Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
All the Difference . . .
The world of science works with substance — materials that are testable and observable — in experiments that are repeatable. Such substance exists in the realm of the senses — that which we can see and hear and touch and taste and smell.
The world of the senses, of course, is not a bad world at all, for God created it all. He made the grapes on the vine and the almonds on the tree. And He paints the sky with new light and color every day.
God wants us to enjoy the substance of His creation, for it all points back to Him, the Creator.
Faith is made of substance, too. A different kind of substance. We cannot see faith itself, but we can see its effects the same way we can feel the cool, gentle rush of the invisible wind.
To see a life changed, a soul transformed, a heart healed . . . that is the evidence of faith. We are recipients of a healing grace, testaments to a redeeming love.
Faith is an inward reality with an outward expresssion.
If we could place our faith under a microscope, the substance of our everyday faith would be found in those small, hidden choices we make every day — the choices we make when no one is looking.
Because a heart that’s known grace is a heart that gives grace.
The writer of Hebrews said that “faith is the substance of things hoped for.” And our hope is firmly anchored in the One who made us, sought us, and bought us with His blood. We may not be able to see God with our eyes, but we can see Him move in our lives. And we know that He alone has made all the difference.
Denise,
So true that a heart that’s known grace is one that gives grace. How can we give away what has not been poured into us. Not only poured…but lavishly, overflowingly poured. I have not seen God, but Oh do I know that He is there and He is here within me. I think if we had a sixth sense it would describe faith. It goes beyond seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. All those senses point to God, but faith takes it a step further into trust. Thank you for a beautiful post this morning…
Blessings,
Bev
Bev, I like “But faith takes it a step further into trust” Makes me ponder.
Denise wonderful writing this Sunday morning. My faith is being tested in this season of storm. I needed this, thank you.
Marianne – my faith is being tested as well. Seems many believers are experiencing this lately. Praying that we all focus on God who created those senses and that we would experience that sixth sense of faith as Bev described it. Praying for you.
Thank you Lynne. I agree with you,many storms abound. I am praying for you today. God bless you
Praying for you Lynne…being in the crucible is tough business…there myself lately. ((hugs))
Marianne,
Praying for you as you are being refined…praying that you can hang on to the fact that He will bring you THROUGH the storm! ((hugs)) My beloved 4-legged Zoe is dying…will you pray for me too?
That is so hard, Bev. Animals are precious gifts of God. Saying a prayer that God will comfort you and bring you supernatural peace.
warm thanks…
Marianne, I pray that God — who hung the stars in the sky and filled the ocean depths with water — will meet you in this season, right where you’re at. I pray you will sense His presence, like the arms of the wind, embracing you in a loving hug.
Thank you so much for this. As I gaze at the stars this morning I will hope for His embrace. Blessings to you
Bev, I love this >> “I have not seen God, but Oh do I know that He is there and He is here within me.” Amen!
Praise the name of our Lord for whom all our blessing flows. In walking with the sight of the Lord we will always find our way.
I pray for a blessing from our wonderful Father.
Oh, Sandra, I so appreciate your words here >> “In walking with the sight of the Lord we will always find our way.” Yes, indeed!
Denise,he
Loved this: “Faith is an inward reality with outward expression”! I find that those who have been forgiven much tend to be the best at outward expressions of faith!! ” God wants us to enjoy the substance of His creation, for it all points back to Him, the Creator.” AMEN!!! I can’t imagine looking at the beautiful mountains around my house, or an ocean or the fall colors and not see God’s handiwork!!
For me faith is taking a journey without a destination or GPS just going forward and praying for the best!! Trusting God to know all the moves I need to make!!
Blessings 🙂
Yes, our journey with God really is all about trusting Him. He is faithful, and worthy of our trust. I’m so thankful we serve a faithful God.
Beautiful words, and a beautiful graphic. Thank you for this. I am one who’s experienced that healing grace and can’t help but share it with others. He’s been so good, so faithful! Even when I can’t see the fullness of what He’s doing, I’ve learned to trust that He IS working and present. Of course, the dark times aren’t easy, but they are not as dark as they used to be.
You’re so right, Dena! Once we’ve traversed a few dark times, they tend to become easier since we can look back and see how God was faithful in the past. So we know from experience that He will be faithful again and again.
thank you xx
Thank you for this! I like this comparison with science- interesting viewpoint.
And I especially loved this: “If we could place our faith under a microscope, the substance of our everyday faith would be found in those small, hidden choices we make every day — the choices we make when no one is looking.”
Amen, girl. ☺️
Thanks, Kristi! 🙂