Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
There’s something profound about faith that needs to be clearly understood. Faith can be “seen,” howbeit, not with the optical eyes; it’s seen in the spirit. The definition of faith as read in Hebrews 11:1 is an explanation as God, by the Spirit, presents it to man. In the spirit, it’s not put in those words because faith is of the spirit and can be “seen” in the spirit.
Take for example in Mark chapter two when Jesus was in a house teaching and the Bible says the place became packed with people that there was no space left, not even near the door. Attempting to press through that crowd were four men, carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. But due to the large crowd, they couldn’t get through the door to where Jesus was and so decided to go up to the roof, dug through it, and lowered the paralyzed man down on his mat, right in front of Jesus. The Bible says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5).
Jesus “saw” their faith; how? In their action! Paul had a similar experience in Lystra with a certain man who was crippled from birth and had never walked. The Bible says, “The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:9-10).
Notice the Word “perceiving”; it actually means “seeing”; Paul “saw” the man’s faith in the way he listened and received the Word. The Complete Jewish Bible actually says, Paul, “…looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” He jumped up and began to walk” (Acts 14:9-10 CJB).
Faith is seen in your words, actions, and even your disposition. Faith is not passive or docile; you prove your faith by your actions. That’s why the Bible says, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). Faith isn’t a response of the brain or of the mind; it’s the response of your spirit to God’s Word. Hallelujah!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, I anchor my faith firmly on your Word, regardless of the circumstances or reports around me. I see beyond the natural and perceive your will and purposes through the eyes of faith, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
Romans 10:17; James 2:17-18; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 14:8-10 AMPC
1-year bible reading plan
Galatians 6:1-18; Isaiah 9-10
2-year bible reading plan
1 Timothy 5:19-25; Jeremiah 40