The Bible in the book of James tells us that anyone who has unbelief should not expect to receive anything from God. Therefore, the third requirement to receive a reward from God is faith. You must firmly believe in the promises of God and hold them to your heart.

The first chapter of Hebrews 11 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen. Faith is not to be confused with hope. While hope is in the mind, faith is in the heart and is for here and now.

If you wanted to travel to the Coast by the SGR, you would need to buy a ticket or your journey would never become a reality. Faith is the currency that helps your hope become actualised.

When you hear the word of God, it goes to your mind. For it to be actualised, you must believe it in your heart.

Even as you build up faith, expect that it will be tested. Men like Abraham and Joseph in the bible had their faith tested before they could behold the promises God had made them. Every word received from God must be tested and if you fail the test, then you forfeit your reward. The testing of your faith is to determined whether you can still trust God; whether you can still wait upon him; whether you can still love him. 

I pray that you will remain steadfast and strong even in the face of trials. Do not give up on God because he is faithful.