What is Faith???

I have been reflecting lately on Faith. 

What is faith?  How do you have it?  How do you know it is real?  Do I truely believe that all things work together for good to those that love God?  and that God really does have my best interest at heart?  If you are like me, you have to remind yourself of the truth...because life sends you blows that sometimes make you question and ask why. 

A friend wrote me a note via email recently: 
"Please don't take this the wrong way but after all you've shared about past, present & future even it amazes me that you have such strong faith..."

But if I knew Gods plan for my life, then I wouldn't be walking by faith...right?  I would be walking by sight because I could see the plan laid out clearly.  That is why God says we walk by faith not by sight.  II Corinthians 5:7.  If you think about it, you know without a doubt that not all the heroes in the bible always felt capable, up to the job, full of faith and believed that God would provide a way.  Even if we do not know what is in ahead for us, what valley we will walk thru, what mountain we will have to climb, He still is our guide.  It is interesting to reflect that even if we are without Faith in our hearts, he still holds true to His word:  If we are faithless, He remains faithful.  II Timothy 2:13.  God gives the strength. God gives the words. God gives the wisdom. God gives the power to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.  Ephesians 3:20.  That is true, IF we have FAITH.  

Please share your thoughts on Faith...