Faith as Assurance—Hope’s Cheerleader

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Key Insight: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

Introduction:

Faith isn’t just a nice idea or a fuzzy feeling—it’s solid. Hebrews 11:1 puts it like this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV). Basically, faith is like your biggest cheerleader, waving pom-poms for all the good things God’s promised but you haven’t seen yet. Rah-rah, let’s go hope!

Reflection:

When you’re waiting on something big—an answered prayer, a breakthrough, or even just a little peace—faith is what keeps you from giving up. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine; it’s about trusting that God’s got this, even if you don’t have a clue how it’ll work out.
Faith is like stepping onto a bridge you can’t see the end of, but knowing it’s strong enough to hold you. The world might call that risky, but the Bible calls it trust. And with God, it’s always worth it.

What Does REAP Mean?

Your faith-training routine:

• Reflect: How does this verse encourage you about things you’re hoping for?
• Examine: What examples of faith in the Bible inspire you? (Hint: check out the rest of Hebrews 11.)
• Apply: Where in your life do you need to lean into faith right now?
• Pray: Ask God to strengthen your faith as you trust Him with your hopes.

To Do Next: Think about a promise of God that you’re holding onto. Write it down and pray for the faith to trust in His timing and provision.

Reflective Questions:

• What’s a promise from God that gives you hope?
• How can you hold onto faith when the waiting feels long?
• 
  

Devotional Questions:

• When has faith carried you through a tough time?
• How can you celebrate the small ways God shows up while you wait?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being faithful even when I can’t see what You’re doing. Help me to trust in Your promises and wait with hope, knowing that You always keep Your word. Strengthen my faith and teach me to celebrate Your goodness every step of the way. Amen.