January 7: By Faith We Understand
Hebrews 11:3 (ESV)
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Picture this:
A young child stands in awe beneath a sprawling night sky. Millions of stars twinkle above, and for a moment, the vastness of it all takes their breath away. They turn to their parent and ask, "Who made all of this?" The answer might be simple, but the wonder behind it is profound. This question of "how" and "why" stretches beyond childhood curiosity. It’s one of the deepest pursuits of the human heart: How did all of this come to be?
In Hebrews 11:3, we are reminded that it is by faith—not sight, not science, not speculation—that we grasp the origins of the universe. Faith anchors us in the truth that everything we see was spoken into being by a God we cannot see. Today, we explore the interplay of faith, understanding, and the grandeur of God's creative power.
The Context of Hebrews 11:3
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often called the "Hall of Faith." It’s a vivid landscape of stories that showcase ordinary people trusting an extraordinary God. Positioned at the chapter's start, Hebrews 11:3 sets the tone. The writer declares that faith is the lens through which we perceive reality—past, present, and future.
In the ancient world, this declaration was countercultural. Surrounding cultures often attributed creation to chaotic forces or a pantheon of warring gods. But the God of the Bible stands apart. He creates with intention, authority, and beauty. This verse invites us to lean not on human understanding but on the firm foundation of God's revelation.
Faith as the Foundation of Understanding
The modern world often pits faith against reason, as if the two were mutually exclusive. But Hebrews 11:3 reveals a harmonious relationship. Faith is not the absence of understanding; it is the gateway to true understanding. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
Faith enables us to see beyond the veil of the material world to the spiritual truths that underpin it. Consider the creation account in Genesis 1. God speaks, and galaxies swirl into motion. He commands, and oceans teem with life. Without faith, these words might sound like poetry or myth. But through faith, we see them as the living truth—a testament to God's power and purpose.
Here’s a question for reflection: Do we approach the world with an attitude of trust in God's Word, or do we allow skepticism to cloud our vision? Faith does not demand blind acceptance; it invites us to a deeper reality.
The Creator’s Signature in Creation
Take a moment to consider the intricacies of creation. The way a sunflower follows the sun, the mathematical precision of snowflakes, or the way the human eye processes light and color. Each detail whispers the Creator's name. As Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
Hebrews 11:3 teaches that what we see was not made from things visible. This echoes Genesis 1:1, where God creates ex nihilo—out of nothing. Human creativity always begins with raw materials. A magician, for example, uses props to create illusions. But God, the ultimate Creator, spoke into the void and brought forth existence.
This truth is both humbling and empowering. It reminds us that we are not the architects of our destinies; we are stewards of a creation that belongs to Him. Yet, it also inspires awe. If God can create the cosmos with a word, imagine what He can do with the broken pieces of our lives.
Faith in the Unseen: A Personal Story
When I was a child, my father, sister, and I faced a long move from Wyoming to New Hampshire. We had a beat-up old truck, a map, and just enough money to get us across the country… or so we thought. As we neared the end of our trip, we faced a tough decision: fill up our tank to ensure we’d make it to our destination or spend our last ten dollars on a meal for the three of us.
I was only around three or four, and my sister was five or six, so my memory of this time is fuzzy. But I do remember my dad telling me how we prayed in the truck. We decided to use the money for food, trusting that God would get us there safely. As we stepped out of the truck to take our gamble on a meal, my father looked down by his door and saw a twenty-dollar bill lying on the ground. That moment was my first experience with faith in the unseen. It was a tangible reminder that God provides, often in ways we least expect.
Faithful Living in a Skeptical World
Faith doesn’t eliminate questions; it reframes them. In a world that demands empirical proof for every claim, faith calls us to trust a God whose ways are higher than ours. This trust isn’t passive; it’s active and intentional.
Consider practical ways to live out this faith:
Daily Acknowledgment: Begin each day by thanking God for His creation. Gratitude strengthens our faith and aligns our hearts with His.
Seek His Word: Hebrews 11:3 points to the Word of God as the foundation of understanding. Make Scripture your primary source of wisdom.
Embrace Wonder: Instead of taking creation for granted, let its beauty lead you to worship. Go for a walk, marvel at a sunrise, or study the intricacies of a leaf.
Trust the Process: Just as the universe was created with precision and care, trust that God is at work in your life, even when you can’t see the outcome.
Imagine…
Standing in that same awe-inspiring night sky as that child. Now, imagine hearing the voice of the Creator whisper, "I made all this, and I made you." Faith isn’t just about understanding the world around us; it’s about understanding our place in His plan. The same God who set the stars in their courses is intimately involved in your story.
That moment when you realize that God’s Word is trustworthy—it’s a game-changer. Faith allows us to live not with blind optimism but with bold confidence. It’s the assurance that the Creator who formed the cosmos is holding your life together, even when it feels like it’s unraveling.
The truth God is whispering to your heart today is simple yet profound: By faith, you can understand. You don’t need to have all the answers because you serve the One who does. Trust in His Word, marvel at His creation, and let faith guide your steps.
Join the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge to deepen your trust in God and experience His presence in new ways. Let His Word shape your understanding and fill your heart with faith.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for revealing Yourself through creation and through Your Word. Help us to trust in You, even when we cannot see the full picture. Increase our faith, and give us eyes to see Your hand at work in our lives. May we live each day in awe of Your power and Your love. Amen.
If you have made it this far, then YOU ROCK!
Here’s a free 30-day Prayer Challenge to get you started and today’s song! Much love and God bless you, my friend!
