Living by Faith, Not by Fear

 Living by Faith, Not by Fear

Hebrews 10:39-11:1 (NIV)

10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Life often presents us with challenges, uncertainties, and hardships that can stir doubt and make us question our path. Yet, in the face of adversity, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to stand firm. We are reminded that as God’s children, we are not meant to "shrink back" in fear or hesitation, we must stand firm in faith.

Hebrew 11:1 gives a clear definition of what faith is: "the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This faith isn’t based on things we can always tangibly measure or see; it is a deep trust in God’s promises. Even when we cannot see the outcome, faith gives us the confidence to keep moving forward, assured that God’s plans are good and He will remain faithful to His Word. Faith is more than just an abstract concept. It is an active trust in God that compels us to action. Throughout the Bible, faith is portrayed in the lives of people who trusted God even when they didn’t see the full picture. Abraham left his homeland not knowing where he was going, Moses led the Israelites through the desert, and David stood against Goliath. Their actions were fueled by their belief that God would fulfill His promises.

In our lives today, we are called to that same kind of faith. Perhaps we are waiting on God to answer prayers, wrestling with decisions, or walking through difficult seasons. Whatever the situation, faith requires that we trust God even when we don’t yet see the outcome. It is easy to shrink back when we feel afraid or uncertain, but God’s Spirit gives us the strength to press on, confident in His goodness and love.

Here is my personal testimony of believing that God keeps His promises. Forty years ago, doctor confirmed that I had a bone growing down in my food, I was unable to walk. I was given a prescription and was told that if medication did not work, I would need surgery to remove the bone. I tore up the prescription and had a little talk with Jesus. I reminded the Lord of His promise, that He is the Lord my healer, and Jesus said, “by My I am stripes you are healed”. For the first week I was having pain but by faith I believed that God had healed me. Praised the Lord, it is forty years, and I am completely healed, no pain!!!

As you reflect on these verses be encouraged. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging you not to give up, reminding you that you are part of a long lineage of believers who have walked this path before. As God’s child you are not of those who shrink back, but of those who press forward with confidence in God’s promises. Even when the path ahead is unclear, you can trust that God is with you and will see you through every challenge.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live by faith and not by fear. Strengthen my trust in You, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain. Let my confidence be in Your promises and not in my own understanding. Help me to be assured of Your presence even when I don’t see the full picture. Amen

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