HebrewsSample

The second part of Hebrews 11 presents us with a series of additional witnesses of faith who experienced remarkable things through their trust in God. Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, believing that God would still fulfill His promise. Moses led the people of Israel out of slavery, and through faith the walls of Jericho fell. Great miracles occurred, and God displayed His power in mighty ways.

But the writer doesn’t only highlight these spectacular events. He also points to witnesses of faith who suffered persecution and hardship. Some were tortured, stoned, or killed without ever seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetime. These sufferings are not signs of weak faith. On the contrary, the faith of these witnesses did not depend on whether they experienced success or protection in this life. They held on to the hope that God would fulfill everything He had promised, even if they would only see it in the world to come. Their faith carried them through the most difficult trials.

The writer thus points to an important truth: Faith sometimes leads to great miracles, but just as often it means remaining steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. Both are expressions of deep trust in God’s sovereign work. Whether we experience miracles or endure trials, faith sustains us because we know God’s promises are certain, even when we cannot yet see them. Such faith cannot be produced by ourselves—it can only be given by God.

Reflection

Our faith is shown not only in the miracles we witness but also in how we hold on during difficult times.

Something to think about

• How can the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 help you?