You said,
"When faith becomes authority - testimony of God is released, miracles are manifested, and the church is strengthened."
None of that is true. Faith doesn't become authority. Miracles aren't manifested.
No, faith isn't believing what you want to believe. On the contrary, the biblical standard for faith is much lower. We can't possibly know what God is going to do. Presuming otherwise doesn't make things happen unless God wants them to happen. Here are some genuine examples of faith:
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:6 NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
(Luke 5:12-13 NIV) While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." {13} Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
(Daniel 3:16-18 NIV) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. {17} If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. {18} But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
RE: Living by Faith - or living by lazy