Faith and Hope
Biblical faith is anchored in hope, not in circumstances. Our circumstances should have no bearing on our faith. Hebrews 11 proves that. Most of the chapter highlights people such as Noah, Abraham, Moses and others "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again” (Hebrews 11:33-35, NIV). These are wonderful stories of faith.
But Hebrews 11 also says: "Others were tortured and refused to be released. ... Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. ... They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground" (Hebrews 11:35-38, NIV). Did these people not have "enough faith" to escape these afflictions?
In thanking the Christians at Philippi for their gift, Paul wrote, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
That is biblical faith! It is faith that lives above circumstances, not on circumstances. It trusts the character of God and stands on hope.
"Hope" is not wishful thinking but a certainty that despite our circumstances, God has everything in control. No matter what happens, biblical faith continues to hope in God.
When life becomes unbearably difficult, faith in faith will never see us through our difficult times. Life takes a faith that recognizes the character of God, rests in a trust of God and revels in the hope of God. We should not settle for anything less.
Biblical faith is anchored in hope, not in circumstances. Our circumstances should have no bearing on our faith. Hebrews 11 proves that. Most of the chapter highlights people such as Noah, Abraham, Moses and others "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again” (Hebrews 11:33-35, NIV). These are wonderful stories of faith.
But Hebrews 11 also says: "Others were tortured and refused to be released. ... Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. ... They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground" (Hebrews 11:35-38, NIV). Did these people not have "enough faith" to escape these afflictions?
In thanking the Christians at Philippi for their gift, Paul wrote, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
That is biblical faith! It is faith that lives above circumstances, not on circumstances. It trusts the character of God and stands on hope.
"Hope" is not wishful thinking but a certainty that despite our circumstances, God has everything in control. No matter what happens, biblical faith continues to hope in God.
When life becomes unbearably difficult, faith in faith will never see us through our difficult times. Life takes a faith that recognizes the character of God, rests in a trust of God and revels in the hope of God. We should not settle for anything less.
