What Is Faith?

¹ Faith is the confidence (conviction, sureness, belief) that what we hope for (expectation, optimism) will actually happen; it gives us assurance (guarantee) about things we cannot see. ² Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation (testimony). ³ By faith we understand that the entire universe (worlds) was formed at God’s command (Word), that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…. ⁶ And it is impossible to please (and be satisfactory to) God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In the great chapter of Hebrews 11, the unknown author of Hebrews gives an Old Testament history lesson on faith in the living LORD God and His Son, Jesus the Messiah (Christ) (see Hebrews 11:1-40). Then in chapter 12, the author of Hebrews encourages all believers to keep their hearts and minds on Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). By faith, the writer of Hebrews declares that the universe, worlds, the ages, the stars, and all living things were made by the invisible yet eternal LORD God Almighty’s Word (Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 11:3; see also Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6, 9; John 1:3; Romans 4:17; 2 Peter 3:5).

No one can please and become satisfactory to the living LORD God Almighty, who is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without our wholehearted and open faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6; see also 1 Kings 8:61; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith in the living LORD God of glory also means faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus of glory (e.g., see John 12:44; John 14:1). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus are ONE (e.g., see John 10:30, 38; John 12:45; John 14:9-11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). The Lord Jesus Christ came from His Father, the true and living God of heaven and earth (e.g. see, John 1:1, 14, 18; John 17:3). Our faith must ONLY be in the living LORD God Almighty and His Son, who created the heavens and earth (e.g., see Acts 17:24-28; Colossians 1:15-20). Anyone who wants to come to the only true and living God must wholeheartedly believe that there is ONE God and believe He generously rewards those who love and seek Him, obey His commands, and do what is right, fair, and good (Hebrews 11:6; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Chronicles 28:7-9; 2 Chronicles 15:2; Micah 6:6-8; Zephaniah 2:3; 1 John 3:5-6; 3 John 1:11). The LORD God is pleased with our goodness, honesty, and blamelessness lives (e.g. see Genesis 17:1; 1 Chronicles 29:17-19).

What is faith? According to Hebrews 11, faith is the confident assurance and expectation that something we want is going to happen (see Hebrews 11:1). Even more, faith is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead (Hebrews 11:1; see also Romans 8:24). Essentially, faith combines both assurance and anticipation. Nevertheless, faith is NOT selfish ambition, “me first,” nor self-serving, but God-centered and others-centered (e.g. see Romans 10:10; 1 Corinthians 13:2). 

Hebrews 11 summarizes the lives and labors of those great men and women of faith found in the Old Testament. By faith, the author of Hebrews notes these great heroes of the Old Testament gained approval from the living LORD God (see Hebrews 11:2).  Their faith in the LORD God Almighty distinguished these Old Testament heroes above the crowd (see Hebrews 11:2). Amazingly, all these men and women of God shared these common characteristics: courage, obedience, goodness, allegiance, faithfulness, and dependence only on the LORD God and His mighty power (Hebrews 11:2, 4, 39; see also e.g., Genesis 6:9, 22; Genesis 17:1; Exodus 40:16; Deuteronomy 18:13)!

First of all, by faith and trust, Abel obeyed the living LORD God of glory and brought an offering that pleased God more than Cain’s offering (Hebrews 11:4; see also Genesis 4:4-8; Proverbs 15:8). Cain and Abel were brothers born of Adam and Eve (see Genesis 4:1-2). The Holy Scriptures teaches that Abel lived righteously and good before the living God and shun evil while his brother Cain lived unrighteous and followed the evil one (Hebrews 11:4; see also Genesis 4:7; Matthew 23:35; 1 John 3:12). Because of Cain’s evil ways, Cain murdered his brother Abel (see Genesis 4:8).

