Where Is Your Faith?

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

Our human psychology inclines us to seek approval from those around us. Too often, that becomes the primary validation we pursue. We put our faith in others, but our faith and focus should be in God alone. When we seek the approval of people, we risk compromising the directives God has given us. When we follow the “rules” set by man, we can easily drift from the will of God.

I came to this painful realization while being considered for a promotion at work. I had done everything I could to gain the respect and approval of my employer and leadership. I consistently went above and beyond, only to be overlooked and pacified with compliments rather than rewarded as I had hoped. In that moment, I was forced to confront an uncomfortable truth: I had placed my expectation—and my confidence—in people rather than in God.

This same truth was revealed to me during a recent fast. I became so focused on the “dos and don’ts” dictated by man that I missed opportunities to seek God’s help and strength.  Instead of relying on Him, I leaned on my own ability to endure. That self-reliance led me to make concessions rather than obey His Spirit and tap into God’s power to remain steadfast and diligent. When we depend on our own strength, we will inevitably fall short.

Each time we choose to lean on our own understanding, we open the door for spiritual attack.  Our mind, will, and emotions become vulnerable to the enemy, whose desire is our destruction.  This is why our faith cannot rest in ourselves or in the people around us—it must be anchored in God alone.  He is a jealous God and will not share His place with anyone or anything (Exodus 20:3–5).

James 1:6–8 reminds us that when we pray, we must do so without doubting. This led me to ask hard questions: Have my doubts rendered my prayers ineffective? Am I holding up blessings because of unbelief? Am I doubting God—or am I doubting Him because of my circumstances?

When we focus on our situation, we forget the truth, and our faith begins to waver.  Our faith was never meant to rest in our plans or our expectations but in God Himself.  He alone knows the full plan for our lives.  When we fixate on how things should unfold, disappointment is inevitable.  But when we focus on Him, our faith remains steady because He is unchanging and faithful to His promises.

In Matthew 14:22–33, Peter walked on water when he focused on Jesus.  The moment he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink. The same is true for us.  When we take our eyes off God, doubt and fear quickly follow. Our first response in every situation must be to look to Christ, who is our help. (Psalm 121)

We should always be looking up.  By predetermining how a situation should turn out, we limit what God can do and set ourselves up for disappointment.  We cannot rush ahead of God or define His outcome.  We don’t need to know the full plan—we only need to trust that He has a plan, and it is working together for our good (Romans 8:28).

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Prayer:

Lord, help us to seek Your approval above all else. Strengthen our faith to rest fully in You, not in people, circumstances, or our own understanding. Teach us to keep our eyes fixed on You, trusting that You are always at work, even when we cannot see the outcome.  Amen.