"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

(Hebrews 11.1 KJV)

But let's be clear. Hope is not evidence.

I cannot give testimony based on hope. My testimony need to be based on evidence, or else what I say does not count.

That is how it works in the court of law and that is also how it works with our faith. Non-believers want to see overwhelming evidence from our testimony about our faith.

I need to proclaim the Good News not just with words of hope, but with evidence from my life.

"My brothers and sisters, what good is it for people to say that they have faith if their actions do not prove it? Can that faith save them?

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!” — if you don't give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: if it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead."

(James 2.14-17 GNB)