Also, Enoch trusted and lived in ways that pleased the living LORD God Almighty (see Hebrews 11:5). The Holy Scriptures teaches that Enoch walked faithfully with the living LORD God of heaven and earth and lived a life of goodness and righteousness, which pleased God (see Genesis 5:21-24). Because of Enoch’s goodness and righteousness, the LORD God took Enoch away to heaven without dying (Hebrews 11:5; see also Genesis 5:24). Similarly, the living LORD took his faithful prophet Elijah to heaven without seeing death (see 2 Kings 2:11). Amazingly, the Lord Jesus Christ promised that His faithful servants who obeyed His commands would also not see eternal death (e.g., see John 5:24; John 8:51; John 11:26; Hebrews 2:9). 

Noah was another person who lived by faith and obedience in the living LORD God (Hebrews 11:7; see also Genesis 6:13-22). The Holy Scriptures teaches that Noah was a righteous man and the only blameless person living on earth at that time (e.g., see Genesis 6:9; 2 Peter 2:5). Noah walked in close fellowship with the living LORD God, despite all the corruption, injustice, and violence rampant in his world (e.g., see Genesis 6:9, 11-13; Genesis 7:1; 1 Peter 3:20). Because of the world’s corruption and violence, the LORD God decided to destroy the world with devastating floods (e.g., see Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:4; 2 Peter 2:5). When Noah heard God’s warning about the future, Noah believed the LORD God Almighty and did all that God commanded him even though there was no evidence nor sign of a coming flood (Hebrews 11:7; see also Genesis 6:13, 17, 22; Genesis 7:5, 9, 16). Wasting no time, Noah built the ark and saved his family from death and destruction (Hebrews 11:7; see also Genesis 6:14-16).

Noah’s faith in God was in direct contrast to the sin, corruption and disbelief of the rest of the world (Hebrews 11:7; see also Genesis 6:11-13). The rest of the world refused to obey the living LORD God Almighty and was destroyed by the disastrous floods (Hebrews 11:7; see also 2 Peter 3:5-6). Because of Noah’s faith and obedience to the living LORD God Almighty, Noah became one of those whom God accepted (Hebrews 11:7; see also Genesis 6:17). Even more, the LORD God entered into a lasting covenant with Noah – the Noahic covenant – to never again destroy the world by flooding (see Genesis 6:18; Genesis 9:9-16). Truly, the living LORD God protects His honest, blameless, and righteous people from eternal destruction (e.g., see Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 37:37-40).

Interestingly, the Lord Jesus used Noah’s story to warn people to be ready for His return at the coming end of the age – the Eschaton (see Matthew 24:36-42). The Lord Jesus taught that His return will be like Noah’s day (see Matthew 24:37). In Noah’s days before the great flood, the people were enjoying banquets, parties, and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat with his family and the animals (see Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:26). Jesus declared that the people did not realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away (see Genesis 7:7-23; Matthew 24:39; Luke 17:27). Similarly, Jesus declared His return would also occur while the people are enjoying banquets, parties, and weddings (see Matthew 24:39). Jesus warned EVERYONE to live good, righteous, and blameless lives because His return would come without warning and when least expected (see Matthew 24:40-48).

Abraham also lived by faith in the living God (see Hebrews 11:8-12). The LORD God Almighty appeared to Abraham when he was seventy-five years old and instructed Abraham to leave his homeland of Ur of the Chaldeans, which was beyond the Euphrates River or the Mesopotamian region, to go to Canaan, a land that He promised to give Abraham as an inheritance (Hebrews 11:8; see also Genesis 11:31; Genesis 12:1-4, 7; Genesis 15:7; Joshua 24:2; Acts 7:2-4). Abraham obeyed God’s voice, and he went to the distant land even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8; see also Joshua 24:3; Nehemiah 9:7).

