Faithfully Forward

Hebrews 11:32-34 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
 
SOME people write a list of tasks they need to do in the coming days. It helps them get things done. But does anyone writes a list of tasks completed? What would you learn if you sat down to consider what you have done in the regular course of life in just two or three days, five years, 10 years or more? This is a good way to understand how God has shaped your life. You would likely learn you have accomplished much. Perhaps the list of what you’ve done will encourage you to keep doing what you do. Maybe the list will help you be more effective in your daily tasks.
   Do you see Hebrews’ list in this passage? In one long, complex sentence, the writer lists many testimonies of God’s work through the faith heroes of the Old Testament. Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah are judges who God empowered to overthrow Israel’s enemies. We must note the judge Deborah was also God’s tool to influence Barak into action.
   David was the giant killer and mighty warrior, the shepherd boy who became Israel’s greatest king in its history. Samuel was the last judge and a prophet whose wisdom and strength helped transform Israel into a more faithful nation.
   Hebrews also refers to others by their deeds. Daniel shut the mouths of lions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego quenched the fury of the flames (Daniel 3). Elijah, the prophet, and other prophets escaped the edge of the sword. There were many men such as Jonah, Isaiah and Jeremiah whose weakness was turned to strength. And 1 Chronicles 11 records a series of warriors who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies against overwhelming odds. 
   If we make a list of what the church has done since the Day of Pentecost, we will see a church composed of faithful people working in the Spirit’s supernatural strength against overwhelming odds. Faithful Christian warriors have stood against the fiery flames and the roaring lions of persecution. Countless people have entered the Kingdom of God because his faithful church has faithfully done the work required.
   Perhaps it would be good for your church to list what the church has done. Hopefully it will encourage everyone to continue on in faith, being sure of what we hope for and confident of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1)  This would be good for your individual walk, too. Take a few minutes to make a list. How have you served the church? What is your spiritual life like? Do you pray, read Scripture, attend church and serve God? Where have you seen God working in you rife? What is he urging you to do next? You will see where the Spirit has empowered you to victory. In faith you know you can continue to follow the Lord because you are sure the Lord is leading you.