Substance and Evidence

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Our faith is the most powerful thing we possess, and it can only be perfected in the face of overwhelming odds. Faith can never be developed in the comfort of plenty and success, but from the pit of despair and hardship. Faith begins where self-sufficiency ends, and we are true believers when faith is the substance of our hope, and we rejoice in that which has not yet appeared. Faith-filled people learn to live in a constant state of expectancy, and the things we used to laugh at (because we were afraid to believe they were possible) we now believe and anticipate.

Our faith in God must be substantial and evidential. In other words, we respond to God's promises with joy, patience and hope. We work to keep a firm focus on Him, the Promise Keeper, while we confidently wait for that which He promised. Since God always keeps His word, we live as if we have what He promised, because we have it in our hearts, and we possess it by faith. That is why Abraham dwelled in tents and never built a house for himself in Canaan, even though God promised him the land. Yes, he looked forward to the day his children would actually possess the land, but he received and believed God's word by faith, and he saw those things which were not as if they were. That is true faith, and that is why the Lord called Abraham righteous and a friend. He desires to say the same about you.

Let’s Pray – Lord, thank You for challenging my faith and causing it to grow in the face of long odds and difficult circumstances. May I learn to embrace those times as opportunities to walk uprightly before You. In Jesus, Amen.