Devotional: Success by Faith Hebrews 11

“All these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect” (Heb. 11:39-40).

Those of us that attend Sunday school and church worship services for any length of time are familiar with Hebrews 11:1. It says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NASB). Hebrews 11 list several people that have accomplished great things by their faith. It is not their personal qualities and abilities that enable them to do great things. Rather, their success is credited to their faith.

For example verse 31 says, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace” (11:31, NASB). Rahab was not a virtuous woman and a member of the purity culture. She and all the people in her city had heard about the coming of the sons of Israel led and empowered by their God. She believed in the God of Israel, and she asks that her family will be spared their lives when the invasion of the army of the Lord invades her city (Josh. 2). The only requirement made of Rahab is to exercise her faith by tying a cord of scarlet thread in the window that she helps them to escape through (Josh. 2:15-21; 6:22-27).

The writer of the book of Hebrews wants the readers to know that God requires that we have faith in Him. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6, NASB). The promise is not always seen in this life. “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (v. 13). Faith does not eliminate troubles and hardships in this life. Instead “God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect” (vv. 36-40).

I have experienced a few successes in my life. I can say that I was not always the model good boy. Yet, I persevered in good times and bad times because I always had faith in God.

Prayer: Lord God, I thank You for making Yourself known to me through the hearing of Your word through others that know You, resulting in my faith in You. Amen.