Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” - Luke 7:50 (NKJV)

If you have received instruction in fire safety at some time in your life, it is likely that you have seen a triangle representing the components of fire: heat, fuel and air. Take away any of these elements, and the fire goes out (or doesn’t get started if you are interested in preventing a fire). For this reason, water is often effective in fighting fires, as it both reduces heat and the amount of air that keeps flames burning. Likewise, it is a good idea to shut of the engine and extinguishing a cigarette before fueling your automobile. Faith is much like fire.

A wonderful description of faith is found in the Bible in the letter to the Hebrews:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Near as I can tell, this translation comes pretty close to the original Greek text. This verse explains that faith, involves three components: (1) An object(s) of faith, (2) A hope or desire to relate to or experience that object in some way, and (3) evidence or outward demonstration of that desire. Sitting in a chair requires faith. You may see a chair and recognize that it is indeed a chair. That is not faith. Perhaps you have been standing for a long time and hope to find a chair to sit in. If you see a chair and want to sit in it, that is not faith. You may even talk about wanting to sit in that chair. Faith does not come until you sit in the chair - entrusting your weight to its seat and sturdy legs. Granted, this may seem overly analytical for such a mundane event, but hopefully you can recognize the elements of faith in this familiar activity. Faith is not inherently mystical. It is practical.

Do you have faith in Jesus? What are elements of faith? Is there an object of faith? Yes: Our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Is there a hope? Only if you wish to know God and live eternally with Him. Is there an evidence of that hope?

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. – Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)