Praise in the storm

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. –Hebrews 11:1

Faith – complete trust or confidence in someone or something; a strong belief in God or the doctrines of a religion based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. Faith implies placing your needs in the hands of one more capable. In the believer’s life, that trust is placed in the hands of Jesus Christ, and he alone is trustworthy when doing things that we are entirely unable to do ourselves.

Substance – the fundamental physical matter of which a person or thing consists and has a tangible, solid presence. See here that faith is much more than wishful thinking. It causes the believer to elevate beyond wishing but takes on an almost natural state. For the believer, once a request is made to Jesus, it is as good as done. There is no need for a spiritual credit check because if God said it, we believe it, and that settles it.

Hope – a feeling of expectation and desire for a sure thing to happen; grounds for believing something good may happen. Our hope comes from the exercising of our faith. We have such powerful confidence in the Lord that once our request is made, we cannot perceive how it will not pass. No matter how much pain our body is in or what things look like in the natural, we have an internal knowing that refuses to allow us not to believe. That seed of faith within us causes us to look outside of anything our senses can detect. It does not matter what our eyes can see or what our ears can hear. This is because Jesus operates outside of human limitations, and in the spiritual realm, He need only speak the word, and it shall come to pass.

Evidence – the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is accurate or valid; signs, indications. Evidence can be used in a court of law to show the guilt or innocence of a person in a trial. Evidence proves a concept or thought is right or wrong when substantiated and validated. In the spiritual realm, though, it is a bit different. Notice our verse stated that it is “the evidence of things not seen.” You see, the evidence of your breakthrough is already present in the spiritual realm and need only be made manifest in the natural realm where your condition or need exists. Your faith unlocks this evidence; when you walk by faith and not by sight, you will see your deliverance manifest in your life.

So if you want to test these concepts, think of that great need in your life. Now take off your humanity and all its weaknesses and declare your faith. Present your greatest need unto the Lord and leave it at the feet of your great Saviour. Walk in the most incredible display of trust you have ever shown. Walk in anticipation because you are waiting for the spiritual evidence to be shown in your life. Praise Him and thank Him in advance for your breakthrough and deliverance. Don’t wait to see the substance of your request but give Him the glory and Praise in the Storm!