When Abraham reached God’s promised land, Abraham lived in tents like a mere alien or foreigner as did his sons, Isaac and Jacob (Hebrews 11:9; see also Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:3, 8; Genesis 18:1, 9; Acts 7:5-6). The living LORD God Almighty also gave Abraham’s sons Isaac and Jacob the same promise He gave His servant Abraham (Hebrews 11:9; see also Genesis 13:14-17; Genesis 17:19; Genesis 22:17; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:12-16). As a history lesson, Abraham became the father of Isaac, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob (later renamed Israel) became father of the twelve patriarchs (the twelve tribes of Israel) (see Genesis 21:2-4; Genesis 25:26; Genesis 29:31-35; Genesis 30:5-24; Genesis 35:18, 23-26; Acts 7:8).

While living, Abraham nor his sons Isaac and Jacob receive their promised inheritance of Canaan, the promised land (Hebrews 11:9; see also Acts 7:5). Yet, God promised to give the promised land to Abraham’s descendant (see Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:15; Genesis 17:8). Abraham obeyed God’s voice and accepted His promises, and the living God declared Abraham righteous (see Genesis 15:1-6; Habakkuk 2:2-4; Romans 1:16-17). The Holy Scriptures teaches that Abraham was confidently waiting for the heavenly city – Mount Zion or the heavenly Jerusalem – that real foundations was planned and built by the LORD God Almighty (Hebrews 11:10; see also Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14; Revelation 21:2, 10, 14). Even more, Abraham with jubilant faith looked down the corridors of history and saw the coming Messiah and cheered (see John 8:56).

Abraham’s wife Sarah also had faith in the living LORD God Almighty (see Hebrews 11:11). By faith in the living LORD God Almighty, Sarah received power to conceive a child, despite her old age and her previous barrenness (Hebrews 11:11; see also Genesis 11:30; Genesis 18:11-14). Abraham was also old (Hebrews 11:12; see also Genesis 17:17; Romans 4:19). Against all hope, Abraham and Sarah by faith believed in the LORD God Almighty (e.g., see Romans 4:13, 18, 21). Abraham and Sarah never wavered in believing God’s promise, but their faith grew stronger, and in this they brought glory to God (see Romans 4:20). Both Abraham and Sarah realized that the LORD God Almighty, who gave them His promise, would certainly do what He said (Hebrews 11:9, 12; see also Genesis 21:2; Romans 4:21). Nothing is too hard for the LORD God Almighty, and He is faithful to keep all His promises (e.g., see Genesis 18:14; Matthew 19:26; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Hebrews 10:23).

Because of Abraham and Sarah’s faith and hope in the living LORD God Almighty, a whole nation came from Abraham and Sarah (Hebrews 11:12; see also Genesis 17:4-6; Romans 4:18-19). This nation from Abraham and Sarah now has so many millions of people that, like the stars of the sky and the sand on the ocean shores, there is no way to count them (Hebrews 11:12; see also Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:17). Through faith in the living God’s Son Jesus Christ, all believers are grafted into the family of God and become descendants of Abraham (e.g., see John 1:12-13; Romans 4:11, 16; Galatians 3:14, 28-29). 

Moreover, the author of Hebrews teaches that Abraham and Sarah trusted in the LORD God Almighty and His promises even during times of persecution and testing (Hebrews 11:17; see also Genesis 22:1-10). While God was testing him, Abraham was willing to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Hebrews 11:17; see also James 2:21). Through Isaac, the living God had promised to give Abraham a whole nation of descendants (Hebrews 11:18; see also Romans 9:7). Abraham believed that if Isaac died the LORD God Almighty God would resurrect Isaac back to life (Hebrews 11:19; see also Romans 4:16-21). Because Abraham’s obedience to God’s voice and righteous commands, the living LORD God declared Abraham righteous and promised to bless Abraham and his descendants (see Genesis 22:9-10, 12, 15-18; Genesis 26:5). Yet, the living God also chose our father Abraham so that Abraham will direct his descendants to obey Him and to keep His righteous ways by doing what is right and just (see Genesis 18:18-19; Luke 3:8; John 8:39). Truly, faith in the living God requires a continual obedience to the LORD God Almighty, which ultimately leads to God’s blessings and favor (e.g., see Psalm 119:1-3; Proverbs 11:20)!

