Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped For

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

There have probably been times in your life when someone has said to you, “You can do it. I have faith in you.” Maybe it’s you who’ve said those words to someone else. Every day we place our faith in our nation’s government to spend our tax dollars wisely, in our employers to maintain our jobs and pay our wages, in our spouses to be loyal and even in the other drivers with whom we share the roads and highways. Living requires an element of faith. But faith in what?

Every day we choose in who and what we are going to place our faith. Unfortunately, for many people, faith is something more in line with a magical force; if you simply believe it, someday you’ll be rich, healthy and have everything you desire. Many times, people are disappointed when things don’t turn out their way. Sadly, they get upset with God, even though they were placing their faith in everything and everyone except God all along.

As Christians, we know that the only One worthy of our faith is the Lord God. We are encouraged to avoid placing our faith in the people and things of this world. Colossians 3:1-2 states, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

The writer of the Book of Hebrews goes on to tell us about people of faith from the Old Testament. Some of his examples include the faith of Abel who offered an acceptable sacrifice to God, Enoch’s faith which allowed him not to experience death and the faith of Noah who made his family an heir to the righteousness of God.

Faith is not something that we can come up with on our own. It’s not something we are born with or that we learn through studying. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians makes it clear that faith is a gift from God. It’s certainly nothing we deserve or have earned because of our good deeds, it’s God given gift.

The expression of our faith in God, the true faith, distinguishes between those who belong to Him and those who do not. Anyone who knows God, knows that He is faithful; that He keeps His promises and is worthy of our devotion. When we express our faith in God, He is pleased. And when God is pleased, we are blessed. God loves to bless those who are obedient and faithful. A wonderful example of this is seen in Luke chapter 7 where Jesus tells a sinful woman “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Faith in God is what truly sustains me every day of my life. When I place my faith in God, I know that no matter the outcome, He is with me and is for me. He wants what is best for me. It may not always be what I would have chosen, but it is for my good and the good of my family. My faith in Jesus always reminds me that I have been given the gift of salvation and will be in heaven with God for all eternity. This gives me the strength to get through any challenge this life hands out.

1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

I pray that all of you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In Jesus’ Name,
Pastor Scott