I think “faith” is best understood as a type of active trust. So, for example, when I step into an elevator, I trust that the elevator will function properly. My trust has a high degree of certainty because I have experienced well functioning elevators for most of my life. The combination of expectancy (a trust that the elevator functions properly) and the actual stepping into the elevator, is an example of active faith. However, the important element of this faith example rests on the object of my trust, which is the elevator.
In last week’s sermon at emergence, David Fuquay gave an example of the importance of the faith object relationship. He stated that if you are asked to climb down a cliff holding on to a rope, your trust in doing so is essentially dependent on the person holding the rope. So if it is a stranger, you would question wanting to climb down, but if it was somebody you really trusted, like perhaps your father, you would be confident in climbing. I like this example because it portrays the relational aspect via acts of faith.
When we face those moments in our lives where we step forward (act of faith), it will be the confidence we have gained in our God-relationship that gives us the courage to do so.