February 9, 2024
DAY 5
Key Verse:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11 has been called the “Hall of Faith” because it enshrines men and women of faith who triumphed in their lifetimes. Each man and woman given to us as an example have one thing in common. Every example shows how faith is the foundational element which helps them through sacrifice, trial, or adversity.
The first point to take away is that God has empowered and prepared us to use our faith. Just as Abraham was tested by faith, Jacob was tested by faith, David was tested by faith, and Moses was tested by faith. All these, through faith, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, and shut the mouth of lions. All these faith stories were about ordinary people who were completely transformed by their faith and were able to change the circumstances around them. Why is that? Because God had something better planned for them.
The second point is that faith means that you have peace even when you do not have all the answers, specifically what you do not know and what you do not see. Billy Graham once shared a conversation with his mother about the nearness of God. She encouraged him by sharing, “The moments that you do not "feel" anything are the moments when He may be the closest, because that's the moment that you must walk by sheer faith." How wonderful it is to have a faith to believe and a faith that could change your life and the world.
Heart Prompts
How do you think your faith is being tested?
What is one way you have seen your faith grow?
How can you use your faith to help others?
Pray
Dear Lord, we thank you for your word. We thank you for giving us faith. Something to believe in and hope for. We pray that throughout our everyday lives we will continue to have that reminder of the faith shown throughout Hebrews 11. We know that when our faith is tested, it is for our own good and we should embrace that trial. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us your faith in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.