Fight for Your Faith Until the End

Faith is one of the spiritual topics that makes many people curious. When talking about faith, several questions arise. What does faith really mean? Why is it important to hold on to it?

The Meaning of Faith

The definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 which says, “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the evidence of what we do not see.” This is a biblical understanding, and it can be complemented by the explanation from Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Based on the two verses above, there appears to be a close relationship between faith and the word of God. So, a person is said to have faith if the foundation of that faith is the word of God.

Faith Requires Perseverance

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day; and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In his letter to Timothy, Paul said that keeping the faith is like running a match or a race, an effort that requires perseverance. Paul was highly educated, had special citizenship rights, and also had a profitable tentmaking business in his time. Yet, as a follower of Christ, he was beaten, imprisoned, tortured, mocked, and went through many unpleasant experiences in his mission. 

Even though he repeatedly experienced ups and downs in his ministry, Paul did not give up or abandon his faith. Until the end of his life, he remained faithful to Christ and never wanted to return to his old life.

Perhaps right now we are going through rises and falls like Paul. And when we are at the lowest point of our spiritual life, we begin comparing the comfort of our former condition, before following Christ, with our life now.

When this happens, what do we need to maintain our faith in Christ?

1. A Special and Consistent Time

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17

Faith can grow through hearing the word of God, and this takes time. For that reason, we need to set aside a special time for God in our lives every day. 

Your days may be packed with activity, so find the most ideal time to pray and read the word of God. Each person’s ideal time will certainly be different. For example, the right time for me is in the morning. When the atmosphere is quiet and I can refuel spiritually before starting the busyness of the day. 

Quiet time with God is not about what hour it is, but about consistency. If we do it consistently, our faith will surely grow over time.

2. Deeds That Align

 If faith is not accompanied by works, then faith in itself is dead. – James 2:17

Faith is not opposed to works at all. In fact, it is made complete when accompanied by works (James 2:22). When we believe the word of God, of course we will also carry out His commands. 

Imagine this situation for a moment: One day an important figure in your city promises to give you a gift. He tells you to take an envelope from the cupboard in his office at eight o’clock tomorrow morning. Then, you must bring the envelope to a bank at nine o’clock. If you miss the appointed day and time, the gift will be forfeited. 

You believe this person’s words and are convinced he is serious about his promise. However, you do not want to follow his directions. You arrive late at his office. You forget to bring the envelope to the bank. Is it possible for you to receive the promised gift?

This is what happens to most people who claim to have faith in Christ; they believe the word of God but do not want to follow His directions. As a result, their faith does not grow. 

Remember, keeping the faith means holding on to the word of God and putting it into practice.

3. Eyes Fixed on Christ

Let us do it with our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us in faith and brings our faith to perfection, who, disregarding the shame, endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

What makes a boxer keep going in a match even though the blows to his face hurt so much? What makes a marathon runner keep running until reaching the finish line? The answer is the goal they will attain. 

Why was Paul able to endure suffering in his ministry life? The answer: because he did it with his eyes fixed on Jesus. Paul believed that spiritual success is not measured merely by ministry performance, but by keeping his faith faithfully. 

There are things that can destroy faith if we lose our focus on God. For example, work, finances, health, a spouse, persecution, disappointment, and bitterness. When all these things come, keep holding on to God’s promises and face those challenges by fixing our gaze on Christ.

True faith  is founded on the word of God. Faith will be in vain if there is no faithfulness. Let us fight for it by studying the word of God consistently, accompanying it with deeds, and doing all of that with our eyes fixed on Christ. May God grant the crown of righteousness to us all as we finish the race of faith well and reach the finish line.

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