Hebrews 11:26 says that Moses considered “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” In this chapter which extols faith, we find here a glimpse of how it practically works in a given situation:

Moses was undoubtedly tempted by the treasures and comfort he could have maintained in Egypt, but instead he looked — by faith — to a greater treasure which was awaiting him with God if he refused the temptations of ease.
This models for us how faith “works” in different scenarios of our lives. In difficult or trying situations, the person of faith looks not at the difficulty or appeal of the present situation, but “to the reward” that by faith he believes is awaiting him.

— when you are tempted, look by faith at the reward awaiting you if you overcome the temptation.
— when you are in the midst of a task, slowed by difficulty or oppression, by faith see the reward awaiting you if you persevere in that situation.

It appears that not many people today are able to see this way. They only have eyes for what is immediately before them, and they respond solely based on that. But God is calling us in Hebrews 11 to be different; to be people of faith, who see beyond where we presently are, and to “look to the reward.”