The Lasting Benefits of Having Faith
By Aaron Joseph Hall
What does it mean to truly have faith? In the Christian walk, faith is more than a word tossed around in church. Faith means believing in God's promises, even when feelings, circumstances, or voices in the world try to shake us. Hebrews 11:1 says it best, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This isn’t just a statement or a Sunday morning slogan. It's the backbone of a believer’s walk with God, shaping how we think, act, and love.
The benefits of having faith stretch far beyond a spiritual checkbox. They seep into how I handle stress, find hope, and relate to others. Faith keeps me anchored in stormy seasons and humble in good times. Today, I want to look at what Scripture reveals and my own experience with the real, lasting benefits of having faith — for spiritual growth, peace, resilience, and living with purpose.
Spiritual Benefits of Having Faith
Strengthening Relationship with God
Do I really trust God, or do I just say I do? True faith forces this question right into the open. Faith means leaning on God when I can't see the road ahead. It means counting on His promises, like when He says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
Every time I put trust in His word, my relationship with Him gets stronger. It’s the same as a friend or spouse: trust is built over time by choosing to rely on each other. In the same way, my faith grows with each step of obedience, even small ones. God doesn’t promise a trouble-free life, but faith lets me walk with Him, not just believe He exists.
When doubt creeps in, I stand on stories like Abraham’s. He didn’t see the outcome, but he moved forward anyway. He became known as the father of faith because he took God at His word.
Peace Through Life’s Challenges
Storms come. Everyone knows that. But here’s the difference: when my heart is rooted in faith, I can taste peace that makes no sense by the world’s standards. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
This isn’t some empty comfort or wishful thinking. Faith gives me hope in the darkest moments because my hope is in a God who never changes. I remember Paul in prison, still singing, still praying — not because the chains felt good, but because he trusted the One who held him.
Some days, all I have is faith. But that’s enough. That’s how anxiety gives way to prayer, and despair gives room to hope.
Encouragement in Prayer and Worship
Faith breathes life into prayer. I’m not just talking to the ceiling. I’m talking to the Lord God Almighty, who hears me, loves me, and answers according to His will.
Ask yourself: do you pray with expectation, or out of habit? Faith moves prayer from ritual to relationship, making each prayer a real conversation.
The same goes for worship. Sing with a heart full of faith, and you’ll notice that worship isn’t a performance — it becomes a moment where heaven meets earth, even if it’s just you and a hymn at the kitchen table.
Practical and Emotional Benefits of Having Faith
Developing Resilience and Hope
Life tries to knock us down. Faith tells me to get up and keep going, not because I have some self-made strength, but because God is with me. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
When I hold onto faith, problems don’t suddenly vanish. But I find strength I didn't know I had. Faith tells me there’s a reason to hope, even when nothing feels certain. It helps me process grief, setbacks, and disappointments without getting stuck in them.
Think of faith as armor — not because it stops pain, but because it keeps wounds from becoming permanent scars.
Building a Supportive Christian Community
Faith isn’t just personal; it’s shared. When I gather with other believers, faith connects us. We pray for each other, share burdens, celebrate joys, and sometimes just sit in silence together, knowing God is present.
Acts 2 paints a picture of the early church breaking bread, praying, and meeting needs together. There’s power when faith-filled believers come together. I’ve seen it firsthand. A church community built on faith gives real support, not just social gatherings. It’s where I find accountability, encouragement, and honest rebuke when I need it.
A true Christian community:
Prays for and with you.
Supports you in times of need.
Points you back to Scripture, not just good advice.
Celebrates answered prayers and growth.
Guidance for Making Life Decisions
Life doesn’t come with a manual. Decisions about work, family, money, or ministry can bring confusion and doubt. The benefits of having faith shine brightest here. Faith gives a filter, a compass that points me toward God’s wisdom.
James 1:5 invites anyone who lacks wisdom to ask God, who gives generously, without finding fault. Through prayer, the Bible, and godly counsel, faith gives direction that isn’t just what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.
I remember facing tough choices, sometimes at crossroads where logic and faith seem at odds. But when I choose to trust God, even when the path isn't clear, I look back and see His hand in every step, even in the detours.
Conclusion
Faith isn’t a magic formula or an easy way out. It’s a commitment. It’s a relationship built on trust, obedience, and hope. The benefits of having faith reach into every corner of life: spiritual, emotional, practical. Faith brings me closer to God, fills me with peace, shapes my community, and guides my steps.
I invite you to reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you experienced these benefits? Are you struggling to believe in God’s promises? Take time today to pray, open your Bible, or reach out to someone in your church community.
Let faith move from a word on your lips to truth in your heart. I promise, you’ll see God work in ways you never expected. Let’s encourage each other and keep growing together.
Aaron Joseph Hall is a devoted husband, father of four, pastor, and author. He’s the Founding and Lead Pastor of a new church coming to Daphne, Alabama, called Jubilee City Church. Passionate about writing, Aaron shares insights and inspiration on his blog: AaronJosephHall.com. You can follow him on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Threads.
