July 5, Faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1, is confidence and assurance in what is unseen.
The meaning of this great verse rests on the description of faith’s characteristics, especially related to the subject of faith’s perseverance (as the context of chapter 11 proves). The saints of the Scriptures come alive in this chapter as we are reminded of the genuine faith of God’s own. Against unthinkable human difficulties, people not too dissimilar to us were used in powerful ways because of their personal faith. And, as each servant of God persisted through such dire circumstances, unshakable faith in God became the relentless expression of their lives.
At this very moment, many are those who recognize the immense challenge of persisting through difficulties with unshakable faith. Many are those who would say that their faith is small or inconsistent. How about you? How challenging does it become to live in the confidence of what is hoped for, and in the assurance in what is not seen?
That which is “hoped for” represents all that God is and does for His own – His spiritual blessings that are promised in Christ. His promises, which are assured and fulfilled in Jesus, become the foundation of our hope:
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
(2 Corinthians 1:20)
God has said so, and faith responds confidently in the hope that the promises are indeed ours personally. Christ our Lord assures this, therefore our faith rests in Him because of the hope in His fulfillment of God’s promises. We are people of hope because of Jesus; our faith is unquestionably in Him.
Because of this, faith can be understood in the following ways:
1. Faith is more than a creed. In a creed, we believe about a person or a doctrine. But, in faith, we respond with trust in a person.
2. Faith concerns an ongoing relationship. In religious exercises, there is routine and practice with certain sacred ceremonies and traditions. But faith concerns itself with growing in a relationship with Christ our Lord. Faith does not simply rest in the facts of salvation but seeks to know the Savior. As F. B. Meyer writes, “we rest not on the atonement, but Him who made it; not on the death, but Him who died; not on the resurrection, but Him who rose, ascended, and forever lives; not in statements about Him, but in Him of whom they are made.”[1]
3. Faith rests upon God’s faithfulness. Do not trouble about your faith – if it seems too small or inconsistent. Faith rests upon God’s faithfulness. He is perfectly faithful to His promises, to His fulfillment of these promises in Christ, and unquestionably faithful to the soul who trusts in Him.
4. Faith is active. Faith not only trusts in God but stretches out the hand to receive. God told Joshua. “wherever you place your foot” (Joshua 1:3), indicating that Joshua’s faith would become evident as he would take the next step. God gave the land of promise, for He is faithful. But Israel was called to possess the land by faith. Faith is not passive, but actively ready to obey God at His word. Every true child of God “believes and receives,” as he or she responds to salvation (as proclaimed in John 1:12). This does not signify work but pure faith, for faith always receives. This is the active nature of our trust in God, who is not only able but is able “in me.”
So, today, worry little about the size or consistency of your faith. Instead, focus relentlessly upon the subject and object of your faith – Jesus Christ. Live with the resolve that every decision and thought will respond to Him. Live confidently and with full assurance in the hope of your faith: Jesus. Trust Him. Although unseen in the ocular sense, very visible in the spiritual sense, for you know Him. So, trust Him. And see what faith in Christ will do “in you.”
Blessings.
READ
Read Hebrews 11:1-40 and be encouraged in your faith.
[1] F. B. Meyer, The Secret of Guidance, p. 28.
