“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) How can there be evidence of things we can’t see? Have you or someone you know ever been shocked by electricity? We can’t see electricity but it can give you a powerful jolt or it can make our life so much easier with light and electrical appliances. To run those appliances or have the lights work we must act in faith and turn on the switch.
We can’t see God. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3) God tells us that the creation that we see—the sun, moon, stars, earth, trees, and all things were not made with visible things. The creation was spoken into existence by God. (Genesis 1-2) “For the invisible things of him (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead: so that they are without excuse:” (Romans 1:20) We understand that this great world had a designer and God says He is that designer. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Faith is an assurance that God is going to do what He says and then us acting on this trust in Him. The rest of chapter 11 in Hebrews tells us how many Old Testament people acted on their faith in God. What if we don’t have this faith in God? We are doubtful and things don’t make sense to us. God tells us that to get this faith we need to hear His Word. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
