Scripture
Hebrews 12:1,2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:13, 14
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:3
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Thought for Today
Christians are not immune to facing various challenges each day. Some trials may be severe or life-changing. We also fight for victory over lesser struggles that add up and weigh us down. Discouragement, weariness, and distractions are among many reasons you may have felt like giving up. You are not alone. The bible teaches that believers in Christ will have tribulation and sorrow. Nonetheless, the scriptures promise that just as Jesus overcame the world, by faith we can do the same.
The fact that you are reading these words means you have the faith to keep going. Countless people who are mentioned in the bible had the same kind of faith. It is this faith that pushes through with perseverance until God gives the victory. Their experiences many thousands of years ago were left to teach and motivate you today.
The men and women found in Hebrews 11 are sometimes referred to as the “champions of faith.” Their lives are truly examples of the tenacious faith in God (not human perfection) that overcomes the most difficult situations conceivable. Noah, for example, was warned about God’s impending judgement upon the earth. He believed that The Holy God was justified in punishing a world steeped in unrepentant sin. Noah was moved with fear but still followed the detailed instructions God gave him to the letter. His tremendous faith resulted in the saving of his family and condemnation of the world.
In addition, Noah became an heir of righteousness. He forged ahead by faith to complete a humongous assignment without the need to know every detail of what lay ahead. Like Noah, your faith is the evidence of things not seen, it moves mountains, and overcomes the world (Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20, 1 John 5:4).
Rahab’s name is forever included in the list of the foremost people of faith. She defied the orders of the king’s men and hid the spies of Joshua in her own home. Rahab lied about their location when their pursuers came looking for them. She had faith enough to believe that Joshua’s men were of God, which led her to act. She pushed past thoughts that her ungodly lifestyle prevented her from being used by God, resulting in great reward.
Hebrews 11 is packed with powerful accounts of people who pressed through all types of trials. Still, the writer admits that there wasn’t time enough to tell about even more people throughout history who demonstrated unimaginable acts of faith. Make it a habit to study their testimonies for inspiration and to fortify your own faith whenever you feel like you can’t go on. Remember, your faith will never fail you because it has been authored and finished by Jesus Christ!
Time to Pray!
Father God, thank you for a faith that endures all things. We are grateful to You for strength in our weakness and examples in the bible to boost our faith. In the name of Jesus…Amen