By faith, Abraham’s son Isaac believed that the living God would give future blessings to his two sons, Jacob and Esau (Hebrews 11:20; see also Genesis 27:26-40). When Jacob was old and dying, Jacob blessed each of Joseph’s two sons Manasseh and Ephraim as he stood and prayed, leaning on the top of his cane (Hebrews 11:21; see also Genesis 48:1, 5, 16, 20). Amazingly by faith, Jacob’s son Joseph, as he neared the end of his life, looked ahead and confidently spoke of the LORD God Almighty bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt (Hebrews 11:22; see also Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19). Joseph was so sure that the LORD God Almighty would redeem and save God’s people in the future that he made God’s people promise to carry his bones with them when they entered God’s promised land (Hebrews 11:22; see also Joshua 24:32).

Next, the author of Hebrews teaches the great story of Moses and the Exodus. As the LORD God Almighty previously promised Abraham, Abraham’s descendant grew and multiplied. While living in Egypt, the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong and mighty, so that the land of Egypt was filled with Abraham’s descendants (Exodus 1:7, 9, 20; see also Genesis 12:2; Deuteronomy 26:5; Acts 7:17). Then, the evil Egyptians gave an order to kill the Israelites baby boys at birth to stop God’s multiplication of the Israelite people (Exodus 1:15-16, 22; see also Acts 7:18-19).  

However, Moses and his family had faith in the LORD God Almighty of heaven and earth (see Hebrews 11:23). Moses’ parents disobeyed the evil Egyptian’s order to kill Jewish baby boys and remained faithful to the living LORD God and His people (Hebrews 11:23; see also Exodus 1:15-16, 22; Acts 7:19). The Holy Scriptures teaches that Moses’ parents knew their son was no ordinary child, and they protected their beautiful son Moses for three months from the evil Egyptians (Hebrews 11:23; see also Exodus 2:2-3; Acts 7:20). By God’s grace and sovereignty, Moses’ sister Miriam delivered Moses to Pharaoh’s daughter who adopted Moses, yet Moses’ mother cared for Moses while Moses lived in Pharaoh’s household (Exodus 2:3-10; see also Acts 7:21-22). Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in both his words and deeds (see Acts 7:22). By faith, Moses grew older, and he refused to be treated as the grandson of the Egyptian king (Hebrews 11:24; see also Exodus 2:10-12). Instead, Moses remained faithful to the living LORD God Almighty and God’s people (see Hebrews 11:25).

For Moses faithfulness to the living LORD God, Moses was appointed by the LORD God Almighty ruler and savior of His people Israel (see Acts 7:35). The LORD God performed many wonders and miraculous signs through Moses and Moses led Israel out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years (e.g. see, Exodus 11:10; Exodus 12:41; Exodus 14:21, 27-31; Exodus 33:1; Acts 7:36). Importantly, Moses received from the LORD God of Hosts at Mount Sinai the life-giving words (oracles) to give Israel and the world (see Exodus 19:3-6, 17-18; Deuteronomy 32:47; John 1:17; Romans 3:2; Acts 7:38, 53; Hebrews 4:12).  

Amazingly, the writer of Hebrews noted that Moses saw the LORD God’s coming Messiah (Christ) (see Hebrews 11:26). Moses prophesied the coming Jesus as the Great Prophet and Savior whom the LORD God would speak through (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19; Matthew 17:5; Acts 3:22-23, 26; Acts 7:37). Because Moses foresaw the coming Christ, Moses believed it was far better to suffer for the promised Messiah (Christ) than to own all the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26; see also Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:7-8). As with other faithful servants of the living God, Moses was looking forward to the LORD God’s great rewards in His Son Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 11:6, 26; see also Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:35).

