“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV)
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16 NKJV)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” (Hebrews 11:30-40 NKJV)
It is always exciting and encouraging to read about the witnesses that did great exploits, experienced mighty miracles, and had things turn out “right.” But what about those who didn’t experience story book endings? What about all of these “others” who didn’t receive the promises?
The greatest faith is the faith that says, “I have the courage to step out of the boat and fully expect to walk in water, however I will step out even if I drown!” Faith does not play the “if it be thy will” game. Bible faith acts decisively with great expectation. It does not however place conditions on God. Faith does not only love and trust God when answers come quick and easy and make sense. True faith trusts regardless of what happens.
Race Tips From Various Others:
- Never give up
- Never give in
- Never give out
- Always give more
I get…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 186: “I will run a victorious “life-race” if I will learn the “life-lessons” of those witnesses who gave testimony of how to win the race.” Part 12: Various Others