The Conviction of Things Not Seen

Hebrews 11:1-3
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Faith is such an interesting thing. I could tell you I had a cup of coffee while writing this post, and if you knew me well, you would assume that was true. But, since you weren’t here, seeing me with my green insulated coffee mug, you would have to take that claim by faith. Had you been in my office to see me drink that coffee (and it was very good) you would have moved from faith to knowledge.

Hebrews 11:1 is oft quoted because it succinctly defines faith. But faith is so much bigger than one brief sentence. Or maybe it’s just that simple and the consequences of faith are what is so much bigger. All of chapter 11 is a review of those whom we now call “heroes of the faith” throughout the Old Testament. These people trusted in God when there wasn’t much evidence to do so. It’s an impressive list and clumping all of these believers together makes for an amazing review of God’s faithfulness. For you see, in the end, faith isn’t about us, it’s about God. He is the actor and we are the recipients of His goodness.

So our faith is the assurance of things hoped for; and hope is defined as “confident expectation”. Believers are confident in the promises of God, even though we can’t see His face or touch His hand. But we know with confident expectation that whatever He says will happen. We are in a strong position, for we have the witness of all those who went before us when it comes to God’s faithfulness. Imagine Abraham, who knew nothing of God when he was approached by God and told to go where God sent him. That was faith! During the next few days we will explore these examples of true faith and hold up our own lives to examination. In the meantime, consider the strength of your faith. What do you count of God for and how has He come through for you? For He absolutely has provided for you and can be counted upon to bring you into eternity with Him because He faithfully made a way for our salvation through the blood of His dear Son, Jesus Christ.

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