Faith in action is real faith.

As we have heard, so have we seen
in the city of the Lord of hosts,
in the city of our God,
which God will establish forever. Selah (Psalm 48:8 ESV)

There is a difference between faith in word and faith that leads to taking risks in word and deed.

For example two stories from Mark of fear vs faith really stick out to me of two people who have faith that Jesus can heal.

For she said, "If I touch even his garments, I will be made well." And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."
(Mark 5:28, 29, 36 ESV)

The woman lived out her faith by going through the crowd and carrying hope even after years of doctors and pain she still had hope and faith Jesus was different. So she put her faith in action and by her act of faith Jesus power healed her.

For Jairus: he believed Jesus could heal her daughter. But did he have faith Jesus could raise the dead. Carrying hope of Jesus raising the dead in this life and in eternity is a real act of faith. It is risky, because in front of others we look foolish and in our own hearts we know it will hurt that much more if we hope and it fails. So the family of Jairus laughed and lived in unbelief. As a result they were outside and did not see the miracle:

And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, "Talitha cumi," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
(Mark 5:40-42 ESV)

Lord I pray for faith. I believe but please help my unbelief. Help me to put my faith in action.

Help my unbelief around:
Identity
My Maturity
Your goodness God

And help me to take steps of risk living in this faith in God and these truths even when everything points to something different. For the reality is heaven and God's plan. That reality is more real and lasting than the world around us. But in this life we test and find out if our faith is real.
Amen