10 Examples of How Faith Changes Everything

The Bible is one big story that is full of many smaller stories, which all point to the truth of the gospel. The stories of people and nations and places and triumphs and failures are all designed to show us the power of faith. Transformation occurs within the pages of the Bible, whether spiritual, relational, or personal. When we connect our own walk of faith to these real-life scenarios from scripture, our faith can be strengthened. Here are 10 moments in scripture where faith led to transformation.

From Shepherd to King

In the Old Testament, when all the trained military men were too scared to fight Goliath because of his size and strength, the young shepherd David focused instead on God’s size and strength. His faith in God’s ability to defeat enemies made him victorious over Goliath and eventually led to David becoming King.

When we look at God’s power rather than our circumstances, we change our perspective of everything. The outcome suddenly becomes hopeful and sure. We know that it will all work out for good. Keeping the faith means remembering who is on our side rather than who or what we are facing.

From Refugee to Flourishing

Ruth’s husband and, therefore, income were gone. Her future looked dim, but she chose to trust in God and follow Him to an unknown land and people group. This faith led her to her future husband, restored wealth and a place in Jesus’s line.

Ruth had not grown up with the living God as part of her culture. She was taking what she heard about Him from her husband’s family on faith alone. She had no personal experience or proof of His reality. Yet, in faith, she chose to follow Him. When we believe in scripture, whether our feelings or experiences affirm it, we live by faith. That faith will lead us where we are meant to be, as it did Ruth.

From Captive to Queen

Esther was from a marginalized people group and was captured for the King’s pleasure. Trusting in the wisdom of her godly cousin, she chose to let her faith be bigger than her fear. As a result, she became a queen who saved the Jews from annihilation.

We can grow up in church, like Esther grew up in the Jewish community, but still struggle with fear when trials arise. Choosing to have faith in scary or uncertain situations will strengthen our faith and prepare us for what is to come. With faith, we can be ready to meet life’s challenges.

From Slave to Savior

Stolen from her family while a young child, this girl shared her faith in God’s healing power with her owner. She risked mockery or even punishment to speak truth and to bestow kindness on someone who should have been her enemy. His life was forever changed as a result.

Sometimes, we don’t want to forgive people, be around people, or share the truth with others. Yet, God calls us to. Faith can change our relationships. It can help us forgive, give grace, love the unlovable and more.

From Prisoner to Powerful

A prideful young boy betrayed by his family, his boss and those he helped, Joseph trusted God’s promises despite his circumstances. While imprisoned, he never gave up hope or walked away from God. Instead, he learned the truth about God’s sovereignty, and God restored him to his family, gave him immense power and riches, and redeemed all of his suffering.

Having faith does not mean having an easy life. It means clinging to Christ even when life does not go according to our personal plan. Faith means trusting God in the messy process of living and knowing that His intentions are ultimately for good.

From Bleeding to Blessed

The woman who suffered for over a decade with bleeding has so much faith in the healing power of Jesus that she only felt the need to touch the edge of his garment. That faith made her body whole and earned her a blessing from the Lord.

Even just a fringe of faith can completely change our lives.

From Defiled to Discipled

This Jewish tax collector was likely despised by his own people. Yet at one word from Jesus, he followed, trusting in the truth of God’s word and its promises of a Messiah. This faith in Jesus allowed him to begin a new life, to be discipled by Christ himself and to contribute to the future faith of believers everywhere through his contributions to scripture.

Sometimes, simple, unquestioning obedience can be a catalyst for major change in our lives.

From Shame to Sanctified

Many demons once possessed Mary Magdalene, but an encounter with Jesus led her to be one of his followers and a partaker in His ministry instead.

Faith can take the darkest parts of us, erase them, and make us whole and useful for Christ.

From Runaway to Brother

A slave in disgrace who ran away, but came to know the saving faith of Jesus, Onesimus learned personal humility and learned to trust God so completely that he was willing to return to his master.

If we want to see real and lasting change in our lives, we must make our decisions based on faith.

Was Blind, But Now I See

One of the most popular stories of transformation in the Bible is that of Saul, who once persecuted and murdered Christians, met God on the road and was changed and called to be a missionary for Christ.

When we meet God, hear from Him through His Word and follow His call, our lives will be transformed, and we can be used mightily by the Lord.

Jesus is all about transformation. He came to make us new. The Bible is full of examples of ways he did this physically, spiritually and emotionally while on earth. He still has the power to enact these changes in us if we seek after Him.