Hebrews 11:1-22
Friday, 6 August 2021
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." -Hebrews 11:1
Our reading today helps us to understand what faith is and have a practical approach towards living in faith. The key verse tells us that faith is the “substance” or assurance and that faith is the “evidence” or conviction – indicating that our faith is something that can be visible to others. Hence the way we live in our times of troubles will give an opportunity for the world around us to experience the kind of faith that we have. Our faith gives us much confidence to live even in the toughest situations of life.
From Hebrews 11:6, we can understand that the faith described in verse 1 is about faith in God, not about self confidence in one’s own ability or influence. Heb.11: 6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Our faith in God must have two foundations: 1. God exists 2. God answers the one who diligently seeks Him.
The second verse says that the above kind of faith is the standard of God’s approval. The rest of the Chapter describes several faith heroes who demonstrated such confidence that they were able to withstand the test of their faith. Dear people of God, please do understand that every one’s faith will be tested and faith not tested is not faith.
We all know that our faith is most shaken when we face challenges in life. We also know that these are times of testing from God. So what does testing mean? When you write a test you bring to remembrance all that you have learnt in order to put it in writing. Similarly, when a test comes to our life, we prove how much of the Word taught has been retained and how we apply this in our current situation. So when we or others undergo trials/testing do not be disheartened or even look down on those tested, but understand that it is a time we/ they are being tested and found worthy to do something greater for God! So let us all when tested, practice all that we learned from the Word of God.
One common thing we can find in the heroes of faith listed in our reading today, is their faith in God. What aspect of God should give them such confidence in Him? The fact that our God is an unchanging God gives the confidence to all of us like those great leaders of faith, to put our trust in Him. The Bible tells us clearly about the unchanging character of God. Deut.32:4 says He is the Rock! Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change” James 1:17 says: He does not change like shifting shadows! It gives us much comfort in our times of trials that our God in whom we put our trust, is a God who never changes, and is a promise-keeping, prayer-answering God!
God who knows everything, the All-Sufficient God, the eternal God is the one to whom we look to. To Him who is from everlasting, a small period of trouble we pass through is nothing! Hebrew 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This means:
His life does not change (Rev.1:18)
His character does not change (2 Tim.2:13)
His truths do not change (John 14:6)
His ways do not change (Heb.13:8)
His purposes do not change (Psalm 33:11)
What a confidence it brings to us! There are people who are seeking Him today for an answer to their problems, for a way forward. The LORD gives you the promise through Isaiah 43: 2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Be absolutely sure of Him and the truthfulness of His promises.
Friend, would you today put your faith in the UNCHANGING GOD?
Think on:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
-2 Corinthians 5:7
Listen: ‘I walk by Faith’