Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
A visit to Westminster Abbey in London would have you believe that, since its establishment in 1066 by William the Conqueror, kings, queens, nobles, and other royals of England have been people of great faith. Monuments and memorials often contain Scripture references. Certainly, one of the charges to the head of the realm is to be the “defender of the faith” and, without doubt, many took their charge seriously. Whether or not they were men and women of faith who had declared allegiance to Jesus Christ and accepted His atoning death for themselves, is something left to God alone.
Hebrews 11 has been called the “Westminster Abbey of the Bible,” or “God’s Hall of Fame.” This “memorial wall” lists names of those with certainty of what they hoped for, and surety of what they had not seen. It is not about positive thinking for these “Hall of Famers.” It is not about hoping for the best or a feeling of optimism about the future. What are faith’s ingredients? Faith involves obedience to God’s declaration and “leaning on the promises.“ It is being aware that there is something else, something more that God has planned. It is a belief that spurs action.
Faith itself is a gift from God. He apportions it to each person as He wills. As you mature in your relationship with Jesus Christ, building trust in what you experience Him doing in your life, your faith expands. Worship and prayer are vital to maturing. Give God the glory for the things He has done in your life. Thank Him for what he is doing in the United States today.
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: Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-16
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
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.
