Speaking on faith, the author of Hebrews points out two of its distinct characteristics: "He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

First, God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. But since God is everywhere, we must avoid seeking God only in sacred books or spiritual practices. Our whole life is the great revelation of God - if we only have eyes to see and ears to hear.

"I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained. Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there".

Second, we must confidently expect visible manifestations of the power of faith. Faith is known by its fruits.

In order to encourage readers of his epistle, the author of Hebrews reminds them the number of stories from the Old Testament. He speaks of great heroes and heroines of the past who walked in faith and received outstanding miracles from God, urging to imitate their faith.

But here we face a problem. The author of Hebrews spoke to a deeply religious group, his message was meaningful and powerful - but now things are different. Modern men and women tend to be sceptical. They are not sure whether those people mentioned in the Bible really existed, and even if they did, whether they actually performed those acts of faith. How should we deal with this uncertainty?

I am convinced that eager attempts of some believers to persuade doubters that the Bible is accurate in every detail, is not the best way. In most cases, those efforts are fruitless. Who cares about events of the forgotten past which cannot be verified?

There is much easier and reasonable way to be convinced that the power of faith is real. It is the way of observation.

Laws of faith are spiritual laws which work all the time and in everybody's life - but often without our conscious recognition. Yet they are responsible for all our victories, great and small. They are behind all of our positive, progressive, uplifting experiences. Those experiences should become our starting point in the journey of faith.

We know that there is no lack or random chance in God's orderly world. People rise up or fall down not without a reason. Every success, especially a lasting one, is built on alignment with divine principles. As we analyze our life experiences and experiences of others, as we ask questions why this or that happened, we broaden our understanding of those principles - and apply them with greater clarity and wisdom. Positive and constructive results will surely come.

So, look at yourself. Look also at people around you. The truth is, everyone of us has a record of victories - even if we think that our record is short and insignificant compared to others.

"Know what is in front of your face, and what is hidden from you will be disclosed to you", says Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas. I think, it is one of the most exciting sayings attributed to Him. It means, there is no basis for inferiority to those who diligently seek the truth of their being. Sometimes people think that they missed their enlightenment if they did not read a particular book, did not attend a particular seminar, or had no personal contact with a particular Master. But the teaching of Jesus does not encourage this outward search. It shifts our attention within. Looking from within at the things which are "in front of our face", using them as the stepping stone for further discoveries, we will be able to develop our spiritual powers in great measure.

As we analyze ourselves and the world around us, it is important to avoid generalizations, or simplistic and stereotype answers which others give. We carry around many false concepts of the world and its laws, which will not help us to advance in life.

It is not wise to condemn our parents and teachers for giving us incorrect or simplistic explanations. Chances are, they knew nothing better. Chances are, we could not accept the different picture of the world because we were too young. But since we are mature now, it is our responsibility to educate and re-educate ourselves. We need to outgrow childish ideas of God, life, and ourself - even if implies some emotional insecurity.