The Well
The Well |
|
Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Friday
November 21, 2008
Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the
stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all
the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and
received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the
flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was
turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
Women received their loved ones back again from death.
But others trusted
God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free.
They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked,
and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some
died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword.
Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and
mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and
mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
All of these people we
have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them
received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us
that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the
race until we finish the race.
Hebrews 11:32-40
Now, who says that we will get through this world unscathed? Not me! According to my Bible, it is rare for anyone to pass through this world without some type of suffering.
Faith gets us through, but doesn't necessarily keep us from going through troubles. It is by faith that we press on to the promise and purpose God has for our lives. If anyone had faith it was Paul. I mean the man turned his back on his upbringing in order to fulfill God's will for his life. He was tortured, imprisoned, and mocked by those he once hung out with. Yet, somehow we think that these things just won't happen to us! Not!
At this time in America, we do not really know persecution. Oh, we are seeing it every night on television and some of us may experience the loss of relationships in our family or with friends, but true persecution just does not happen to us the way it happened to Paul. Yes, people have even lost their jobs because of their faith in Jesus Christ. However, very few people are arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death because of their faith.
Most of us, whether we are willing to admit it, wouldn't even be convicted of being a Christian if there were a law against it. Oh, we might be brought in for questioning, but more than likely there wouldn't be enough evidence from witnesses to sentence us.
Father, we are aware that there are certain things that must happen before the return of Jesus to claim His Bride. Help us be diligent in doing our part until that time comes. Help us when we are struggling to recount the stories You have placed in Your Word to give us hope! Help us to live our lives in a way so that one day there will be enough evidence to convict us of being a Christian.
