The Now Faith. I want to share some enlightening thoughts about using your mind more effectively and reaching your optimal potential. This blog will examine a well-known Bible verse from a fresh perspective. If you asked many churchgoers to define faith, many would respond, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” If you are unfamiliar with this verse, that is okay; if you are, it can be found in Hebrews 11:1. This entire chapter is often called the Great Hall of Faith. Now, let us explore the concept of “The Now Faith.”
IThis chapter explores the concept of faith in depth, featuring around forty verses that discuss both those who had faith and those who demonstrated it. Today, I want to talk about faith and how it operates. Consider how you can use faith to achieve the purposes that Yahweh has set for you. As stated in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith is Now.
The first thing I want you to notice as you read this verse is the word “now.” Most people do not emphasise this word for its meaning, comprehension, or guidance. You might view “now” as a mere placeholder, a word that marks the beginning of a sentence. However, the truth is that “now” is crucial for understanding faith and how to practice it. It indicates the moment when you must have faith. For instance, when you exercise faith, you have taken the step to enter the “now” that calls for it.
Spend your entire life searching for the easiest path and seeking ways to accomplish tasks without taking risks. You will inevitably find yourself missing the essence of the present moment—especially when faith is questioned. The passage states, “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for.” I often recite this verse in my teachings but tend to omit the word “now,” presenting it as “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen.” After sharing this, I like to pose a question to my audience, asking them to identify the first word of that passage.
Often, the majority respond with “faith.” I reveal it was a trick question; the first word is “now.” This “now” holds significance because true faith can only be experienced now. Entering the “now” is essential, and only through embracing the present can one truly embody faith.
Faith Is All It Takes.
Yahweh instructed Noah, “I want you to build a large boat in the wilderness, three stories high, capable of holding seven of every clean animal and two of every unclean animal, along with enough food for you, your wife, your sons, and their wives.” Noah replied, “All right, but why am I building this boat when no river is nearby?” Yahweh explained that it was going to rain. It is important to note that Noah was already four hundred and eighty years old and had never experienced a drop of rain. Therefore, when Yahweh told him it would rain, Noah did not understand. Why?
Noah had never experienced rain before. Yet, he was expected to spend the next one hundred and twenty years building a boat in the wilderness because of something Yahweh had told him would happen—something he had never witnessed. Nevertheless, Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives showed remarkable faith. This faith empowered them with the ability, desire, and commitment to dedicate themselves to this long-term project based on a promise of something they had never seen. This is what is meant by “now” faith.
Faith surged through David like a mighty river, propelling him forward as he charged toward the towering figure of Goliath, a giant that struck fear into the hearts of seasoned warriors. While the rest of the Israeli army quaked in terror, retreating in disarray at the sight of the formidable opponent, David stood resolute. His brothers, overwhelmed by doubt and fear, backed away; King Saul, once a symbol of strength, turned and fled. Yet, despite overwhelming odds, David’s faith ignited a fierce determination, compelling him to confront Goliath head-on, defiantly closing the distance between them rather than succumbing to panic like those around him.
Now Faith Produces Action
My point is that when you have faith, it drives you to act on what you believe. The passage says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the proof of things not seen.” From now on, I want you to think of “now” not just as a word but as a verb that describes the type of faith we are discussing. We are talking about “now” faith, which can only be accessed by allowing yourself to enter the present moment representing faith. When you do this, you will discover that doors that have never opened for you will begin to open.
Simply put, you have learned to act based on your beliefs and desired outcomes rather than holding back due to doubt or disbelief. I want you to focus on this critical line: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for.” Here, hope does not mean merely wishing; it refers to a well-founded and well-grounded expectation for the future. In other words, you have a solid reason to believe that this outcome will occur. Furthermore, the text mentions “evidence,” synonymous with “proof.” So, consider this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Using The Faith Formula.
“I will express the same verse in different words: ‘Now, faith is standing firm on the things I expect while validating the things I cannot see.’ Even more intriguing is that this can be seen as a formula. What do I mean by calling it a formula? It means you remain steadfast in your expectations while confirming what is invisible. This entire teaching follows a progressive structure: first, you understand what faith is; next, you learn what faith can produce; and finally, you are given examples of people who demonstrated faith.
In concluding our reflection, consider the act of embodying your faith. I encourage you to ponder this potent formula: What represents the essence of now faith? What does it mean to have faith in the present moment? Now, faith is that courageous leap into the unknown; it demands a decisive ‘Now’ moment, defined by a complete absence of hesitation. It is the mindset where you are prepared and perfectly positioned to strive boldly. As the next verse illustrates, “For by it, that is, by faith, the elders obtained a good report.”
This truth reveals that the only path to garnering a commendable testimony or a reputable legacy is paved with faith. Reflect on those remarkable people you admire—those who seem to shine with brilliance. Their extraordinary achievements and character stem from a foundation built on faith, a testament to the power of trusting in the unseen and stepping forward with confidence.
The Belief System.
Doubt is like a shadow, lurking in the corners of your mind, whispering fears of unwanted outcomes, causing you to fixate on what could go wrong instead of what could go right. It thrives on the negative, pulling you deeper into a spiral of uncertainty. In contrast, faith is a radiant beam of light, illuminating your path with the promise of your deepest desires. It is the conviction that the results you yearn for can become your reality, overpowering the echoes of doubt that seek to hold you back.
Consider this distinction carefully: when someone claims to have faith, they might overlook that the same person can also wrestle with doubt; however, their belief lies in what they choose to nurture. A person entrenched in doubt invests their energy in the fear of failure, casting aside the potential for triumph. To truly embrace faith, you must permit yourself the freedom to envision, concentrate on, and engage fully with life, building your existence around the outcomes you passionately desire rather than being shackled by the fears of what you wish to avoid.
The concept we are discussing is more about discipline than simply maintaining a positive attitude, and it raises the question: is it about speaking things into existence? So, what is it about? It involves understanding how to use your mind to focus on your desired outcomes and recognise the already present opportunities. Doubts can serve as blinders, preventing you from acting on these possibilities. First and foremost, we encounter the idea of faith: “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for.” But what does “now” faith mean? It represents the essence of what we are hoping for.
Focus On Faith.
Faith is the conviction that what you expect will come to pass, even when there is no visible evidence. It brings things from the spiritual realm into the physical realm—things you have yet to see and may never see. Faith involves believing in and standing firm on your expectations while demonstrating things that have never been witnessed. Faith means thinking and remaining committed to your expectations while proving things your family has never seen. It is also about believing in and standing by your expectations while demonstrating things the world has never encountered. Ultimately, through faith, the elders gained a good reputation.
The path to cultivating a solid reputation lies solely through the power of faith. When you believe fervently in your desired outcomes, that firm conviction ignites a fire within you—a powerful impetus that propels you forward. It fills you with energy, driving you to take decisive action toward achieving those results. In embracing this mindset, you unlock the potential to create achievements beyond your wildest aspirations, unencumbered by doubt or hesitation. This idea illustrates how harnessing the strength of your mind can unleash your faith, transforming it into a catalyst for extraordinary results.