Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

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We have all heard this verse, but I really want you to pay attention today.  This verse is the crucial point for our understanding of faith.

Paul is talking to the Jewish people.  He reminds them of all the people that have gone before them and how they all remained in the faith throughout their lives.

He talks about Abel being righteous and Enoch who pleased God. He talks about Noah who listened to God carefully and saved his family.  He talks about Abraham who obediently listened to God, went where God told him and created a nation.

Paul is pointing out two things.  Faith comes with listening to God and acting in obedience.  There is no faith without acting on what is believed.  And the only way to act on what is believed is to listen carefully to what God says.

So how do you listen to God?  Start with God’s word.  He already told you what you need to know in His word.  If something does not line up with scripture, you know you shouldn’t be doing it.

Then, take time to hear from God directly.  I know this one is a little harder, but it starts with scripture and ends in obedience. It’s like a radio.  You have to tune in to the right station in order to hear everything clearly.  If you are off a bit, it is fuzzy and hard to understand.

When listening to God you must immerse yourself in His will.  You must have a strong foundation in scripture.  You don’t need to be a theologian, you just need to have a solid habit of reading God’s word daily.

Then, you must give yourself opportunity and time to listen to God.  Take time in prayer and sit in silence to hear from God.  It may happen during a walk in nature or it may happen in the quietness of your office, but if you tune your heart to hear from God He will speak to you.

Let’s go back to our main verse.  All of our obedience, listening and taking action is based on faith.  We must have a strong faith in God.  Then, look at what the verse says we must have next, we must have an “assurance about what we do not see.”

As Christian business owners, we have a vision for our business.  That vision is founded in God and His direction in our lives.  That vision is our assurance of what we do not see.

Direction may change but our overarching vision for our business should remain solid.  We are to help others and show the love of Christ.  Just like Abraham and Noah took action on their faith, we too must act on what God has place in our lives.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1