I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I once paid hard-earned money to tour The Bowling Hall of Fame. One of the exhibits was a long hallway of portraits painted of those whose greatest achievement was knocking down a lot of pins with a very heavy ball.
Isn’t our world filled with such hallways? We celebrate silly things. We are impressed by those who amass wealth that cannot purchase anything of lasting significance. We hand out plaques to those who spend decades shuffling papers or building things destined for the burn pile. We celebrate celebrities, knowing full well that they are mere mortals like us.
Hallway after hallway after hallway of portraits honoring achievements that are ultimately insignificant. Not so in the Word of God. Scholars have long branded Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith.” Consider the portraits that hang on these walls.
Let’s consider: Enoch lived 365 years (Genesis 5:23) before he sidestepped death and was taken up to heaven (Hebrews 11:5). Noah built a giant ark because God told him to, then watched humanity drown (v.7). Abraham said yes to God’s remarkable call to offer his only son as a burnt sacrifice (v.17). Moses led the Israelites across the bottom of the sea as heaven-held waves churned on either side (v.29). Rahab welcomed enemy spies into her home, knowing she’d face execution if caught (v.31). Then there are the nameless faces of this hallway. Others experienced mocking and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. “They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted and mistreated” (vv.36–37).
Unlike the bowling hall of fame, the portraits in this hallway take my breath away. Truly,
the world was not worthy of them (v.38).
The heroes of our faith did not fight for all that’s fleeting. They did not fritter away their lives on tchotchkes. They didn’t fill the storehouses of their hearts and minds with things that could not last. Instead, they lived surrendered in radical obedience to God. They deserve our applause. May we join the ranks of those whose greatest achievement is saying “yes” to the one true God.
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45 thoughts on "Living by Faith"
i absolutely LOVE this “Hall of Faith”. we look to these individuals as role models within the faith every single day. to put use the analogy such as “Hall of Faith” is so well fitting! i will continue to look to this and continue to teach others about this!
Yes!
I love the verse about Moses rather being mistreated with the people of God than enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. I love that we can do anything in Faith, impossible things others can’t do without God. It gives Him glory. May we live, suffer, die for His glory
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating “silly things” so long as they don’t take priority in our lives. We only get vignettes of Abraham and Isaac’s lives—I’m sure they spent a lot of time doing silly things, too.
Beautiful
Such a beautiful, convicting, and true commentary. It definitely shows where my eyes should be instead of what they are on.
“Faith” in the unseen! Confident trust in the eternal God who is all powerful, infinetly wise and eternally trustworthy
Erin Davis, thanks for sharing! This is such a wonderful community!
May we all experience that type of faith! There is nothing God isn’t capable of. His love is all encompassing and even though things may not go as we have planned, he has something better for us. It’s helpful for me to remember that we are his beloved children. He wants so much for us. I couldn’t imagine wanting my daughter to go to hell, it would break my heart if she had to suffer a single second in her life. And I know that’s what God feels for all of us. God isn’t looking to condemn us. I just feel so lucky!
These men & women of faith were not perfect, but they were devoted to God and trusted His Word. Yes! Because there are no perfect people! In the entryway of our church there is a sign that says, “No Perfect People Allowed!” So many pre-Christians don’t think they will be welcome in church because they are not “perfect”.
None of us are…
And none of us have perfect faith.
Sometimes it is so hard to wait for the fulfillment of God’s purposes…In God’s time.
I know that God can heal Steve.
I know that He wants only the very best for us.
He can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.
He doesn’t need me to tell Him how, or when.
And just like Jesus delayed in going to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, it wasn’t because He didn’t love them. He surely did…He wept.
His delay was necessary for accomplishing a much bigger agenda than simply healing.
God had a much bigger plan.
When He delays, He is really putting pieces together that we have not even thought of.
When the time is ripe, when all the pieces have been put into place, God’s answer will be revealed.
God’s timing is an astounding thing.
