“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). “The righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). “This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). Faith is the “state of believing on the basis of the reliability of the one trusted” (BDAG). Sometimes we sing, “my faith looks up to Thee.” Faith is the driving force of God’s people.

Faith causes us to look forward. We live by faith (Hab. 2:4). We make progress by faith. We continue on fighting the good fight of faith because we trust in the Father.

Faith causes us to look upward. We live for Heaven (John 14:1-4). We expect Jesus return (Rev. 22:7). We rejoice that we have a home reserved for us in Heaven.

Faith causes us to look around. We live to serve God by serving others (Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24). It is impossible to imagine how much good God can do with willing hands. There are souls to save. Because of our faith, we continue to spread the message of hope—Matthew 28:19-20.

Faith forbids us from looking inward. Instead of trusting oneself, faith demands trust in one’s God. “For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.” (Romans 4:2-5). How wonderful to trust in God! How comforting to know we are in his care! 

D. L. DeBord