“Faith is confidence in what we hope for”: a devotional on Hebrews 11:1
The chapter begins with a definition and then tells stories. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Then comes a long list of people, from Abel to Rahab, who trusted God when the outcome was not yet visible. Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the Bible’s hall of faith.
Confidence and assurance
Faith is described as confidence and assurance. It is not wishful thinking. It is trust based on God’s character and promises. Faith concerns things not yet seen: future promises, unseen realities, God’s presence. It means living as if those things are real, because they are. The chapter repeats the phrase “by faith” again and again. By faith Noah built an ark. By faith Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going. By faith Moses chose to suffer with God’s people.
Abraham and the promise
Abraham is a central example. He obeyed God’s call, lived in tents in a land promised to him and believed God would give him descendants, even in old age. Verse 13 is striking: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” Faith does not always see its reward in this life.
Verse 6 says that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Ordinary people and looking to Jesus
The list includes flawed people, such as Jacob, Samson and Rahab. Faith is not reserved for the perfect. The chapter ends with people who were persecuted, imprisoned and killed for their faith. Faith sometimes leads through suffering. Hebrews 12 continues by urging believers to run the race with perseverance, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith”.
By faith Moses left Egypt. By faith Sarah, though past childbearing age, received the ability to have a child, because she considered God faithful to his promise. Lord, increase my faith. Help me trust you for what I cannot yet see, and to keep my eyes on Jesus when the road is long. Amen.
