Live by Faith
Hebrews 11
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1
There are days when the word faith feels almost too big. If I’m being honest, some days it feels like I’m falling and can’t see the ground, but I know it’s there. I know there’s a soft landing to catch me. Faith stretches beyond what our eyes can see, and yet Scripture calls us to cling to it as the very foundation of our walk with God. Even when we feel like we’re falling.
Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” shows us what it looks like to live by faith; not in theory, but in real, flesh-and-blood lives.
Faith was the anchor that held Noah steady when the rain hadn’t started falling.
Faith was the courage in Abraham’s heart as he stepped out into the unknown.
Faith was the strength in Moses when he chose to suffer with God’s people instead of enjoying Egypt’s treasures.
And faith is the same invitation extended to you and me today.
Hebrews begins with the clearest definition: faith is both reality and proof. It is confidence in God’s promises before they unfold and assurance that His unseen hand is guiding what we cannot grasp. Faith isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s trusting in God, who has never failed.
One by one, Hebrews 11 names the faithful: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and so many more. These aren’t flawless heroes. They doubted. They stumbled. Some never saw the fullness of God’s promises while they lived. Yet their lives declare that faith is not about perfect circumstances or perfect performance; it’s about perfect trust in a perfect God.
Their testimony calls us to keep going when life is hard, reminding us that obedience is always worth it, even when the outcome is unseen.
Your “by faith” moments might not make it into Scripture, but they matter deeply to God. By faith, we pray over an empty womb. By faith, we pray over a child who is wandering. By faith, we keep sowing seeds in ministry when the harvest seems slow. By faith, we take the next step in healing, forgiveness, or surrender.
Every act of faith, small or large, is seen by the God who rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Hebrews 11 ends by reminding us that all these faithful ones were still waiting. They looked ahead to the promise fulfilled in Christ, the One who is both the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Their story is unfinished without Him, and our story is incomplete without Him, too.
Faith isn’t just about what we’re believing for today; it’s about anchoring our hope in Jesus, who secures every promise of God with His blood.
Where is God calling you to take a “by faith” step right now?
Right now, God may be calling you to trust Him in areas where certainty feels impossible. For me it's still having faith that we will get to bring home our own sweet little blessing. It’s praying to God daily, “Guide me where I need to be. Use me. Heal me.” My “by faith” is continuing to share our story of faith publicly, even when it feels vulnerable. It’s leaning into growing my blog without knowing how all the pieces will come together. But I will continue to share our story, our journey, and hopefully, our miracle. Because I do believe that it will be by faith that God will use us to help others and that one day we will be able to see the fruit.
Which story in Hebrews 11 encourages you most, and why?
I’m sure you already know which story I am going to resonate with.
Sarah’s story stands out because she waited long and wrestled with doubt, but God’s promise still held true. Even when she laughed and doubted His words, even when it was so hard for her to believe, Sarah still had faith. That speaks directly into seasons of waiting and longing, showing that even in weakness, faith can take root and bloom.
How can you remind yourself this week that faith is more than feelings? That it’s confident trust in God’s character?
I know it’s hard to find the time to sit down and read a daily devotional or to read a section of Scripture, but when I am able to spend time studying my Bible, I find so much peace. Every time I am sad or depressed or angry, I run to my Bible. Because it doesn’t matter what part I am reading, there will always be a message for me to take away that relates to how I’m feeling that day. Which is absolutely wild! But the Bible is alive, right? Some days I ask God to show me what I need to read that day. Sometimes I just open it because I feel like I need the comfort. And I truly believe that every time I read, my faith grows. Because how can the Bible tell me what I just so happen to need to hear when I’m crying and hurt? Or when I’m doubting and having negative thoughts?
What are your thoughts from my blog today? I would love to read your responses in the comments!
Lord, strengthen my heart to live by faith. Like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Moses, I want my life to echo trust in You even when I can’t see the way. Help me fix my eyes on Jesus, the One who has already gone before me. Amen.
