DIDACTIC: "THE THREE LOOKS OF FAITH" BY IKECHUKWU FRANK

When yesterday whispers, “Remember the way,”

I look at the journey and bless God today;

For storms that once threatened to bury my name,

Became stepping-stones through His merciful grace.

I look back at the battles I thought I would lose,

At doors I thought never would open or move;

I remember the nights when my strength disappeared,

Yet somehow I survived, for His presence was near.

Then I lift up my eyes from the dust and the pain,

And behold who He is when the answers don't come;

Not merely for blessings, not only for gain,

But God in the mountain, God deep in the rain.

When fear starts to speak and the future looks wide,

I will not let the darkness determine my stride;

For what I behold will shape what I believe,

And when I look upward, my heart learns to breathe.

Then forward I journey, though I cannot see,

The road or the turns or what tomorrow will be;

I may not know where every pathway will bend,

But I know I am walking with God as my Friend.

So let yesterday teach me, let heaven guide me,

Let tomorrow invite me to walk courageously;

I will not be trapped by the things left behind,

Nor frightened by futures I cannot define.

When life becomes heavy, these three looks remain:

I remember His goodness, I behold His name;

I trust where He's leading, though vision is dim,

For faith sees beyond what the eyes cannot see.

Look backward—remember; look upward—behold;

Look forward—keep trusting when life feels untold;

Three looks, one journey, one faith for the way:

God has brought me this far—and He'll lead me each day.

© IKECHUKWU FRANK 

-Nigeria 

Ikechukwu Frank’s The Three Looks of Faith is a religious and inspirational poem that explores the role of faith in navigating life’s difficulties and uncertainties. The poem presents three important ways of looking at life: backward, upward, and forward. Looking backward allows the speaker to remember past struggles, victories, and moments when God’s presence sustained him. These experiences become reminders of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

The upward look represents fixing one’s attention on God rather than on circumstances. Even when prayers seem unanswered or life becomes difficult, the speaker chooses to recognise God beyond material blessings and earthly challenges. This perspective gives him strength, peace, and courage when fear and uncertainty arise.

The forward look focuses on trusting God with the future, even when the path ahead is unknown. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot predict every turn of life, but he remains confident that God will guide him. The poem therefore presents faith as a source of courage, hope, and endurance.

Ultimately, The Three Looks of Faith teaches that a believer should learn from the past, remain focused on God in the present, and confidently trust Him with the future. Through this threefold perspective, the speaker finds the assurance to continue his journey despite what he cannot see or control.