10-25-18 Today in the Word

Today in the Word
October 2018
Book of Hebrews: A Call to Faith in Christ
MORE HEROES OF FAITH
Thursday, October 25, 2018 | Hebrews 11:17–31
Mother Teresa once said, “God does not demand that I be successful. God demands that I be faithful.” As we continue our walk through the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews, notice the emphasis on examples of extraordinary faith rather than extraordinary accomplishments.
First, we see faith in times of trial. Abraham’s test may have been the most difficult of all when God asked him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (see Genesis 22). Even though God’s instructions seemed baffling, Abraham was obedient to God’s call, believing “that God could even raise the dead” (v. 19). The Israelites faced a great trial in their Exodus from the Egyptians; yet by faith they “passed through the Red Sea as on dry land” (v. 29). Later, in the land of Canaan, they faced the mighty city of Jericho, but “by faith the walls of Jericho fell” (v. 30). Faith is tested most in moments of great trial.
Second, we see faith in times of fear. Moses’ parents refused to obey Pharaoh and kill their child because “they were not afraid of the king’s edict” (v. 23). Moses himself faced a fearful situation: leading the Israelites out of Egypt against the wishes of the mighty king. Moses could have enjoyed the pleasures of Egyptian life, but instead he “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God” (v. 25), and “by faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger” (v. 27). Faith overcomes fear.
Third, we see faith in times of uncertainty. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph all embraced God’s promises about the future, even though they seemed uncertain at the time. Likewise, Rahab chose to embrace God’s people and plan, despite the seemingly unlikely Israelite victory to come. Faith remains strong even in times of uncertainty.
APPLY THE WORD
Other Christian men and women in recent history—like Corrie ten Boom, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Mother Teresa, and others—have demonstrated faith in times of trial, fear, and uncertainty. Find a biography of one of these countless faithful Christians, and let your own faith be edified and renewed by their example.

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