Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Before Jesus began His ministry, He had a close connection with God the Father. From His boyhood, when He stayed in the temple instead of traveling home with His family (Luke 2:41-52), to the time when He went into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus lived an inner faith. After His baptism and temptation, He outwardly demonstrated His faith by doing the work of His Father.

Your internal faith focuses on your relationship with the Lord and the skills and abilities with which He has blessed you to manage life. You are called to walk out this faith in God, His plans, and provisions externally. The way you treat others and respond to life circumstances is an outward witness of your inner faith. The apostle James stated, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (James 2:14). He continued, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (v. 18).

Faith radically rests upon God, learning to follow His will and purposes, yielding your personal plans and hopes in service to your all-sufficient Savior, Jesus Christ. As you continue to build your internal belief and trust in the Lord, you increasingly exhibit His character and glorify God in your actions. As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, pray for governing officials who do not know the Lord to come to faith and rely on His saving grace. Intercede for believers in positions of authority to be guided by the Holy Spirit as they make decisions for America’s future.