The Hall of Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11 is often called the Hall of Faith, as it talks about many who put their faith in God and His promises. "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39). They all did amazing works and many were persecuted, all for what they did not see and for no reward on this earth. By faith. Because they lived by faith, "the world was not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38) and they received eternal glory. And that's what God promises those who are in Christ. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:17-18).

These people of faith had eternal perspectives. They had their minds set on God's promises in the life to come. It is so hard to do this sometimes, especially when I feel like I'm not getting anything out of what I do or I don't see results from what I sow. We still have to live these lives in this world, which can easily take our focus off of God and His promises, so it would be nice to be rewarded in this life. "But our citizenship is in Heaven" (Philippians 3:20) and keeping that eternal perspective is so important. Having faith in God, our awesome God, is key because no matter what, He is always faithful. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Imagine what our lives would look like if we completely put our faith in God. If we lived, trusting everything He says and promises. Truly believing, without a doubt, He is real, He is with us, and He lives in us. "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you'" (Matthew 17:20). We have the power to do amazing works, just like those people of faith, because "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in [us]" (Romans 8:11). We just have to grow in our faith. Our hope should be in God and His promises, in what we do not see. We need to rest upon the truth. If we lived every single second of our lives, in any circumstance, with all of our faith in God, they would be so much different and He will reward us for it in eternity. I want to be able to say, "This life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20) so that one day, my name can be among those in the Hall of Faith.

"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7

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