Hebrews 11 vs 1 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].
Faith is more than just belief; it is the key that unlocks the miraculous power of God in our lives. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of how faith activated the miraculous, enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary challenges.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
- The substance of Things Hoped For: Faith is the foundation or assurance of things that we hope for—things that are yet to come or be realized. It is believing that what we hope for will happen because God has promised it.
- Evidence of Things Not Seen: Faith is the conviction or proof of things that are not visible to the natural eye. It is trusting in the reality of the unseen, based on God’s Word.
How Faith Works:
How Faith Works: Faith is based on the principle of trusting in God’s promises, regardless of the circumstances. It’s the assurance that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). There’s more to faith than just passive belief; it’s an expectation that God will fulfill what He says.
Abraham’s Faith: The Father of Many Nations
Abraham’s life is a testament to the power of faith. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, despite his old age and the barrenness of his wife, Sarah. Romans 4:19–21 says, “Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Through faith, Abraham and Sarah miraculously conceived Isaac, and Abraham became the father of a multitude of nations, just as God had promised.
According to Matthew 8:5–13, the Roman centurion who approached Jesus demonstrated profound faith in the authority of Christ’s words. As a result of the centurion’s faith in Jesus’ authority, his servant was immediately healed. Jesus marveled at his faith, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone with such great faith in Israel.”
As a result of the centurion’s faith in Jesus’ word, the servant of the centurion was healed at that very moment.
The Woman’s Faith and the Blood Issue: Reaching Out to Jesus
Mark 5:25–34 tells the account of a woman who had suffered from a bleeding problem for twelve years. Despite her pain and the disappointment of unsuccessful therapies, she felt that if she simply touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. Her faith motivated her to push through the crowd and reach out to Jesus.
The moment she touched his garment, her bleeding stopped, and she was completely healed. As a result of her faith, Jesus acknowledged her, saying: “Daughter, your faith has healed you.”. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Activating the Miraculous in Your Life
Faith demands action! Faith is the spark that triggers God’s miraculous power in our lives, whether it’s trusting in God’s promises like Abraham, believing in the authority of Jesus’ word like the centurion, or approaching Jesus like the lady with the issue of blood.
- Declare God’s Word: Just as the centurion believed in the power of Jesus’ word, proclaim God’s promises over your circumstances. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
- Trust in God’s timing: Like Abraham, we must believe that God’s timing is impeccable. Delays are not denials; rather, they provide opportunities to strengthen our faith.
- Act on Your Faith: As James 2:17 states, “Faith without works is dead.” Take steps of faith, even if the outcome is doubtful. Your deeds indicate your belief in God’s capacity to accomplish the impossible.
Faith is the currency of heaven. It moves the hand of God and brings the supernatural into our natural world. As we trust in God’s promises, speak His Word, and take bold actions of faith, we will see the miraculous unfold in our lives, just as it did for those who have gone before us.