond correctly.
Job's experience illustrates this powerfully. Despite losing everything he valued, Job declared: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15, KJV). His faith wasn't based on his circumstances but on God's unchanging character. Through his trial, Job discovered deeper aspects of God's wisdom and love than he'd known in prosperity.
The apostle Paul understood this principle well. Facing imprisonment, shipwreck, and persecution, he wrote: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, KJV). His faith provided supernatural stability amid life's storms.
During trials, faith focuses on God's promises rather than present problems. It remembers His past faithfulness and trusts His future provision. This doesn't mean denying difficulties, but viewing them through the lens of God's sovereignty and love.
Receiving God's Promises Through Faith
Scripture reveals that faith serves as the mechanism through which we receive God's blessings. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24, KJV). This doesn't promote selfish demanding, but teaches us to align our desires with God's will and trust His timing.
The woman with the issue of blood demonstrated this principle. After twelve years of suffering, she pressed through the crowd, thinking: "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole" (Matthew 9:21, KJV). Her faith-filled action released God's healing power. Jesus commended her: "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole" (Matthew 9:22, KJV).
Faith often requires patient endurance. Abraham waited twenty-five years for Isaac's birth, yet Scripture commends his unwavering confidence. "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Romans 4:21, KJV). This teaches us that authentic faith persists through seasons of waiting, trusting God's perfect timing.
Faith and Obedience: Inseparable Partners
Biblical faith always expresses itself through obedient action. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" (James 2:17, KJV). This doesn't mean we earn salvation through works, but that genuine faith naturally produces obedience to God's Word.
Noah exemplified this principle. When God commanded him to build an ark, there was no visible sign of coming judgment. Yet Noah's faith moved him to obedient action over many years. "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house" (Hebrews 11:7, KJV).
This teaches us that authentic faith responds to God's instructions even when they don't make sense to human logic. Whether it's tithing when finances are tight, forgiving when we've been wronged, or serving when we're tired, faith obeys because it trusts God's wisdom and timing.

Faith as Spiritual Armor
Scripture identifies faith as essential armor in spiritual warfare. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16, KJV). Faith protects us from Satan's attacks of doubt, fear, and discouragement.
Daniel's three friends facing the fiery furnace demonstrated faith's protective power. They declared: "But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:18, KJV). Their faith enabled them to stand firm regardless of consequences.
In spiritual warfare, faith declares God's truth over the enemy's lies. It chooses worship over worry, hope over despair, and love over bitterness. Through persistent prayer and confession of God's Word, faith establishes God's kingdom in earthly situations.
Growing in Faith: A Lifelong Journey
Developing mature faith requires intentional spiritual disciplines. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Regular Bible study provides the foundation for growing faith.
The Bereans exemplified this principle: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11, KJV). Their diligent study strengthened their understanding and faith.
Fellowship with other believers also strengthens faith. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17, KJV). Through shared testimonies, encouragement, and prayer, our faith grows stronger.
Regular worship and praise cultivate faith-filled hearts. "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22:3, KJV). Worship creates an atmosphere where God's presence and power are manifested, strengthening our confidence in His goodness.
Living by faith transforms every aspect of the Christian life. From daily decisions to major life changes, from relationships to career choices, faith provides the wisdom and courage needed to honor God in all circumstances. As we continue growing in our understanding of God's character and His Word, our faith becomes an increasingly powerful force for good in our lives and in the world around us.
The journey of faith is not about achieving perfection, but about maintaining faithfulness. Like the heroes of Hebrews 11, we're called to trust God's promises even when we don't see their complete fulfillment in our lifetime. Through faith, we become partakers of God's divine nature and ambassadors of His kingdom on earth.
If you're beginning your journey of faith or seeking to strengthen your walk with God, remember that faith starts with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Only through Him can we experience authentic biblical faith, because Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith. Trust in His finished work on the cross, surrender your life to His lordship, and discover the abundant life that comes through living by faith.
Prayer for Growing Faith
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of faith and for the examples of faithful men and women recorded in Your Word. Help me to grow in faith by increasing my knowledge of Your character and Your promises. Teach me to trust You more completely, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty. Strengthen my faith through Your Word, and help me to express that faith through obedient action. May my life be a testimony to Your faithfulness and goodness. In Jesus' name, amen. If you prayed this prayer sincerely, you've taken an important step toward growing in biblical faith. Remember that faith is developed through consistent spiritual disciplines—Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and obedience. Be patient with yourself as God works in your heart, and trust that He who began this good work in you will complete it.