​The Assurance of Things Hoped for Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
 

Reflection:

In these powerful verses, the author of Hebrews presents a profound definition of faith. Faith is not just a vague hope or a simple wish; it is an assurance and a conviction. It is the confident trust in God’s promises, even when we cannot see their fulfillment with our physical eyes.
 

Faith as Assurance: When we talk about faith being the “assurance of things hoped for,” we acknowledge that our hope is rooted in God’s character. We can trust Him because He is faithful, unchanging, and good. In times of uncertainty, our faith provides a firm foundation, reminding us that God is at work, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Faith as Conviction: The “conviction of things not seen” encourages us to look beyond our immediate surroundings. It invites us to believe in God’s presence and action in our lives, even if we can’t perceive it. This conviction allows us to walk confidently into the future, knowing that God’s plan is in motion.
 

Historical Example: The writer also reminds us of the heroes of faith—those who have gone before us and received commendation for their unwavering trust in God. Their stories encourage us to persevere and to hold tightly to our faith, especially when we face challenges.

Creation and Understanding: Verse 3 highlights how faith gives us an understanding of the world around us. The universe was created by God’s word, a reality we accept by faith. This not only speaks to the origins of creation but also challenges us to see the beauty and intricacy of God’s handiwork in our daily lives.
 

Application: As we meditate on these verses, let’s ask ourselves:

• What are the areas in our lives where we need to exercise faith?

• Are there situations that feel overwhelming or uncertain, where we can choose to trust in God’s promises instead?

• How can we cultivate a deeper conviction in our daily walk with God?
   

Let us be encouraged by the assurance that our faith is not in vain. We serve a God who created the universe and continues to work in our lives. May our faith inspire us to trust Him more fully, to hope boldly, and to share this assurance with those around us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith. Help us to trust in You, even when we cannot see the way forward. Strengthen our conviction and assure our hearts in Your promises. May we walk in faith, inspired by the examples of those who have gone before us. Amen.

 

As we gather at Goodwill Church, may our hearts be encouraged to live out our faith boldly and share the assurance of God’s promises with our community.