Faith Is Believing What You Can’t See

by Rick Warren — October 9, 2022
From Radicalis: Developing Spiritual Roots

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

Hebrews 11:1 (NCV)

The life that God planned for you to live is simple. It’s a life of faith and love.

The Bible explains the principle of love: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind’ . . . ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself’” (Matthew 22:37, 39 NCV).

And Hebrews 11:6 explains what it means to live a life of faith: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV). 

If you’re a parent, you know how pleased you are when your child trusts you. It’s the same way with God. Your trust in him—your faith—pleases him.

What is faith? Faith is believing when you can’t see it.

People say, “Seeing is believing.” God says the exact opposite: “Believing is seeing.” Some things you’ll never see unless you believe them first.

Hebrews 11:1 says it like this: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it” (NCV).   

Every great achievement starts when someone first believes it’s possible. Faith turns dreams into realities. In other words, faith makes reality out of what’s in your imagination. Nothing happens until someone believes it’s possible.

Over 40 years ago, I stood in front of a small group of people for the first service of Saddleback Church. I shared a dream God gave me for a church with 50 acres of land—a church that would minister to 20,000 people every week. People laughed. Frankly, I laughed too. We all knew the high price of land in Orange County, California. It seemed impossible.

But God did it. Everything God has done through Saddleback in the last four decades has seemed impossible before it happened. But we had faith that God would do the impossible.

What about you? What dream do you have today that requires faith? 

Spend some time today asking God, “What do you want me to do?” When you’re tuned in and talking to God, setting goals becomes an act of faith.

Talk It Over

  • What’s one thing you once thought was impossible that you have seen God accomplish?
  • What is one dream you’re trusting God to turn into reality?
  • What is your biggest fear when it comes to the dream or vision God has given you for your life?

Are you ready to receive God’s forgiveness and start a new life with Christ?

God promised that, for those who believe in Jesus, there is no condemnation. Jesus’ death on the cross paid for every wrong you’ve ever done or will do. And by sacrificing himself for your sins and giving you his righteousness, Jesus made it possible for you to have a relationship with God, the Father.

And the good news doesn’t stop there. God also raised Jesus from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. And that makes it possible for you to spend eternity with him in heaven.

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that he died for my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.