Hebrews 11:1-3
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
At a Bible study many years ago I asked the group about the meaning of faith. Their response was to quote Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When I pressed for further explanation, I was met with many blank stares.
If we analyze what is written here, we find that the first description of faith is: EVIDENCE. Now in my law enforcement background, evidence is concrete material to substantiate a case. But here in this verse, evidence is described as things hoped for but not yet seen.
I liken that to making a trip to buy an ice cream cone. On the way we begin to think about our favorite flavor. Our salivary glands begin to kick into operation and we start to enjoy the ice cream before we ever arrive at the store.
In like manner we can spiritualize this same concept. Faith is stepping out and trusting God’s promises before they ever come to pass. He says it — we believe it, and that is faith in action!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil