Considerations

Claudia and Joanna are talking. Both women are caught up in something much bigger than themselves, a political and religious system beyond their control. One is the wife of Pilate, the other wife of Herod’s treasurer. Power surrounds them, yet neither truly holds it.

After an elaborate dinner, they stand together on a balcony and watch crowds of Jewish pilgrims entering Jerusalem. One of them notices how far some people have traveled just to be there. Then she asks a striking question: is there anything worth believing in that strongly? The other wonders what that kind of faith must feel like.

This exact conversation is not found in the Bible, but both women appear in Scripture, and their questions feel honest and familiar. They are the kinds of questions many people still ask today. What does real faith look like? And do I have it?

Hebrews 11 gives a clear definition. Faith is trusting what we cannot see. It is a deep confidence that what we hope for will truly come. Faith is not wishful thinking. It is a solid trust rooted in who God is.

The rest of the chapter is an impressive list of names: people who lived exactly that way, hoping, holding on, believing.

These stories are meant to invite us in. They’re saying: “Come and join us. Trust God. Live this way, too.”

Maybe there are people around you whose faith feels strong. Go visit them. Ask them about it. Let them tell their story. Learn from them. Discover the beauty of their testimony.

And then ask yourself: What is God inviting me to do through this story?

Reflection Questions

• Who around you has a strong faith?
• Would you describe your own faith as strong? Why or why not?
• How would you like your faith to grow?
• Where do you need faith right now? Take time to pray and ask Jesus for it.

Prayer

Lord, faith does not always come easily. Help me grow in trust when I am wrestling with doubts. Place people in my life who live with faith and can help me learn. Teach me to trust You more deeply and to walk in confidence with You. Amen.