faith

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

This morning I thought about faith as I read through Hebrews 11.  What an encouragement to read the stories of men and women who acted on the assurance of their faith!  I thought about the simple definition of faith that introduces the chapter.

What is it that I hope for?  My hope is in the character of God and the promise of God's Word.  I hope for the day when I will see Jesus face to face.  I hope for the answers to life's questions, for evil to be overcome by good, and for the promised day when God will wipe every tear from our eyes.  I hope for the full realization of the glimpses of the divine that God blesses us with while we are here on earth-  those moments of pure beauty or utter joy when I question how anyone could possibly believe that there is no God.  My hope is in the goodness and glory of God made known in Jesus Christ.  

What is the unseen of which I am certain?  It is the presence of God, even in life's toughest circumstances, working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

Faith in God is a beautiful thing.  I thank God for the faith He has given to me, and I pray that He would increase my faith day by day.  I pray that I would live my life in such a way that I could be listed in Hebrews 11.  And how I long for everyone in my life to experience the kind of faith in Jesus that serves as an anchor to the soul, no matter what trials and challenges life throws at us.