Witnesses of faith
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. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 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 11:3-6
A theme running throughout Hebrews is that the world of the five senses is temporary, but true reality finds its basis in the unseen world. Faith is the means by which a Christian can grasp the invisible realm of the spirit and lay hold on the future fulfillment of God’s promises while he resides bodily in the physical world. Faith in God produces in us the assurance that what we hope for will happen. Faith is also what helps us understand realities which otherwise remain hidden. It is by trusting God that allows us to live and have effective power for daily life. Faith then is the basis of our relationship with God. When we claim that we know Him as Lord and Savior, we must believe that He exists exactly the way the Scriptures describe His existence. It is by seeking Him sincerely by faith that He responds to us. No matter how much effort we exert to be a good person attaining a high moral standard in life, without faith in God we will not please Him. You may say, “I love God, but I just have difficulty trusting Him.” Then you are not pleasing to Him. We cannot struggle at the core of our relationship with God and still enjoy a vibrant fellowship with Him! Faith does not eliminate problems. Faith keeps us in a trusting relationship with God in the midst of our problems. Faith has to do with our relationship with God, not our circumstances. Some may say, “I’m not much of a person of faith. I am more of a practical person!” Yet you will never do anything more practical than to place your trust in the Lord! Nothing is more secure or certain than that which you entrust to God.
Blessings
