“All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.” — Hebrews 11:39 (NLT)
I love this verse. As many of you know, it comes from the book of Hebrews — a book that boasts the great Hall of Faith heroes. Recently, as I was reading Hebrews, this verse spoke to me.
It’s amazing to me that this verse highlights faith (and not accomplishments or success) as to what brings about a “good reputation.” How different this is than the world around us?! We live in a culture that does just the opposite of these words: we are to be successful first and then we’ll have a good reputation.
The chapter goes on to say that some people did, in fact, see tremendous acts of God. However, others never saw their promises come to pass. Yet, it was their FAITH that made a lasting mark in this world. It was NOT their accomplishments or “great acts.”
Christian, where does your reputation come from? Are you waiting for “something big” to come along, or for “mighty answered prayers” to pass before thinking of the impression you’ve made?
The Word of God tells us that what’s REALLY impressive is our faith! A true, lasting impression does NOT come first from what we’ve done. It does not come from God’s answered prayer — how we thought it should be answered; rather, it comes from the passionate, steady, wordless faith within our hearts.
In a world that celebrates mighty deeds, great, talented artists and fame… what really stands out is your devotion of faith in the Lord!
This week, ask yourself: “Am I chasing a legacy or a reputation based on what I’ve done or on what can be seen?” or, “Am I confident that it’s my faith that leaves a lasting mark?”
Ask God to make you a person of faith! Ask Him to make you a person who has a reputation of trusting in the Lord Jesus. As we move our hearts to line up with the Word of God, our faith makes us heroes.
Faith-filled with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor