Bible Chapter: Hebrews 11

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    This is the faith chapter.  Over and over again it says “by faith”.  By faith amazing things happened.  We need faith to serve the Lord.  It even says that without faith it is impossible to please God.  It is encouraging and inspiring to read the stories of faith in the Bible.  The challenge comes when we must put the same faith into practice and trust God when we can’t see the end results from the beginning.  But, God’s proven track record must encourage us to live by faith.
    Faith doesn’t mean we will always see what we are trusting God for.  This chapter says that many didn’t see the end result, but they still had faith.  Part of faith is keeping an eternal perspective, looking for the eternal home God has promised.  Faith kept Moses on track with God, preferring short term mistreatment with the eternal promise of God’s presence over some fun for a little while.  That is a good lesson, for sin always gives a little fun, but then the season ends and the “bills” come due.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to remember verse 40.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (NIV) God has a better plan.  Those who live in faith will see some good things and will see some amazing challenges.  It is easy to enjoy the good things.  It is harder to persevere during the hard things.  But, it is important to remember that God has a plan that always includes the better things.  As the old song says, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.
    So, faith must continue to be in my life.  Trusting God must be the foundation for my continuance in the Christian life.  Give God the opportunity to do His work and accomplish his purpose.  All of the great Bible heroes did what they did by faith.  The great stories of the modern church show faith.  Faith is a marathon that must be run.  Those who complete it will receive God’s great reward.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Many people struggle to live by faith.  God calls us to make this our life.  I want to help people see that this life of faith is the best life.  I want to help people see that trusting God is better than the fun the world has to offer.  This takes faith, but it brings exceptional results.