Forward-Facing Faith

by Kathy Howard

On January 8, 1956, Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and three other missionaries were murdered in Ecuador by members of a violent Amazonian tribe. They had heard the stories. They knew the Waodani were brutal murderers. The indigenous tribe had a history of killing all outsiders who attempted to enter their territory. But the missionaries dreamed of reaching them with the love of Christ.

Together, the five men committed to take the gospel to these unreached people no matter the danger. They simply followed what they firmly believed to be God’s will. Although their obedience resulted in their death, it also prepared the way for two of their family members to return. A little less than three years later, Elizabeth Elliot, Jim’s wife, and Rachel Saint, Nate’s sister, went to live with the Waodani. Eventually, many members of the tribe accepted the Good News of Jesus and His salvation.

Jim and the other men may have lost their physical life, but far more was gained through their obedience. Before Jim and his team made their fateful last journey, he penned in his journal a statement of faith shaped by biblical truth (Matthew 10:39, Philippians 1:21). “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

In the “Hall of Faith” in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, the author lists numerous biblical faith heroes who also lived by this principle. For instance, like Jim Elliot, Moses possessed “forward-facing faith.” He looked ahead to God’s promises and the spiritual rewards that waited, considering them far more valuable than anything the world could offer.

He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. (Hebrews 11:26 NLT)

When Moses was born, Egypt was the dominant world power. The adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter grew up in the palace with unlimited wealth, power, and privilege. He also had access to the best education and training. Josephus, the ancient Jewish historian, believed Moses was even the presumed heir to the throne of Egypt. Yet Moses rejected it all and instead stood with God’s people, who were slaves of the Egyptians.

Moses willingly endured trials and testing because he valued the spiritual and eternal over the physical and temporary. From an earthly perspective, this choice cost Moses everything. But in reality, he gained far more. God used Moses as His tool of deliverance for the nation of Israel, miraculously bringing them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea on dry ground. Through Moses God gave the Law to His people, established the Old Covenant, and guided them to the border of the Promised Land.

Moses lived a victorious life of faith because he intentionally fostered a forward-facing faith. He refused to look back longingly at Egypt. Instead, he focused on the loving Savior.

Do you have forward-facing faith? If not, what needs to change?

This post was adapted from Kathy’s new devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews.”

About the author: Kathy Howard is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate, richest coffee, and cherished stories of faith. She also digs deep into Scripture, mining God’s eternal truths. Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and has taught the Bible for more than 30 years in a wide variety of venues. Kathy is the author of 14 books, including “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” and the “meaty” devotional series “Deep Rooted.” Kathy and her husband live in north Texas. They have three married children and six grandchildren. Find free discipleship resources at www.KathyHoward.org.

Are you spiritually exhausted? Following Jesus can be hard. Discouragement, difficulties, and defeat often wear us down. This 40-day devotional journey provides encouragement to run our race of faith with endurance and reminds us that our Savior is far superior to anything and everything the world can offer.

Like the rest of the Deep Rooted devotional series, the Hebrews volume uses the 4-R Bible study framework to help you learn how to interact with and respond to Scripture, not simply read it. These meaty, daily devotions will increase your hunger for God’s Word, encourage spiritual growth and stability, and lay the groundwork for a life-long, spiritually-healthy habit. (See “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Hebrews” on Amazon.)

Join the conversation: Do you foster a forward-looking faith?