As we said before, Charles Fillmore defined faith as the power to shape substance. This idea might sound strange to those who were taught to believe that faith has to do only with embracing certain doctrines and theological concepts. And yet, Fillmore's definition is not the new one. Jesus was the first who emphasised the creative power of faith:

"Have faith of God. For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said".
Mark 11:22-23

Notice that the Master did not instruct His disciples to pray and ask God to remove the mountain (and we understand by "the mountain" obstacles which block our way). No, we are encouraged to speak directly to the mountain - and to remove it by the power of our faith. This is not "faith in God", but "faith of God". This is God-kind of faith, the one which the Creator used for shaping the substance and bringing the visible world into the manifestation.

First, we need to speak to the mountain. Second, we should be clear about what we want to happen: "be moved and be cast into the sea". Too many people are not determined in their prayers - no wonder they don't get sufficient results.

And third, we must "believe that what we say shall occur". In other words, we need to have faith in our faith. It is important be be convinced in our ability to shape substance in the positive way, bringing about desired demonstrations.

"Beware of this teaching of "having faith in your faith", because it appeals to human selfishness and self-centeredness", some critics may say. But I can't agree that their fears are justified.

It is true that since the beginning of the human race, people abused and misused their creative powers. Evidences are all around us. But this should not stop us from studying and developing those powers. As we grow in wisdom and love, we learn to be responsible creators and stewards of God's creation.

Certain religious groups emphasise human powerlessness. According to their convictions, confessing of our weakness and helplessness is the starting point for turning to God. Even more, they insist that the Lord will make us feel powerless to speed up our conversion. I don't think that their ideas about God are worthy to be accepted.

Who should care about God that looks like a small tyrant with inferiority complex - the one which put others down in order to be exalted? All responsible parents want to see their children not humiliated, but empowered and self-reliant. So it is with God.

God is not a distant Being, as many believe. Being everywhere, God is expressed through everything - including ourselves. We are to become channels of divine love, divine wisdom, and divine power. We are to be creators, co-creators with God. We have great works to do, and our creative abilities are fully adequate for their successful accomplishment.

Looking at our life from such perspective, we may only wonder at those who don't understand the importance of self-reliance and having faith in our faith.

Our faith is not a finished product. It is subject to the law of gradual unfoldment. Having faith in our faith will save us from discouragement in times when our "mountains" are not instantly removed. We may trust that things we can't do today, we will do tomorrow - as long as our attitudes are right.