I can still recite the King James Version of Hebrews 11:1 that I memorized in childhood: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is a blessing that those words enter my thoughts when I need then. My faith is strengthened as I have hope in God and stretched as I face the unseen! I am reminded every day how impactful that little word, faith, is to many lives!

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My favorite definition of faith is the ability to trust God. Affirmations are a phrase or something that you read and repeat to yourself for daily encouragement or to grow in a certain quality. For me, faith is that quality. Biblical affirmations are a way to remind us of the truths in the Bible. If you walk around my home, you will find affirmations on my vanity mirror, in my quiet time journal, inside cabinet doors, on my pantry freezer, or just about anywhere I can stick a sticky note! Many are about faith. As I pondered Hebrews 11, also known as the Hall of Faith, I started thinking about these faith affirmations.

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One of my favorites is, “We walk (or live) by faith and not sight” (II Cor. 5:7, parenthetical added). Other versions that I repeat are, “Believe first, see later” or “Simply trust in God – stop trying to understand it.” Seeing and saying words like this help start my day. Life is unpredictable, so as much as I plan, I am pivoting! Without faith, or trust, in God I would be so anxious with every change in my steps. Many times, I feel like I am walking in the dark and do not have all the details that I need to go forward; however, with faith I can go forth because I trust God more than my comfort in the outcome. Think about Noah. He built the ark in obedience to God’s instructions, even though he had possibly never seen a raindrop! That is faith and obedience in the dark.

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Try saying this every day, “Faith is not about its size, but its source!” This is related to Jesus’ words, that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains (Matt. 17:20). Faith in God is bigger than any mountain or obstacle in my way, but I need reminders! He is the source of my power, so I must be plugged into Him. When I look at my phone to check its battery level, I think of this affirmation, “Faith is being plugged into the power of God!” What a great positive use of my phone, and it reminds me of another affirmation, “Faith recharges me.”

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“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Eph. 3:12). This verse tells us that we have access to God. “Asking for God’s help is evidence of my faith,” is another way to affirm this verse. Audibly asking for help reinforces my confidence and faith in God’s ability to help. Although asking for help, even from God, is not one of my strong attributes, positive words help me to grow and learn. There are so many relational, physical, mental, and spiritual struggles that God can help us with. Jesus told the bleeding woman who merely touched His robe that her faith had healed her (Mark 5:34). Saying, “My faith is making me whole!” reminds me that God heals me! Life is not about having all the answers but trusting the God who does and asking for His help as you build a relationship with Him. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God!

Faith is not a fuzzy feeling or a vague sense of hope. Faith is a full, confident trust in God’s power, presence, promises, and plan for His people! It is believing who He says He is and that He does what He says He will. Faithfulness is stick-to-it-ness! Affirmations written on stickies help me stick to God. I shared many affirmations with you, but they are not just pretty words. They speak Scripture over me. They strengthen my faith. They strengthen my obedience. They pull me back in times of drifting to anchor me in my faith. They offer firm adherence to truth and growth in my relationship with God.

• Take a few moments to think about an area in life where you need encouragement.  

• Find an affirmation that I have shared or another that gives you truth.

• Write it on a sticky and stick it somewhere.

• Read it. Say it. Meditate on it. Pray for it.

Abba, thank You for Your positive words about faith. I pray that these lift others to knowing You as their source of faith, to a growing faith in You, and to asking You for help in life. I love you, Jesus. Amen.