Consider Those Who Came Before Us

   Hebrews 11:8-12 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

   When circumstances aren’t exact ideal, or should you find yourself unsure of your current situation, do you still count God as faithful? As you think about that for a moment, consider those who came before us. Read the entirety of Hebrews 11, and slowly ponder what is being said about the individuals mentioned, and how they viewed God.

   Abraham, trusted God, in spite of not knowing where he was going. Would his situation be considered unsure, by most? He didn’t have the advantage of being able to read the outcome of his journey in Scripture of which we do. It’s easy for us to believe for Abraham, because read the story. He, on the other hand, had to live the story of which we read. Would you trust God in like circumstances, having no Scripture to go by?

   In Sarah’s case, verse 11 says she counted Him faithful Who promised. Her circumstances in the time she was promised a son, did not naturally match the construct. When you read the account of the event in Genesis 18, we find she even laughed initially, because she was far beyond child bearing years. Yes, she did have a few week moments. Ultimately, she did count Him as faithful, and she did receive the promise of a son (Isaac).

   Let’s take this further:

   All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16).

   Verse 13 starts out a little rough sounding, doesn’t it? If we were shortsighted, it would be easy to assume they lost out on the promises altogether since, they died before seeing them. They truly trusted God, and were in it for the long-haul. Maybe, legacy wasn’t a word they may have used, but they did think generationally. In Abraham’s case, he was promised to be a father of nations. Did he see it happen while he lived on the earth? No, but it still came to pass. Is Abraham part of your spiritual lineage? You are considered a child of Abraham if you’re a Christian.

   Galatians 3:6-9 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

   The reality is we complete the promises given to those mentioned in these passages of Scripture. To be sure of another thing: they were looking toward the Heavenly City. They knew they weren’t home yet, and God is faithful.

   Hebrews 11:39-40 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

What About You?

How do you see God? Perhaps, you’re one who has seen some very difficult circumstance, even heart-breaking events beyond the pale. Did you find Him faithful in getting you through those times? It could be you yourself are in a such a place now. Know, He is faithful. He will get you through, even if it seems impossible right now.

Has God promised you something, and it hasn’t materialized yet? Do you count Him as faithful? Will you simply obey Him, regardless of the outcome -seen or unseen? It’s easy to put everything on God, but what about our obedience? There is much that could be said about the promises of God, but we’ll save that for another time.

Whose Report About You Will You Believe?

One last thought: have you noticed the report God gives concerning those in Hebrews 11? Have you ever compared their stories in the Old Testament accounts? Do they seem like they’re mismatched? Hebrews reveals the way God sees them. How do you suppose He sees you? Do you think your view of yourself matches His?

Ask Him how he sees you. Study the Bible to see what it says about the way He sees you. As He reveals it to you, the challenge is to believe Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in the way He desires you to see Him. It will help you connect to your true identity.

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