I've been thinking a lot about faith recently...
And not 'my faith' per se, just the entire idea of it. And there is a verse that I keep going back to, any time I think if faith as a topic and this verse literally breaks down the entire topic. Let's frame this correctly:
I love this verse. Honestly, when it comes to my walk with Christ, this is the one I always go back to. And if you know the bible, you will know that Hebrews 11 is what people consider the 'faith chapter' where it goes point by point and gives examples of faith shown by individuals in the bible.
Faith is a funny thing....
It's a wonderful thing.
But it does take a leap or two if you choose to fully embrace it. Look at that verse and break it down...
The things hoped for, but not seen....That unfortunately makes a lot of people not trust religion, and more specifically the Christian religion. Because if we are honest with ourselves, we all have a little biut of 'doubting Thomas' in us...
The context of this verse is that Jesus has risen from the grave. His apostles are all gathered and they are starting to understand everything Jesus said would happen. They are filled with joy and ready to see what is next.
But here comes Thomas, and even with all his brethren telling him they saw the Lord, he doesn't believe them. Look at that statement he utters near the end of the verse.....
"I will not believe!"
When I read this verse I always and I mean, always, go back to Hebrews 11:1. But here is clear evidence that God knows most will doubt. Most won't believe until they SEE something. But oh ye' of little faith, seeing something isn't always what it's cracked up to be...Let's dive deeper:
Look at what Christ even says about this, way before He is crucified. Pay close attention to verse 24....The deceptions and false prophets in the last days will SHOW great signs and wonders. Eyes can be deceiving which is why Christ follows up with Thomas and says to him after He presents himself to the doubting apostle....
Jesus lovingly shows Thomas the error in 'faith by seeing only'. The real blessing Christ says is those that believe without seeing their Lord physically.
That's faith.
That's Hebrews 11:1 because we know from Scripture that every eye will eventually see Him.
The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
If you are struggling with your faith, remember, God knows that most people will. But the hope in Christ is what we are aiming for. And when we hold on to that, we know how it all plays out.
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