Faith is a powerful force that shapes how we see the world and how we live our lives. The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) as:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This verse captures the essence of faith—it is both a firm foundation and a deep conviction. But what does this mean in our daily lives? Let’s explore this verse and how faith plays a role in our hopes, actions, and relationship with God.
What Does “Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For” Mean?
The word substance in this verse comes from the Greek word hypostasis, which means "foundation" or "assurance." This tells us that faith is not just wishful thinking—it is something solid, something real. Faith is the foundation on which our hopes are built.
When we hope for something, we believe in its possibility. But faith takes it a step further—it treats that hope as if it is already a reality. Faith is what gives our hopes weight and meaning.
For example, a farmer plants seeds, hoping for a harvest. His faith in the process of growth allows him to work with confidence, even before he sees any sprouts. In the same way, we trust in God's promises, even when we don’t see immediate results.
Faith as the Evidence of Things Not Seen
The second part of Hebrews 11:1 says, "the evidence of things not seen." This means faith acts as proof of unseen realities. Just because we cannot see something does not mean it does not exist.
We believe in the wind even though we cannot see it—we see its effects. We believe in love even though we cannot touch it—we feel its power. Faith works in the same way. We may not see God with our physical eyes, but faith convinces us of His presence and His promises.
Many biblical figures lived by this kind of faith:
- Noah built the ark before seeing rain (Genesis 6:13-22).
- Abraham left his homeland, trusting God's promise of a new land (Genesis 12:1-4).
- Moses led Israel out of Egypt, believing in a land he had not yet seen (Hebrews 11:27).
These people acted not because they saw, but because they believed.
Living by Faith in Everyday Life
Faith is not just for biblical times—it is for today. Every day, we make choices based on faith. We trust that a chair will hold us before we sit. We believe a plane will fly before we board.
But faith in God goes beyond everyday trust—it anchors us in His promises. Here’s how we can live by faith:
1. Trust in God’s Promises
God has made many promises in the Bible, and faith allows us to stand on them. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Even when life is uncertain, we can trust that God has a good plan for us.
2. Pray with Confidence
Faith influences how we pray. Jesus said in Mark 11:24, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” When we pray, faith helps us believe that God hears us and will answer in His perfect timing.
3. Act in Obedience
Faith is not just believing—it is acting. James 2:17 says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” If we truly believe in God's guidance, we should live in a way that reflects that belief.
4. Persevere in Difficult Times
Faith strengthens us in trials. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Even when we don’t understand why we face hardships, faith helps us trust that God is still in control.
Strengthening Your Faith
Like a muscle, faith grows with exercise. Here are some ways to strengthen your faith:
- Read the Bible daily – Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
- Surround yourself with believers – Fellowship encourages faith (Hebrews 10:25).
- Remember past blessings – Looking back on God's faithfulness builds confidence in His future promises.
- Step out in trust – Take action based on God's Word, even when you don’t see immediate results.
Conclusion
Faith is more than hope—it is the foundation and proof of what we believe. It allows us to trust in God's promises, pray boldly, obey His Word, and endure trials. Though we may not see the full picture, faith assures us that God is working for our good.
Just as a builder trusts the foundation before adding walls, we must trust in God as the firm foundation of our lives. With faith, we can confidently walk forward, knowing that what we hope for in Christ is more real than anything we can see.
