“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV).

When I was eight years old, the circus was coming to town. I thought it unlikely, but I hoped I would be able to go. We were not “dirt poor” (we never went without food), but we had no extras for luxuries like entertainment. I don’t recall asking my dad, but somehow, he knew I wanted to go. Mid-week he came home and told me we were going to the circus that weekend, and I knew it was true. His promise was all I needed. My hope had become a certainty because my father said so, and I knew I could count on my father. I didn’t hope my certainty into existence. I didn’t badger my father into going—I don’t even remember asking. I had no idea how he could pull it off, but I knew he would.  He knew my hope, he cared enough to promise and he was capable of completing his promise; so, I knew the circus would come true for me. My faith, that hope grounded in certainty, was not imagined by a heartfelt desire. It was fully grounded on the character, capacity and commitment of my father.

What is this thing we call faith? Is it a hope we cannot stand to lose, so we fashion it into a belief? Is it a promise that others believe, so we join them in the believing?

When Scripture teaches us to have faith, it clearly identifies where we should focus our faith. We cannot focus our faith on hope to get what we want. Faith is not a magic wand that we fashion from deep desire. We cannot wave it often enough, with enough passion and with all the right words to accomplish our dreams. No, our hope cannot create on our faith, and our faith cannot focus on our hope. God must be the source and sole focus of our faith.

His character:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8, ESV).

His capacity: 

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20a, ESV).

His wisdom:

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33, ESV).

Biblical faith is rooted in God Himself, His character, capacity, wisdom, commitment and love. Focusing our faith on Him means measuring our hope against His will and His Word, holding loosely our desires, then handing both desire and imagination to Him, so He may use them for our good and for His love of all mankind.

Our hope becomes faith when we take our sincere desires, measure them against His Word and hand them over to the One we know we can trust.

—Gene Rudd MD

Dear Father,

Let me put my trust in you.

Amen