Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
The Bible is full of inspiring stories about ordinary people that did extraordinary things because God was with them. The book of Hebrews in chapter 11 lists many of these great men and women of faith to encourage the reader to have the same kind of faith in God that they had. In other words, if we have faith in God and do what they did- we can see what they saw!
For inspiration the author of Hebrews mentioned the offering of Able (11:4), the intimacy of Enoch (11:5), the righteousness of Noah (11:7), the obedience of Abraham (11:8), the promised child of Sarah (11:11), the blessing of Isaac (11:20), the dreams of Joseph (11:22), the leadership of Moses (11:23), the help of Rehab (11:31), and many more (11:32). And what did all these awesome men and women have in common? Faith in God.
The book of Hebrews defines faith as, “… confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1. Also, Paul said in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” And James wrote, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead,” James 2:17.
Therefore, biblical faith starts by first hearing the Word of God, then second believing what God has spoken, and lastly acting on what God said. As a result, according to Hebrews, “This is what the ancients were commended for,” Hebrews 11:2.
All of us can do great things and have amazing faith- we just need to read God’s Word, believe what it says, and then act in obedience!
Reflection
Do you want to live your life with amazing faith?
Action
- Make time everyday to pray and read God’s Word.
- Put your full trust and belief in whatever God says.
- By faith, act on God’s Word and watch what He will do on your behalf!
