Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

What does this mean?

The writer of Hebrews is about to tell stories of people who trusted God, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and he begins by describing what faith is. The King James uses two older words here: faith is the 'substance' of things hoped for, and the 'evidence' of things not seen. 'Substance' means something solid to stand on, a firm foundation under what you are hoping for. 'Evidence' means a settled conviction, the inner proof that what you cannot see is still real. In plainer words, faith is a solid confidence in what God has promised.

What does this teach us?

Faith is not pretending to be certain about what you can see. It is trusting God's word about what you cannot see yet, and living today as if his promises are already true.

How can we apply this?

Pick one promise of God that you cannot see fulfilled yet, provision, healing, a restored relationship, and live today as though it is true. Take one action that only makes sense if God keeps his word, and let your feet catch up with your faith.

Related KJV passages

• “But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

  Hebrews 11:6

• “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it .”

  Romans 8:24-25

• “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

  2 Corinthians 5:7