Hebrews 11:1-6
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 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.
Devotion
Hebrews 11 is filled with the stories of faithful men and women who trusted God and did some amazing things. We can read these verses and be amazed at the faith of these people. But it is important to note that God has called us to have faith today just as those in Hebrews 11 had faith. Their faith wasn’t limited to one particular event, but rather it was woven through everything they did. Yesterday we left Psalm 13, noting that David expressed his faith in God despite his dire circumstances. What we don’t see in Psalm 13 is that God had a track record in David’s life. David’s run-in with King Saul was not the first time David found himself in difficult circumstances. Even as a young boy, David found himself facing ferocious animals in defense of his father’s flocks. As a teenager, David faced the meanest and biggest foe a person could ever face named Goliath. In each one of these situations, David trusted God, and God was faithful. As David looked back over his life, he could see the faithful hand of God at work.
David’s faith was not produced in a vacuum. Rather, it was nurtured throughout his life as he trusted God, and God was faithful. Faith is not wishful thinking. Faith is not blind belief. Faith is confident assurance of a positive outcome based on the character and historical track record of our Creator. As we face difficult times, let us remember Who it is we are placing our faith in and what He has done in our own lives. Then we can express faith in our God even in the darkest of days!
Question to Ponder:
Scripture says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” In what ways are you trusting God during this COVID-19 pandemic? Out of all the faith heroes mentioned in Hebrews 11, who are your favorites? Why? Spend some time thinking today about God’s track record in your life.
Prayer Points
- Praise God that He is faithful and trustworthy.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the ability to remember His faithfulness in Your own life, the life of others, and examples in His Word.
- Praise and thank Him.
Suggested Prayer
Faithful Father, I praise You for being consistent in Your character and nature. I praise You that You are the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Thank You for Your steadfast love. Thank You that You are so personal, kind, patient, and loving. You are the kindest One I know, who is slow to anger and abounding in love. Thank You for Your power and strength, as well as Your mercy and grace! Shepherd my heart and mind into Your truth, oh God. Bring to my mind Your faithfulness in my life. Flood me with memories of how You have worked on my behalf throughout my life. Remind me of Your faithfulness through Your Word. I wait on You Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.