Living by Faith: A Life Rooted in Trust

"The just shall live by faith…So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God…I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him."
(Romans 1:17; 10:17; 2 Timothy 1:12)

The Christian life is not one of striving but of trusting. It is not a cycle of self-effort followed by discouragement but a continual reliance upon the Lord. "The just shall live by faith"—not just begin by faith, but walk, rest, and move forward in faith, every moment of every day. This is the only way to experience the fullness of God's grace, because faith is the conduit through which grace flows into our lives: "Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace" (Romans 4:16).

The world often urges us to either push harder or step back entirely, as if our choices are limited to frantic effort or passive waiting. But the life of faith is neither of these. Faith is an active dependence, whether we are moving forward or standing still. The key is not in what we do, but in whom we trust. Faith is not a force we conjure; it is the natural response of a heart that sees God for who He is and takes Him at His word.

And how does faith grow? "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we come to know Him—His character, His ways, His unshakable promises. As we listen, faith takes root. We see that He is utterly trustworthy, and our reliance on Him deepens. His word strips away our illusions of self-sufficiency and reveals His sufficiency.

Think of a child learning to swim. At first, he hesitates, uncertain if the water will hold him. But as he trusts his instructor, as he lets go and experiences the support beneath him, his fear turns into confidence. Likewise, faith is not a blind leap but a growing assurance in the One who holds us. The more we entrust to Him, the more we see His faithfulness.

Paul understood this well: "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him." His confidence was not in his ability to believe but in the One he believed in. Faith is not about our strength; it is about His reliability.

God has already given us everything we need to walk this journey of faith. He has spoken His truth, supplied His grace, and proven His faithfulness. Our part is simply to trust—to rest in His promises and act in accordance with His leading, knowing that He is fully able to accomplish all that concerns us.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, You have called me to live by faith, and You have supplied all that is needed for this life of trust. Your word reveals Your faithfulness, and my heart rests in the certainty of who You are. I entrust every moment into Your hands, knowing that You are able to keep all that concerns me. Thank You for Your unwavering grace, for the sure foundation of Your truth, and for the confidence that grows as I walk with You. Amen.

(Insights from Day by Day by Grace. Photo credit: Unsplash.)