Come What May

It’s a highlight of my week to pray through Scripture together with the Wednesday evening Prayer Gathering group!  And, by the way, you’re most welcome to join our prayer time (currently we meet on Zoom, contact the church office for the link).

This week we read through Hebrews 11, section by section—the “Hall of Faith” chapter. Over and over we’re told:  “By faith” God’s people obeyed, built, sojourned, looked forward, were tested; they “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises…”  In countless ways down through the ages, believers have seen God do remarkable, powerful, victorious works on their behalf.

And yet, that’s not the full story.  In the middle of verse 35, without missing a beat, the narrative shifts to the experience of faithful believers who trusted in God as they endured trial and suffering and death:  By faith “Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.  Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.  They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” (vv 35-38).

Surely a major take-away from Hebrews 11 is that Christian faith is the kind of trust that turns to God and depends on his wisdom and power and love, come what may. If it’s a bright and beautiful day, we credit God for the gift (James 1:17).  If it’s a threatening, stormy day, we trust God to be at work for good in our hearts and through our witness regardless (Genesis 50:20).  Faith accepts whatever it is that God brings our way.  Hebrews 11:39 is clear:  ALL of those named in the preceding verses, both those who saw victory and those who faced tribulation, are models of faith for us to see and emulate.  Are you ready to trust God, rain or shine?