Faith is what sets us apart from the world. It’s not only how we access salvation, but how we live with bold expectation. It’s how our prayers go from hopeful words to heaven-moving declarations. It’s how we live not just naturally—but supernaturally.

So, let’s start with the basics: what is faith? Thankfully, we don’t have to guess. Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) gives us a clear definition:

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”

The Greek word used here for “assurance” is hypostasis—which literally means “that which stands under.” Think of it like the foundation of a house. You can’t see the foundation, but without it, nothing would stand. Faith is that unseen force underneath your visible life, the foundational substance on which we build everything.

I experienced this kind of unseen faith when our daughter Avery tested positive for Cystic Fibrosis as a newborn. The weight of that diagnosis crushed us. But deep within, a fiery faith ignited—a belief that this was not the end of the story. We declared healing over her, trusted in God’s power, and saw a miracle: she was completely cleared of all symptoms. That miracle was built on something invisible—faith.

Faith is also described as a title deed. When you buy a home and receive the title deed, that paper proves it’s yours. No one can take it from you—it’s been paid for in full. That’s what Jesus did for us. His sacrifice on the cross bought and secured our salvation. When the enemy tries to bring fear, sickness, or shame, we hold up our faith and say, “Nope. It’s already been paid for. I have the deed.”

But let me clarify something—faith isn’t ignoring reality or pretending life is perfect. Faith doesn’t deny the facts. It defies them by standing on truth. Faith doesn’t come from wishful thinking—it comes from hearing what God says and responding.

That’s why there are three types of faith we see in Scripture:

  1. Saving Faith – the kind that brings us into relationship with Jesus (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9).

  2. Overcoming Faith – the kind that carries us through daily struggles (1 John 5:4).

  3. Great Faith – the supernatural gift of faith for a specific time and need (1 Corinthians 12:9).

Let me put it this way: There are two types of people who go to the gym. One sees the gym as a catalyst for transformation—it changes how they live, eat, and think. The other uses the gym to justify poor choices. They check a box, but nothing really changes. The same is true of faith.

Some people let faith transform them—how they respond, pray, give, forgive, and believe. Others use faith to justify what they were already going to do. One builds life on faith; the other asks faith to follow their life.

At Impact Church, we want to be people who build on faith. That’s why we pray boldly. That’s why we share testimonies and stir each other up. Revelation 19:10 says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” That means if God did it before—He’ll do it again.

Faith is like a muscle. You grow it by using it. When you go through challenges, you’re not being crushed—you’re being strengthened. Just like lifting weights causes micro-tears that rebuild into stronger muscles, trials grow our faith when we press through and trust God. What used to feel heavy won’t always feel that way—because you’re building strength for the journey.

So if you’re in a season where your faith is being stretched—don’t give up. Don’t despise the weight. God is building something in you. And remember, faith isn’t static—it’s dynamic. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. And that word “hearing” isn’t just noise—it’s the rhema, the revealed word of God to your spirit. Whether that comes through Scripture or through a whisper in prayer, God still speaks—and when He does, it grows our faith.

So let’s live with faith not as a once-in-a-while accessory, but as our lifestyle. Let’s believe big, pray boldly, and walk confidently knowing our foundation is secure in Christ. Faith is not just what we have—it’s how we live.

Because at Impact Church, faith isn’t an event. Faith is our lifestyle.