Faith and Hope

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith, we understand the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 1:1-3 Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached? You were excited and anxious. You knew you would certainly receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays combined assurance and anticipation, and so does faith. Faith is the conviction based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. Two words describe that faith: sure and certain. These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point. The beginning point of faith is believing in God's character - He is who He says He is. The end point is believing in God's promises - He will do what He says He will do. When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don't see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate to true faith. May the Lord renew your faith today. God Bless you, J.H.