The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves near the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. The scrolls had been stored in clay jars, calling to mind Paul’s illustration in 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure [the Gospel] in earthen vessels.” We are the fragile “earthen vessels,” subject to weakness and breakage. But Paul’s point is that in spite of our weakness, “we do not lose heart” (verse 16) because we have an eternal dwelling in heaven (5:1). Therefore, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7). “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (4:18).

Abraham saw the same way when God told him he would be the father of a multitude even though he and Sarah were beyond childbearing age. “In hope against hope [Abraham] believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken” (Romans 4:18, NASB). Eyes of faith are needed when our physical eyes cannot yet see what has been promised (Hebrews 11:1).

Like Abraham, trust by faith in God’s promise regardless of what your senses say. 

Faith, to put it simply, is the conviction that God does not tell lies.
Frank Retief