Because Moses trusted in the LORD God Almighty, Moses left Egypt and sought the living LORD God Almighty (Hebrews 11:27; see also Amos 5:4-6). The writer of Hebrews notes that Moses sought the LORD God Almighty, though invisible, as if God was right in front of him (Hebrews 11:13, 27; see also 1 Timothy 1:17). Because Moses believed God would save His people, Moses instructed Israel to kill a lamb and sprinkle the blood on the doorposts of their homes so that God’s terrible Angel of Death could not touch but Passover the oldest child in those homes (Hebrews 11:28; see also Exodus 12:21-30). Even more, Moses instructed God’s people Israel to trust in the LORD God Almighty, and the living God protected His people from the dangerous Red Sea as though they were on the dry ground (Hebrews 11:29; see also Exodus 14:21-30).  

Moreover, the writer of Hebrews notes that by faith in the LORD God Almighty the Israelites destroyed the walls of Jericho after they walked around the Jericho walls seven days as God had commanded (Hebrews 11:30; see also Joshua 6:15-16, 20). By faith, Rahab believed and obeyed the LORD God Almighty, and the LORD God protected her and her family from destruction (Hebrews 11:31 see also Joshua 6:23-25; James 2:25). However, the writer of Hebrews noted that the disobedient and unbelieving were destroyed (see Hebrews 11:31). Rahab kindly welcomed God’s people into her home and gave God’s people the Israelites shelter (see Joshua 2:1, 8-13). 

In summary, the author of Hebrews noted there were many other faithful servants of God, such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and all the other great prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, and Daniel (Hebrews 11:32; e.g., see Judges 4:6; Judges 6:11; Judges 13:24; Judges 11:1; 1 Samuel 1:20; 1 Samuel 16:1, 13). These faithful servants obeyed and trusted in the living LORD God Almighty and His power and as a result they won battles, conquered kingdoms, ruled their people well, escaped death by the sword, shut the mouths of lions, overcame sickness, defeated their enemies, and raised the dead to life (Hebrews 11:33-35 see also e.g., see Judges 14:5-6; 1 Samuel 17:34-37, 45-47, 50-51; 2 Samuel 5:17-20; 2 Samuel 8:1-6; 2 Samuel 12:29; 1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:35; Daniel 3:23-25; Daniel 6:22).

Yet, the author of Hebrews also noted that some of God’s faithful servants were tortured, beaten to death, and unjustly imprisoned, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection and life with the God of glory (see Hebrews 11:35). Even more, the author of Hebrews stated that some of God’s faithful servants were laughed at, their backs cut open with whips, chained in dungeons, stoned to death, wandered over deserts and mountains, lived in caves, went hungry, suffered mistreatment, and sawed in two (Hebrews 11:36-38 see also Genesis 39:20; 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Kings 18:4, 13; 1 Kings 19:4, 9-10; 1 Kings 21:13; 1 Kings 22:27; 2 Kings 1:8; 2 Chronicles 24:20-21; Jeremiah 20:2; Jeremiah 26:23; Jeremiah 37:15).

The author of Hebrews proclaims that the world was not worthy of these faithful and obedient servants of God (see Hebrews 11:38). These faithful servants of God sought justice and performed acts of righteousness in the world (Hebrews 11:33; e.g., see 1 Samuel 12:3-4; 2 Samuel 8:15). Even more, these faithful servants of God endured mistreatment rather than give into sin, evil, and wickedness (see Hebrews 11:25, 37). Most important, these faithful servants of God continually trusted and obeyed the living LORD God of glory and His righteous commands (see Hebrews 11:37). Even in their weaknesses, these servants of God were made strong by their faith in the LORD God Almighty (see Hebrews 11:34). Because of their continual faith in God, these faithful servants gained God’s approval (see Hebrews 11:2, 39).

