Faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what is not seen.
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is the all famous chapter about the faith of our fathers. The faith of these legendary men is incredible.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE
Hebrews 11:8-12
Abraham left everything that he knew, his family and his heritage, with faith that God would make him a great nation, though he had no children. He made no plans to return. When Abraham died, he was only beginning to see the results of his obedience. God rewarded him with descendants outnumbering the stars and the sands.
As I prepare to leave home this fall, I must have faith that God has a great plan for me even though I can’t see past today. Right now, I know that He wants me to attend Tennessee Temple University, to pursue a degree in ASL interpreting. I do not know what I will do with that degree, but I am preparing to leave everything that I know, with no foreseeable plan to return. Abraham set forth a great example, an example that has encouraged me to have faith in God’s plan for my future.
As I learn from these patriarchs, I know that God wants me to follow their example, with faith that He will fulfill His plans for me. I will probably never receive a reward here on earth, but I can live with faith that God will use my life to make a difference.
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
Hebrews 11:13-16
