Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
-Hebrews 11:1-3, 6
What is faith?
Faith is a word so often read and spoken. Years ago, my faith was much more simple and basic. I seemed to simply trust God and not stress about the things I didn’t understand. While others seemed to be struggling with questions about God, I was not. I also had not experienced many trials or difficult circumstances in my life, but that would soon change and God would take my faith into a new season.
The longer I’ve walked with Jesus now, I have begun to view faith a little differently. I still do believe that faith is letting go and letting God have His way. Jesus actually speaks about us having ‘childlike faith’, which should point to a complete dependence and trust, just as little children do with their parents. We do not know the future, only God does! In another sense though, this passage in Hebrews seems to explain another approach as well. The writer uses the words reality and proof. Another version says assurance and conviction. These are words that point to a confidence.
If Jesus has saved your soul, you have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God convicts you, leads you, guides you and reminds you that you are not alone. This is an assurance. We also have promises from God that have been already been fulfilled in His Word and some still waiting to be fulfilled. If you know Jesus, you can stake your life on this faith because it’s REAL. It’s not just blind, wishful thinking. It’s an actual reality for you, a true hope and guarantee. The Holy Spirit in you is a deposit of what’s to come. So yes, our faith should be trusting God with the unknown, but it’s also trusting in Him based on His reality and proof in our lives – what He’s done, currently doing and will do. We have evidence in our lives of God’s hand. When we lead and live out of a faith that is built on this, we can better serve and love the Lord. We can set an example of confidence to others. This is something everyone is yearning for in this life. Let’s lead the way in truly living out our faith.
How have you often explained what faith means?
If your faith is not built on confidence, evidence and proof, how can you make adjustments towards this thinking and direction?
Lord, strengthen our faith in you.
Matthew Weaver 