Nevertheless, none of these faithful men and women received all that God had promised them for they all knew even better rewards were prepared for them in God’s Kingdom (see Hebrews 11:16, 39-40). These great men and women of faith listed in Hebrews 11 died without ever receiving all in hand that God had promised them, but they continued to believe in the LORD God Almighty (Hebrews 11:2, 13, 39; see also Acts 7:4-5). These faithful men and women of God saw God’s promises including Jesus Christ awaiting them in the distance and were glad (Hebrews 11:13; see also Acts 7:52). The Holy Scriptures teaches that our father Abraham, the prophet Moses, and many other great prophets and righteous servants of the Old Testament saw in a distance the coming Messiah (e.g., see Matthew 13:17; Luke 10:24; John 8:56; Hebrews 11:26; 1 Peter 1:10-12). These great Old Testament heroes persevered, endured, and continually looked by faith and trust to the eternal yet invisible LORD God Almighty and their heavenly home (Hebrews 11:10, 27; see also Acts 7:55-56; Romans 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:17).

Even more, these faithful men and women of God all knew that this earth was not their real home, but that they were only aliens, exiles, and foreigners here on earth (Hebrews 11:13; see also 1 Peter 2:11). These faithful men and women of God were looking forward to their real home in heaven – the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 11:14; see also Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 2:19). Thus, these faithful men and women of God did not focus on the temporary pleasures of this world, but they placed their whole hearts, desires, and minds towards the heavenly Kingdom, where the living LORD God had made a heavenly home and serving others (Hebrews 11:10, 15-16; see also Ecclesiastes 5:10-11; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 13:4-7, 18-22; Matthew 25:34; John 14:1-3; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 18; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). Similarly, the Apostle Paul also instructed believers of Jesus to stay focus continually on heaven while doing everything on earth for God’s glory and honor (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:1-2, 17).

Therefore, the author of Hebrews reminds believers of Jesus we are never alone, but we are surrounded by a huge crowd of faithful servants of God (Hebrews 12:1 see also Hebrews 11:1-40). Consequently, the writer of Hebrews encourages all God’s people to continually live by faith in the LORD God and His power and continually turn away from sinfulness, evil, and selfishness (Hebrews 12:1 see also Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22). Even more, the writer of Hebrews encourages God’s people to endure any hardships and trials and run with endurance and perseverance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 see also John 16:31-33; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 10:36).

Most importantly, the author of Hebrews encourages all believers of Jesus to stay faithful and keep our eyes and hearts on the LORD God and His Son, the Lord Jesus of glory (Hebrews 12:2 see also Psalm 25:15). When we take our hearts and eyes off the Lord Jesus of glory and focus on our surrounding problems, we will sink and fell (e.g., see Matthew 14:28-31). The Lord Jesus Christ is the Source, Completer, and Perfecter of our great faith (Hebrews 12:2 see also Hebrews 2:10). Therefore, we must ALWAYS live by trusting and looking upon the Lord Jesus and not by the stressful circumstances surrounding us here on earth (e.g. see, 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Even more, the Lord Jesus is our example in suffering. Because of the heavenly joy awaiting Him in His Father’s Kingdom, the Lord Jesus courageously endured hatred, persecutions, and misfortunes and continually trusted in His Father and His Father’s power (Hebrews 12:2-3 see also Isaiah 53:3, 11; Luke 24:26; Philippians 2:8-9; Hebrews 2:9). Most important, Jesus kept His eyes and heart on His Father’s Kingdom (see Hebrews 12:2). Now, the Lord Jesus is living in His Father’s glorious heavenly Kingdom at His Father’s right hand (Hebrews 12:3; see also Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55-56; Hebrews 1:3).

Therefore, the author of Hebrews encourages all believers of Jesus not to become weary but continually do what is right and good in the world for God’s glory and honor (Hebrews 12:3 see also Matthew 10:22; 1 Corinthians 10:30; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:13)! IF WE LOOK TO JESUS, YOU WILL WIN (see Hebrews 13:5)!