God’s Word defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). It takes faith to see Jesus when our faith is being tested. With hope-filled eyes of faith fixed on Jesus, though, we will witness God working and moving in ways that cannot yet be seen with our eyes of flesh—giving us a better understanding of who God is, what His will is, and what His plans and purposes are for our lives. 

In Hebrews 11, also known endearingly as the hall of faith, we can read about bold faith being lived out in the lives of ordinary people like us, chosen by God to fulfill extraordinary callings. The stories of these ancient heroes of our faith overwhelmingly demonstrate the importance of walking by faith, not by sight (see 2 Corinthians 5:7), while waiting for the fulfillment of all God’s promises. The following examples from this Bible passage will give you an idea of just what I mean:

• By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. —Hebrews 11:4
• By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. —Hebrews 11:5
• By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. —Hebrews 11:7
• By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8 
• By faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. —Hebrews 11:11
• By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” —Hebrews 11:17–18
• By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. —Hebrews 11:24–26

Like these heroes of the faith, you may need reassurance that God really is working all things together for your good, and God is good. When you believe something in faith that seems to contradict your present reality, or when the walls appear to be closing in and there doesn’t seem to be any way out from your difficult circumstances, you can fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith (see Hebrews 12:2). If at first you cannot see Him, look again! Jesus is on the move. He is at work in your life!

Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “[God] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in [Him].” If we keep our spiritual eyes on Jesus, we will be at peace—assured of God’s unfailing love and kindness toward us. As we focus our minds on Him, we will neither become distracted by chaos nor fall prey to the enemy’s lies and deception. Instead, we will remain unwavering in hope, steadfast in our faith, and free from anxiety and fear. The following are a few tried and true practical ways you can fix your eyes on Jesus when your faith is being tested: 

1. In prayer: The Bible tells us to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray when you get up in the morning, when you go to bed, and every moment in between. Did you know that simply saying the name of Jesus as you breathe is a prayer that will refocus your mind back on Him? There is power in the name of Jesus. Try praying in little whispers throughout your day. Intentionally pull back from the world and spend some quiet time alone with the Lord. Share with Him all that is on your heart and mind. Don’t push through feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress in your own strength; stop throughout your day to lay them at the feet of Jesus. He is there to relieve you of the weight of worry on your mind and body, and to help you better understand His heart, His plans, and His purposes. The Almighty is always with you. 

2. In fasting: Fasting, in spiritual terms, is giving up food or drink, or both, for a specific period of time for a spiritual reason. It is an expression of humility before God and of commitment to Him. Fasting helps us to keep God the focus of our affection and attention. Just as with prayer, fasting doesn’t change God; it changes us. It helps us better discern God’s will and become more receptive to His plans and His purpose for our lives. Fasting also has a way of revealing our true spiritual condition, allowing us to become more aware of any deep-seated sin issues, thereby accelerating the process of moving from brokenness through repentance to transformation. If you are struggling with temptation, in need of God’s divine intervention and protection, or you’re waiting for a big breakthrough, fasting can strengthen your prayers and your spirit. 

3. In the Word: Reading or listening to God’s Word is one way to very literally fix your eyes on Jesus, because we know from John 1:1 that Jesus is “the Word.” When we meditate on and memorize the Word, breathing in His promises for us throughout the day, His peace will wash over us. Don’t merely skim over the Word, but take the time you need to let it soak in. Slow down and seek to fully digest it. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8)! You can look up Bible commentary online about particular scriptures you’re drawn to. Study the historical context of the passages you’re reading. Find the meaning and origin of key words to help you grasp the depth of what God is trying to unveil to you. Look for words or phrases that are repeated throughout Scripture. What might God be trying to get you to notice? Or, pick a topic of interest to study and find a reading plan in your Bible app on this topic. Use Scripture, books, podcasts, and other resources to help you better understand God’s Word. Allow God’s Word to transform your thoughts, renew your mind, and refocus your attention back on Him.

4. In praise and worship: When we praise and worship God for who He is, for all He has already done for us, and for all He is still going to do—we are choosing to look beyond what can be seen in the natural to what can only be seen with eyes of faith fixed on Jesus. Praise and worship will stir up your faith and your beliefs, calm your heart and mind, and draw you closer to God. When we praise Him, God moves. Praise God for what He has done and what He will do. Thank Him for making a way for you! Worship Him for the greatness of His mercy and His love.

Once we were separated from God because of our sin, but through Jesus, we were brought back into a right relationship with Him. His loving sacrifice made a way where once there was no way. So now, even when things look absolutely impossible, and you can’t conceive how your circumstances could ever change, remember the price Jesus paid for your freedom and complete restoration. Remember His promise to make you strong, firm, and steadfast, once again (1 Peter 5:10). Then, fix your eyes on Jesus and stand firm in your faith.

When we think about Jesus’ crucifixion, what the cross meant to those present appeared to be utter defeat, gross humiliation, death, and finality. Now, however, that same cross is a symbol to all the world of hope, everlasting life, and complete victory! Your victory is not only guaranteed in Christ, because of Christ—your victory is Christ! Jesus is your victory! He is the joy set before you—the full expression of all you’ve ever dared to hope and dream. He is the answer to every unanswered question. He is the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). Every step forward you take persevering in faith, is one step closer to Him! Can you feel the surprising, unexpected joy of the Lord beginning to rise up within you now? 

By fixing our eyes on Jesus and standing firm through the testing of our faith as we wait on the Lord, we will be empowered not only to persevere, but also to experience joy in the midst of our trials and suffering. For every bit of suffering we endure here on earth, we will be rewarded in heaven (see Matthew 5:12). This is the promise set before every believer in Christ! Knowing this promise can never be taken from us, we can laugh without fear of the future; we know the One who holds our future in the palm of His hand. Go ahead, laugh in the face of the enemy. Laugh in the face of your trials and suffering. What God has prepared for you is far greater than any of the difficulties you may be facing right now. You can trust that God is working all things together for your good. You can trust in His perfect love for you.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

—James 1:2–4