In Hebrews 11:1-12 an explanation of faith takes place. In this passage, we start with a definition of faith, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)”. The remaining verses proceed to describe situations where faith was exercised, and the results of the exercised faith. When we think about the definition of faith, we should realize that faith demands the belief in something before it occurs.

Faith is necessary in order to believe in the creation of all things by God, as stated in Genesis 1:1 (Hebrews 11:3). Scientist, philosophers, and the common person constantly try to rationalize the creation of the universe; however, in the end for the Christian, faith is necessary to believe the Biblical account of creation.

Several people of the Bible had exercised their faith in God. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are specifically sited; these are just a few people. The faith that these individuals exhibited is required of all of us who have chosen to accept Christ and please God (Hebrews 11:6). If we take Noah for example, God spoke to him and asked him to build the Ark. Noah acted on God’s request. (Genesis 6:13-22).

If we look at Sarah, she had passed the child birth years. Yet, after her initial reaction (Genesis 18:9-15), she believed God and exercised her faith. This led to the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7)

These are just a few examples of people exercising their faith in God. Faith in God when exercised can produce outstanding change in ones life. If we take the time to study God’s holy word, the Bible, we will see people who exercised faith in God. These people serve as models for our lives. These examples are timeless, and are applicable to previous generations, to present generations, and to future generations.

Any individual has merely to accept God through Jesus Christ (John 3:16), exercise his or her faith, and benefit from the abundance of God’s blessing. We should each evaluate our faith in God though Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2002