What is Faith?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Let’s unpack this wholesome statement. Faith is:

• The substance: Real, physical, matter, solid presence, tangible

• (of things) Hoped for: This is a state of mind, something you’re believing for, trusting God for. God wants to give you a hope and a future. God is called “the God of hope”. Biblical hope isn’t merely believing something, but hoping/trusting in God for those things.

• The evidence (of things not seen): Proof comes next i.e. you won’t need proof if something didn’t exist prior. The evidence proves the existence of the prior i.e. proof that you’re hoping. Basically, true hope (in the mind) must be evidenced (in the physical).

Bringing it all together: Faith starts with hope, which starts in the mind, is rooted in trust in God and not merely just any belief. After the mind work must come the proof that you’re trusting in God. Matthew 7:7-8 – After you’ve asked in faith, He bids you to seek i.e. go out there looking for it, doing what you can to find it, to bring it to pass. When you eventually find it, go forth and touch it with a knock. James 2:14-26 – Faith without works is dead! All the while, as you stayed close to God daily while you were seeking, the Holy Spirit would have been guiding you on what to do, even though for a long while, you may not see any clear evidence that you’re getting any closer to finding it. This is faith!

For more context, read these two previous posts:

1. According to your faith
2. God wants to give you “a future and a hope”

Faith has levels. It’s like a muscle. With consistency, in the small and big things, daily, we can all develop it. In fact, without faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. God bless you!