What It Really Means to “Have Faith”

“Having faith means placing your trust in something much bigger than yourself. Faith is the bedrock of a winner.”
– Jim Tressel, 5-Time National Champion Football Coach

High achievers often talk about the importance of having faith, but what does it really mean to “have faith?”

I’ve heard it said that the words faith and trust can usually be used interchangeably.

While that might sound like a minor linguistic clarification to some, to me it illuminates what it means to have faith.

Having faith can sound passive, like you’re waiting on something to be given to you.

On the other hand, choosing to trust requires taking an active role. It means you must make the decision to believe.

When you trust someone, you’ve determined they are reliable. You choose to believe you can rely on their help, support, and guidance. You believe they will follow through on what they say.

Trust is almost always a two-way street. You trust that if you do your part, you can count on them to do theirs; and they expect the same from you.

Trust is the crucial component of any healthy relationship. It applies to family, friends, businesses, teams, and your relationship with God.

There are times when it’s hard to have faith.

We want to believe, but fear overwhelms us and we can’t help but doubt.

In those moments, you have a choice to make.

You must take the first step and choose to believe something bigger than you is worthy of your trust.

Having faith isn’t passive; it’s a choice.

Ultimately, you must choose to trust even when it’s hard to do.

WINNING SELF-TALK:
(Try repeating the following affirmation to yourself as often as possible over the next seven days. Notice how it changes your mindset.)

“I choose faith over fear.”

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LIFE TO THE FULLEST is about a high school football coach who, at a crucial moment in his career, begins questioning his faith and the decisions he’s made throughout his life. He then gets a miraculous opportunity to see how his life would have turned out if he had chosen a different career path.

What he experiences changes the way he sees his life and the lessons he learns will change the way you see your life as well.

This book encourages you to focus on what is most important in life and answers questions about whether it’s safe to have faith and follow the calling in your heart.

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