Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
I’ve heard this verse from every minister. I have read it a hundred times, but a few weeks ago this verse jumped out at me and spoke to my heart causing me to meditate on each word.
The Bible scriptures are powerful and are meant for our advantage. We are to use them to navigate this life.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Each word is not randomly placed. Each word is important. Each word in the scriptures is powerful in of themselves. To really understand the Bible we need to “know” the Bible. We need to break down the scripture then meditate on it allowing God to speak truth to us. We are to mull over them throughout the day. That way we get a deep understanding what they mean. The more we meditate on them the greater the revelation. That's when we can grab hold of them and use them. They become as seeds when planted in good soil that produce a great harvest (Mark 4:9).
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Success and prosperity aren’t restricted to our career or to wealth. It applies to our emotional well-being, our spiritual well-being, our health and so much more.
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
We find delight when meditating on the Word of God. It keeps us in harmony with the way God created us to live in this land.
Now back to the verse in question:
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Many of us have become accustomed to just throwing the word “hope” out there myself included. But to really have hope in something requires faith to back it up. Faith is the “substance” of hope. To have faith we have to see it coming to pass before it does. We need to imagine it happening and we need to expect that our hope will be fulfilled. If not then it is just wishful thinking with no back-bone behind it.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
When we hope for something it is a form of asking. It should be something that we believe will happen. If we are always wavering how will our mind know that it is really something that we want?
The definition of hope is: noun: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust; verb: want something to happen or be the case.
If we hope for something it should a desire. The good news is that God is in the “desire” business.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
However, we have to play by His rules.
Jesus said in John 10:10
The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
God wants us to have an abundant life; an abundance of peace, joy, contentment and more.
The next time you hope for something make sure it is something God wills for you then put some faith behind your hope. Give your hope some substance. Imagine your desire coming true then hang on tight believing that it will come true without wavering until you see it come to pass.
Remember, the prayers we pray, the things we ask of God, our hopes and desires He fulfills if we ask and believe in faith without doubting. When we don’t see them answered it is because it was against the word of God, we stopped believing for them or we were so focused on something else we didn’t recognize they came true.
Our prayers, hopes, and desires aren’t always answered exactly how we expect but they are always answered as we prayed. God must work through people. Our prayers, hopes and desires mostly come through us acting on what God instructs us to do or through other people hearing God and obeying Him. They aren’t always instantaneously answered. They can take time.
This is my new goal. I will give substance to my hopes. My imagination and thoughts will give evidence to my hope and I will start seeing better results. I don’t want my hopes just to be thrown out into the world to be blown away. I want my hopes for other people and myself to come true. There is great joy witnessing a hope for someone else being fulfilled.
