The Journey of Faith

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. Hebrew 11:1 NLT

Don’t talk to me about faith,” some say, quickly adding, “Talk to me about things I can see and feel and experience.” Yet that is exactly what the Bible says faith is. Realizing that to believe in something you do not see seems irrational, the writer of Scripture said: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 nkjv).

There are two words that are keys to understanding the definition. The first word, translated “substance,” is the same word used in Roman days for the title deed to a piece of property. Suppose you wanted to purchase a piece of property in the city of Athens but you live in Rome. You paid the money for the property and received a title deed – signed and sealed. Though you may have never actually seen it, the property is yours. The second word, translated “evidence,” means it is the proof of what you hope for.

Do you have trouble committing your life and future to something – better put, Someone – you have never seen? Then ask yourself these questions:

Do I believe that there is a God who has demonstrated His power in the creation of this world?

Do I believe that God is a good God and He is not trying to make us believe in something untrue?

 Do I believe that God can be trusted?

 Do I believe that as proof of His love He sent His Son to die for us?

As you think about the answers to these questions, consider what the theologian Elton Trueblood said: “Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation.”