The Tyranny Of The Tangible

The Tyranny of the Tangible

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE are we given a comprehensive definition of faith. God chose to reveal himself through a history of testimonies about who he is and how he works rather than a systematic theology. But we are given some descriptions of faith, and this remarkable verse in Hebrews is one of the clearest. Translations vary, but the point is always that faith is reality, substance, evidence, a palpable manifestation in the spirit of what has not yet been manifested to natural eyes. It is an inward testimony of what is actually true, whether that truth has been made visible in our lives yet or not. It is not wishful thinking or an up-in-the-air hope. It is the art of knowing. It is a certainty.

That has profound implications for the way we think. When we lament the way circumstances appear, we are not looking at a situation in faith. Our natural tendency is to make observations and talk about how bad everything is. But while we are focused on the visible, God is leading us on a journey of faith, rearranging our perspectives on life and circumstances. He means to divorce us from our trust in the visible and rivet our attention instead on the invisible—specifically, whatever he has promised and declared to be true. He wants us to see into the spiritual realm, be aware of his purposes and plans, and listen for his instructions. He wants us to rely on his promises, even when all visible circumstances point in an opposite direction.

To do that, you’ll need to learn to see and think differently. In any challenging situation, ask yourself: Is my mood based on the visible or the deeper reality? Am I placing more trust in my circumstances or in the God who is above them? Have I learned the language of God’s promises, or am I still immersed in the language of the obvious? These are probing questions, likely to bring some discomfort, but they are necessary. They train us, as Paul instructed, to walk by faith, not by sight. They overthrow the tyranny of the tangible and drive us into the goodness of the Father.

Faith tells us of things we have never seen and cannot come to know by our natural senses.