Faith=Confidence

Hebrew 11:1-2 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony" The picture that I think I have had of faith in my mind and my heart is sort of mystical, you know something that you can't really understand, but you know that it is an important part of your walk. I think this illustration used in "In Search of a Confident Faith" says it better. The author speaks of a young girl who asked of him one time, "If you can prove that God is real what would be the purpose of faith?" This really is the way I have looked at faith, just something to fill in the gap to that which is unknown. When we understand faith as being a confidence in God (which is a literal meaning) it shines like a beacon on scripture and on how important it is to know intimately our Heavenly Father. When I read chapter 11 of Hebrews, which is familiar to most believers and I put in the phrase "God confidence" where the word faith is it was like that beacon shining through to my heart! How did these ordinary people, unexpected people do such extraordinary things? God confidence! Faith! Their faith was counted to them righteousness! We know that our righteousness is counted to us on behalf of our Savior, it is my confidence in God, not myself or the things I have done, or the things I will do that make me righteous before Him, but because I have confidence in the Father's work of salvation on my behalf through Jesus Christ! Wow! Rejoice in that today and tomorrow and the next day! What freedom comes to my heart when I understand and you understand that it is not faith just for faith sake, but a deep rooted confidence in an Almighty, Sovereign Father that leads us through this life and into the one to come. Can you say Hallelujah? Think about it!