Believing is Seeing

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

  

When a specific verse or theme is mentioned repeatedly from a variety of sources in the span of a week, I tend to sit up and take notice.  Last week, that theme was "faith" and the recurring passage was Hebrews 11:1.  You can ask me or ask anyone who knows me whether or not I have faith, and the answer will undoubtedly be yes.  But, lately, I've been learning a deeper lesson about faith that believes what it cannot see.

I've had a front row seat for about a month now to a situation that, by all counts, appears hopeless.  Multiple times a week, I find myself starting out a prayer with "God, I don't see how you could bring good from this ..." but before I can even finish the thought, I hear Hebrews 11:1 playing in my memory, "...certain of what we do not see." 

Growing up in church, hearing about faith all my life, I never thought it was that tough of a concept.  But, now, I'm realizing, believing God for something I know is His will, that I'm asking for in Jesus' name, agreeing with other believers about, but I cannot see any evidence of whatsoever at the moment, takes faith on a whole new level. 

And, I'm reminded of Joshua 6:1-2.

Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men..."

Did you catch that?  Jericho was shut up tightly.  Impenetrable.  Then God says, "See, I'm going ot give you that."  God asks Joshua to see a reality beyond all physical evidence or circumstance.  He wants Him to see the victory before the march around the walls has even begun!  I am so encouraged by that! 

For me, today, believing is seeing.  Believing God can and will do what I can barely bring myself to speak of or hope for, is looking at a securely fortified city and knowing victory is as good as accomplished.

I would have dispaired had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord and be of good cheer, He will strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14