December 23, 2017.  Hebrews 11-13.

 

What would you like to be remembered by when you are no longer on this earth?  Maybe how successful you were in your job, or how many marshmallows you could fit in your mouth; but what if when people thought about you it was “Wow _______ really loved and trusted the Lord.”

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is filled with examples of people who left behind incredible stories of their faith.  

11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.

30 It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.

31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

It is easy to read these accounts and say sure I want to have a story of faith like that, but how do you have faith?

Chapter 12 explains how.

Take strength in those who have gone before you:

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 

Keep your eyes on Jesus:

2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 

Remember the Perfect Sacrifice:

3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Do not be discouraged:

5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,“My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

You to can live a life that leaves a legacy of faith.  Be an example to your friends, your family, your children, and to everyone you meet.  Remember that having strong faith does not mean that heartache and trials are eliminated, but it does ensure that they will be easier to cope with knowing the God of the universe has got your back.