Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
What are you hoping for right now? Is it something immediate or eternal? Perseverance until the end is needed for both as Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
I remember an old hymn from childhood that said, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.” I can remember hearing my dad singing that hymn with gusto in church. The words can certainly be applied to this past week for me. How about you?
The Hebrews author warned and encouraged the believers to remain faithful despite persecution and trials of life. To hold fast to their anchor of faith in Christ, which is superior to the old Jewish sacrificial system and temple worship. Romans 8:24 declares, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” Right here is the perfect definition of “hope” and it is found in the Bible! The hymn of “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” fits then and now and was written in 1863 by William B. Bradbury. Words of the chorus were: “On Christ, the solid rock I stand: all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
Can you walk by faith right now in handling a trying situation? 2 Corinthians 5:7 declares, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Do I always have courage while going through a trial? No, not always because in my weakness I can’t see the end. Jon Courson’s commentary states, “Faith is the substance of what you know is coming your way, even though it is not yet seen. Faith isn’t wishful thinking. No, based on the Word of God, faith says, “Whether I see it presently, understand it intellectually, or experience it immediately, I know what God says, He’ll do, He will do.”
Stake your anchor of faith in Psalm 7:10, “My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” Think about that when you are overwhelmed. Speak truth back to your doubts with the promises of God as your armor.
We all are fighting a battle in something. Mike Rowe, who has a segment on TV and Podcast called “The Way I Heard It” recently said, “We all have our own poop, however, do not neglect the gift you have been given (1 Timothy 4:14).” Confidently determine to set yourself as an example of integrity, love, faith, and hope, displayed in your anchor of faith.
“This is a time when all of God’s people need to keep their eyes and their Bibles wide open. We must ask God for discernment as never before.” David Jeremiah, Until Christ Returns: Living Faithfully Today While We Wait for Our Glorious Tomorrow. As you seek to do that today, let it set you above the crowd as you put your hope and faith in the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you (Ephesians 1:18-20).
The Message states Hebrews 11:1-2 this way, “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” May we (I) do the same.
Listen to Shane & Shane – You’ve Already Won (Lyrics)