By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:3 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Understand
Understanding is comfortable. Whether it is our car, economics, or our bodies, understanding is better than confusion. Whether it is our spouse, our job, or our schedule, understanding is better than guessing. Whether it is quantum physics, time travel, or black holes… well, think how much better it would be if we had understanding instead of theories!
This verse gives us hope when we do not understand something important. God’s word, watered by faith, allows us to understand the oldest mystery: creation itself.
No one saw creation happen. We humans have tried to figure it out by analysis of data. We humans have tried to figure it out by proposing theories. We humans have tried to figure it out by imagination, guesswork, and reason.
But understanding in this case comes through faith.
This verse is not important, though, just because it steps into the Creation debate. It is important because it gives us a concrete example of how to approach other things that we cannot seem to understand.
Things like guilt. Things like grace. Things like love. Things like order and chaos. Things like responsibility. Things like hope. Things like forgiveness. Things like the future as well as the far distant past.
Fear not, then understand.