Can you explain the role of 'Bhava', or faith, in a devotee's spiritual journey as described in the Sai Satcharitra?

In Chapter 48, faith, referred to as 'Bhava', is presented as the cornerstone of a devotee's spiritual progress. The text states that love does not arise without faith, and it is where there is faith that God resides. This makes faith the singular cause for successfully crossing the vast ocean of worldly existence. Love, which is the key to devotion, peace, and detachment, is said to be fully present within the 'womb of faith.' Without this foundational faith, practices like listening to and reading scriptures are considered fruitless. A mind of theism and a state of faith are the necessary conditions for the flame of knowledge to manifest through the oil of love.