Faith Beyond Evidence | UMC YoungPeople
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17
August 2016

Faith Beyond Evidence

By Mary Kuronzwi

When I was still in primary school I told myself that I wanted to go to university and study something I would enjoy. At that time I did not know exactly what one does in university or even the requirements – I just knew it was expensive. While my family did not have a lot of money, I had faith that I would get there. When it was time, God provided for me.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the confidence to hope for that which we do not see. Sometimes people use the terms “faith” and “belief” interchangeably,” but they are not exactly the same thing. Faith is more than believing. For belief to be faith, it must shine a light on what is certainly true. According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. There's no time for evidence collection, to wait, to hear, for certainty. Faith gives us the power trust, even in moments of human weakness. It supersedes evidence in our lives. Faith is the state of being convinced about what we hope for.

Just believe and have faith. Jesus is the real deal and faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is more than having evidence; according to the scriptures, faith helps us understand that the world was framed by a God who is active in this world, even if that activity is not always visible. Having this faith makes us close to God, provides us with strength, and inspires our worship.

It is written “seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything shall be added unto you.” If you have faith, you can take overcome all things irrespective of tribe or status. Just like the parent who has children, even there is no guarantee about what kind of life that child will have, we act in faith when there is no guarantee, no certainty. No one knows what kind of life an infant will have, yet people continue to have children. We have faith that God is ultimately in control and helps us in a difficult world. 1 John 5:4 says, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

God is always faithful and, unlike human beings, he never changes.

God is always faithful and, unlike human beings, he never changes. Having faith in Jesus Christ means relying completely on Him and trusting in His infinite power, intelligence and His love. It means believing in that love even when it is beyond our understanding.

Questions: Why is it important to have faith? What happens when you do not have faith?

Young Adult devotions by Mary Kuronzwi.