Hebrews
11 is known as the faith chapter. This chapter is full of incredible stories of
people with extraordinary faith. To be honest, I don’t know if I would make the
cut for Hebrews 11…
It
is easy for me to think of myself as ok, or all set in the faith department. I
have given up 9 months of my life to live in a foreign country and teach people
about the love of Jesus… that takes faith.
But
when I honestly think about my life, I know my faith is lacking. I choose to
worry rather than trust. I panic instead of praying. I stress instead of resting
in Gods peace.
When
I read Hebrews 11, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. But I also
felt inspired.
One
day, when your life is over, what will you be known for? The mom who had the
best dressed kids? The dad who provided well for his family? The student who
received the best grades? Personally, I want to be known for my extraordinary,
Hebrews 11, faith.
“How much more do I need
to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the FAITH of Gideon, Barak, Samson,
Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and
received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames
of fire, and escaped death by the edge
of the sword. Their weakness was
turned to strength. They became strong in
battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back
again from death.
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in
order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the
resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some
were sawed in half, and others
were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and
goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good
for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes
in the ground.”
Is
your faith BIG like those in Hebrews
11? Do you have the faith to shut the mouths of lions? Or quench flames of
fire?! One day, will you be known for your faith?
