Faith not Sight

Lately I’ve been thinking about the definition of faith and how it’s seen in my life.

The clearest definition of faith in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11:1 - “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV).

In the gospel, Jesus took upon the cross to pay the punishment for sin that you and I deserve. Now we look forward to the day when Jesus will descend from Heaven to gather the believers and bring judgement upon the Earth.

We look back on what he did upon the cross (past) and look forward to his return (future).

The first part of Hebrews 11:1 illustrates this. I should rest assured that the things I hope for will come to fruition. And the most important hope I have is the second coming of Christ, leading to eternal life.

Am I actively trusting that Jesus will do what he said he was going to do? Am I resting in his promises? This is what faith is.

The second part of Hebrews 11:1 builds off the first part and defines faith as the conviction of things not seen.

A conviction is more than a belief or an opinion. It means you are completely convinced something is true. But how can I be certain of something that I can’t see?

Faith, faith, faith.

God has promised eternal life. Faith means taking Him at his word and trusting that He will do what He said, no matter how things appear to you.

I think this all culminates in the beautiful reminder to walk by faith not sight. I don’t need to see exactly where I’m going or have everything figured out. My job is to trust.

I recently heard this at church, and I am starting to say it to myself throughout the day as a reminder:

“God is good. God is sovereign. God is present. And one day I’m going home to heaven.”

And all he asks of me is this: To put my faith in Him.

This time getting into God’s word and reflecting on my faith has been very life-giving. I highly recommend you’d do the same.

And if you haven’t’ given your life to Christ yet, I hope you see now that faith isn’t blind trust in something. With the historic evidence for the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, it’s a confidence stemming from fact.

Consider the brokenness of the world. Consider your own brokenness. The quiet moments you feel incomplete. You need a savior my friend, and he is waiting with open arms.

Grow in His grace. Be shaped by His hands. Walk the everlasting way.

God bless you,

Trevor