“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1-2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The author of the letter reminded us yesterday that faith requires consistency. He now moves on to highlight to us further what faith is. He does this by reminding us of the dedication of ancient patriarchs and the modern (at the time) heroes of faith. Please take this moment to read the rest of Hebrews chapter 11 and see the examples of faith the author extorts.

The stories mentioned are the outcome of endurance in faith. So if we are to be enduring in the same confidence in the same God as the Bible, our lives should have testimonies of persecutions, ability to suffer, and acts that show it only could have been God (walls falling, lions’ mouths being shut etc.), getting into positions of extreme weakness where then God’s strength manifests or obtaining promises which were foretold in the Scriptures. Please note throughout the list that it is not about prosperity, money falling into your laps, having an easy life or living in a world filled with sin and corruption. Your faith will bring you into challenging hardship which is why the modern testimonies of faith (at the time of writing the letter) were extreme hardship, suffering and exile from the society they lived. This is what the author points to when he says that “faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen”. True faith will bring you to a position of demonstrating your belief in what the Bible says at all costs (for example, you will not deny Jesus publicly). It will give you opportunities to prove that to the eyes of man, you look insane because you choose to behave in a way that is contrary to the rest of the world.

If you have true faith, you will be brought to the position of having to demonstrate your faith in action, not just words.

This need for testimony is why faith without works is dead, and I recommend that you go read James 2:14-26 because if we have true faith, we will end up demonstrating it in deeds that highlight our belief and glorify our God. Today take a moment to reflect on your life and walk with God and determine if it shows your faith in action. If, upon honest reflection, you realise your faith brings deeds that are the same as atheists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other religions, then I beg of you to determine to make your faith in Jesus bring about true Biblical testimonies so that you may be approved.