God has given to every man (and woman) a measure of faith. It is GIVEN to man by God! Faith is the means by which the natural realm is able to legally interact with the realm of the spiritual, for good OR evil; we choose with which kingdom we will interact. Faith is birthed in me by MY brains examination of EVIDENCE presented in support of claims and promises being made by the spiritual realm! If the evidence supports the claims, faith grows; if not, there can be no faith, only a false hope. Faith in God requires MY examination of evidences He has put forth in support of His promises. If I refuse to examine His evidences, I have actualy chosen to yield to the opposing kingdom, that of Satan.
Stories are often presented as evidence, but are merely attempts to manipulate my choice in a particular direction without allowing ME to evaluate evidence.
God demands that we examine His evidences before He will receive us to Himself !
His Evidence is JESUS CHRIST, His Son! Taste and see that God is good.