Faith: Trusting God Through Trials and Eternity

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Trusts God's Word

Faith is not about being perfect or having all the answers, but about believing that what God says is more real than what our eyes can see. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11—Abel, Enoch, Noah—were ordinary people who trusted God’s promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible or unclear. Faith means obeying God in whatever season of life we are in, holding onto His Word even when we cannot see how things will work out. Like the elderly woman who could no longer see well but saw God’s promises more clearly than ever, we are called to look beyond the temporary and trust in the eternal truth of God’s Word. [07:17]

Hebrews 11:1-7 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith 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. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word that you find hard to believe right now? How can you take a step of obedience today, trusting that His Word is more real than what you see?

Day 2: Faith Looks Forward, Not Behind

Faith calls us to look ahead to what God has prepared, not to dwell on the past—our achievements, regrets, or comforts. Abraham left everything familiar, living as a pilgrim, because he was looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Heaven is described as a joyful family reunion, a beautiful city, a restored paradise, a permanent home, and a place of everlasting light and reward. We are reminded that our true home is not here, and our lives are meant to be lived with our “suitcases packed,” ready for the eternal joy that awaits us. [14:09]

Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16 (ESV)
By faith Abraham 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. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. ... These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Reflection: What is one way you are tempted to look back instead of forward? How can you intentionally focus your heart on the hope of heaven today?

Day 3: Faith Endures Trials

Faith does not guarantee an easy life; it means trusting God through suffering, loss, and hardship. Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt, and many others endured mocking, prison, and even death. Faith clings to God in the midst of declining health, loneliness, or grief, believing that He has a purpose in every trial. When you pray for strength for today, keep coming to worship, or encourage others even from a place of weakness, you are living out real faith. The greatest faith is often found in those who are most broken, yet continue to trust and bless others. [21:47]

Hebrews 11:24-27, 32-40 (ESV)
By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. ... And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 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—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Reflection: What is one trial you are facing right now? How can you cling to God and trust Him in the midst of it, asking Him for strength for today?

Day 4: Faith Looks to Jesus

The ultimate example and focus of our faith is Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now sits at the right hand of God. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—those who have gone before us—cheering us on to throw off everything that hinders and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives us the strength to keep going, especially when the race feels long and hard. The encouragement of others and the hope of hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” at the finish line keeps us pressing forward together. [25:44]

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Reflection: What is one thing that is hindering your walk with Jesus right now? How can you fix your eyes on Him and take a step to lay it aside today?

Day 5: Faith Finds Purpose in Every Season

No matter your age or stage of life, it is never too late to live by faith and fulfill God’s purpose for you. The world is not our home; we are pilgrims here, and God has placed us where we are to reach out and bless others for His glory. Even in later years, your faith, prayers, and encouragement have eternal impact. Until your last breath, you can say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Find joy and purpose in knowing that God is using you right where you are. [27:52]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or bless this week, right where you are, as an expression of your faith and purpose in Christ?

Sermon Summary

The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience facing persecution, tempted to abandon their faith in Christ and return to the old ways of Judaism. The writer urges them not to turn back, reminding them that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the Old Testament pointed toward. He is greater than the angels, the law, and even Moses. In chapter 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” we are reminded of the men and women from the Old Testament—heroes who were far from perfect, yet marked by their faith. Their lives were not defined by their goodness, but by their trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible.

Faith, as described in Hebrews 11, is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It is believing that what God says is more real than what our eyes can see. Noah, for example, obeyed God’s command to build an ark, even though he had never seen a flood. Faith is not passive waiting, but active obedience—trusting God’s word and acting on it, even when the outcome is unseen.

Abraham’s life shows us that faith looks forward, not backward. He left everything familiar, living as a pilgrim, because he was looking ahead to a city with foundations, whose architect is God. Heaven is described as a joyful family reunion, a beautiful city, a restored paradise, a permanent home, and a place of eternal light and reward. Faith calls us to look forward, not to dwell on the past, but to press on toward the goal of knowing Christ and the hope of eternal life.

Faith also endures trials. Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. Many heroes of faith endured mocking, imprisonment, and even death. Faith does not guarantee an easy life, but it clings to God in the midst of suffering, trusting that He has a purpose even in our pain. Sometimes, those who are most broken physically display the greatest faith, relying on God’s strength day by day.

