Future Rewards – The Presidential Prayer Team

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

After signing the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying, “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Whether or not America retains its influence and significance in days to come is not known; Franklin could only hope.

Hebrews 11 speaks of people who had more than a hope. Their faith assured them that God’s promises would be fulfilled even if the world disagreed. Noah spent 100 years building an ark to float on flood waters from rain he had never seen because he had been warned by God of events to come, and because he had a reverent fear of the One who had commanded him to build it. His faith could not be shaken. As Pastor John MacArthur says, “Faith is not a wistful longing that something may come to pass in an uncertain tomorrow. True faith is an absolute certainty, often of things that the world considers unreal and impossible. Christian hope is belief in God against the world – not belief in the improbable against chance.”

Because of this, the believer is committed to act in obedience to the Lord. He will seek God’s approval over that of humans. Theologian Warren Wiersbe explains that “faith enables [the believer] to look to the future, for that is where the greatest rewards are found.” Beloved, stand firm in your faith no matter the circumstances. Know the Lord and love Him, for there is great reward awaiting you. Then pray for those, including this nation’s leaders, who are blind to the reality of God and His greatness.

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

¹³Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, ¹⁴knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ¹⁵For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.