Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
1 Peter 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Hebrews 6:12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:18 we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul
There is so much misunderstanding in the Christian world today about what faith is. Most people think faith is believing that God will do what they want Him to do. They think, “If I can just believe intently enough, then I will get that promotion, or God will heal my sickness, or He will save my marriage.” “Faith extends beyond what we learn from our senses, and the author is saying that it has its reasons. Its tests are not those of the senses, which yield uncertainty.” Faith has its reasons. The Bible doesn’t recommend a “blind leap” of faith. But the reasons can’t be measured in a laboratory; they have to be understood spiritually. Faith does not contradict reason, though it may go beyond reason. One may objectively prove the Bible is the most unique book ever published and has impacted society more than any other book. But only faith can prove that the Bible is the Word of God. Therefore, this is a belief beyond reason but not in contradiction to reason or against reason. Faith is not a bare belief or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to. By faith we can wait on God for His perfect purpose in our lives. By faith we can surrender our requests before God and allow His will to be done. By faith we have assurance that God is in control and He exceeds our imagination in power, might, love, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. By faith we should want what God wants. By faith we have reason for hope. By faith we live so that all we say, think, and do honors and glorifies Jesus Christ. Surely God is able to do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine. By faith we find a peace and rest that passes all understanding.