Ultimately, faith looks to Jesus. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are called to lay aside every hindrance and run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The journey may be hard, especially in our later years, but the finish line is near, and the joy of seeing Jesus keeps us going. Like those who have gone before us, we are called to live by faith until our last breath, longing to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Key Takeaways

1. Faith is not about perfection, but about trusting God’s promises even when we cannot see the outcome. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 were ordinary people who made mistakes, yet their lives were marked by a deep trust in God’s word. Faith means believing that what God says is more real than what our eyes perceive, and acting in obedience even when the world mocks or misunderstands us. [01:47]
2. Faith looks forward, not backward. Abraham’s willingness to leave everything behind and live as a pilgrim points us to the reality that our true home is not here, but in the city God has prepared for us. We are called to press on toward the goal, not dwelling on past achievements or regrets, but keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal hope that awaits us. [15:21]
3. Faith endures trials and suffering, not by denying pain, but by clinging to God in the midst of it. Moses chose suffering with God’s people over temporary pleasure, and many others endured hardship for the sake of faith. True faith is often forged in the fire of adversity, and those who are most broken may display the greatest trust in God’s sustaining grace. [18:09]
4. Faith is active, not passive. It is not simply waiting for God to act, but stepping out in obedience wherever we are, in whatever season of life we find ourselves. Whether praying for loved ones, encouraging others, or persevering through weakness, faith is expressed in daily choices to trust and obey God’s word. [06:23]
5. The ultimate focus of faith is Jesus. Surrounded by the testimony of those who have gone before, we are called to lay aside every hindrance and run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Christ. The journey may be difficult, especially as we near the finish line, but the joy of seeing Jesus and hearing His “well done” gives us strength to endure to the end. [23:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Imperfect Heroes of Faith
[02:19] - Faith’s Mark: Trust in God’s Promises
[03:41] - Faith Trusts God’s Word
[04:54] - The Reality of Faith Beyond Sight
[06:23] - Faith Expressed in Obedience
[07:17] - Faith Sees the Eternal
[08:11] - Abraham: Faith Looks Forward
[10:31] - Heaven: Our True Home
[12:34] - The Family of God and Eternal Light
[14:09] - The Crown and Reward of Faith
[14:46] - No More Tears: The Promise of Healing
[15:21] - Looking Forward, Not Back
[16:26] - Living as Pilgrims with Purpose
[18:09] - Faith Endures Trials
[20:22] - Faith in Weakness and Suffering
[21:47] - Faith Sees the Impossible
[22:42] - Faith’s Four Facets Recap
[23:29] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[24:58] - Encouraging Each Other in the Race
[26:50] - The Finish Line and the Cloud of Witnesses
[27:52] - Living by Faith Until the End

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 8-10, 24-27, 39-40 (ESV) —
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
...
6 And without faith 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.
...
8 By faith Abraham 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.
9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.
10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
...
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
...
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

- Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 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.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 11, what is the definition of faith? ([03:41])
What are some specific examples of Old Testament people mentioned in Hebrews 11 who lived by faith, and what did they do? ([03:41])
How does the writer of Hebrews describe the “city” that Abraham was looking forward to? ([08:11])
What does Hebrews 12:1-2 say we should do because we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”? ([23:29])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the heroes of faith were not perfect, but their lives were marked by trust in God’s promises. Why do you think God chose to highlight imperfect people as examples of faith? ([01:47])
The passage says faith is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” What does it mean to believe that what God says is more real than what our eyes can see? ([04:54])
Abraham left everything familiar to follow God’s call. What does it look like today to “look forward” in faith instead of dwelling on the past? ([15:21])
The sermon mentions that faith endures trials and suffering. How can enduring hardship actually strengthen someone’s faith? ([18:09])

