the courtroom of faith

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In the courtroom of your heart has the case been won that God is real, God is true, and Jesus has paid the price for your life?  I was struck by the choice of nouns the author used under God's inspiration to define faith.  The common view of faith is somewhat diluted.  It is thought to be an ethereal confidence that might be considered synonymous with "belief".  The idea is typically presented that one might have faith in the God of Israel and another might have faith in the god of "hard work" or the ways of Eastern Meditation or faith in nothing more than oneself.  The faith of Hebrews 11:1 is a rock solid trust based on substance and evidence.  It is a faith that had its origin in Heaven rather than in our minds.  It is not a faith that is defined by traditions or habits and it is not a faith that is in any way dependent on our ability or our actions.  Faith is the umbilical cord of connection that carries the reality of the one true God to our individual experience.  Faith is born in us when we are born again, and not before.  It is only because of this connection that we can grasp God's love and that we can walk confidently in the assurance of His presence and that we can accomplish anything worth doing.  Because of faith we identify with the heroes of Hebrews 11 as people just like us.  Hebrews 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. blessings, Rob Smith