Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen Hebrews 11:1
Would you plop down on a seat that you didn’t believe would hold your weight? Would you eat something that you believed would harm you? Would you listen to someone that you believed was a liar? I hope the answers were NO! NO! NO!
You will only act upon things that you believe are beneficial to you. The more you believe something, the more confident you become in it.
“You will never go into deep water, till you are confident that you can swim in it!”
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
New International Version (©1984) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. New Living Translation (©2007) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. English Standard Version (©2001) Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Each translation above of Hebrews 11:1 gives us some powerful words regarding faith:
Being Sure -Impossible to doubt or dispute; certain.; Not hesitating or wavering; firm: sure convictions; Confident, as of something awaited or expected: sure of ultimate victory; Bound to come about or happen; inevitable: sure defeat; . Having one's course directed; destined or bound: sure to succeed; Certain not to miss or err; steady; Worthy of being trusted or depended on; reliable. b. Free from or marked by freedom from doubt; Obsolete Free from harm or danger; safe.
Confidence - belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing; trust; reliance; belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence.; certitude; assurance: to speak with confidence of a fact.
Assurance - freedom from doubt; certainty: to feel assurance of success; freedom from timidity; self-confidence; presumptuous boldness;
Reality - the state of things as they are or appear to be, rather than as one might wish them to be
Certain - Definite; fixed: set aside a certain sum each week.; Sure to come or happen; inevitable: certain success.; Established beyond doubt or question; indisputable: What is certain is that every effect must have a cause.; Capable of being relied on; dependable: a quick and certain remedy.
Conviction - The state of being convinced.
Proof - Convincing or persuasive demonstration:
Evidence -Something indicative; an outward sign:
As you can see, your system of belief is powerful. It can and will guide you down the path that you are confident enough to walk down.
Your confidence must be that of King David's:
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalms 23
And remember the practical wisdom of James:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Now Take a deep breath and believe.... I Can Do This! #icandothis