What is faith, really? Is it just believing harder, or is there something deeper going on?

In this first episode of our new 4-part series Discovering Faith, we dive into Hebrews 11 to uncover a biblical understanding of faith, one that blends the testimony of the past, conviction in the present, and bold action into the future.

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When you hear the word “faith,” what comes to mind? Is it gritting your teeth and believing harder? Pretending you’re confident when deep down you’re terrified? For many of us, especially those who grew up around church, the word “faith” can feel abstract—almost like it’s something you’re supposed to feel, but never fully understand.

But what if faith isn’t just about believing harder? What if it’s about responding to something very real?

At Geek Devotions, we believe that God often teaches us things through geek culture, including anime, comics, games, and more. Just as our favorite heroes have a pivotal moment where everything changes, our faith hinges on a similar kind of encounter. There’s a moment when the truth hits you square in the chest—and something rises up. A conviction. A call to move forward.

This post marks the beginning of a four-part series, where we explore biblical faith: what it is, how it saves us, how it shapes our character, and how it’s gifted to us for God’s glory. However, before we delve into those categories, we must first address the most fundamental question:

What is faith?

The Bible Actually Defines It

Hebrews 11:1 tells us:

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

This one verse packs in past, present, and future, and helps us understand faith not as a feeling or a force, but as a journey grounded in something bigger than ourselves.

Let’s break it down.

1. Faith Begins with the Past: The Testimony of God

Biblical faith starts with hearing. Romans 10:17 says,

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

When you read through Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith,” you see ordinary people who did extraordinary things. But none of them acted out of thin air. They acted because they heard something.

  • Able grew up with the stories of God from his parents
  • (Genesis 6:9) Noah grew up a godly man serving God
  • (Joshua 1:8) When the walls of Jericho fell, the people of Israel already had the book of the law

Even Rahab, who wasn’t part of Israel, believed because of the testimonies she had heard. (Joshua 2:9-11)  The faith of these people didn’t spring out of a vacuum. It started with the record of who God was and what He had already done.

In your life, it might be someone sharing how God healed them, restored their family, or provided in a desperate situation. Those stories matter. They plant the seeds of faith in our hearts.

2. Faith Takes Root in the Present: Conviction

Faith doesn’t stop at hearing. Hebrews 11:1 says it’s also the conviction of things not seen. That word, “conviction,” isn’t about theory. It’s emotional. It’s something that grips you deep inside.

Now, we know emotions can get a bad rap. But emotions aren’t the enemy. Jesus talked about people receiving the word with joy (Matthew 13:20). Conviction, that inner stirring that moves you from “That’s a nice idea” to “I need to act on this,” is part of how God moves us.

Faith, though, isn’t just emotion either. Emotion without truth is shallow. But truth without response is dead. Real faith is where testimony and conviction collide, and you’re moved to act.

3. Faith Moves Us into the Future: Assurance and Action

Hebrews 11:1 starts with “the assurance of things hoped for.” It’s not a passive hope. It’s confidence, the kind that moves us.

Think about Peter Parker in the early 2000s Spider-Man film. He’s up on a rooftop, trying to shoot webs. He knows the power is there. He feels like something should happen. But it’s not until he actually tries it that he sees what’s possible.

It’s awkward. It’s messy. Peter even hits a few walls. But once he experiences the reality of his gift, he begins to trust it. And that’s when he learns to swing with confidence.

Faith works like that. It takes hearing the testimony, letting it stir something inside you, and then acting, even if you feel uncertain. You won’t do it perfectly the first time. You may fall. But with each step, you grow more confident in God’s goodness and presence.

And eventually, like Spider-Man, you’ll swing with purpose.

So What Do We Do With This?

Faith is more than a theological concept; it’s a relationship with God that touches every part of our being:

  • Our mind (we remember His works),
  • Our heart (we’re gripped by conviction), and
  • Our will (we choose to step forward).

This kind of faith changes lives. It sustains us. It empowers us. And it draws others in.

That’s why community is vital. We need to hear others’ testimonies. We need to share our own. When we do that, our story can become the spark for someone else’s journey of faith.

What’s Next?

This post is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore:

These aren’t just theological buzzwords—they’re the building blocks of a vibrant, walk-with-confidence kind of life.

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