The demonstration of faith
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen... And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 Your faith to God is the basis of your relationship with God. When you know Him as your Lord and Savior, you must believe that He exists and that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be in Scriptures. From the text, the author of Hebrews provided a definition of what faith is. It is not about having a wishful thinking but is defined as the “confidence” and “assurance” that what God promised will come to fruition. Since faith’s object is focused on the One who commanded into existence everything in the universe, there is assurance that everything He promised including those that are not seen could be seen. Then the author described what faith does in Hebrews 11. Abel by faith demonstrated an excellent sacrifice that was accepted by God (v. 4). By faith, Enoch’s goal in life is to live a life pleasing God (v.5). By faith Noah, in the midst of criticism from people thinking that he was out of his mind when he built an ark when all they experienced was drought to prepare for a flood, acted on his obedience to God’s command (vv. 7). By faith Abraham, not knowing where God will lead him, held on to God’s promise (vv. 8-10). Faith is demonstrated even by those willing to be stoned and sawn in two because they will not give up their faith. Their faith to God’s promise that one day they will see Him face to face made them obedient, provided them hope, and made them steadfast in their convictions (vv. 36-39). You may claim that you have faith in God and might even say, “I love God’ and yet refuses to trust God and will not act on what He is telling you to do, then the existence of faith could be questioned. Faith in God is based on how much you trust and believe God. Faith has to do with your relationship with God. Faith will not remove problems in life, but with faith you learn how to focus on God rather than your circumstances. You are saved by grace through faith then continue to grow in your trust in Him. Faith without action is dead (James 2:26).
Blessings.
