11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
1:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
1:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God
1:16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a cityfor them.
1:40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Today we will wrap up our discussion of the “4 ships”. When I think of foundationship, I immediately think about God being my foundation. That solid rock that all other things come from. When I did a quick look of the word foundation in the Bible, there are so many relevant passages. I chose Hebrews 11:10 because it not only elaborated on what it means to have faith in God, but it gives us example after example of people before us who successfully ventured through our earthly journey.
First in verse one we get a fantastic definition of faith. I love this definition. Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. So basically, when we pray, we pray with expectation that God is listening and will take care of our needs! Sometimes I feel like I cannot even get the words out to pray what I want or need. This verse shows me that with confidence and assurance if I come before my Lord, He will take care of my every need. I think it is worth saying that this is not always how we expected our needs to be taken care of.
Verse 1:6 further elaborates on the necessity of faith. Faith allows us to know that God is real. We are not going through the motions of various “good luck charms”. We instead are praying to a real loving and awesome God. This God also expects us to give him our all. We need to approach him earnestly.
Verse 1:10 really speaks to me of the foundationship of God. God is the architect of all things living and not living. The creator of the universe wants a personal relationship with all of us. What an incredible privilege.
Do you feel like a second class citizen due to your disability. Do you feel overwhelmed by your limitations? I challenge you to put all that negative talk behind you. Keep your eyes focused on God who loves and cherishes each of us. I know it is tough at times to keep focused on God and not get brought down by the frustrations of this world. All through Hebrews 11 we are given example upon example of various people who struggled as well and how their faith helped them.
Verse 1:16 further emphasizes that God is not only a loving God , but he is not ashamed of His people. I know for myself some of the ways I am treated brings about more shame and guilt over the perceived burden I may be. This God sees all my limitations and is still wanting to call me His child. Verse 1:40 ties this all together in the great reward of heaven. That is where we will all come together as equals and not be bogged down by our earthly shortcomings.
It is my prayer that you take time to read this chapter over and over. When you feel scared, frustrated, ashamed, or alone, do not keep these emotions around. Cast them far away and hold on to the truths of this chapter and more broadly the entire Bible. God loves each of us and has a place waiting for us that is beyond our wildest dreams.