QUALITY FAITH: JUDGING GOD FAITHFUL

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”—Hebrews 11:1

It is important to understand the meaning of four key words in the Hebrews 11:1.    The words are faith, substance, hope and evidence.  When the word “faith” is used it means what you believe in, "substance" has the meaning of assurance and confidence; whereas "hope" means to expect, and "evidence" is the proof.  So, if we place these words into the reading of Hebrews 11:1 and make it personal, the scripture would read, now what I believe in is the assurance of things that I expect for, the proof of things not seen.”  To gain further understanding of Hebrews 11:1 let me use the following example:  If I would call you on the telephone and tell you that I was coming right over to your house, and the doorbell rang a few minutes later; you would not be surprise that it was me when you opened the door.  But, if it was someone else, you would be surprised.  However, some people that read Hebrews 11:1 are surprised when the answer comes to them exactly what they have asked for, or they never expect an answer to come.  Today what is the quality of your faith?  Does your faith rest in the confident expectation that what believe will come to pass even before you see it with your natural eyes?

God promised Sarah a child when she was passed the childbearing age.  However, “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Sarah did not question if she had enough faith.  Quality faith is judging God faithful.  Sarah judged that the promise maker would keep His word. 

Many times I have heard people say, “Well I guess I just did not have enough faith.”  However, Jesus said that faith as small as a grain of mustard seed would remove mountains, and nothing would be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20). You have been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).  Faith is meant to be exercised and used.  In yesterday’s devotional, I told you how I first began to exercise my faith by asking God for bread and how it was provided.  I found in the Scripture where it was written (I found the will of God) and then I judged God faithful to His Word.  Your faith is not based on how much you have, but in quality. 

Prayer—Father I thank you for the faith that you have given to me.  Never again will I be deceived into thinking that I do not have enough faith.  I choose to exercise and develop my faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.