Testimony 20/11/06: What is Faith Like?

What is faith? Many people would quote Hebrew 11:1, which says “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” But… what is faith like?

Faith is like the eye. Faith is not about us believing something hard enough that it compels God to do something. Faith is like the eye that sees everything in front of it and never sees itself. Faith is occupied with the object upon which it rest and pays no attention to itself at all (A.W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God).

Can we say the same about fear and worry? They do focus on an object. It could be the past. It could be circumstances. Other people. Or even yourself! But although it focuses on an object, fear and worry is always selfish to a certain degree.

You worry about your exam results. Will I pass? What will my score be? Can I proceed to the next level? What would people say about me? You fear about your father’s failing health. Who would provide for me if he passes away? What would I do without him? Will I survive?

Faith is very much affected by focus. Faith focuses on God. Just like prayer is not about the one who says it, but the One who answers it. The focus is on the LORD. While we are looking at God, we do not see ourselves. What are you focusing on? Yourself? Other people? Circumstances? Or even the devil?

The next time you are in front of the mirror, look into your eyes, and remember that faith never focuses on itself. It focuses on Jesus.