The author of Hebrews first defines faith, then takes us through a series of heroic examples. In the process, we are reminded that faith isn't based on what we can see or understand—and that's OK.

God can use suffering and loss to take our focus off temporary things and place it on perseverance and hope — looking toward our eternal joy.

The Tabernacle represented God's presence with the people of Israel, but it also reminded them of the huge barrier separating them and a holy God — sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross obliterated that barrier. We can bring our guilt and shame — all of it — before him with confidence