Real Faith

"…but the just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2: 4

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:17

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." Galatians 3:11

"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."Hebrews 10:38

The bible tells us four times that "the just shall live by faith." It is recorded in both the Old and the New Testament. Faith is a lifestyle. It is the lifestyle of God's covenant children.
This new lifestyle is obtained by constantly hearing the Word of God.
No Word of God equals no faith of God.

What is faith?

"NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses)." Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

The bible definition of faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I have often heard people say "take the risk of faith", but no where in the bible does it teach us that faith is a risk. To take a risk means that we do not know and are unsure about the outcome of the situation, but faith is certain that what we asked for is what we will receive; it is the title deed, the confirmation, the assurance!
Faith that does not originate from the Word of God isn't faith in God at all!
What many believers may call faith is often "high expectations based on the wrong information." You can't expect something that is not in the bible. The Word of God is the will of God. If you are going to step out in faith in any area of your life, make sure that you have the scriptures to back up your steps.
Faith is acting on what you heard and believe from the Word of God. It is corresponding action to your belief.

Why live by faith?

Oftentimes as Christians, we do the right things for the wrong reasons. Living the life of faith begins by having the right motive.

"…but faith which worketh by love." Galatians 5:6

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

The bible tells us that faith works by love and that without faith it is impossible to please God. Love is a motivator and faith is an activator.
The motive behind your faith walk should only be to walk in love and to please the Father. Emphasis has been placed on living a life of faith rather than living a life of love and pleasing God. That is why most Christians merely see faith as a mean to receive material possessions, prosperity, healing or other benefits. Although your faith WILL bring you theses things, its real purpose is to walk in love and to please the father.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25

If your motive for living by faith is anything other than walking in love and to please the Father then your motive is wrong.

Remember, our goal in life is to know God. Now God is love (1 John 4:8). So we need to walk in love and live a life that pleases the Father.
I encourage you to take time to read and study your bible. See what the Father's will for your life is and what He has to say about you and your situation. Meditate on the Word and let it correct and form your thinking.