Hebrews 11

Submitted by David Miller

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, NKJV

Hebrews 11:1 gives us an excellent definition of faith. It is substance. It is evidence. Faith is believing the Word of God and acting upon it, regardless of how we feel, because God promises a good result. But we can’t really embrace the realities of faith until we get rid of some faulty notions.  Faith is not sticking our head in the sand and hiding from reality. Nor is it something that results in a super-duper feeling of euphoria, and it is not a “name it and claim it” philosophy.  If that was true, I would be driving a brand new GMC quad cab 3500 HD diesel, fully loaded of course. 

Faith is active confidence in the God who has revealed Himself, not a vague uncertainty about an unknown someone. God has proven Himself real again and again, and if you’ve not yet experienced His reality, you can. Your faith comes alive as you believe the Word of God and act upon it.

Faith is the evidence that God is faithful. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of Moses, Ruth, David, Mary, John, Paul, Lois, Eunice, and Timothy. That same God is the God of us.  He is still alive and is still on the throne.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8 (NASB) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

People have been trusting God for thousands of years. This is not a foolish thing to do. The faithfulness of God not only in generations past but also in your own life provides you with the evidence. Think about it.  Can you recall specific times, places, and ways God has come through for you, showing Himself faithful?  Raising a daughter with disabilities has proven His faithfulness to me time and time again.  That is the evidence of things not yet seen.

Genuine faith always downloads into life. While we claim to believe all kinds of things, if they don’t influence the way we live, then we don’t really believe. When you’re willing to put yourself at risk, your faith in God becomes active. Throw yourself entirely upon God’s mercy, then your faith becomes the substance and evidence God’s Word says it will be.

Scripture to Claim:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)