They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. (Heb. 11:13)
In the popular movie, The Santa Clause, the main character who had become Santa did not believe he was Santa, even though everything around him pointed to the fact he was. He did not “feel” like Santa and questioned his reality. Was he really speaking with an elf? Was there really a polar bear directing traffic? Was he really on the North Pole? The elf’s statement changed the trajectory of the movie: “Seeing isn’t believing; believing is seeing.”
The believers we read about in the Hall of Faith did not see the full extent of the promise God made, yet they believed. Their faith in God carried them, not what they could visualize. They had no idea when the promise would come to fruition. Nothing confirmed the promises they held to but God alone. And he was enough. Their belief allowed them to anticipate what was unseen and know it to be true. They believed God and acted based on what God said.
Sometimes our doubt gets in the way of our vision. Unbelief is a great peril to faith. However, everything around us gives proof of the sovereign reign of God—our salvation, nature, his power, life, and other common graces we still can’t see. Lord, give us the faith that is rooted in certainty, no matter what it looks like.
Believe, perceive, and act on the promises of God.
Ladrienne Cage McFarland enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, VBS, crafting, and studying God’s word.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