Application Questions

The sermon said faith is not about perfection, but about trusting God’s promises even when we cannot see the outcome. Is there an area in your life right now where you are struggling to trust God’s promises? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area this week? ([01:47])
Noah obeyed God even when others mocked him and he couldn’t see the outcome. Have you ever felt misunderstood or alone because of your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? ([04:54])
Abraham looked forward to a “city with foundations” and lived as a pilgrim. Are there things from your past—good or bad—that you find yourself dwelling on? How can you practice looking forward in faith instead? ([15:21])
The sermon talked about enduring trials, like Moses choosing to suffer with God’s people. What is one trial or hardship you are facing right now? How can you cling to God in the midst of it, rather than trying to escape or ignore it? ([18:09])
Faith is active, not passive. What is one practical way you can step out in obedience to God this week—whether it’s praying for someone, encouraging a friend, or serving in a new way? ([06:23])
Hebrews 12:1-2 says to “lay aside every hindrance” and “fix our eyes on Jesus.” Is there a specific distraction or sin that is making it hard for you to focus on Jesus? What is one step you can take to lay it aside this week? ([23:29])
The sermon compared the Christian life to running a marathon, especially in the later years. Who is someone in your life you can encourage to “keep running the race” of faith? How will you do that this week? ([24:58])

Sermon Clips

We are reminded in this chapter of men and women. And remember, that audience is most every one of these people that the author is using here. These are their heroes of the faith from the Old Testament. Okay? So he's talking about, like, talking about the Seahawks and how good that team was back then and what they did to make it to the Super Bowl. But so much greater than that. Okay? So they're all familiar with these names. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, just like for Chris Dispray, and many, many others. And here's what's interesting. Like you, each of you, like me, they were perfect people. This is what I love. Some of them made really, really big mistakes. Just like you, you, you, and me. You're all laughing out there because you know it's true. But what are their lives? What was the mark of their lives? Faith. Right. It wasn't how good they were. It's they believed in God regardless of that. Okay? They trusted in a God who made promises. And they knew through trial that he would never forsake them. [00:01:16]

For those of us in later years, yeah, I'm throwing myself in the mat too. You're probably going to laugh. But for those of us in our later years, this chapter reminds us it's not how we start that matters. But how we finish. God calls us to keep walking by faith, even till our last breath. Amen. [00:02:43]

Faith trusts God's word, and this is why God's word. We live by faith, not by sight. Faith is believing what God says is more real than what our eyes see. Amen. Let me say that again. Faith is believing what God says in his word, that that is more real than what our eyes see. [00:05:28]

Noah trusted God when he was warned about things not yet seen. What was Noah? What happened with Noah? Oh, Lord. He built an ark. But a flood happened, right? Did he see a flood? No. Did he see the waters rising? No. He didn't see anything. No. But he believed God was going to do it because he told them. That's faith. Yeah. People laughed at him. Yeah. Mocked him. But Noah, what did he do? He still did it. He still obeyed. Can that just faith obey obedience? Yeah. [00:05:57]

Faith is not something like James was talking about this. Faith is not just waiting for something to happen. Faith is obeying God where we're at in whatever season our life is in. [00:06:36]

Many of you have trusted God for decades. How many of you have been a Christian for a long time? A long time. You've prayed for your children and your grandchildren. You've believed his promises when life is hard. Yeah. Sometimes you couldn't see how God would work it out. But you trusted his word. Thank you. [00:06:48]

An elderly woman once said, I can't see well anymore, but I can see God's promises more clearly than ever. Can you relate to that? Yeah. That's faith. It sees beyond the temporal, beyond the physical, to the eternal. [00:07:22]

Abraham is a great example of this. God called him to leave his home and go to a place he didn't even know. He lives in tents. Never owning much land. He had everything. He left everything. Why? Why? He was looking forward to the city, the text says this, with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. What city is that? Heaven. He knew what he had was temporary. He left it all. He had faith, and he walked. He obeyed. [00:08:08]

Heaven as the restoration of Eden. Life, healing, and abundance. I want to meet you guys there. That's what I want. I want to get in the first second. Shake your hand. Hey. Not that soon. You're going to be fast like me. Rest. You're going to have rest. You're going to have a permanent home. [00:11:38]

Heaven is pictured as a permanent home. hotel, or? It's much greater than that. It was something that they could relate to in that culture. Remember, that culture was a pluralistic culture. People lived together because it was family. It was rich. It was rich. Yes, but we are all part of that family. And there is no strife, no conflicts, because sin is gone. [00:12:34]

