Faith is a belief in something not seen. Faith is not based on proof, but on trust and confidence. There is no logical proof or material evidence when it comes to the subject of faith. Yet many people, including myself, rely on our faith to carry us through circumstances and situations that we don’t always understand. We know that God has plans for us that we may not understand or comprehend. We just know that it is right.

It takes real courage for someone to exercise faith. I laugh when I here people talking about the “weakness” of people with faith and the “strength” of those who rely on themselves. It is actually the opposite: people of faith are the strong ones and those without faith are weak. People of faith take chances that others would not dare to; all the while knowing the outcome has already bean determined. Faith guides and directs the actions of these people allowing them to fulfill their purpose.

It isn’t easy to live by faith. Decisions based on faith usually contradict popular culture and societal pressures to think and act in a certain manner. Faith causes people to step out in uncomfortable circumstance where those without faith fear to tread. Faith makes people stand up for what is right in spite of the consequences and personal sacrifice. Faith is trusting God to take you through painful events and situations, all the while knowing that you are being shaped and formed into what is necessary for you to do good works.

It isn’t easy, but it is necessary if you want success and happiness. If you feel you are lacking in faith, begin by developing it. Start small and you will see the results of faith working in your life. You will begin to increase your faith. Before long you will be living a life of complete faith. This is assuming that you are willing to go through the sometimes painful process of growth.

Everybody has faith. This may be a very hard concept to grasp, but it is completely true. In general there are 2 types of people in the world: those who believe in God and those who don’t. I know that the true situation in the world is more complicated than this, but bear with me.

Those who believe in God and live according to His plan for their life obviously have faith. They are the ones who move forward, in spite of the obstacles. They listen for that voice that leads and guides them through every circumstance and every situation. They know that the physical evidence is seldom the truth. They live fulfilled lives, knowing that as long as they stay on the path life will be fulfilling.

Those who say that God does not exist also have faith. They have faith that believes that we were created out of nothing, are nothing and are going nowhere. They believe that the universe, and everything in it was all just the result of some cosmic event. There was no intelligence behind it… it just happened. Most of these people live a life of being unfulfilled. They are unsure of themselves and what their plan is and usually are just trying to figure out why?

The good new is that you have a choice about how you will live. I choose the way of faith and have never regretted it. Yes, there have been difficult times. Yes, I have failed. Yes, I have doubted. Yes, I have been beaten. Faith has helped me through all of these! In ever situation and circumstance that I felt wasn’t deserved, new lessons for living have been learned and I have come through those seasons stronger, more confident, more committed and with more faith.

God knows what He is doing and all I need to do is Trust Him!

Faith is the hardest concept for most self-willed people (and lets admit it: that’s pretty much everyone) to grasp. Faith isn’t tangible. Faith is invisible and is hard to describe. When you uncover faith watch out! Your life will change completely.

Worries will disappear. You will begin to have victory over the challenges in your life. What used to frighten you will now empower you. You will finally realize that all of your life’s struggles have had a purpose and you are now stronger for having endured them.

Everybody has faith already, within them. You just need to find it within yourself and begin using it in your life. It takes some time and training, but with faith; sick people become well; poor people become rich, sad people become happy. I think you get the point. Find your faith today!

To Restore: To bring back to an original condition. To put (someone) back in a former position. To heal, redeem, refresh, renew, revitalize, revive, strengthen

At a time when people are thinking about resolutions and changes they need to make (and too often these changes are surface changes only), I’m thinking about restoration and increase. Already this year is having a theme for me, the theme of Restoration. In just the time frame of 2 weeks I’ve had a portion of my family restored to me, my love for my husband has not only been renewed but increased as well and I feel my inner peace has been restored.

The Spirit of God has led me, not by my own will or mind, to The Principle of Faith. Not by my hand or by my works have I been restored but by the miraculous workings of God. Our God, a God of promises (promises that He keeps), continually assures us of restoration when we seek Him passionately. Over the last few months I’ve sought him like never before and I can truly point towards Heaven and say only by His hand have I been restored.

Many years ago, a portion of my family was stolen from me, not by death, but by bitterness and pride. With no one willing to lay aside hurt feelings, the gap of resentment and time grew wider and wider. And even though I had in my own strength and ability had forgiven and sought forgiveness there had been no breakthrough in communication for nearly 14 years!

My husband less than 2 months ago told me to pray, REALLY pray for that part of my family, and by God’s workings only was there a sudden opening for a possibility of restoration of the family. Walking in God’s will and after seeking Him, I took hold of the opportunity to reach out and what I believed to be an impossibility is now a reality. I have been reunited with a part of my family that I honestly never thought I would speak to again, at least not while on this earth. Now with restoration in those relationships, we can look toward increase. A relationship that had literally been stolen from me has been restored and can someday be even stronger. If we learn from the past, continue to work together in the will of God and remember that we cannot control anything or anyone except our own attitudes and ourselves; I know successful living will be ours.