Let the Scripture Equip You
Hebrews 11 is a book of the Bible God used to wake me up to what it means to follow Him, to be faithful to Him and to live a life surrendered to Him. Verses 39 and 40 reminded me as said in Isaiah 55: 8-9, “his ways are higher than my ways”:
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. Hebrews 11: 39 & 40
WHAT? So you mean I have to follow and be obedient and I still may not get what God promises?
Moses doesn’t get to go to the Promise land – are you serious?
Even further – I may not receive the earthly blessing, but others will!?
By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half,[d] and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
Some people receive earthly promises and some people don’t. Some people get to do heroic acts for God and be in the spotlight. Some people have to humbly serve at corps with five in attendance on a Sunday after years and years of service. Some of us receive our loved ones back from cancer and illness. Some of us don’t have that specific prayer answered and say good bye to a loved one too soon. And yet, we are still called to a life of obedience whatever may come. If this challenging reality doesn’t startle you and push you deeper into faith and deep trust that will equip you for battle in ministry – I’m not sure what will.
Live a life of obedience – that is your highest calling.
PROCESS
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If you’re waiting for or feel uncertain of God’s direction or call read the following verses and write down how we are called to action:
1 Peter 1: 13—15
Psalm 119:6
1 Timothy 4: 16
1 Peter 3: 8—12
Philippians 4: 8
Proverbs 4: 14—15
Romans 12:2
Micah 6:8