Give Hope

Bible Study

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

For some reason the book of Hebrews was an enigma for me at one time.

I wasn’t sure why. When I was in Seminary I finally understood the reason. Today’s scripture is a perfect example.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

I was the one making it difficult to understand because I was overthinking it.

For years I’d been told by teachers in grade school, high school, and even college that I overthink. I never understood that…how can I overthink? In my estimation I was just thinking.

When I went to Seminary I learned that Hebrews is not written like many other New Testament books. It focuses on really knowing and understanding the Old Testament laws and Hebrew traditions. The focus is a bit unlike other writings.

Some scholars have made a case that Paul wrote Hebrews because he was highly educated in Hebrew traditions. But others argued the style is unlike Paul’s other writings.

It seems to me whoever wrote Hebrews was definitely educated in Hebrew traditions.

That person understood we hope and we believe we hope and we believe. We HOPE and we believe even though we cannot see the end result.

No matter what happens we do not give up hoping because Jesus encourages us daily through the Spirit we are not forgotten.

That sounds easy, right?

It’s not so easy as we might think.

Let’s say i have or had something unexpected happen in my life. That event or anomaly shook me to the core. I absolutely do not understand why it happened. I plead with God for answers but no answers come.

My event was the loss of the life I had known. It was an emotional loss. IT happened many many years ago and to this day there are things I do not understand.

When I was young I read a book about a young woman named Joni Erickson Tada who was in a terribly accident that left her paralyzed. It changed her life forever, but in the end she became a celebrated author, radio host, and artist. The accident that left her paralyzed changed her focus and God opened new doors for her.

In Seminary we studied emotional trauma and how it can change you for the better. Even though I still don’t understand, I came to a point of peace with my new life. I believe (even though I don’t understand why) God will use everything for good.

I know today by faith God has not and will not fail me.

…by faith I believe.

Deborah

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