Are they synonymous?

Some people, even Christians believe faith is faking it till you make it.  If that were true, then there would be nothing different between our human will and what the bible calls faith.  However, the Bible makes it very clear that faith supersedes the natural and therefore we can conclude that there is much more to faith than being an act of our own will.
Let’s look at a simple comparison between faith and willpower.

Faith & willpower: what are they?

Definition of faith:
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC) Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Definition of will:
The faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action.  To decide, bring about, or attempt to effect or bring about by an act of the will to purpose, determine on, or elect, by an act of will (dictionary.com)

Willpower is often talked about as only the power to abstain or have self-control, but is equally used in reference to firmness of purpose or will.

How do you receive faith?
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  Romans 10:17

How do you receive willpower?
Psychology tells us we can have willpower by having a determination and self-control.

Many people outside of Christian circles sometimes think that when Christians say they are doing something by faith that they are just trying to make something happen with their human will, and calling it “faith.” They do not recognize that faith is not something to be drummed up, created, or forced out of our own strength or ability. But it is a spiritual force that reaches into the spiritual realm and brings into the natural/physical realm what God has promised.  Even Christians who know what faith is and understand where it comes from can often be mistaken about whether they are in faith or relying on their willpower to accomplish what they believe to receive.  Faith doesn’t create anything; it takes hold of what God has already provided by grace in Jesus.  It is a firm reliant trust and expectancy of what we are hoping for.

Let’s go over a few defining points that separate faith from willpower.

Faith	Willpower
Perceives as true without physical evidence	A decision of personal commitment
Comes from the Word of God	Comes from a determination of the human will
Trusts in God’s ability	Trusts in own ability
Spiritual force	Personal human effort
Faith never fails	Willpower sometimes fails

We could say:
Faith is: certainty, power in the spirit
Willpower is: motivation, strength in the flesh

This verse in Philippians defines the perimeters for faith vs willpower:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things/through Christ who strengthens me.
If you put the emphasis on YOU, it becomes willpower.  If you think Christ does it without your cooperation, then there’s no faith.  However, if you put it together it harmonizes your belief that through Christ’s strength in you, you can do all things, hallelujah!  That’s faith.

Think about the apostle Peter.  He got a Word from Jesus, telling him to come to Him on the water.  No desire, motivation or personal effort could cause him to be able to walk on water to Jesus, but faith did!  Faith comes from confidence in God’s Word (Jesus said to Peter, ‘come’). Therefore, faith does not depend on your ability or worthiness but believing in God’s.  Faith is the assurance of what you know about God’s character, completely independent of you.

The Amplified Bible describes this firm and steadfast faith as, “that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.”  Praise God!

The human will is strong, but can only do so much; faith can move insurmountable mountains. While willpower can fail, faith does not.  However, there are things that can weaken or even void our faith. One of these is your attention.

What is your focus on?  Is it on what brings faith?

Since faith comes from the Word of God, we can’t neglect to spend time in it. And since faith cannot be drummed up-it is a heart matter, not simply knowing God’s Word intellectually.  We need to create an environment for faith to come.

Or are you weakening or voiding your faith?

Once you mix will power with faith, faith will become ineffective. So whether you are “trying to believe,” trying to move God by your actions, or cause your breakthrough to happen in any way, you have entered into self-works.  You’ve taken your eyes off Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith, and put them on you, your effort, and your ability. Actions are the natural result from true faith being born in our hearts but actions themselves do NOT produce faith.  Will power can sometimes motivate you to seek actions without faith.  There is a fight of faith-a labor to rest solely on what Jesus has done for us, but this is not simply a “willpower” to abstain from something or to hold onto something He promised, it’s a fight of faith.

For more on faith, see my article, “Faith to obtain the victory”