Entered the Hall of Faith this morning, Hebrews 11. Though I have a “seasons pass”, as I enter and behold the exhibits again, I’m struck that I really should be visiting here more often — more than my once-a-year reading plan visit. It stirs something deep within. What fuel for the soul!

I welcome again its welcome as I behold afresh the plaque over the hall’s entrance:

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

Faith is “the reality” (CSB) of hope. It is “the substance” (NKJV). It is “the title deed” (WNT). It is “the fundamental fact of existence . . . It’s our handle on what we can’t see” (MSG).

What a great definition of faith!

How we need something solid and real in this AI, algorithm-driven world where now even seeing isn’t reason enough to be believing.

And while this definition of faith at the doorway to Hebrews 11 again grounds me, it’s another phrase, found in the Abraham exhibit, that captures my thoughts this morning as a simple, actionable, working definition of faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

(Hebrews 11:8-10 ESV)

For he was looking forward . . .

How’s that for a two-word definition for faith — looking forward?

Faith is helpful when it comes to making some sense of the past. It’s often vital when it comes to enduring the present. But isn’t the “superpower” of faith looking forward? I’m thinking . . .

Abraham ended up going, though not knowing. He packed up and went to live in a land of promise which, quite frankly, didn’t end up being too promising as he died owning but a plot of land where his wife, Sarah, could be buried (Gen. 23). But he died as he had lived — looking forward.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

(Hebrews 11:13-16a ESV)

Looking forward reminds you of who you are, reconnects you with your people group, and reinforces your true citizenship, reminding you that you are but strangers and exiles on the earth.

Looking forward sets you on a journey of constant expectation — a journey where each day is enveloped by a hunger for better things which will be realized by seeking a homeland.

Looking forward is the motivation needed to keep on keepin’ on, the reason to refuse the opportunity to return to the land of bondage of slavery — no turning back, no turning back.

Looking forward is what fuels the desire and appetite for another land, a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

Looking forward is looking for a city. A city that has foundations. Built on solid, trustworthy ground. Built on the Rock of our salvation. A city whose designer and builder is God.

That’s our reality. That our assurance. That’s our substance. That’s the handle we hold onto.

By His grace. For His glory.