While reading through the famous chapter 11 of Hebrews in my quiet times this past week. I was reminded again of the great faithfulness the people written about showed in some rather trying, unfair and hard to imagine circumstances in their lives.
A couple of thoughts came to mind while I was reading verses 8-29 last weekend.
1) Faith requires movement into the unknown and eyes that are looking forward to a heavenly home.
Abraham left his home not knowing where he was going to end up and lived unsettled for many years. Abraham wasn't alive to see all that was promised to him by God come to be. Yet he died still living by faith. The thing with Abraham was that he wasn't living by faith just so he could see these earthly promises be fulfilled. He was living by faith with his eyes set on God and the heavenly promises before him.
2) The faithful actions of one person can change the course of history.
This is an interesting thought. Abraham, for example, showed faithfulness in his actions by being obedient to God and setting out sacrifce his only son. The son who's life was a miracle and fulfilment of a promise. God intervened and provided another offering for the sacrifice but Abraham had Isaac on the alter, he was committed.
I wonder what would have happened if Abraham had refused? I suppose this statement can work in a negative sense as well. The unfaithful actions of one person can change the course of history.
We serve a God who is faithful to us. He proved that in an almighty way to Abraham and Isaac. He shows me his faithfulness in many small ways each day.
Why then is it so hard for me to remain faithful to God. He is the one who is unchanging and shows me grace and mercy each day. 'Keeping the faith' and remaining strong really shouldn't be the struggle that it sometimes turns out to be.
I think that Abraham's faith and obedience to God can be a challenge and reminder to me of the seriousness of faith. That my faithfulness and obedience makes a difference in my life and in the lives of those around me. Even if that difference is just small.
