What Is Faith?
We spoke yesterday of the necessity of having faith. What IS faith? There is no definition better than that found in Hebrews 11:1-2 (AMP)
11 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. 2 For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.
3 By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
We see here that the elements of faith give us assurance, evidence and understanding. By simply believing God is who He says He is and will perform what He says He will perform, we are given assurance so real it is like receiving a title deed to a house! By trusting God through faith, we are given as a gift the ability to see things so clear, even though to the naked eye they are not visible. And not only that, faith can bring a physical manifestation to an elusive dream!
This is the kind of faith that "holy men of old" had. It is still available for us today, no matter what our age. In fact, this faith is just as real as the spoken Word God gave to put our world and all other worlds into existence. When we put our faith out there the same way, we too will see buildings built, symphonies composed, cancer cured, prison doors busting open, and that prodigal son or daughter coming home.
"What a blessedness, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms…"Elisha A. Hoffman, pub.1887
Maria