Faith, Fight, Finish — Part 1: Faith

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

July 20, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

Faith, Fight, Finish — Part 1: Faith

That is what it's going to take to be successful—spiritually successful.

Success in God's Kingdom means living a life of obedience, always striving to please Him with every decision and seeking to experience His perfect will for our lives.

Today, let's consider the first of these three words:

FAITH.

We believe and place our trust and confidence in God, His Word, and His promises.

Scripture Focus

Hebrews 11:6

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Living a life of faith is not an easy task.

It doesn't come naturally or passively to any of us because sometimes—even often—what we do by faith contradicts what seems to be the most practical, pragmatic, and logical course of action.

Faith is aggressive action in the face of life's challenges.

Living a life of faith means believing God in the middle of the storm, seeking and accepting His guidance and direction for our lives, and trusting Him when we are traumatized or facing a crisis.

Faith stabilizes us.

Faith provides a sure foundation upon which we stand—firm, secure, and confident.

When we live by faith, fear has no place to gain a foothold.

No matter what happens in my life, or what challenges you and I may face, we trust, we believe, and we place our confidence in God and in the fact that He loves us and has a plan and purpose for our lives.

Scripture Focus

2 Corinthians 5:7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Faith needs to be reinforced and reestablished every day.

Strong faith develops as we continually exercise our trust in God in the face of the daily challenges that will always be before us.

Scripture Focus

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

That is the kind of faith that should be growing in each of us at all times.

Today's Challenge

Take time today to examine the quality, condition, and strength of your faith.

Are you trusting God's promises more than your circumstances?

Are you walking by faith instead of by sight?

Choose today to place your confidence completely in the Lord. As you trust Him through each challenge, your faith will continue to grow stronger, steadier, and more deeply rooted in His unchanging Word.