Hebrews 11:1-3
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
“… 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. …”
I was watching an interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson, the noted and popular astrophysicist. He was asked if he believed in God. In essence, what he said was that without some empirical evidence, it is difficult for him to believe in some all powerful being. “I guess that’s why they call it ‘faith’”, he quipped.
Those of us who live by faith don’t need the empirical evidence deGrasse Tyson looks for. We believe even though we cannot see. That is because of the promise – the assurance – God offers through hope. We trust that the Lord will fulfill the promises made to Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Samuel and David, Isaiah and Jeremiah, and to the disciples of Jesus Christ. Our faith rests on the assurance that what cannot be seen is more powerful than what is seen.
In the movie “The Santa Clause”, the main character played by Tim Allen is transported to the North Pole. As he stands gazing out the window, he asks the elf “Is that a polar bear directing traffic?” Her affirmative response elicits his word, “I see it but I don’t believe it.”
The elf’s words are classic: “Seeing is not believing. Believing is seeing!” That is faith.
Prayer: God of the Universe, You created all that exists. Even though we cannot see, help us to believe Your Word, Your promises, and Your assurance. Amen.