God's people had faith, and when they had walked around the city of Jericho for seven days, its walls fell down.
Rahab had been a prostitute, but she had faith and welcomed the spies. So she wasn't killed with the people who disobeyed.
What else can I say? There isn't enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.
All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
Hebrews 11:30-40
"Tell me about when were you saved?" That question usually prompts a Christian to speak of how he came to know Jesus as his Lord. And I suppose that answer is appropriate, but it might also be accurate for us to say "I was saved when Jesus died for my sins, but when Jesus returns, that's what I am waiting for!" You see, God has something better in store for us than this life and even the great men and women of faith will not "reach the goal" of their faith without us!
"Hope" is the often forgotten one third of the "faith, hope and love" trio mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. Love and faith are greater than hope, but it is hope that fuels love and faith and keeps them alive and well even in the most difficult times. It is hard to keep faith and even love alive when all hope is lost!
The hope of what God has planned and what He has promised is like a warm rain for the flowers of spring! Let your faith in and love for God be strengthened by the promises He has given us.
"Lord, I want to be remembered as a "man of faith," and I know that does not mean an easy life of comfort and peace. But may the hope of Heaven keep me strong in faith until I see Your face on that glorious day. And may that day be soon. Amen."
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