How to Trust God When You Don’t See the Results | Unmatched Part 11
In our series, Unmatched, we are diving into Hebrews chapter 11. This chapter is often called the "Hall of Faith," but it is more than just a list of heroes. It is a roadmap for how we wrestle with the invisible realities of God’s promises. Faith isn’t something you figure out once and for all; it is something we wrestle with daily. Even a pastor doesn't preach from a place of knowing it all, but from a place of wrestling with it all.
The Biblical Definition of Faith
The Bible doesn't leave us guessing about what faith is. Right at the beginning of Hebrews 11, we are given a definition that no man-made explanation can surpass. It tells us that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Think about the word assurance. We often talk about insurance, but insurance is something you use after something goes wrong. Assurance, however, is a guarantee you hold onto beforehand. It is the "Blessed Assurance" that Jesus is mine. It is the absolute conviction that even when the physical world looks chaotic, the spiritual reality is secure.
The Struggle with Fluctuating Faith
If you struggle with your faith, you are not alone. Many of us experience days where we wake up full of fire, certain that God is going to move. Then, there are other days where we wake up wondering if He is even listening. This fluctuation is a natural part of the human experience, but it often points to a deeper connection between our internal belief and our external habits.
The Link Between Faith and Prayer
One of the most profound realizations we can have is that weak faith is often a byproduct of a weak prayer life. When we find ourselves doubting God’s timing or His goodness, we should look at our communication with Him. Prayer is simply spiritual communication with the Lord. The more we pray, the more our faith begins to grow and develop.
When we stop praying, we start viewing the world only through physical, tangible realities. We see the bills, the unemployment, or the loneliness, and we conclude that nothing is happening. But faith allows us to see spiritual realities. It says that while we are waiting, God is working. It takes faith to believe that:
The bills will be paid despite the bank balance.
A job is coming even during unemployment.
God has a purpose for your season of singleness.
If you are serving the Lord, you must operate in faith. Faith doesn't treat God's word as an opinion; it treats it as fact.
Two Pillars of Faith: Character and Promise
To build a robust faith, we have to understand the two pillars it stands upon: God’s character and God’s promises.
1. Believing in God’s Character
The beginning of faith is believing that God is who He says He is. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is Jehovah Jireh (our Provider), Jehovah Rapha (our Healer), and Jehovah Tsidkenu (our Righteousness). Faith starts by recognizing that God’s character is unchangeable and perfect. He does not shift like shadows; He is constant light.
2. Believing in God’s Promises
The endpoint of faith is believing that God will do what He says He will do. This is often the hardest part because we want God to work on our timeline. We often feel like God is holding out on us, but the truth is that God wants us to have everything according to His will, not ours. Faith requires a level of "death" to ourselves, a submission that says, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Faith vs. Sight: The Original Creator
Hebrews 11:3 reminds us that by faith, we understand the universe was formed at God’s command. What we see was not made out of what was visible. God is the original Creator. Unlike humans, who need inspiration or materials to build something, God pulled inspiration from nowhere. He didn't need a prototype to create you or your situation.
This should give you immense confidence. If God didn’t need to look at anyone else to get inspired to create the universe, He doesn’t need to look at anyone else’s life to decide how to bless yours. Your situation is unique to Him, and His plan for you is tailor-made.
The Danger of Comparison
The story of Abel and Cain serves as a powerful warning about the intersection of faith and our hearts. Abel brought an offering to God out of faith, while Cain brought what was left over. God commended Abel’s offering because it was a reflection of his heart’s trust in God.
Cain’s reaction was not one of repentance, but of jealousy. This is where many of us lose our way. Comparison is the thief of joy. When we stop looking at God and start looking at what others have, our faith withers. Comparison can lead to slander and conflict because we feel that someone else's blessing somehow diminishes our own. Faith, however, keeps our eyes on the Provider rather than the provision of others.
Key Takeaways for Strengthening Your Faith
Prioritize Prayer: If your faith feels weak, increase your "spiritual communication." Faith grows in the presence of God.
Focus on Character: When you don't understand what God is doing, remind yourself of who He is. His character is the foundation of your trust.
Seek Righteousness: We cannot seek the Kingdom while clinging to "ratchet" living. True faith involves a submission to God’s holiness.
Recognize Everyday Faith: You already have faith, you use it every time you sit in a chair or drive a car. Redirect that existing capacity for trust toward the Creator.
Avoid the Comparison Trap: Your journey with God is unique. Don't let jealousy over someone else's "offering" or blessing distract you from what God is doing in your life.
Conclusion
Faith is not a destination where we arrive and never have to worry again. It is a gradual process that often leads to sudden breakthroughs. It is the confidence that God is working in the "not yet" and the assurance that His promises are facts, not just feelings. Whether you are serving your community in the heat of the summer or wrestling with a difficult season of waiting, remember that God is the author and finisher of your faith. Keep praying, keep seeking His righteousness, and trust that the One who created the universe out of nothing is more than capable of handling your tomorrow.
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