Day 9 – Your Faith Yields a Unique Obedience

Hebrews 11:8

“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.”

Faith is one of the most important biblical terms, and the writer of Hebrews does not make light of this because he spends an entire chapter (Hebrews 11) talking about it. When we read the account of those great ancient faith warriors, we are inclined to do at least three things (or a combination of those things): it can either give us hope, or we can become determined to try harder, or we can get intimidated by their stories and conclude that we do not have enough faith. The latter two outcomes, however, do not align with what Jesus says His Kingdom is like — His yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:29). What are we, therefore, to do if our reading produces negative emotions?

Faith is like a birthday gift we receive; we did not buy it, but our responsibility is to receive, open, and put it to use. Therefore, faith as a gift not only enables us to receive God's good gift of salvation, but it also empowers us to believe what He says about us and to put into action what He calls us to do for His Kingdom.

We see this in the life of Abraham — as he was divinely persuaded, and he obeyed by leaving and stepping out into the unknown (Hebrews 11:8.) Interestingly though, obedience looks different in the lives of all those heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. To some, it meant leaving their comfort zone (Abraham); to others, it meant refusing to allow their environment to dictate their destiny (Moses.) Your faith-fuelled obedience is unique; do not get distracted by what God is doing in someone else's life! Let us fix our eyes on Jesus as we run with endurance this race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1b.)

Family Discussion Questions

1. Who is your favourite hero from the hall of faith outlined in Hebrews 11?

2. What encourages you about their life of faith and obedience?

Response - Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the examples of faith in Hebrews 11. Help me to draw courage and inspiration from their life by living in obedience to you. Give me the steadfast faith these heroes had so that I can follow you always. Amen