Faith in God vs Faith in Works: The Real Difference

The Fig Tree with No Fruit

In Mark 11, Jesus approaches a fig tree that looked alive but had no fruit. From a distance, it gave the impression of being fruitful, yet when He got close, there was nothing but leaves. “It was not yet the season for figs, but Jesus said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat your fruit again!’ And the disciples heard him say it” (Mark 11:13–14 NLT).

That moment reminds me that God isn’t impressed by outward appearances. He’s looking for genuine faith that produces fruit, not just a religious façade. Too many people today look like believers on the outside but lack the power of God on the inside. Paul warned of people “acting religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT). Jesus is after real faith that bears fruit.

Faith in God, Not Works

Later in that same chapter, Jesus taught, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart” (Mark 11:22–23 NLT).

He didn’t say to have faith in ourselves or our methods, but in God alone. Too often we get tripped up when our prayers don’t get answered in our timeframe. We start asking, “Did I say the right thing? Was I in the right place? Did I do something wrong?” Without realizing it, our faith shifts from God to our own works.

But the instruction is simple: have faith in God. Jesus cursed the fig tree, walked away, and the disciples were shocked when they later saw it withered: “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!” (Mark 11:21 NLT).

Need prayer?

Submit prayer request →

Jesus wasn’t surprised. He knew His words carried authority. Real faith speaks the word of God, trusts Him to bring it to pass, and doesn’t retreat into self-effort.

Jehoshaphat’s Example

In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced an impossible army.

“Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting” (2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT). His prayer acknowledged God’s power and reminded Him of His promises: “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” (2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT).

The Spirit of the Lord answered through a prophet: “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT).

The next day, instead of sending warriors first, Jehoshaphat sent singers who praised God for His faithful love: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT).

As they sang, the enemy armies turned on each other until not one remained. “When the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped!” (2 Chronicles 20:24 NLT).

Their part was to stand firm, believe in God, and obey His word. God’s part was to win the battle.

Established and Unshakable

Faith in God establishes us. “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20 NLT).

When storms come, we don’t collapse because our lives are built on the rock of Christ: “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock” (Matthew 7:25 NLT).

Ephesians 6 reminds us that our battles aren’t against flesh and blood, but spiritual forces in heavenly realms: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).

God's End-Time Wealth Transfer

Get book on Amazon →

That’s why the armor of God begins with the shield of faith: “In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16 NLT).

Our job isn’t to try harder or perform better. Our job is to trust Him, obey His word, and hold the line. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17), but those works are not about self-effort. They’re about obedience. The primary action of faith is to speak God’s word and refuse to back down.

Waiting Without Losing Hope

Time often feels like the biggest enemy of faith. When answers don’t come quickly, doubt creeps in. But Jesus calls us to keep believing, even when it looks like nothing is happening. “If you would believe, you would see the glory of God” (John 11:40 NLT).

Habakkuk 2:3 says, “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (NLT). God’s timing is perfect, even when it stretches beyond what we imagined.

This past week I had to repent of putting pressure on myself to perform. I realized I was leaning on my works instead of resting in God. The Lord lifted that burden and gave me peace. Faith isn’t about what I can do; it’s about trusting what He will do. Every day, I’ve chosen to declare, “Today is the day,” and I refuse to back down. Only believe, that’s the instruction.

Hold the Line

The Lord has made it clear: hold the line. Don’t move, don’t retreat, don’t shift your faith back onto yourself. Believe His word and stand firm. Jesus told Martha at Lazarus’s tomb, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (John 11:40 NLT). That same promise holds true for us today.

So I encourage you—whatever mountain stands in your way, whatever battle feels overwhelming—put your faith in God. Speak His word, stand on His promises, and hold the line. You will see the glory of God.