Faith is a curious thing. It asks us to trust in something beyond what our eyes can see, beyond what our minds can fully grasp. It calls us to believe in a story still unfolding, in a purpose we can’t always trace, and in a God who is present, even when it feels like the silence is louder than the answer.
Think about the way Buddy the Elf believed in Christmas spirit. He couldn’t see it or measure it, but he knew it mattered. When Santa’s sleigh couldn’t fly because belief was at an all-time low, Buddy didn’t throw up his hands in despair. Instead, he started singing. It didn’t make sense—how could one person’s song make a difference? Yet, as his voice rang out, others joined in, and belief started to grow. Eventually, the sleigh soared, not because of what they saw, but because of what they dared to believe.
This idea—trusting in what we can’t see—sits at the heart of faith.
When Jesus called Peter to step out of the boat and walk on water, it defied every rational explanation. The laws of physics should have kept him sinking. Yet for a moment, Peter trusted, and the impossible became real. It wasn’t until Peter focused on the wind and waves—the things he could see—that fear took over, and he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30).
Faith doesn’t mean ignoring reality.
Nor does it mean that reality won’t be painful, derailing, paralyzing at times.
What it does mean is trusting that there is a deeper reality at work, one we might not always see but can always rely on.
It’s believing that God is present in the storm, weaving purpose through the chaos, and carrying us when the weight feels unbearable.
Much like the unseen particles and forces that drive the universe in quantum mechanics, faith reminds us that what we cannot see is often just as real—if not more so—than what we can.
The wind that moves the trees, the love that changes hearts, the Spirit that whispers truth into our lives.
Think of these things – can you remember a time that love changed your heart?
That’s unseen. Yet real.
So is faith.
Hebrews 11:1 puts it this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith invites us to step forward, not because we have all the answers, but because we trust the One who does.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life feel uncertain or unclear right now?
- How might God be inviting you to trust in His presence, even when you don’t understand the path?
- What is one step of faith you can take this week, trusting in what you cannot see?
Prayer:
God of the unseen, teach us to trust in You even when we don’t have all the answers. Help us to believe in Your goodness, Your presence, and Your purpose, even in the mystery. Strengthen our faith so we can step boldly into the unknown, knowing that You are already there. Amen.
Challenge:
This week, take one situation where you feel unsure or overwhelmed and pray this simple prayer: “God, I trust You with this.” Then, take one small step forward, trusting that even if you can’t see the outcome, God is working behind the scenes.