BY FAITH

✨ Bible Devotional: BY FAITH
By Don Vess

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
— Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Faith is the foundation of our walk with God. It reveals what our natural eyes cannot see and connects us to the unseen realities of God’s promises. Scripture tells us plainly: It is impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6). To follow Him, we must believe He exists—and believe He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.

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Noah: Faith in a Dark Generation

Noah lived in a society overflowing with wickedness, violence, and mockery. Yet he stood alone in faith, obeying God for over a century as he built the ark. He trusted God in a time when the world no longer honored Him.

We too live in a generation that often rejects God’s ways. But God always preserves a remnant of believers—men and women who choose to live BY FAITH, regardless of what the world around them is doing.

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Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us:
“We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Or as the NLT says:
“We live by believing, not by seeing.”

Faith moves us through trials, changes, disappointments, and unknowns. It keeps us steady when life shakes us. Like the old mule who climbed out of the well by “shaking it off and stepping up,” faith teaches us not to give up—but to rise up.

Now is not the time to lose your footing.
Now is the time to shake it off and STEP UP.

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Faith Gives Strength in Trials

Jesus said,
“In this world you WILL have tribulation… but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33

Trials are not signs of God’s absence—
they are opportunities for God to reveal His strength.

James 1:2-4 (NLT) tells us to consider it “an opportunity for great joy,” because tested faith produces endurance, maturity, and completeness.

Romans 5:1-5 (NLT) echoes this truth:
Trials → Endurance → Character → Hope
And this hope will never disappoint because the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with God’s love.

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Faith Sees Beyond the Natural

The heroes of Hebrews 11 trusted God beyond what made sense:
•Abraham obeyed without knowing where he was going.
•Sarah believed because God was faithful who promised.
•Moses chose God’s calling over earthly comfort.
•Jacob and Isaac spoke blessings by faith.

Their lives testify that faith is not passive—it moves, obeys, endures, and trusts completely in God.

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Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run with endurance, laying aside every sin and distraction, and fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross because of the joy set before Him—and now He strengthens us so we do not lose heart.

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What God Has Already Provided

Through the finished work of Christ:
•Salvation is yours
•Freedom is yours
•Healing is accomplished
•Guilt and shame are broken
•Hope is restored

You don’t have to strive for it—
You receive it BY FAITH.

Mark 11:22-25 reminds us:
Have faith, speak to the mountain, believe you’ve received, and forgive freely so God can move in your life.

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❤️ Today’s Reflection

What are you believing God for today?
What mountain stands before you?
What promise feels just out of reach?

Bring it back before the Lord.
See it with the eyes of faith.
Stand on His Word.
Walk in His strength.
Believe before you see.

God has already moved on your behalf—
and by faith, you can lay hold of every promise He has made.

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 Closing Prayer

Lord, strengthen my faith today. Help me walk by believing, not by seeing. Teach me to trust Your promises, endure through trials, and fix my eyes on Jesus. By faith, I receive everything You have provided through Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.