Journey By Faith

Hebrews 11 is a fantastic chapter in Scripture for me to read at any point in my spiritual journey. Each time I read it, new lessons and life applications are drawn out and I feel inspired, motivated, and/or convicted to examine my trust and reliance on God's Sovereignty. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
This chapter starts us off with a definition of faith so that we are all on the same page as the author lists a bunch of ordinary people living out extraordinary faith. A few weeks ago when I read this passage again, my focus drifted to the ways in which faith manifested itself within the lives of each person listed. It is pretty remarkable.

1. "By faith we understand . . ." (v.3)
2. "By faith Abel offered . . ." (v.4)
3. "By faith he was commended. . ." (v.4)
4. "By faith he still speaks . . ." (v.4)
5. "By faith Enoch was taken . . ." (v.5) - God calls us home through faith
6. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God . . ." (v.6) "Anyone who comes to Him must believe He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him earnestly."
7. "By faith Noah built . . ." (v.7)
8. "By faith Abraham obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (v.8)
9. "By faith he made his home in the promised land"
10. "By faith Abraham was enabled . . ." (v.11)
11. "By faith Abraham offered sacrifice . . ." (v.17)
12. "By faith Isaac blessed . . ." (v.20)
13. "By faith Jacob blessed his sons . . ." (v.20)
14. "By faith Joseph spoke . . ." (v.22)
15. "By faith Moses' parents hid him . . ." (v.23)
16. "By faith Moses left Egypt . . ." (v.27)
17. "By faith the people passed through the Red Sea . . ." (v.27)
18. "By faith walls fell . . ." (v.30)
19. "By faith Rahab welcomed . . ." (v.31)
20. "By faith Gideon conquered . . ." (v.33)

It is then recorded that none of these faithful ones received what they were promised, but only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. (v.13-14 and v.39). Does this mean that they were, that we are, faithful in vain? The answer is simply, no. "They admitted they were strangers on earth . . .they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." (v.13 &16). It is a lie to think that God is unfaithful to His followers because they do not always receive the blessings of their faith first hand. The truth is, God is MORE faithful because He knows He has prepared a Kingdom far greater than any earthly blessing. "God had planned something better for us. . ." (v.40). Do we trust in His promises? Do we trust in His unfailing love?

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." Psalm 13:5

"For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." Psalm 26:3

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" Psalm 107:15


The faithful followers mentioned in Hebrews 11 were Kingdom minded. Their faith in God's unfailing love is made evident through their obedience and trust in His promises. If you are in a place of hopelessness, desperate to be faithful, then read Hebrews 11. After you read it, obey it. This is always easier said than done, but the beauty of it is that God's grace, through His Son Jesus Christ, extends to each of us along the "journey by faith." I am learning that even when I fail to be faithful, God's faithfulness is unwavering and His love is unfailing. May your heart find rest and peace in the Truth of His Word.