based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w4d5
Today’s Reading: Hebrews chapter 11 / SOAP 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
This is another very familiar passage, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith”. It’s a passage easy to gloss over as we read it but have you ever stopped to consider the beauty and the reality of the author’s choice descriptions of the faith of those who have gone before us? Challenge yourself to consider, not just verse 1 and it’s concise definition of faith, but all those that follow. For instance, the beauty of these truths about faith:
- FAITH is the way we understand how God created the world
- It is the means by which we are declared righteous
- It is how we please God and –
- Without FAITH we cannot please God
- FAITH lives on
- It is a catalyst of obedience
- FAITH is the source of life
- and it is how we experience the impossible –
- Faith is how we offer sacrifices to God
- and it is the source of strength to do the right thing
While these are all awe-inspiring and certainly stood out to me it was the statement about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthath, and David, and Samuel, and the Prophets that I found captivating and a wonderful picture of the power that moves when we live by FAITH!
Through FAITH they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle and put foreign armies to flight …
Hebrews 11:35
An Inspiring Song of Worship – Faith is the Victory
I cannot help but think of the old hymn we often sang in church when I was growing up – called – Faith is the Victory. Perhaps you remember it – I’ve included the lyrics in case you want to join me in using it as a victorious battle cry – particularly the chorus:
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
John Henry Yates
Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers rise, and press the battle ere the night – shall veil the glowing skies; Against the foe in vales below let all our strength be hurled; Faith is the victory, we know, that overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love, our sword the Word of God; We tread the road and the saints before with shouts of triumph trod. By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath, swept on o’er every field; The faith by which they conquered death be still our shining shield.
O every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array; let tents of ease be left behind, and onward to the fray. Salvation’s helmet on each head, with truth all girt about, The earth shall tremble ‘neath our tread, and echo with our shout.
To him that overcomes the foe, white raiment shall be giv’n; Before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav’n; Then onward from the halls of light, Our hearts with love aflame, We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night in Jesus’ conqu’ring name.
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.
Response to God’s Word
Father, thank You for the Victory, that is ours through FAITH in Christ Jesus! May we be steadfast in the heart of it – that others may see and know that You are an awesome God! And may the faith you have instilled in us be what strengthens and ignites us to endure with hope – even to the end. – Amen and Amen – In Jesus’ Name!