Ezekiel 1-2 Hebrews 11:1-19

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NCV)

Thus begins perhaps the most well-known chapter in the book of Hebrews, the Faith Chapter. This chapter tells us about faith and gives examples of faith in action. It begins, however, with a beautiful definition of what faith is. Faith is confidence in what we hope for. Some have misused that part of the definition to promote their view of materialistic theology. They would tell you that if you believe, if you name it and claim it, you will receive. Faith isn’t a tool to ensure material wealth, it’s a natural result of our relationship with God. As Christians, what we hope for is a growing relationship with God and a home in heaven with Him. Our faith gives us confidence that we’re walking with God and assurance that our home’s in heaven with Him.

Why would we waste hope on anything less than our relationship with God while we live on this earth and our future home in heaven? The things of this earth break, are destroyed, disappear, or fade away. If our hope is found in material things and we get what we hope for, we end up with a problem: we’re usually not satisfied and find something else to hope for. Did you hope for that beautiful three-bedroom house and get it? When you get it did you realize that four bedrooms would be better? Hope should always be focused on God and not on things. Things are nice but are worthless compared to our relationship with God. Our faith is found in our hope in God. Whether we have a lot of material goods or almost nothing, our hope, our faith in God will stay strong.

Lord, my faith, my hope is in You. You will never fail. Even though I can’t see You, I see Your work and I’m assured of Your presence. Thank You that I have hope for life on this world and hope for eternal life with You.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.