What does it mean to have faith?  Many of us value this quality in ourselves, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself what this word really means?  Faith is a word often used but seldom defined. Yet the book of Hebrews describes faith in this way: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).  To me, this verse says that faith and hope are intricately linked.  It tells me that we can be sure that God is listening.  That he knows our hopes and hears our prayers and that he is working in our lives.  Faith is knowing that although we cannot see or touch our God, he is right there beside us, leading us by the hand.  This verse inspires hope and prompts me towards living a meaningful life that trusts in a loving God.  This is faith to me… What does faith mean to you?

What is Faith?
-By Krista Longeway

Faith is believing beyond hope
And it is knowing without sight
That in the end things will work out
In a way that is good and right

Faith is believing all of this
Without knowing the how or why
Without ever asking for proof
That God rules over earth and sky

Faith is in trusting that our God 
Knows all our hopes and hears our prayers
That he can speak within our hearts
And throughout all of this he cares

Faith is in trusting that our God
Wants a good life for you and me
And that there is more to this world 
Than all that we can touch or see

Faith is in knowing that our God
Is always walking by our side 
And gently leading us forward
For He is our best hope and guide