I believe in viruses, although I cannot see them. I studied viruses in graduate school, and I’ve seen electron microscope pictures of what they look like. But I can’t hold one in my hand or peer at it through a glass. However, despite their invisibility, I feel their influence.

Oddly enough, faith acts a lot like a virus.

Faith is a slippery concept. The author of Hebrews tells us that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. How are we assured of what we cannot see? By the influence unseen forces have upon us and our world.

I find it fascinating that the first challenge of faith involves how we got here in the first place: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

The formation of the universe remains a fundamental challenge for science. If it all started with a big bang, then who lit the fuse? If galaxies exploded from pure energy, from where did this energy originate? By faith many believe the voice of God launched the cosmos. By faith others cling to an undiscovered cause—but then who caused the undiscovered cause? Either way, we must engage with faith.

It doesn’t take much faith to start influencing our lives. Like covid-19 taking hold, faith grows quietly. People say that faith and science don’t mix. But actually the ways of nature mimic faith. A little belief takes root. The Holy Spirit starts to act. Before long you’ve contracted the disease.

And it’s the best disease you’ll ever catch. The virus of faith infuses you, then leaps to others. No need to wear a mask, let your faith in the Lord infect everyone around—because all the world needs this contagion.

Hebrews 11 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by CDC