This verse has brewed in my heart for weeks. I learned years ago while memorizing scripture that it is often the little words in a sentence that carry immense weight. Think about it – “now faith is“!
When we think about faith, we often focus on something hoped for the future. Faith is having “complete trust or confidence in someone or something”. That something for a Christian is “strong belief in God or in the doctrines of the bible, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.”
Faith requires a “spiritual apprehension” – to have a clear grasp of understanding of the truth.”
Hebrews is a book written to the Jews. Although they had the writings of the prophets and poetic scrolls, their spiritual understanding rested on the writings of Moses. This was their foundation of all truth.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
The Pentateuch
In these first five books of the Bible we learn
much about the character of God,
His power and goodness,
the promises of God,
The Law,
His faithful pursuit of mankind,
the triune nature of eternal God,
and much, much, much more…..
At the end of these books, we read:
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
who rides across the heavens to help you
and on the clouds in his majesty.
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you…
He is your shield and helper
and your glorious sword…”
Deuteronomy 34:26-29
Now
God can be taken at His Word! When a Jew would read “now faith is”, he knew beyond any doubt faith rests not our circumstances or personal ability, but fully on the foundation of The Word of God.
“Now faith is… substance.” “Now faith is… evidence.” Now! In fact, this very moment!
The substance of what we hope for in prayer is now!
The evidence of what we don’t yet see is now!
Mary also apprehended the truth when she declared,
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37
The angel’s words made no sense. A virgin giving birth? The Holy Spirit overshadowing? The natural mind could not comprehend, but faith said, “the evidence is now… the substance though unseen is!”
The literal translation for Luke 1:37 is “with God’s word is the power to fulfill it.” As God speaks it is done!
Faith
There are many things that I once needed faith to believe. I would struggle to apply some foundational truth to my life, usually because facts were confronting my path. There is a vast different between truth and fact.
Fact was the walls of Jericho were impenetrable;
truth is they fell with a shout!
Fact was the Red Sea was formidable;
truth is the wind of God lead the way!
Fact was the enemies are strong;
truth is God is Mighty!
God says everything done without faith is sin! Rather than a condemnation, it is an invitation to walk by faith.
This constant invitation to partner with Him and His Word is like a gate swung purposely open in our direction. Faith is activated upon truth.
Is
Often my hand trembles as I place it into God’s great hand. It takes faith not just to place it there, but also to keep it there. My faith rests complete, because He is…
“…I AM WHO I AM…”
Exodus 3:14
Whatever I need in faith today, He is! He never changes; His word is unfailing.
__________
(For more on faith check here.)
Grace to Believe
Lord grant me the grace to walk in faith
daily – moment by moment
breath by breath
knowing
now
faith
is.