I believe that Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV) makes one of the Bible’s most challenging and profound statements: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” To be sure of what you wish you had, is difficult; and to be certain of something you have not seen is tough. This would be like believing without seeing. This, I believe, is what the writer of Hebrews refers to as “living by faith” (Hebrews 11:13).

The challenge and profundity of Hebrews 11 continues in verse 3. We understand that the world was created by God’s command (supporting the Genesis 1 Theory). So what we see was not made from visible things, but from what was not visible. In other words, faith leads us to believe that God the Creator made something out of nothing. Wow! This is incredible, unbelievable, and mysterious! Indeed it is! But by faith we believe this due to the fact (an act of faith) that God is incomprehensible, incomparable, invincible, and supernaturally powerful. All of this is true—by faith!

It is scary and sometimes nerve-wrecking to believe when you cannot or do not see. However, living by faith is a powerful and practical way to live. It is powerful because we trust in a mysterious God who is gracious, good, and great. It is practical because many things in life will be beyond our understanding and control. So we reason that someone must be in control of the uncontrollable; and that same someone must understand that which is not understandable. That someone is God the Creator. And God is the author and perfecter or finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

What is it that you are believing God for? What is preventing you from believing God for the things you hope for? Try believing without seeing that God has great things in store for you! 

Wisdom for Your Week

Faith in God means leaning and depending on God.

Faith in God means working and waiting for God.