So I will persevere in prayer, not to change God’s mind, or wear Him down, but to let Him work in my heart. This time of waiting is necessary. And God’s answer will come…
at the perfect time…
With the best outcome.
And so my faith grows.
Thank you for sharing!
I pray I would have faith to fully live out God’s calling for my life. That I would do what he has called me to do even if it sounds scary and I’m unsure about it.
Oh my, the commentary of today is exploded and packed with goodness, understanding and wisdom from so many of you, for which I benefit greatly. What a blessed community we have. From all the examples of faith giants that got mentioned today in Hebrews 11, I noticed that they all loved not their lives unto death (And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death-Revelation 12:11). They all took risk to choose faith over their own lives and reputations, for the sake of faith- and that pleases God immensely… for them to make the elite hall of faith. Faith will cause the person to persevere, while emotional decisions cannot and will fall far shorter. Paul said this, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw ….. the fire (the consuming fire that is God Himself) will try to prove what sort of work it is that we do (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). As the word of the Bible says, may we –who by faith- will subdue kingdoms, obtain promises, stop the mouth of lions, quench the fire of violence, escape the edge of the sword, out of our weaknesses are made strong, turn to flight the enemies of all evil. Without us, they should not be made perfect, by God’s design (Hebrews 11:40). What an amazing grace. Let us vow to Him, whatever you call me to do Lord, by Your Grace I will do it. Be blessed dear sisters.
Verse 15, 16 , 39, 40—wow!
Thank you for today’s reading! I did it yesterday and can’t stop thinking about it, in awww
@Molly R your post was exactly what I needed to hear today. As somebody who is consumed with anxiety around the way I want my life to be and not the way my life actually is I find peace in your words. I hope I can find peace in Gods timing for my life and be able to look back and see all the wondrous things he was doing for me all along. Praying for all of you today.
@Molly R your post was exactly what I needed to hear today. As somebody who is consumed with anxiety around the way I want my life to be and not the way ky
@Molly R your post was exactly what I needed to hear today. As somebody who feels very surrounded by the anxiety of what I want for my life and what my
God, you are the Knowable Unknown! You reveal yourself in your vast creation. You reveal yourself in your written word. You reveal yourself in your living word. Thank you for revealing yourself to me in faith as well as these written in Hebrews 11!
I normally read the Hall of fame in Hebrew hurriedly think to myself, Yeah, Yeah, I’ve heard these stories a thousand times. Today was different. Today I paid tribute to them all by looking at their wounds, their trials, terror and so much more. Acknowledging their courage and faithfulness. What a glorious testimony to God their lives display for all of us to praise and seek to follow. They are waiting for us to join them at the finish. What a cloud of witnesses surround us!
This is what stood out to me today;
40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. – Hebrews 11:40
As I’m understanding this— they along with us- are the body of Christ- the church- Christ’s bride! I’d love someone to add to this summation of mine.
This is what stood out to me today; 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. – Hebrews 11:40
Lord, forgive me for spending so much energy with my eyes on the here and now. For letting the temporal overwhelm my thinking. Give me vision by Your grace to see the eternal, to greet those things as certainly as I greet the sun rising everyday even though they seem afar off. To embrace the way they create a new identity in me as it pertains to this world-“stranger and exile”.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. – Hebrews 11:13
Lord, forgive me for spending so much energy with my eyes on the here and now. For letting the temporal overwhelm my thinking. Give me vision by Your grace to see the eternal, to greet those things as certainly as I greet the sun rising everyday even though they seem afar off. To embrace the way they create a new identity in me as it pertains to this world-“stranger and exile”.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. – Hebrews 11:13
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“The just will live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Lord, I don’t have much to offer, today, accept a broken but willing spirit. My heart breaks at my own sin and selfishness. Revive me in Your righteousness. You do not hold our sins against us. You don’t repay us according to what we really deserve. Help me walk in love despite my despair. Help me to be honest and not self-seeking. Help me to be gentle and patient. Help me to love people even if it means keeping silent and letting them speak ill of me. Please restore my family’s brokeness. Breathe healing and life into our souls. Give us a sense of love and affection for one another, despite our shortcomings against each other. Please bless us God and help us to ensure through trials and tribulations – small and great. Give us eyes to see the heavenly home with You that awaits us. You are our inheritance. I am thankful because I know this. In times of hardship I say, “well, at least this will all end and we will be with You in peace.” this is not the end. This life is a vapor and You are our home.
