January 28, 2024 

NOW FAITH

Min. Ventris Wright 

Hebrews 11:1-2 11 Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

 

Reading these verses of scripture can sometimes cause me to feel at a loss. In every circumstance, faith is the requirement, regardless of the mood or level of pain. Carrying out the living scriptures written in times past needs to be a constant practice. Remembering these particular verses should also leave us encouraged,when in a discouraged state. 

As described in Hebrews 11:1, “faith” is referred to as a “substance”. As a reminder, faith is explained as a belief system, having complete trust in someone or something.

When described as a substance, it means it is a form of matter or a uniformed property. Scientifically- a substance (noun) is a word used to refer to any type of matter or material. It can be used interchangeably with the word ‘material’. This is something we can touch and hold on to. 

This leads us to ask, what is it made of? Furthermore, how does evidence come into play?

Evidence is material, substance or information that helps to tangibly prove or disprove a particular fact.The scripture says that faith is both substance and evidence. It’s something that we can hold on to when our hopes seem so far away and impossible. Faith is also evidence and proves that there are things that are ahead and that God has promised to do that we have not yet seen. 

The ultimate push is read in Hebrews 11:2…knowing that the elders invested in this same God, provides encouragement. Our forefathers entrusted the Lord above with life and used it as a testament of faith. They are the great cloud of witnesses that cheer us on to walk out our own faith, right now faith… the type of faith that hold on and believes, even when it seems impossible. 

Therefore this passage invites us to believe that though although God is not visible, He dwells with us and He is a steadfast and promise-keeping God. We can place our faith and our hopes of things not yet seen, upon Him.