Are you familiar with Hebrews 11? Hebrews 11 is known as “the Faith Chapter” for its litany of people who lived by faith—people whose lives should inspire us. It is one of the great chapters of the Bible that everyone should know. It begins with a definition of faith: “the reality of what is hoped for, the evidence of things unseen” Hebrews 11:1.
Then the writer lists those who have lived out their faith:
“By faith, our ancestors won God’s approval…
By faith we understand God made the universe…
By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain.
By faith he was approved…
By faith Enoch was taken and did not see death….
By faith Noah….
By faith Abraham….
By faith even Sarah….
By faith Isaac….
By faith Jacob…. Joseph…. Moses…. The Israelites…. Rahab….
And what more can I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword…. Became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead, others were tortured, not accepting their release…. They were stoned, sawn in two… afflicted, mistreated, men of whom the world was not worthy….” Hebrews 11:2-38.
Are you discouraged? Do you need faith? Read Hebrews 11! These people’s lives will inspire you to conquer any obstacle you are facing, as long as you are facing it with faith.
And chapter 12 offers the only wise conclusion:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us [cheering us on!], let us lay aside every weight and the sins which so easily entangle us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of the faith….” Hebrews 12:1-2.
Be inspired by those who’ve gone before, fix your eyes on Jesus, and run with FAITH!
ΑΩ
Household Words: 