In the Thru The Bible daily bible study, we are currently studying the book of Hebrews. We have arrived at chapter 11, a chapter that some call "The Hero's of Faith". This chapter opens with a definition of what faith is:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)

So does this mean, as some have said, that faith is a "Leap in the Dark"? It does not! In fact, if that is what your faith is based on, I encourage you to examine it carefully - you might be deluding yourself.

So what does this verse teach us about faith?

1. It has SUBSTANCE. Faith is a real thing and is based on what God has done for you in your life. It is not you trying to imagine something, it is a response to God revealing himself to you when you accept what Christ has done for you. Try as you might, you can't do it just by wishing.

2. It is created out OF THINGS HOPED FOR. This is hard for me to describe well, but here is how I understand this. When you come to Christ and accept him as your savior, you do this because you hope to become what you should be. This is the start of faith. Then, as God leads you through life and it's many experiences, you begin to see how turning to Him always keeps you, and faith grows. This leads to the second half of the verse...

3. ... THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN. You come to understand many things you cannot physically see, and this is reflected in your faith. Non-believers can see this in you, and it baffles them, because they don't have the spiritual perception that God has given you.

Till next time,

Duane