Sure of what we hope for
The writer of Hebrews does not define faith as a feeling. Faith is confident trust in what God has promised, even before we can see the outcome.
Faith is rarely loud. Often it looks like one more act of obedience on a quiet day. Ask God today for the confidence to act on what He has said, even if the evidence is still on its way.
Lord, I want to trust what You have promised more than what I can see. Strengthen my faith today, and give me courage to take the next faithful step, even while the path is still unclear. Amen.
ἔλεγχος (elenchos (EH-leng-khos)). “Conviction” or “proof.” In classical Greek the word could mean a test or a proof. Here it describes faith as a settled conviction about realities we have not yet seen.
Hebrews 11 is often called the “faith chapter,” as it lists people who trusted God, from Abel to the prophets. The writer is encouraging readers who were tempted to give up, reminding them that faith has always looked forward.
Lottie Moon arrived in China as a Southern Baptist missionary and spent decades serving there. Her sacrificial giving inspired the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which still supports international missions today.