Storybook FaithSample

Hebrews 11 is probably one of the most quoted, most preached, and most known chapters of the entire bible. I believe that this is because in such few words it gives a simple, yet profoundly applicable answer to one of the most fundamental questions which is, “what is faith?” Hebrews 11 gives us this understanding. Chapter 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see." (NIV) In short, faith is being certain of what you believe.

Even when you do not have proof or evidence of what God has promised, faith itself becomes the proof. This kind of belief is counterintuitive to human reasoning. Our nature tells us to rely on what we see or hear before we are sure of something. Faith, however, is being certain of things your senses do not have access to. These things are spoken to us through God’s word and His Spirit.

The basis of faith is this: you can be absolutely certain of anything God says, as long as you believe that God will never lie. And, if you can believe this, your life and all your decisions will be made on that premise. If God is not a liar (and we know that He is not) then I can act on His word in confidence. Hebrews 11 lists over a dozen people and over 28 verbs that demonstrated their faith based on their confidence in God. 

As you read, you learn that by faith Abel brought, Noah built, Abraham went. We see that faith is recognized by action. It is not merely knowing God is faithful, it is being so convinced of it that you are willing to do the seemingly impossible because of your certainty that God will come through with his side of the deal. Hebrews highlights the fact that our God is a God of covenant. When He asks something of us, it is because He also has something to bring to the table. What He brings is always more than we could ever do ourselves. So we see that faith is two fold: believing God exists and believing that he is faithful to reward those who believe in him and those who ACT. (Verse 11: 6). We also see this stated plainly in the book of James. 

In James 2:17-22 we see the same example of Abraham that we see in this chapter of our text. Abraham completed his faith when he accompanied it with action. As it says in James, even the demons believe that God exists. There is no power in just believing that. Faith is going beyond believing He exists and being capable to take action in our lives based on His word.

In order for God to write our story in the way he did for our protagonists in Hebrews 11—Rahab, Sarah, Gideon, and David among them—we need to be able to DO as they did. We must be able to build, go, live, bear, sacrifice, give, and walk as though we are absolutely certain of what we believe. This is how our ancestors pleased God. God is pleased when His children show their unwavering trust in Him- by more than just words.

Today, as you meditate on these scriptures, ask yourself:

What have I been afraid to DO to show my faith?

What has God promised to uphold if I could step out and hold up my end of the covenant?

What part of my story is awaiting my action?