WONDERS OF FAITH

"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” – Hebrews 11:1

GOD’S WORD is full of the WONDERS of FAITH: “Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. Through FAITH we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD...But without FAITH it is impossible to please Him...” (Heb.11:1-3,6). The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews contains what has been called the “Hall of Faith” – a collection of Testimonies of Old Testament personalities who demonstrated what it means to live by Faith!

Faith is the assurance or reality of “things hoped for” and conviction of things not seen. Through Faith, God’s people of old became living testimonies (v.2). Faith reveals to us that there is another reality, an eternal, heavenly realm that is invisible to our physical eyes. However, that unseen realm is more powerful than the seen, because the unseen created the seen. Faith is the key to interact with that unseen realm. Faith is not vague hope or wishful thinking. God has not called us to a blind leap into the dark, but to bank our lives on Him Who is dependable and faithful. What we see naturally is temporary, but we know that what we don’t see is real and true.

Faith is the perception and pursuit of the unseen realm! That’s what makes it vital to salvation (Eph.2:8). For a world headed to destruction, our own efforts cannot save us from the horrible end. It is only by God’s Grace through Faith that we are redeemed. Nothing in this life can give us hope. Nothing in this world is secure. It is only through God’s Gift of Faith that we have any inkling of another option, a better way.

The Hebrews 11 narratives began with Abel, continued through Enoch, and focused a bit on Abraham, the “Father of Faith” (Rom.4:16). The Hall of Faith includes: other Patriarchs – Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (vv.20-22); the Faith of Moses, who received the Old Covenant from God (vv.23-29); and, Rahab (v.31). There are other nameless heroes who gave their lives for the Faith as Jesus gave His for us (vv.35-38). Every person did something different. Their individual lives looked unique based on what God called them to do. Each had a distinct purpose and mission in the universal Story of God’s redemptive plan. But they each heard from God and did what He said.  They perceived and pursued. We reveal our faith through our obedience (Jam.2:14).

Another Wonder: Although these people were listed as heroes in the faith, they were flawed individuals. Sarah laughed at God’s promise. Abraham lied to kings. Moses’ first attempt at delivering Israel was to murder an Egyptian. They each had their issues. Our issues don’t disqualify us either. It is our Faith that leads to amazing testimonies! Rahab is an important entry in this collection. She was a prostitute and a foreigner, a citizen of the city of Jericho that was the enemy of God’s people, set to be destroyed. But Faith qualified her! She is counted as a hero of faith. Despite her past and position, she acted based on truth, and is listed with Abraham, the Father of Faith (see James 2:25).

Great or small, no matter our past, race, gender, or status, Faith is the determining factor. Anyone can please God and qualify by faith; by diligently and sincerely seeking Him, perceiving the heavenly reality, pursuing it through obedience, and having confidence that no matter what happens, it all works together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28). God is the Rewarder!

Faith is God’s Lifestyle. Faith is our Master Key to Power and the supernatural world. Faith beautifies and ensures the deliveries of Destinies. Faith defines the Quality of every Believer’s Life and Destiny: “The just shall LIVE by FAITH...” (Hab.2: 2-4; Rom.1:17; Heb.10:38-39). Everything that works in God’s Kingdom answers to Faith: Salvation, deliverance, healing, prosperity, and breakthroughs. Faith is a Living Force, drawn from the Living Word, to produce Living Proofs! Oh! The Wonders of Faith!