“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
These two words- ‘assurance’ and ‘conviction’, describe faith. The beginning point of faith is to believe in God’s character and His word and ending point is believing in God’s promises.
We hope for power in the midst of weakness; we hope for peace in the midst of conflict and for joy in the presence of sorrow; we hope for healing or health in times of sickness. For all these reasons, God’s people require faith to persevere in a difficult world. Faith is believing God’s Word in order to lay hold of things that are promised and make them real in our lives. Faith is the mode by which we possess heavenly things. Faith receives from God the blessings He gives. God gives us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual provision. He promises a “city with foundations,” in which we will live forever (Heb. 11:10). Faith is the evidence of these things in our lives, the conviction that draws strength from them to follow God.
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By faith Abel offered an excellent sacrifice
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By faith Enoch was taken away and did not see death
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By faith Noah moved with Godly fear and prepared an ark to save his household
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By faith Abraham went out and dwelt in the land of promise
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By faith, and because she judged Him faithful, Sarah received strength to conceive… (Hebrews 11)
“By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation’s grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight…” ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend