Hebrews 11 is often called the faith chapter…It describes the Faith Hall of Fame. It lists people responded in faith to what God had promised. Their lives and their stories encourage us to have faith in our lives and struggles, too.

A simple definition of faith is given in verse 1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Two words describe faith: Sure and certain

The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character: HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? – Number 23:19

 Secondly, is believing in God’s promises: HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. FAITH means believing and acting on something we cannot see. – Philippians 1:6

It is only when we believe that God will fulfil his promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, that we demonstrate true faith.

Creation itself shows that just because something can’t be seen, doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. The author does not say that God made everything out of nothing— he only says that he made the visible out of the invisible; that is the specific contrast he wants to make.

 Our future is based not on what we see today, but on something we do not see: God.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Believing in God is just the beginning, even demons believe in Him (James 2:19,20)…God will not just settle for mere acknowledgement of his existence. He wants our faith to lead to a personal and dynamic relationship with Him.

There are many stories mentioned or alluded to in these verses. We see Cain and Abel, Abraham, Sarah, Noah and many prophets not mentioned individually by name.

Which one is your favourite story and how can you relate to that particular character?

After all these great stories of faith verse 39 tells us that these individuals never received the promise in a physical way. That promise was the future birth of the Redeemer Saviour and Messiah Jesus Christ. They did not see the day of His coming. However, their faith in that promised Redeemer was counted for their salvation. Their faith was in something they never saw, but that does not mean that their faith was in vain. They believed God for something He promised.

The Bible tells us we must be like children to enter the kingdom of God, I believe faith is similar to the excitement and anxiety prior a birthday. We know we will definitely receive gifts and other special treats…some of the things would be a surprise. Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does faith!! Faith is the confidence based on past experience that God’s new and fresh surprises will surely be ours!

Remain strong and encouraged!

Angie