Faith: The Substance of Things Hoped For and the Evidence of Things Not Seen
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This means that faith is like a title or a deed to a promise that we do not yet possess, but we hold onto with confidence. Faith is also accompanied by actions that prove what we believe, and it chooses to set its focus on God, even when circumstances are unseen.
Faith is not a blind leap into the unknown, but rather a trust in the promises of God. When God promises something, we may not have it in our hands at that moment, but we know that promise is a sure thing and we are the owner of the promises that God gives us. Just like a car owner holds onto the title of their car even if they do not possess the car at that moment, we hold onto the promises of God with unwavering trust.
While faith in God’s promises is essential, it is not enough to simply believe in the words that He has spoken. Instead, true faith requires action. As the book of James points out, faith without works is dead. In other words, if our faith does not lead us to take action, then it is not real faith at all. Rather, it is just empty words without any power or substance.
So, what does it mean to have faith with actions? It means that we have a deep trust in God’s character and a commitment to follow His commands. It means that we believe that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. And it means that we are willing to take action based on that belief, even when we don’t see the results we are hoping for. This is the kind of faith that moves mountains, that changes lives, and that transforms the world.
As we cultivate this kind of faith in our lives, we will begin to see the evidence of it in our actions. We will start to take risks, to step out in faith, and to follow God’s leading even when it doesn’t make sense to us. We will start to see His promises come to life in our lives and in the lives of those around us. And we will start to experience a deep sense of fulfillment and joy that can only come from living a life of faith that is backed up by action.
When we choose to follow God’s commands and trust in His promises, even when it is difficult or unclear, we demonstrate a faith that is grounded in a deep relationship with Him. We are not simply seeking His blessings or waiting for success to come our way; we are actively pursuing His will for our lives, trusting that He knows what is best for us. This kind of faith requires us to let go of our own desires and plans and to surrender to His leading. It may involve taking risks or stepping out of our comfort zones, but we can trust that He will be with us every step of the way.
As we put our faith into action, we will begin to see the impact it has on our lives and on the lives of those around us. We may experience setbacks or challenges along the way, but our faith will give us the strength and courage to keep moving forward. We will see God’s promises come to life in ways we never could have imagined, and we will experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that only comes from living a life of faith that is backed up by action. So let us choose to have a faith that is active and alive, one that is rooted in trust and obedience to our loving Father.
Faith is a matter of focus. It requires us to constantly reorient our attention away from the distractions of the world and onto the person and promises of God. In a world that is constantly pulling us in different directions, faith is about choosing to set our eyes on God and to trust that He will guide us through life's challenges. Whether we are facing uncertainty, difficulty, or even prosperity, faith calls us to keep our gaze fixed on God, the one who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
In addition, faith enables us to overcome the obstacles that come our way. By trusting in God's character and promises, we are empowered to persevere through difficult times. We are able to take risks, step out in faith, and trust that God will provide for us. This kind of faith is not based on our own abilities or strength, but rather on the power of God working in us. As we focus on Him, we are transformed into the people He created us to be, and we are able to experience the fullness of life that He intended for us.
To sum up, faith is not just a feeling or a belief; it is a choice to trust in God's promises and to follow His commands, even when circumstances are difficult. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Real faith has actions that prove what it believes, and it chooses to set its focus on God, even in the midst of unseen circumstances. May we choose to walk in faith, trusting in the promises of God and obeying His commands, regardless of the challenges we may face.