Day 21 - Hebrews 11:1 - 11:10

Hebrews 11:1-10 

11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

7 It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.


Terrie's Comments - 

We learn so much about faith through the passages we read in Hebrews.  

Hebrews 11:11 is a well known verse on faith - 
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see

God had faith forming the universe that we see out of what is not seen.  

Enoch trusted that if he diligently sought God that God would reward him.  (v6  And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.)  It always strikes me that it says it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith.  It doesn't say it is hard it says you CANNOT please God without faith.  This whole chapter is all about faith and what it looks like in action.  Faith is an action.  Real faith requires action because if you believe that God is real and you believe that His word is true and you believe that He will do what He says He will do then you will live your life like you believe it.  All of the people mentioned in today's passage acted on God's word to them and it pleased God.  

What does my faith look like?  Is there anything that God has asked me to do that I have not acted on yet?  hmmmm something to think about... but not too long... perhaps it would be more appropriate to say hmmmm something to act on :-)   

Tori's Comments -

It's crazy to me just how much can be drawn from the Old Testament stories. How they're all a "shadow" of what's to come (I've been paying attention real well!).

And faith is such a hard topic for me. I can say that I know something without a doubt, but in reality, I'm just trying to ignore that twinge of fear inside. How do you get rid of that? How do you know something so completely and believe it 100 percent? I know that God created the whole world, that He gave Abraham a kid, that He was there with David when he threw the stone, that He did all those things through Elijah.

My real doubt is whether he can do those things through me. If I'm completely honest, I'm all too aware of how terrible a person I can be. And yes, I know that I can never out sin God's grace, but it's one of those 'know it in your head, not in your heart'. 

Just another dragon I have to slay. Actually, just another giant I have to slay. Anyone experience anything similar? 


Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!