“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11 uses the words “by faith” previous to telling us what amazing things ordinary people accomplished during the Old Testament days. I want to emphasize the word “ordinary” because I am convinced that these giants of faith dealt with sin and weakness just like we do. In fact another great man of faith was Elijah and in James 5:17 we read of his commonness to us as well as his faith. “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.”
Could there be such an amazing list of “by faith” people found in New Testament times; ordinary people who really trusted God concerning their lives? Two important thoughts need to be considered. First, faith is never developed apart from great adversity; all of Hebrews 11 shows this. Secondly, we have received the “promise” of Hebrews 11:39 (true salvation in Jesus Christ) and so we have such a greater advantage in being able to trust God. Could it be said of us, “By faith she…”?
Ladies, I’m so excited to meet this Thursday morning to discuss this wonderful chapter of God’s Word. Even if you have missed most of our classes, plan to be present for this challenging time of encouragement to live by faith.