BY FAITH[1]
When we gather as a church, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and have passed on the torch of faith. When we sing, our voices join with the generations as we face the present and the future with renewed strength and resolve to walk by faith. Initially inspired by Hebrews 11, the chorus reflects the opening of Hebrews 12: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”[2]
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”[3]
By faith we see the hand of God in the light of creation’s grand design, in the lives of those who prove his faithfulness, who walk by faith and not by sight.
“They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. . . they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”[4]
By faith our fathers roamed the earth, with the power of his promise in their hearts, of a holy city built by God’s own hand, a place where peace and justice reign.
“It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 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.”[5]
By faith the prophets saw a day when the longed-for Messiah would appear, with the power to break the chains of sin and death and rise triumphant from the grave.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”[6]
By faith the church was called to go in the power of the Spirit to the lost, to deliver captives and to preach good news in every corner of the earth.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”[7]
By faith this mountain shall be moved, and the power of the gospel shall prevail; for we know in Christ all things are possible for all who call upon his name.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”[8]
We will stand as children of the promise;
We will fix our eyes on him, our souls’ reward;
Till the race is finished and the work is done,
We’ll walk by faith and not by sight.
By Faith
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1] Words and Music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townsend © 2009 Getty Music Publishing / Thankyou Music Ltd.
[2] The Sing! Hymnal, Crossway Publishers, 2025, p. 917.
[3] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 11:1.
[4] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 11:13,16.
[5] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 11:24–26.
[6] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Ac 1:8.
[7] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 11:6.
[8] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Heb 12:1–2.
