“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
(Hebrews 11:1, NASB)
Faith – it is such a difficult concept to figure out; and so, we often turn to Hebrews 11 for help when we need to boost our faith.
The chapter lists the many acts of faith which the heroes endured. Each one is amazing, building our confidence in God. The chapter also reminds us of those who endured but did not get the expected outcome. They had faith, equally great, yet we are told:
“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
because God had provided something better for us,
so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”
(Hebrews 11:39-40, NASB)
They prayed, in faith believing their prayers would be answered, yet they did not see the answer in their lifetime. They have been commended in this chapter for holding on and believing, even when they could not see the fulfillment of the promise. Basically, they died believing.
But they all lived by faith in God, expressed in a variety of ways.
What are we to do in those times when we are not seeing the answer to our prayers?
“For now we
see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face;
now I know in part, but
then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.”
(1 Corinthians 13:12, NASB)
We may not be able to see circumstances clearly, or fully, in this life. They may not ever make sense. At times, we will receive that which we pray for. Other times, we may not. But it does not change who our God is – loving, merciful, faithful, and full of grace.
It means He sees the complete picture of His plan from beginning to end.
We only see a small part.
It means we see things like a puzzling reflection.
He sees clearly.
May we pray and live in faith.
Believing in our God.
Whether we see or not.
How do you hold onto faith when it seems your prayers go unanswered? Is there something we can be praying along with you?
Photo by Michael D on Unsplash
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