Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation ( Hebrews 11:1-2 ESV).‍

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“You tend to be right.” Several years ago, I took one of those personality tests aimed at giving you a deeper insight into how you tick and interact with others. In the paragraphs of results, I read this one line that both made me laugh and gave me fuel for years to come while teasing my husband. Now I can always claim, “I tend to be right. Not ‘I think I’m right;’ I tend to be right.” In the wrong heart posture, this could prove a gross overstatement, and I could trust my own judgement far too much. I believe, however, the intent of this statement was to point out my personal propensity to think deeply and not make a snap judgment, but rather gather the facts and form my belief. I would say my convictions are strong, and my opinions are not easily swayed because I arrive at my conclusions after much prayer and thought.  

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You may recognize Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith.” It begins with the definition of faith as assurance and conviction of things not seen. The chapter then proceeds to list several chronological examples, from the creation of the world throughout the Old Testament, of people who trusted God. They could not possibly have known what would happen but deeply believed God would work it out for their good. In God’s faithfulness, He did.  

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I love reading different versions of the Bible, as sometimes there is a word that just ties meaning together for me. The English Standard Version of the above verses uses the word “conviction” in the place of “assurance” or “evidence” used in the NIV or NLT versions. All three of these words are loaded with meaning, but “conviction” gives me, personally, some meat to chew on. This word has many synonyms, but my favorites are confidence and certainty. These imply that having faith is stronger than having opinions or views. Conviction implies a deep-down belief that is not easily shaken. Hebrews 11 is full of examples of faith that isn’t swayed by circumstances or dependent on outcomes. It is steadfast and resolute – that God is good, even when our human eyes cannot see how He will work it out.

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Conviction goes even deeper than belief. You may hear a person say they were “convicted” over a sin in their life. This is a deep-down belief that their sin is a real problem, enough to do something about it. Faith requires action; it is not an internal, quiet conviction or thought process. Faith is lived out. Most of the examples given in chapter 11 are of what someone did to demonstrate their belief, even when it did not make sense. Each story is a powerful picture of faith, but not because they are all perfect or beautiful examples. More than likely, faith may make you look crazy. It may cause you to be ridiculed or even pursued to death. Moses’ story, summarized in verses 23-29, depicts this kind of faith. Anyone without faith would take one look at Moses refusing the benefits of being a prince of Egypt alone and confirm he must be a little off his rocker.

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These examples of faith reveal a very important point: God gets the glory. Verse 2 of Hebrews 11 basically says that the saints of the Old Testament received their honor simply by having faith. Each subsequent story tells how a little faith on part of the human in the story can powerfully reveal God at work, always revealing who He is: righteous, compassionate, just, powerful, patient, kind, faithful, good, life-giving, gentle, and loving, to name a few. Their honor is that they were right. Their crazy convictions that drove them to act as they did gave them the honor of being remembered for their faith, but more so that God would be glorified for how He worked in their story.

Do you desire to live a life so filled with action-packed faith that, long after you’re gone, Christians look to your story as an example of how powerfully God can move and work? Where does your faith need strengthening? Are you letting circumstances crush your faith? Ask God to reveal how your faith can be strengthened today.

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Lord, we thank you for the examples of those who have gone before us. We thank You that You’re the same God yesterday, today, and forevermore. We pray You will help us to trust and believe You are for us. Let our story be one of faithfulness to give You all the glory, and our only honor is that “we tended to be right” about You. Amen.