Sustaining Faith

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40

The previous verses describe some of the terrible things that the followers of God suffered because of their beliefs. Yet they stood faithful even when it often meant their death. Verse 38 says “the world was not worthy of them.” As we read of what they went through, we must remember that they did not have the teachings of Jesus that we have today. Jesus had not yet come and given His life to provide redemption from sin. They did not know what it was like to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them to guide and direct. They died without “receiving the promise.” How blessed we are!

I am so thankful that I live in a country where we enjoy freedom of worship. In some countries today followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are facing persecution. They cannot gather and worship the Lord as they want to do. Bibles must only be read in secret. Yet their faith in the Lord gives them the courage and faith to stand true to what they believe.

What are you facing in your life today? At some point in our lives, every one of us faces struggles, whether they be physical, financial, mental, or spiritual. Often the Lord allows things to happen to us to strengthen us and help us draw closer to Him. We have so many promises in the Word of God to help us. Here are a few:

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I John 3:22 “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 “… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

I hope that you have enjoyed our stroll through Hebrews 11, God’s Hall Faith. I trust that your faith has grown.

Lord, we are so blessed to know you as our personal Saviour and friend. Thank you for all your blessings and for faith to believe that all our prayers will be answered. May our faith grow strong in You. 

Devotion by Anne Johnston