Faith: A Foundation of Hope
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." —Hebrews 17: 1-3
The Orthodox Study Bible commentary says this is not so much of a definition. It is how faith works, especially during hard times. Paul goes on writing through the whole chapter of Hebrews 11 to list many generations in the Bible who through faith did a certain action not knowing "how." One can look no further than Noah to see faith. I mean, the faith Noah must have had to build an ark, or in today's terms a ship! Try
explaining that to others when no major water is nearby.
Faith as Perseverance
Faith is things hoped for and not seen—a vision of the future that helps us carry on and persevere. In the Bible, we see many examples of people throughout history encouraged by God. We, too, can carry on in faith, persevering in situations that may be difficult to understand. We all carry our own burdens, each one of us. A way to strengthen our faith is through reading the scriptures. What better practice for Lent?
Wherefore, let us knock at that very fair garden of the Scriptures, so fragrant and sweet and blooming, with its varied sounds of spiritual and divinely-inspired birds ringing all around our ears, laying hold of our hearts, comforting the mourner, pacifying the angry and filling him with joy everlasting, bearing us up to the Only-begotten Son and bringing us through Him to the Father of Lights. —St. John of Damascus
Our ancestries, both in the Bible and Christianity, and in our genetic and cultural family histories, form us. Whatever earthly ancestry may encompass us, we—as Christians—are blessed to have God as our ultimate Father. He has given us tools to live in the Faith. He has given us a way to live in hope if only we accept his outpouring of Love. Life may still be difficult at times but in Faith we carry-on, attending Liturgy, participating in the Sacraments, Praying to God to foster our relationship with Him, and in reading the Bible and edifying spiritual writings.
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. —St. Paul, Hebrews 13: 20-21
In His Love,
Paisia
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
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