Faith is only required when we do not see the fulfillment of a promise or the answer to a prayer. That is why the writer to the Hebrews said that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV1984). If we are not “sure and certain,” we do not have faith. The Classic Amplified Version of the Bible expands on Hebrews 11:1: Faith is “perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.”

We most often think of faith in terms of trusting God for our short or long-term needs. But what about faith when it comes to trusting God for His prophetic plans for planet Earth? When this world pressures us to conform our lives to its values and standards, are our eyes of faith fixed—are we “sure and certain”—on the fact that God will ultimately reward our faithfulness? Faithfulness, Paul wrote, is the main trait required of those who follow Christ.

As cultures around the world grow dark in these latter days, let us remain “sure and certain” that God’s prophetic plans will be fulfilled.

Glory for the Christian is more certain than the grave. 
John Blanchard