Mission Venture Ministries

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  (Hebrews 11:1) 

Genuine faith involves abandoning all human reliance on self-efforts and placing total dependence upon God’s character, His actions, and His promises, as revealed in His Word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). 

According to Hebrews 11:1, faith gives substance and reality to the things we hope for, treating them as if they already exist and therefore is: 

The substance of things hoped for – Faith is a firm persuasion, expectation and assurance of the things we hope for but have not yet received. 

And the evidence of things not seen – Through faith, we are convinced of the reality of things we cannot see with our physical eyes that grant certainty about the unseen providences of God. 

Faith is a confident trust in God and the unseen spiritual realities He has revealed, which gives substance to our hopes and conviction about the truth of His promises, even when they are not yet realized in our experience. Faith involves relying on God’s promises and trusting that they will come to fruition, even when they are not immediately apparent. 

Faith is not passive; it requires active trust and reliance on God and His word. This is further illustrated by the examples of faith that follow in the chapter, showcasing how faith leads to action and obedience.           

So, how can I apply the concept of faith from Hebrews 11:1 to my daily life? 

Applying the concept of faith to our daily life involves understanding and embodying the principles of confidence and assurance in what we hope for, as well as acting on that faith in tangible ways. Here are several practical steps to integrate this concept into your everyday routine: 

• Recognize that true faith is not merely wishful thinking but a deep assurance in God’s promises. This means actively believing that what you hope for, whether it is personal growth, healing, or guidance, is grounded in God’s faithfulness. To do this, start each day with affirmations that reinforce your confidence in God’s promises. For example, remind yourself that you are not alone and that God is working in your life, even when you cannot see it. 

• Faith is demonstrated through actions. Hebrews 11 recounts how various biblical figures acted on their faith, showing that belief must translate into behavior. Therefore set goals aligned with your faith by identifying specific areas in your life where you want to see God’s promises fulfilled. Take actionable steps towards these goals, trusting that God will guide you. For example, if you hope for better relationships, make an effort to communicate more openly with loved ones. 

• Pray and Seek Guidance. Prayer is essential for nurturing your faith. It’s a way to communicate with God, seek His will, and receive assurance. Consequently, dedicate time each day for prayer, asking God to strengthen your faith and provide clarity in your decisions. This practice helps reinforce your confidence in His plans. 

• Reflect on past experiences by looking back on times when you felt God’s presence or guidance in your life. Reflecting on these moments can bolster your faith and provide assurance in current uncertainties. Journaling can serve as a powerful reminder during challenging times. 

• Faith often grows through trials. When faced with difficulties, view them as opportunities to deepen your trust in God. Instead of succumbing to fear or doubt during tough times, consciously choose to respond with faith. 

These are just some actions that you can take; and by implementing these practices, you can effectively apply the concept of faith from Hebrews 11:1 to your daily life, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling spiritual journey. 

Remember that faith includes believing that God exists and that He is wholly trustworthy, so much so that we base our lives on Him and His Word, doing what it says, no matter what our physical eyes tell us. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we obtain “the victory that has overcome the world” (1 John 5:4–5). 

In essence faith is a confident trust in God’s promises, providing both assurance of future hope and conviction regarding unseen realities as we trust in Him. It is God who gives us faith and He is not only the Giver of faith, but He is also the Author, the Originator, of our faith as Hebrews 12:1-2 states: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” 

Real faith comes from the Spirit of God. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). No one can have faith or even be a true Christian without God’s Spirit. 

Therefore, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

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