“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”
(Hebrews 11:1 NRSVUE).
The unknown writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews goes on to recount characters we are most likely familiar with. Whether they lived or “died in faith without having received the promises” (v. 13), we still remember their faith. Did they get everything they wanted in life? Hardly. But they were faithful, according to scripture.
I see faith as something we live, something we trust, something we know in our heart. It is one thing to say we believe in something with our mouths, it is another to live our faith and trust in it. I’ve spent my life asking questions and seeking answers, seeking deeper understanding and clearer meaning, with a hunger to draw closer to the heart of God. It’s the way I’m wired and it has sustained me through many sorrows and yes, joys as well.
Through the trials of life, whether I have been a companion of others or walking through deep valleys myself, it is my faith that has sustained me. Does this mean that, because I had faith, the events of extreme crisis and pain and grief over the last 3 years did not break me? Absolutely not. I was broken. But still, my faith sustained me, even in my brokenness. I wasn’t praying lofty eloquent prayers in the most painful of times. I prayed “help” and knew I was heard, whether help arrived in the way I wanted or not. I lit candles that reminded me of God’s constant presence. I listened to soothing music that reminded me that I did not walk alone and that God would never let me go. Scripture passages of comfort and hope bounced around in my heart and soul because they were already part of me. I couldn’t have forgotten them if I had tried.
Everything around me brought scripture verses to my mind, from seeing the birds at my feeders, to the change of the seasons, to kindnesses offered by strangers, and love offered by family and friends. The reminders of God’s presence surrounded me like a tapestry of love.
Even in the very grimmest of times, I knew in my bones that I wasn’t living through those times alone. There is indeed a deep peace which passes all understanding, as Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7, that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Friends, I pray for you the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. I pray for you the peace that passes all understanding. I pray for you the grace and peace of Christ.
~ Rev. Deborah Bolen, Retired
Member of First Christian Church, Cuyahoga Falls
Member of Regional Spiritual Life Committee