The Soil That Grows Faith

The writer of Hebrews states that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is the conviction of the truth, it is believing what God has said He will do, even though we cannot see any sign of it in front of us. All of us have something we hope for, all of us have something we are believing will happen one day. This is faith. Many of us are waiting on a promise from God to be fulfilled in our lives and it is seemingly taking a very long time.

Regardless of whether we like it or not, much of the Christian life, if not all of the Christian life is lived by faith. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” In fact, faith is such a part of the Christian journey that the writer of Hebrews states; “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 11:6).” It is our faith in God that pleases him, it is a heart attitude that says, “Lord I don’t know where all this is going but I trust you, I believe it will turn out for my good and your glory.” When we take steps of obedience and faith not knowing how it will all work out and trusting Him alone, He is pleased. He is honoured.

Hebrews 11 is filled with individuals who all walked by faith. In fact many have called it the “Hall of Faith.” These saints who have been inducted into the hall were all longing for a day in which what they hoped for was fulfilled. They walked through many difficulties, horrific tragedies and still hung on to trust in God. They serve as our examples along with the great cloud of witnesses. Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel and the prophets just to name a few.

Through faith these individuals conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, enforced justice, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness and much more. 

But what did they endure? Torture, mocking flogging, chains and imprisonment, they were stoned, sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted and mistreated–of whom the world was not worthy wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. This is the life of faith, this is par for the course. In fact, there is no other way, this is the soil where faith takes root. Faith grows in affliction, silence, the endless ache of being uncomfortable, the longing and waiting of that which cannot be seen. Faith is messy, it almost never makes logical sense, you will almost always be misunderstood when walking by faith. To see the promises of God come to pass in your life you will indeed have to walk through cold winters, dry desserts, empty caves, you will come across rejection and persecution, you walk the painful road of being misunderstood, but my friend, even when you cannot see two feet in front of you, know this. He is leading you, guiding you. He is growing your faith and trust in Him. He is making your roots go down deep, planted by streams of water that will yield much fruit. This is the soil that grows faith! Hold on to Him watch as He fulfills His promises.