How lucky are we that we actually have the Bible to show these acts of faith- the people in these stories did NOT have a Bible encouraging them to keep going, a Bible to show them the way, or a Bible helping them understand. It was ONLY faith!!! Lord help me to believe in my unbelief- help me to store my life in the hope of You!!! Amen!!
Good morning She’s. Happy Tuesday! I got up a little earlier in hopes to get some reading done for my class before heading to work.. @Erica Wilson, I needed to hear those words.
Radical obedience…. That hit my heart today. I have read this passage so many times but God gave me a new perspective. None of them received what had been promised but that did not stop them. So often I desire things to be easier or a hard season to end but God does not promise us happiness or success or wealth. He promises us so much more that might not come to pass in this temporary world. God may my weakness turn into strength and may my faith be radical obedience to you no matter the cost.
Oh ladies, there is so much I need to say, but not enough time. Will try to come back later. So much wisdom in your comments this morning. I am making notes in my study book. Faith. Lord, increase our faith! Hugs to all this lovely day. ❤️
Timely, as always.
It’s so easy to long for accomplishment, meaning and accolades to add to one’s striving for success. As a homeschool mom I am constantly fighting the need to facilitate accomplishments for my kids to prove that I am not failing them, and that they are just as accomplished as their peers both inside and outside the homeschool realm. It’s passages like this that remind me that my striving should be for their hearts, and mine. Hearts filled with the knowledge of such an incredible God, and the striving He does to have us near Him. Hearts filled with hope and joy in only the good things God gives. Hearts eager to be set apart and live a life baffling to others, but one that draws them into the light and the warm peace found there. Hearts that long to live life with an open hand only to God, to give and take as He sees fit to bring about the good we are promised He is always working out. I have 4 little disciples who need me to lay down the worlds ambitions and strive to run the race I have been given to give them every chance of knowing and belonging to God’s family.
Thank you, God, for always gently coming alongside me when my heart is wavering with lament at all I don’t have to show for myself. Thank you that I get to live in the promise, even if I don’t see it fulfilled. What a humbling honor to be included in the invitation to faith.
Sisters who have faced grief unimaginable, I can only offer simple prayers of little understanding of what you are going through, but I am praying none the less.
Sisters who are shrouded in anxiety, I pray that God will gently lift of that mantle today and wrap you in His peaceful arms instead. I met my husband at 18, had a magical year of falling in love, had the picture perfect proposal, and 6 months later felt God say “not yet.” Another 6 months later we walked away from each other. For 7 years we wandered through what we felt like God had for us only to find those steps slowly come back towards one another. We were married 10 years after we first met, and now, 12 years later, we are the lucky stewards of 4 precious gifts. I was angry so long at God for taking away my “happily ever after,” but the growing and maturing He had us both do in our “wandering” prepared us immeasurably better for some pretty rough patches and hardships. We live a life open-handed to God now, and learned to enjoy the beautiful gifts only God can provide. I pray you stay rooted, and joyful, wherever God has you, and keep your hands and hearts open to whatever God gives you. There’s no better place that in God’s refuge, even if that means you simply climb in His lap like a child and lay your heart’s desire on His chest, through tears! Man am I praying for you all – as someone who felt that longing and am now on the other side in awe of all that God has done, despite my pouting and anger! Man is He good, DESPITE ME!
Love and Blessings! Bless you if you made it this far into reading! Haha!
