Faith is the evidence of things not seen.

-Hebrews 11:1

If hope is the expectation of a desired end, faith is the belief and assurance that said end will come to pass. Hope is the engine and faith is the fuel. Hope, faith and love are inextricably linked and the three components are vital to accomplishing your dream and purpose.

Where does faith come from? Faith comes from God.

With God, all things are possible. In fact, without faith it is impossible to please him because if you don't believe that he exists, then he can't he work for you.

Who is He?

He is the creator of the universe and sees the end from the beginning.

He knows everything, is aware of everything and can do anything.

He is the great architect, the ultimate designer, the all-sufficient sustainer and the author and finisher of your faith.

He is faithful, just, merciful, forgiving and understanding.

He recognizes your weaknesses, frailties and shortcomings.

However, He also knows your strengths and capabilities.

He is cognizant of the fact that you are able to do it despite the contrary opinion of the visible world.

Before we continue, and with the above as a backdrop, there are three things you need to apprehend and comprehend.

1. Your faith is personal.

2. Your fate rests in your own hands.

3. Your destiny is unique unto you.

Now you need to establish a firm belief in the reliability of God who is limitless and whose seed and spirit is planted within you. With that understanding, your possibilities are limitless and you must believe that you can do anything.

So, even though our eyes present circumstances and familiar friends are saying something different, we must repeat the words inwardly and outwardly, over and over again, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Yes, doubters will discourage you.

Yes, temptation to surrender will pursue you.

Yes, you will grow weary and tired of fighting.

Yes, scorners will mock you.

Yes, friends will betray you.

Yes, you will make mistakes.

Yes, people will forsake you.

Yes, family may abandon you.

Nevertheless, in the bleakest of times and the darkest of nights, that mustard seed of faith will keep nudging, gnawing, irritating you, urging you to go on. Keep pressing. Continue. You will blossom into a mighty tree. You are more than a human BEING, you are a human BECOMING all that you were created, intended and desired to become.

So, arise from your slumber. Give thanks for all the small blessings along the journey. Maximize the positives and minimize the negatives. Stockpile your fuel reserve with a coal of encouragement one day at a time. Now, place this pure undiluted fuel in the engine of hope in your soul. You will discover the energy to venture on, despite the obstacles, naysayers and your own doubts.

You will see and possess the goal beyond the horizon of fear. There will arise in you an unshakeable commitment to reach the promise land of your destiny.

V. Knowles is a husband and father with an interest in penning issues that serve to uplift mankind. He melds his love for Classic literature, The Bible and pop culture - as sordid as it may be - into highly relatable columns of truth, faith and justice. Hence the name: Just Thinking. If he's not buried in a book or penning his next column, you may find him pinned to his sectional watching a good old Country and Western flick.