Heaven is pictured as an everlasting light with no fear, sin, or sorrow. Revelation 22, 5 says there will be no more night. They will not need the light of the lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. A crown. God, this is what was for my, a crown reward for what Jesus did for me. Why? Casting down my golden crowns across the crystal sea, right? Holy, holy, holy. I can never understand. I don't want a crown. All I want is to be with Jesus. But he still wants to reward us. I don't deserve any of that. [00:13:05]

Eternal life is a victorious celebration. A reward for faithfulness. Remember, your audience, if they can not go back, don't go back, don't go back. That finish line is going to be incredible. [00:14:23]

No more tears or death. No more tears or death. No more tears. tears of happiness? Tears of joy, yeah. Yeah. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or wine or crying or pain. Heaven is a place of total healing, joy and peace. Shalom. [00:14:46]

In later years, it's so easy to look backwards. I know somebody that talks all the time, I did this, I did this, here's what I did. I used to do this, I passed from this. That doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. We don't look back. We look forward. We think about the past, our younger days, the good life, our work, our family, even regrets. But faith calls us to look forward. [00:15:21]

Why would I look back when I have eternal this way? Why do I look at a speck of dust when I have streets of gold waiting? But we do. That's why the Bible's there to encourage us. Faith calls us to look forward. We are pilgrims here. The world is not our home. Remember that. This is not our home. [00:16:15]

Whatever room you live in here, whoever you have, He's reaching out through you to touch lives for His glory. That's why you're here. You're here at Regency for a purpose. Find joy in that purpose. Find history in that purpose. Purpose. Purpose. [00:16:51]

I want you to think of someone right now living in this retirement community who keeps their suitcase packed. Right? Mary D was so excited to move out. Think of someone who keeps their suitcase packed. Why? Because they know a move is coming soon. That's us. We live here but our true home is ready for us in heaven. My suitcase is packed. [00:17:11]

Faith endures trials. Endures trials. Have any of you had any trials in your life? No. Oh, no. No, nobody here has trials. Moses chose to suffer with God's people rather than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. Okay, this is another person. Authors used in this example. Others in this chapter endured mocking, prison, even death. Even death. Faith doesn't mean... I want you to hear this. Faith does not mean an easy life. No. It is not an easy life. It means trusting God through trials. Okay? [00:18:03]

Faith doesn't deny those struggles. Faith does not deny your struggles. It clings to God in them. It clings to God in them. Your feet. Whatever it is. Your sight. Whatever wheelchair. God, I know you have a purpose in this. And I trust you. [00:19:51]

When you pray, Lord, give me strength for today. That is faith. Okay? When you pray, he hears you. Lord, give me strength for today. That is faith. When you keep coming to worship, even when it's hard to get here, that is faith. Because you're coming together with God's people. [00:20:53]

When you keep blessing others with encouragement throughout the week, even from a wheelchair, that is faith. [00:21:34]

The heroes of faith, all of those heroes. And I would encourage you to read chapter 11 this week. They finished their race, not because they were strong, not because they trusted, but because they trusted the one who was faithful. [00:24:38]

As you near the finish line, don't give up. Encourage those who aren't coming out on Sundays to come. Come alongside them. I used to run marathons. And everyone's, they're not easy. And I would love when people came alongside me and said, you've got six miles to go. You can do this. We are in a marathon. We come here to encourage you to stay in the race. That's what we're doing right now. [00:24:58]

This crowd is from a stadium. It's a work picture of everybody in heaven. Everybody that's come before us is cheering you on, Nancy. Cheering you on, Dave. Cheering each one of you on. Don't stop now. You're so close. You're going to have this. You're going to have this. [00:27:04]

For the Christian in the last years of our lives may be the hardest, but the joy of seeing Jesus keeps us going. Amen. Amen. Hebrews 11 is not just history. It's our story too. Amen. Like Abel, live by faith and worship. Like Noah, trust God's word. Like Abraham and Sarah, look forward to heaven. Like Moses, endure trials with God's people. And above all, keep your eyes on Jesus. Regency Community Church, it's never too late to live by faith. Until our last breath, we can say with Paul, I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Amen. [00:27:23]

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