Main Thought
We want to grow in faith. There are times when our faith feels strong and vibrant. At other times, we wonder whether we have enough faith. Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith which pleases God is not primarily focused on outcomes - it is focused on God Himself. We believe for a better outcome, but our hope is not anchored to changing circumstances. A faith that depends on circumstances will rise and fall with them.
Instead, our faith rests on the unchanging character of God. He has revealed Himself through creation, proven His love through the Cross, spoken through His Word, and promised to complete His plan. These truths remain constant even when our circumstances do not. As our confidence in God grows, we learn to see our circumstances through His goodness - rather than seeing His goodness through our circumstances. That is the kind of faith that pleases God.
Main Passages
'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. '
- Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV
'And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. '
- Hebrews 11:32-34 ESV
'Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. '
- Hebrews 11:35-38 ESV
Discussion Questions
What truths about God are constant, even when your circumstances change? How can those truths become the foundation of your faith?
Reflect on something difficult that's happened in your life recently. How might viewing that situation through God's goodness change your perspective? Consider questions like these:
a. What might God be teaching you?
b. How might He use this situation to help you grow?
c. How could He use it for something greater?Many of the people in Hebrews 11 obeyed God before they knew how their stories would unfold. What is one area of your life where God may be inviting you to trust or obey Him before you can see the outcome? What practical step of faith can you take this week?