The Power of Faith
 
“This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
–1 John 5:4 (NKJ)
 
We can become so preoccupied with the hazards, handicaps, and
hindrances in the race of faith that we try to take detours or
linger too long at rest stops along the way. But the collective
testimony of the heroes in Hebrews 11 should encourage us:
“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses [i.e.,
those in chap. 11], let us throw off everything that hinders and
the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us” (Heb 12:1). The witness of those
who have come before us spur us to endure in a life of faith in
many ways, including by teaching us valuable lessons about
living faith in God.
 
Faith Cleanses All Kinds of Pollution – Everyone in chapter 11
was dysfunctional like you and me. Rahab was a prostitute.
Noah got drunk.Abrahamand Isaac lied. Sarah laughed at God
and then denied it.Mosesmurdered.David committed adultery.
We could go on. But notice: nothing of their failures is
mentioned in chapter 11! Can we collectively shout right there?
When we trust Christ as our Savior, God cleanses our sin and
gives us a new beginning (1 Cor 6:11). As a new creation, we
have new power to accomplish new victories (2 Cor 5:17).
 
The pollution of our past is no handicap!
 
Faith Changes All Kinds of People—Hebrews 11 teems with
variety. Faith is found in men and women, the young and old,
kings and commoners, the poor and wealthy, the highborn and
illegitimate. “God does not show favoritism but accepts men
fromevery nation who [by faith] fear himand do what is right”
(Acts 10:34; cf. Rom 2:11; Eph 6:9). These faith heroes were
different but united in daring to trust God, and in doing so,
being forever changed by Him.
 
Faith Conquers All Kinds of Problems—The life of faith
certainly has its challenges, but it also has great resources to
bolster it. Faith enabled Enoch to stay pure in a defiled world,
Noah to withstand national ridicule,Moses to fight government
opposition, and Daniel to face a den full of lions.Although God
doesn’t work the same in every life, when He allows us to
conquer problems, faith is always involved (Eph 6:16; 1 John 5:4).
 
Faith Conducts All Kinds of Potential—Faith does not create
reality, but it is a conduit for God to work His reality into our
lives. Faith released the potential for a shepherd boy like David
to become a mighty king. Looking through spectacles of faith,
we can see and seize all kinds of potential for ourselves and
others to God’s glory (cf.Matt 9:24).
 
For Discussion: How do today’s four points help you obey Heb 12:1?