By Prophet Joel Musonda F.C. Founder, Muba Books Press

What Is Faith?

Faith is the foundation of Christian life. The Bible defines it as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). True faith precedes the result - it is not belief after seeing, but belief before manifestation. Faith is another eye we possess, enabling us to see outcomes before they arrive. It is not based on feelings but on conviction, becoming the reason for our standing and perseverance.

The English dictionary describes faith as a strong belief in a supernatural power that governs human destiny. Yet, beyond definition, faith is lived reality: the anticipation of what we hope for, the assurance of what we expect to come.

Shaping Our Faith

Faith does not grow passively; it must be shaped and exercised. Jesus taught that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. To shape faith:

• Practice it: Faith must be put into action.

• Fast and pray: Fasting and prayer align us with heaven, releasing divine power into our circumstances.

• Trust in God alone: Those who root themselves in God will flourish like trees planted by rivers of water.

• Lean on God’s wisdom: Human wisdom is limited. Faith requires surrender to divine wisdom, avoiding superstition and embracing partnership with God.

Faith is the substance of our Christian foundation. Without it, the work of God becomes heavy and burdensome. With faith, His work flows easily, free from fear, shame, or failure.

Activating Our Faith

Faith is power. It is the muscle that enables us to climb mountains and reach life’s goals. Like physical strength, faith grows through continuous practice and focus. To activate faith:

1. Take a step: Faith requires decisive action, like David facing Goliath.

2. Hear right teachings: Sound doctrine strengthens faith; confusion weakens it.

3. Accept your call: Abraham was called a man of faith because he accepted God’s word and lived it.

4. Surrender to the Spirit: Giving ourselves wholly to Christ makes us whole.

5. Pray continuously: Prayer energizes faith, correcting errors and sustaining spiritual life.

6. Reject sin: Faith cannot thrive in the presence of sin.

7. Believe in the Trinity: Accepting God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit unlocks faith’s fullness.

Patriarchs of Faith

Scripture is filled with examples of men who lived by faith:

• Enoch walked faithfully with God.

• Abraham believed and became God’s friend.

• Noah built the ark by faith.

• Elijah trusted God’s power against false prophets.

• Jesus embodied perfect faith.

• Jacob, Joseph, Isaac, Simon—each proved themselves faithful before God.

Lessons from Disobedience

Not all fathers of old walked in faith. Some disobeyed God’s voice and pursued their own desires:

• King Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 16:33) led Israel into idolatry and provoked God’s anger.

• King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:22) dishonored God by desecrating holy vessels, and his kingdom fell.

Their stories remind us that faithlessness leads to downfall, while obedience and trust in God secure blessing.

Power Beside Faith

Faith is not passive belief—it is power in action. Jesus declared that faith could move mountains (Luke 17:6–21). When faith is alive:

• Obstacles begin to shake and manifest breakthroughs.

• Hidden powers within us are released.

• Sickness is healed.

• Demons are driven out.

• Miracles appear.

• Closed doors open instantly.

• Heaven is pleased and responds.

• God’s presence is revealed everywhere.

• Borders are crossed without limitation.

• Seasons of God are understood and claimed at the right time.

Faith unlocks heaven’s treasures and manifests divine authority in the believer’s life.

Following After Faith

Scripture declares: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, every believer must pursue faith diligently.

By faith:

• We become changed: Belief transforms life’s difficulties into testimonies.

• We become connected: Faith links us to spiritual power, freeing us from fleshly lusts and sins.

• We receive fruits: Faith ensures prayers bear fruit even before “amen” is spoken.

• We are released from unbelief: Faith breaks cycles of stagnation and struggle.

• Immovable problems become movable: Eyes of faith see solutions where flesh sees impossibility.

• Nature listens and obeys: Faith aligns creation with God’s will for us.

• Our hopes are established: Faith sustains hope, anchoring us in God’s truth.

Faith must be continual, not momentary. Abraham lived and died in faith. Enoch walked with God for 300 years by faith. Their lives testify that faith is not seasonal but lifelong.

Conclusion

Faith is the lifeblood of Christian living. It is both vision and strength, enabling believers to see beyond the present and walk boldly into God’s promises. To increase our faith, we must practice it, pray diligently, trust God wholly, and live in holiness. Then, like the patriarchs, our faith will not only sustain us but inspire others, becoming a legacy of trust in God’s unfailing power.

Reflection & Application Journal Prompts

1. Seeing with the Eye of Faith

   • What situation in your life feels impossible right now?

   • How would it look if you viewed it through the “eye of faith” instead of the eye of flesh?

2. Shaping Faith Daily

   • Which of the four shaping practices (practice, fasting and prayer, trusting God, leaning on His wisdom) do you need to strengthen most?

   • Write one concrete step you will take this week to grow in that area.

3. Activating Faith in Action

   • Recall a time when you took a bold step of faith. What was the outcome?

   • What “Goliath” stands before you now, and how can you activate faith to face it?

4. Learning from Patriarchs and Failures

   • Which patriarch of faith inspires you most, and why?

   • What warning do you take from Ahab, Jezebel, or Belshazzar’s disobedience?

5. Faith as Power

   • Which of the listed powers beside faith (healing, miracles, open doors, divine presence) do you long to see manifest in your life?

   • Write a prayer declaring your faith in that area.

6. Following After Faith

   • Where have you been “spinning in circles” without breakthrough?

   • How can faith break that cycle and establish new hope?

7. Continual Faith

   • Abraham and Enoch lived and died in faith. What would it mean for you to finish your life’s journey still walking in faith?

   • Write a declaration of how you want your faith legacy to be remembered.