By faith, faith, faith…I want to be the one that faithfully follows God. I can fritter a day away looking at tchotchke stuff. I love to decorate. But “It ALL goes back in the box” (which is a book). I have realized that going through Tanner’s things. He collected sneakers. Some worth $$$, but really, they sat in his basement on display. I remember thinking, “I’m going to have to figure out what to do with all those some day.” And here I am yet I do the same things with my days. Decorating, buying cute clothes. I need to set my eyes on above. To add God to my to do list. That sounds terrible, but to break this wasteful habit of shopping, I need to see God on my list. I start the day with SRT, but easily fall into the habits I have formed.
Thank you to all who have been praying for me. I haven’t been sleeping well. I think it is a little PTSD. I wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts of Tanner. I see him in ICU. Part of my heart is broken.
Loved all the comments this morning! I echo what someone said: “May my life be a faithful witness of who Christ is.” “Faithful, not flawless.” Let it be so Lord!
Thankful for these examples of non perfect people that God was able to use because they said yes to him. May I have faith to do what he has called me to do! Thank you Jesus.
Good Morning Shes. How many times have I taken Hebrew 11:1 as being all about me?! Truth is it’s about remembrance & reflection & gratitude & grace. It’s about what the Hod who loves us immeasurably has done through ordinary people doing extraordinary things I might easily take for granted. A walk through the “hall of fame”. The forebears of the faith; men & women; called by name & unassuming; heedless of doubt & danger. It’s my calling to look back the their obedience & known mine is but a trace & foreshadow. Heavenly Father; teach me to behold & honor you & your magnificent deeds past, present, and in the world to come. You have always & will always beckon me to follow wherever you lead. You alone strengthen & sustain. Again, it’s not about what I see in my own sight. You are the way maker. You are the redeemer. You reward those who remember & reflect & offer gratitude & receive grace. The saints before me offer proof. They moved into the unknown. And You never failed. Amen & Amen
On the train to Portland, Maine. Beautiful Blessings wherever the day takes you!
These men and women were not perfect. They were faithful in testifying that our flawless God is faithful to us. In testifying to God’s faithfulness and glorifying Him, they received God’s approval.
Nothing good meant for us out of the hand of God will be lost. We will receive the glory that is worth waiting for. Whatever prayers we send to Him in faith hold answers far greater than we can imagine. By faith, by faith, by faith… Hebrews 11 rolls out story after story, evidence of hope through the lives of a great cloud of witnesses. Faith in the highest form, unshakable hope in our unseen Creator and life-giving God who loves us perfectly too. The only thing love cannot do is fail (1 Corinthians 13). Jesus came in the name of love. Through faith in Him, that perfect love is in us. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (1 John 14:15-18). So we can hope and we can love. Because He first loved us (v. 19). His love is perfect. So I come to Him again and again, with hands open to receive every new moment in faith as it comes. He renews my thoughts when I feel discouraged. When I feel frustrated, or trapped in my situation. The faith I have in my Father grows hope as I fix my gaze on Him. As I read the stories of old, the faith of long ago is renewed in me today through the Holy Spirit. The power of Jesus is here, and I can do all things through Him. Through faith. Through obedience. Through love that will never fail. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
Approval. Isn’t that what so many of us long for? To be approved by someone. To be approved by God. These men and women were approved by God for their faithfulness, not their flawlessness. They were approved by their faithful testimony of who God is.
Abel (Genesis 4) … in offering a sacrifice (to atone for his sins) was killed by his brother because his sacrifice was pleasing to God and his brother’s was not.
Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24) … walked with God and was taken up to heaven without experiencing death because he pleased God.
Noah (Genesis 6-9) … obeyed God by building the ark to escape the judgment of the Flood. Later, we see him enjoying the fruits of his harvest as a drunk farmer.
Abraham (Genesis 12-23) … obeyed in moving to the place God led him, but grew impatient for God’s fulfillment of providing an heir and obeyed his wife by taking a concubine.
Sarah (Genesis 16, 18, 21) … grew discouraged while waiting for a child and offered her concubine to her husband to produce an heir. When God told her that she would have a son, she laughed in disbelief and denied that she laughed.
