Faith is believing that something will happen that you cannot see or understand. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things hoped for, but the evidence of things we cannot see. If we could see what God is doing in our lives, faith would not be needed. Matthew Henry describes faith as this “faith demonstrates to the eye of the mind the reality of those things that cannot be discerned by the eye of the body.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
In Hebrews chapter 11, we see the account of many who showed by their actions, not just words, that they placed their faith in God. It has well been said that a faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. This biblical truth is taught all throughout the 11th chapter of Hebrews.
Noah believed God when God told him the earth would be destroyed with water. He followed God’s direction to build the ark and prepared to live on the ark with his family for over a year. Noah preached and tried to get others to believe, but only his family took note of the truth this preacher man was preaching. I’m sure he was laughed at and thought to be crazy, after all, it had never rained on the earth before the flood. Noah didn’t fully comprehend all that God was telling him, yet he believed in God enough to follow God, and therefore, his wife, sons, and their wives were saved.
Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
By faith, Abraham journeyed wherever God told him to go, even though he didn’t know where he was going until he got there. By faith, he also offered his son as a sacrifice, even though this was his only son by Sarah. This was the son of promise. It was not until God had tested Abraham, and Abraham had proved his faith in God, that God stopped him from killing his son. He didn’t understand, but he believed the promise God had given that his offspring would be numerous. He believed that if he obeyed God, God would raise his son from the dead.
Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. “
Hebrews 11:17-19 “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”
It was the faith of Moses’ parents that saved the life of this child. These parents faced a decision. Would they obey God or the king? Not knowing what the outcome would be they chose to place their child in a basket in the water near where the princess would bathe. Any mother would be terrified for the life of her child. If she obeyed the king Moses was certain to die. If she disobeyed and found out it was certain the child and the parents would die. She determined she would obey God and trust Him without knowing the outcome.
Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”
Moses was born into a culture of death. It was a death sentence to be a male Hebrew infant. When Pharaoh’s daughter saw the child, she knew he was a Hebrew child, yet she had compassion for him and spared his life. I find it interesting that she found no problem in disobeying the command of her father. Their faith was not a faith that acted foolishly. Everything was thought through and planned perfectly. Moses’ sister was nearby watching her brother in the basket. She was taking note of everything that was going on and was ready to come to the aid of Moses if needed. When she saw the reaction from the princess, she quickly offered a solution to the situation. The faith of these parents not only saved the life of their child but in the future would save an entire nation as they left Egypt to go to the promised land.
Exodus 2:4-6 “And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, this is one of the Hebrews’ children.”
All throughout scripture we see God’s people acting in faith. These are examples to us that God is trustworthy. The faith of Moses’ parents was passed on to him. When he became a man, he chose to follow God and not the idols of Egypt. He chose to suffer affliction rather than enjoy living in a palace with all of its riches. It was Moses acting in faith that saved the Israelites and carried them on their journey through the Red Sea on dry ground.
Hebrews 11:24-26 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
We take far too much on ourselves trying to figure things out instead of acting in faith. We need to study God’s word and pray about our decisions. For instance, many Christians don’t see how they can tithe and give an offering to God. However, God commands us to do so. Putting everything on paper just doesn’t work out, but God says put Him first. What are they to do? Obey and trust God. Seek ways to spend less on other things and step back and watch God work. He will always come through for you, but it will not happen until you have totally trusted Him and obeyed. Know this; God has a plan for your life, and it is perfect for you if you will follow His plan. How do you know His plan? Trust Him and obey Him. Where would we be if the patriarchs of the past had not placed their faith in God?
