An Example of Faith

Hebrews 11: 8-10
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.


If you have never read through this chapter of Hebrews, I would highly recommend it - it is such an encouragement to be reminded of those who lived by faith, despite overwhelming odds. Abraham is, however, the main person I think of when I want an example of one who lived by faith. He is used (along with David) in Romans chapter 4 as our primary example of one who became righteous through his belief in God and God’s promised Messiah.

What I find so remarkable about this man of God, is not just his faith, although it is highly commendable. The most amazing part of his story is that he did not have an example of faith set for him, rather, he is the one setting the example for all the believers who have come after him. He came from a heathen family, not having parents that taught him to love, worship and trust in the Living God. Yet, when God came to Abram (he later was given the name Abraham) and told him to go to a land that he didn’t yet know, leaving his father’s family and everything he knew behind (at the age of 75, I might add), Abram didn’t hesitate. He up-rooted his wife and family, and headed off, trusting that God would lead him. I think about that and wonder at the difficulty we have just obeying the smallest command. Wow! What an example Abraham has set for us - a true legacy to be followed.

We, unlike Abraham, have many examples around us to encourage us in our faith-walk. There are so many books, in addition to the Bible, that we can read about the many passionate followers of Christ, and what they did in their faith. We have been blessed abundantly, in that way.

So, I must then ask this question - with so many examples around us, are we following them? Are we using their examples to strengthen our own faith? Then, we need to take it to the next level - are we setting an example for those around us? Can our friends and family see what God is doing through us? Can they see the results of our faith in God?

Just as we have been given so many examples of faith to learn from, we should also be setting an example for those who will be watching us. I did a Bible study a couple years ago, by Beth Moore, where we studied Hebrews chapter 11, and all the examples of faith laid out for us in those verses. Then, when we were done, Beth had us write in our Bibles, right after verse 40, a 41, followed by "By faith, [your name] . . ." reminding us that we are to live a life of faith, and through that faith, we can accomplish anything God would ask us to do. If you write in your Bible, I would highly recommend you do the same, and then we can spend the rest of our lives filling in those 3 little dots, all by faith!

Ultimately, God desires that we would leave a faith legacy - is that what we’re doing?