The Bible teaches that faith is the precious relationship of trust between a human being and the Sovereign Lord. It is directed by hope, which stems from God's Word, and bound by love. Faith is not the means of getting what we want, but the partnership of trust in which we know God's blessing as we work with Him to achieve His purposes in our lives and in the lives of others. Hebrews 11:1-34 describes how people trusted God and He used them to achieve great things for His kingdom. But Hebrews 11:35-38 describe the endurance of similarly faithful people who expressed their faith through the suffering of persecution.

Today's verse is the junction of the two outcomes: women whose dead loved ones were restored to life (particularly thinking of Elijah's miracle in 1 Kings 17:17–24 and Elisha’s in 2 Kings 4:17–37), and those who were tortured and died because they trusted in the One and Only Living God. Both groups of people exercised faith and through each, God was glorified. Those whose lives appeared triumphant were not better or more full of faith than the martyrs: those who suffered continued to stay on God's side because of the hope set before them (Colossians 1:5).

Faith has a further horizon than death. It is sealed in the confidence that God knows what is right and best, and that to work with God, instead of against Him, is the greatest privilege we can have. Faith trusts that God knows the future and that He knows the best route to secure His glory and our blessing. Faith is focused on the 'hope' ahead, which includes God's eternal reward for those who love and serve Him (Hebrews 11:6). The martyrs and others who suffered could not abandon the only true God. When Jesus asked the disciples if they would go away from Him, Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68-69). Yes, Peter did deny Him, but was repentant before being restored – and went on to minister faithfully despite suffering and an early violent death.

Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us to serve the Lord whatever it may cost us, because His reward is greater: 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.' The full outcome of our faith is not going to be seen in this life. Faith has an eternal goal (Hebrews 12:1-3). Do not let others deprive you of that eternal reward by seducing you to engineer prosperity now. Do not let others despise your faith because you have not yet obtained what you have prayed for. Do not let your horizon be filled by earthly things, but on the Lord who is calling you forwards to share His glory (Colossians 3:1-4).