Jacob (Genesis 25:19-34; 27-35, 48-49) … the trickster and deceiver … found a new name as Israel, “the one who struggles with God”. In his later years, he blessed his sons and Joseph’s sons giving them a prophecy of what the nation of Israel would be like.
Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-47, 50) … the favored son, who was unwise in bragging about his father’s approval and God’s plan for him … also testified that God would bring the people of Israel out of Egypt (before they were even oppressed by the Egyptians).
Moses (Exodus-Deuteronomy) … impetuous and angry, hesitant to stand as God’s representative … refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and instead chose to suffer with God’s people. He left Egypt behind, instituted Passover by God’s direction, led the people of Israel out of Egypt, and had Israel cross the Red Sea.
Rahab (Joshua 2) … a prostitute who hid the Israelite spies because she knew God would destroy her city.
Gideon (Judges 6-8)… the man who was unsure that God was calling him … led 300 Israelites as God defeated the Midian army of 22,000.
Barak (Judges 4-5) … the Israelite captain who refused to go to battle against Sisera without Deborah going with him … defeated Jabin’s army, but Jael killed Sisera.
Samson (Judges 13-16) … broke every vow he was to keep … defeated many Philistines with God’s strength.
Jephthah (Judges 10:6-12:7) … made a rash vow … defeated the Ammonites and then made war against Ephraimites (fellow Israelites).
David (1-2 Samuel) … was called a man after God’s own heart. He sought after God and was zealous for God’s temple, but he also committed adultery, murder, and was prideful in his military prowess.
That word “approval” is the word “martyreo” in Greek. In Greek, “martyreo” means “to be a witness, to bear witness, to testify” or “to be well testified of, to have a good report of”. Our modern English word “martyr” is a transliteration of this Greek word. Today, we signify a martyr as one who, by his or her death, bears witness to the truth of the Gospel.
May our lives be faithful witnesses of who Christ is. No matter the suffering. No matter if we have to die for our testimony. May our lives bring glory to God. May we be approved by Him. I long to hear those words, spoken by Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Faithful, not flawless.
If you are interested in reading other stories of martyrs or persecuted Christians, here are some good resources:
-Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
-Jesus Freaks, volumes 1 & 2 by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs
-The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
-Voice of the Martyrs at persecution.com
On this week’s podcast, Rachel and Amanda mention how messy the stories around these “Hall of Faith-ers” are, reminding me that God isn’t looking for us to have our lives all cleaned up before he can use us. He’s looking for hearts of faith that are turned to Him.
Here I am Lored. Yes. Amen
Amen, KELLY (NEO), may our faith be strong and unwavering. I am always amazed reading this chapter, unable to wrap my mind around the strength and amount of faith it took for these listed and the many more unnamed to walk the walk, so to speak. Seems that any distraction, no matter how small, can lure us to take our eyes off Christ.
TRACI GENDRON – praying for you
DOROTHY – praying for resolution of the housing issues and a smooth move in the meantime
JAMIE TRICE – praying for your husband and for you. There is so much about this world that makes no sense to my human brain, and I have to remind myself to trust God that He wants His best for me and pray for wisdom to stay on His path. Some of the most miserable people are the rich and/or famous – the headlines are full of their misery. For myself, I have had to lay down anger and jealousy toward family members who were born with the proverbial silver spoon, do my best to not pick it up again and think about my own blessings. Easier some days than others :)
“They lived surrendered in radical obedience to God.” Not all, in fact very few, saw the promises come fully to pass yet they deemed God faithful. How much more should I deem Him faithful? Lord increase my faith
And even among such heros of faith, they are made perfect only together with us (Hebrews 11:40). Christ’s power and love for us is truly miraculous. Praise be to God!
And even among such heros of faith, they are made perfect only together with us (Hebrews 11:40). Christ’s power and love for us us truly miraculous. Praise be to God!
Praise God for these heroes , may we have the privilege of thanking them.