Faith is described by the author as the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (v1)
That means the element of faith requires us to deal with the invisible, things not yet seen or manifested in our lives.
Those who were listed in this chapter were men and women who trusted in God, whom is not seen with the physical eyes. They trusted that God will reward them who seek Him diligently. They acted as if the promises given by God was 'now in process' in the lives. Therefore, they moved on when called; they lived life as with new strength; they wanted their bones back to certain place even when they died; they carried out the words and instructions of God as what the Lord said; they take God as face-value.As I reflect on this chapter, I also realize that faith needed decisions. It requires 2 actions. The heroes of faith always make a decision to forsake their own situations (good or bad) and then follow God's agenda and instructions. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Rahab and many more forsake their present situation to follow God and His instruction.
What are our present situations? Are we pursuing God and following His instructions as if it is 'now in process' in our lives? Or are we flowing with the system of this world that we continue to be when we are (stagnant)? Can we take God and His words as face-value and obey wholeheartedly?
I am glad that faith need not be reckless as it is written that through faith, they quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong...(v34). It reminds us that we do not act without understanding. Going blinding against the dangers of life is not faith, it is foolishness. What we need is to diligently seek God and allow Him to speak and give instructions. In order to have faith and to work by faith and through faith, we need to seek the faithful God. No wonder the writer put this down: Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God...(v16)
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