The artist creates a painting with a forward look. The artist sees the possibilities of an idea being expressed through color and brushstroke on the canvas. While others see a rough piece of marble or alabaster, a sculptor sees a finished figure. The architect sees an elegant building while others see piles of dirt and steel on a construction site. The scientist sees the possibilities of a cure to a disease as he labors on endless experiments in the laboratory. The athlete sees the possibility of winning a race as he or she goes through the daily discipline of physical training. The musician sees the possibility of a finished score as he labors on the expression of a musical motif.

Everything that is purposefully achieved in this world is done by hope. But not all that is done in hope brings lasting satisfaction or joy. The Scriptures teach of a hope that is both certain and lasting. Hope is the forward look of faith. Acts of hope are most satisfying when executed in the kind of faith that honors God. 'Faith' describes a relationship in which our trust is transferred from the limitations of our own limited abilities, perspectives and knowledge to One whose abilities, perspectives and knowledge are proven to be far more worthy, expansive and reliable.

Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The kind of faith that is indispensable to pleasing God is rooted in the revelation of His character (HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS), His works (HE HAS DONE WHAT HE HAS SAID HE HAS DONE) and His promises (HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO). Faith believes what GOD SAYS over and above what WE SEE. Faith adopts divine viewpoint and then motivates us to act accordingly, even before there is any visible or tangible evidence.

Are your hopes just 'wishful thinking'? Is your life's purpose bringing you lasting joy? Are your possibilities limited to your own field of knowledge, your own source of energy and your own limited viewpoint? Do you live in the confines of your own understanding, doing what is right 'in your own eyes'?

After the crucifixion of Christ, his discouraged disciples hid themselves in fear behind locked doors. They opted for a safe place, wanting to shut out the possibilities of any intrusion, yet Jesus, risen from the dead, miraculously appeared before them. He had risen, just as He said. Their limited understanding was challenged by the substantiation of the resurrection possibility. Jesus imparted to them what they needed to realize the possibilities He had in mind for them. He breathed new life in them, imparted the Holy Spirit and commissioned them to a supernatural way of living and forgiving (John 20:19-23). He called these common people to be world-changers who would take His message to all nations.

Jesus said to them, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29).

A person who is blind, needs the help of someone else to be their eyes. Faith is believing what you do not yet see because you are letting God be your eyes.

What are you doing today to realize the possibilities that He sees for your life?