Have you ever wondered why certain people in the bible were chosen to be pillars of faith? What made each man and woman written about in scripture, worthy of such an honor? Was it their power, beauty, strength, wisdom, or bravery?
No, I believe that for most of them, it was their trust in the Lord. As we read across the pages, most of the biblical heroes faced quite the challenges. Like Job, some lost all they possessed including their children and health. Others like Ruth, Abraham, and Moses left everything they had ever known, including family and home, to follow a new path that God was leading them on. While yet others, like John the Baptist and Stephen, gave up the ultimate sacrifice, their life, to spread God’s message to the lost.
As I study their journeys, there is something in my heart that cries out,” I want to be like them!” But when I take a real look at what these people of God once went through, I see those who were lonely, afraid, persecuted, out casted, tired, and worn. These men and women of faith endured such testing and hardship, that there were times that some of them wanted to give up on life and sometimes even on God.
As I struggle with hardships in my own life, I must admit that I too face doubts that come against my faith. Though these trials can sometimes be life shaking, I know that my Savior did not only endured suffering for me, but that through his suffering on the cross, he has also given me the victory to surpass the obstacles that are brought my way.
Hebrew 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We can be confident that God will help us overcome our trials. I also know that if he was willing to suffer through the cross for us, that what he has in store in eternity, is far greater than any suffering that we may face in this temporary world.
The saints in the bible refused to stop trusting in God. They held on to his promises through his word and overcame their obstacles in the end. Some were compensated with blessings they received in their lifetimes, while others were received by God’s arms into eternity. I believe that whatever lies in store for us, we too can hold fast to our faith and endure till the end. I am confident that one day, we will be along side those written about in the bible, taking our turns in sharing our stories with them. They too will marvel at God’s great faithfulness in our great stories of faith.
Donna