Living in Faith
- Written from a Christian Worldview
Faith. It’s a word that screams across Scripture, yet its depth often escapes us. In Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” the writer offers a robust case study of lives lived in trust and obedience to God. The appealing factor in this chapter is that it doesn't just define faith; it is a biblical docuseries that explains what faith looks like in action. It reveals a faith that pleases God and transforms lives.
This year, our household has set a simple pursuit: to live “By Faith.” Our foundational scripture prescribes that we should walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Building upon our journey, Hebrews 11 encourages us to want every decision, action, and step to reflect a conviction of trusting in God’s promises, guidance, and instruction. It reminds us that faith is not only essential but transformative—a call to embrace the unknown with the confidence that God is faithful.
What Is Faith?
Hebrews 11 opens with a declaration:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Faith is not merely wishful thinking; it is a confident trust in God’s past promises, even when we don’t see the desired outcome for which we might be praying or currently believing Him for. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God—a conviction rooted in His character and faithfulness toward us. Without this trust, Hebrews reminds us, “It is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith in Action
A quick note: The author of Hebrews highlights individuals whose lives exemplify faithful habits.
By Faith - Abel - SACRIFICED
By Faith - Enoch - PLEASED GOD
By Faith - Noah - PREPARED & BUILT
By Faith - Abraham - OBEDIENCE
By Faith - Sarah - CONCEIVED BY BELIEF
The scriptures reveal that faith has consistent, actionable habits that flow from our relationship with God. Here are a few more notes:
Faith Obeys God’s Call
If you read the passage, you will see Abraham, who “obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
Obedience to God is required from your faith, even when the destination is unclear. We learn from Abraham because he trusted God’s promises and instruction over his myopic understanding. You and I do not have to know every detail, but we must trust God to lead the way.
Reflection: Is there a step of obedience that God is calling you to take, but you are resistant because you do not see the whole picture?
Faith Sees Beyond the Present
Moses “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:26).
Moses did not focus on earthly riches, power, and comfort because his eyes were fixed on a greater reality—God’s eternal promises. I understand this can sound weird, but being able to see beyond your nose is critical for consistent faith in action. Your faith ought to be mature enough to look beyond temporary struggles, knowing that God’s purposes are far more valuable than anything the world offers.
Reflection: Are you living with eternity in mind, or are temporary concerns clouding your faith?
Faith Perseveres Through Trials
Sometimes, you have to read and hear the stories of those who endured incredible suffering:
“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated... of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:37-38).
Contrary to popular surface-level preached sermons on faith, it’s wise to know that faith pleases God and is steadfast in trials, confident that God’s promises are worth the cost. These individuals understood that their ultimate faith destination was to be in God's glory, allowing them to die with honor during heavy trials.
Reflection: How can you anchor your faith in God during seasons of trial or uncertainty?
The Trusted Example of Faith
The Hall of Faith ultimately points us to the trusted example of faith: Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 exhorts us to fix our eyes on Him:
“...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus is the patterned son or example of trust and obedience. He endured the cross because He knew the joy of fulfilling the Father’s will. His life, death, and resurrection show us that faith is not just about believing in God but entrusting every part of our lives to Him until He returns. That requires faith.
Reflection: How will your story reflect a faith that pleases God?
Perhaps your faith won’t make headlines, go viral on social media, or be recorded in history books, but it matters to God. So, live out your faith. Know that the same God faithful to Abraham, Moses, Noah, Sarah, Enoch, Abel, and the saints of old is loyal to you.
Live as a person of faith, confident in God’s past promises and steadfast in your belief for future promises. May this year, you believe:
“God is faithful, and His promises are sure.”
Of Grace
-BW