SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:32-34 NIV And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
THOUGHT: I end the Hebrews 11 series today. It’s been a rich reminder of what it means to have faith in God – not always answers for our every question, not always protection of our human bodies, not always fulfillment of our dearest dreams. Faith consists of seeing something in the distance worth pursuing, worth fighting for, worth dying for, if God wills. Faith is stretching. Like a runner straining to hand off the baton, we lean forward, even fall forward, passing along what we have learned to another generation who must learn to trust, not fear. It is often not an easy stretch, but if we consistently train by following faithful others, we will stretch and strain in grace, by faith. We will gain what is promised too.
SONG: No Longer a Slave https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDnA_coA168
PRAYER: Give us courage, oh God of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets throughout the ages. Help us lean hard toward the promises, unafraid because you are Emmanuel – God with us.
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