Faith Defined

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1 HCSB

It was Christmas and our children so wanted and hoped for a Nintendo game system. With each gift opened we could see the excitement and expectation on their faces, hoping they would get the new game system that all of the other children seemed to already have. They had seemingly opened all the gifts, but there had been no Nintendo. Disappointment was on their faces and their heads seemed to drop as they realized there would be no Nintendo at the Moore house. But alas, there was one last gift from Grandmother and Grandfather that was brought out from behind the Christmas tree. All four of our children tore the red ribbon off the top and then began to tear the wrapping paper off the box. When they realized it was a Nintendo, they all screamed with excitement. For hours they took turns playing the Nintendo What they had hoped for, they had truly received.

Hebrews 11:1 is a familiar passage that many people have memorized about faith. Some have said that this verse defines faith. Faith is trusting in God; it is the foundation of hope. When someone has faith, he hopes for something that he has not yet seen or experienced. Believers place their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, trusting in God’s promise that those who believe in Him will be forgiven and receive eternal life. We have not yet seen what eternal life is like, but by faith we trust God that He will keep His promise that someday we will receive and experience eternal life where there is no pain or suffering.

Challenge: Do you have faith in God? Do you trust in His promises? God is trustworthy. He always keeps His promises. By faith, trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and you can be assured that your hope for eternal life will someday become a reality.

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