Suppose you’re a relic hunter, obsessed with finding ancient artifacts that prove the old stories are true. People chase after pieces of the past, hoping a shard of pottery or a scrap of cloth will confirm what they’ve always believed. It’s tempting, isn’t it? They look for undeniable proof, archaeological finds, historical documents, or scientific nods that say, “See? Everything’s true!” Our world demands proof before we can trust anything. But the Bible shows a different faith, one that doesn’t rely on constant excavation.
It says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith acts as a way to prove what we can’t see. It’s not blind guessing, it’s a confidence that gives weight to promises we haven’t fully experienced yet. They keep digging because they’re afraid the story won’t stand up without hard evidence. But even if the shovel comes up empty, biblical faith says the story stands firm.
In 2 Corinthians 5:7, it says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Walking by sight means letting only what you can see, touch, or measure guide your steps. When it comes to everyday life, it’s great. But when it comes to the spiritual realm, it’s limiting. We can’t see heaven, the Holy Spirit, or God’s plan for our lives. We’ll stall out when it gets foggy if we insist on sight every step. Even when the path isn’t clear, you can walk by faith based on God’s character and His Word.
The other disciples told Thomas they’d seen the risen Lord after the resurrection, but Thomas wouldn’t hear it. When Jesus appeared and invited Thomas to do just that, Thomas believed immediately. He said he had to see the nail marks and put his hand in Jesus’ side, or else he wouldn’t believe.
Then He said, “Because you’ve seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are those who haven’t seen and yet have believed.” Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas, but He highlighted a blessing for those who trust without demanding physical proof.
It’s easy for relic hunters to get trapped. Constantly looking for more proof leads to endless hunting. What if a new discovery challenges an old one? What if the evidence doesn’t hold up? If the ground shifts, faith built on just artifacts or arguments can fall apart. God’s unchanging nature and Scripture are what keep faith true. There’s nothing wrong with ignoring evidence, many Christians find archaeological finds or historical records encouraging. But those things don’t replace faith, they support it.
Consider how the Bible shows faith in action. Abraham left his home for a land he didn’t know, trusting God’s promise of descendants as numerous as the stars, even when he and Sarah were old and childless. Noah built the ark when there wasn’t any rain in sight. The people didn’t hunt relics for proof, but they acted on what God said, and their faith was credited as righteousness.
The relic hunter might need a miracle or a sign before they trust God when they’re facing illness, loss, or uncertainty. It’s not passive resignation, it’s active trust that chooses obedience even when feelings or circumstances scream otherwise. A person walking by faith relies on promises like God working all things for good, or His presence in the valley.
Getting proof isn’t bad in itself. God sometimes provides us with evidence to help us. But when it becomes the main thing, it can crowd out trust. Faith isn’t anti-evidence, it’s supra-evidence. Because it trusts the One who sees everything, it goes beyond what eyes can see.
While relic hunters might find amazing things, a believer who walks by faith finds peace that doesn’t depend on what he finds next. Faith isn’t about proving God exists to skeptics or even to ourselves over and over. It’s about knowing Him as real, present, and trustworthy, right now, in the unseen.
Are you a relic hunter or a faith walker? Both have their place, but Scripture calls us to prioritize the walk. Trust God’s Word, obey, and let faith be your evidence. You might already have everything you need.
