In The Word
Read: Hebrews 11:23-40
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented 38 (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground.
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
There are so many inspiring stories of faith throughout the Old and New Testaments. There are stories that leave one in awe of the saving power of Yahweh. Faith seems foolish to those that do not know how powerful it is to move or run through any mountain before us. The Lord has proven to honor every step of faith made and answer every prayer made in faith. Matthew 21:22 says, “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
God always makes sure to reward anything done in faith because faith makes Him happy, it pleases Him. Hebrews 11:16 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Faith shows the Lord that we trust Him and believe in His word, and that makes Him want to do even more and beyond our imaginations. There wouldn’t be Christianity and salvation without faith because everything around God and heaven is about faith. If we have faith, then we can understand how the kingdom of heaven operates; we can be people that are after God’s own heart.
What do you want the Lord to do for you today or this year? Do you believe that He can? Do you have faith in His timing? Then if you do, wait patiently in faith for the Lord to act in His time.