Assurance brought about by faith

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of 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. Hebrews 11:1-3 NLT

The writer of Hebrews after describing how faith in God produces the hope that looks beyond our present realities, now describes the kind of faith that provides assurance even in the things unseen. In our deep commitment to God because of our faith, we are able to trust God even in things beyond the natural. This is why “the people in days of old earned a good reputation” (Hebrews 11:2). Abraham’s faith led him to put all his trust knowing that God has a place that He prepares for those who relies on Him. Same is true with Moses, who knew that God will let him see through the invisible. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were told to worship the gods of the Babylonians, they refused. They were brought to King Nebuchadnezzar and were told that because they refused, they will be punished. They responded to King Nebuchadnezzar: “We do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). All they trust is God’s Word and that was enough for them to see beyond their present situation for God has the ability to deliver them. But even if God will not let them escape the blazing furnace, they will be with God in His presence in a better place. Yet, God intervened and saved them. King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished to what he saw. “‘Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, ‘Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?’ ‘Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,’ they replied. ‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!... Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God’” (Daniel 2:24-25, 28). This is why the people in the past were commended because of their faith. Because of their faith, things unseen becomes visible. This is the kind of faith that will sustain us beyond our lives here on earth. And when we have such kind of faith, we, too, will receive God’s commendation.

Blessings,