Faith

Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. That is what the people of long ago were praised for.

We have faith. So we understand that everything was made when God commanded it. That's why we believe that what we see was not made out of what could be seen.

Abel had faith. So he offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Because of his faith Abel was praised as a godly man. God said good things about his offerings. Because of his faith Abel still speaks. He speaks even though he is dead.

Enoch had faith. So he was taken from this life. He didn't die. He just couldn't be found. God had taken him away. Before God took him, Enoch was praised as one who pleased God.

Without faith it isn't possible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that he exists. And they must believe that he rewards those who look to him.

Noah had faith. So he built an ark to save his family. He built it because of his great respect for God. God had warned him about things that could not yet be seen. Because of his faith he showed the world that it was guilty. Because of his faith he was considered right with God.

Abraham had faith. So he obeyed God. God called him to go to a place he would later receive as his own. So he went. He did it even though he didn't know where he was going. Because of his faith he made his home in the land God had promised him. He was like an outsider in a strange country. He lived there in tents. So did Isaac and Jacob. They received the same promise he did. Abraham was looking forward to the city that has foundations. He was waiting for the city that God planned and built.

Hebrews 11:1-10

Some answers to prayers are hard to prove. We may ask for someone to be healed from cancer, and it might or might not happen. However, if we pray for guidance, wisdom, and courage, God will give it to us, in the time that He prescribes.

Whether God supernaturally intervenes or is giving us the power to obey Him, we trust His character. We see a true partnership, intimate and intertwined.

An important part of praying is a willingness to be part of the answer.

Our Daily Bread – Hebrews 11:1-10