Hebrews 11. Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith… For he who promised is faithful (10:22-23). This encouragement to have faith in Hebrews 10 is followed by chapter 11 – a long and detailed list of heroes of old, typically titled the Hall of Faith.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (11:1). Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whomever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (11:6). As we read this list of faith heroes, we see that one significant component of faith in God is trusting him even when we do not experience the fulfillment of all his promises. Faith is leaning into God in all circumstances, even when we cannot see how he is working.

Each name on the Hebrews 11 list represents a story of hardship, perseverance, and trusting God. Some of these people saw great victories and ruled kingdoms, some of them never found tangible victory but endured anyway. Let us say their names out loud – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Jospeh, Moses, Moses’ parents, Joshua at Jericho, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets, and those who are not named… of whom the world was not worthy (11:38).

Do you know each name and their story? Are there any whose stories you do not know? Commit to researching and discovering their story this week.

Do you have a favorite? My favorite line is by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going (11:8). It’s Abraham’s obedience – and great upheaval to his family and way of life – that strikes me as outrageous, especially since he did not know where he was going! Abraham demonstrated his genuine faith by his obedience, as did everyone else in this chapter.

Almost a decade ago God gave me Hebrews 11:8 about Abraham as my verse of for the year on January first. That year I went on a trip to Rome with my daughter, knelt on the grave of the Apostle Paul and reaffirmed my obedience to God in whatever he called me to. By September that year I was enrolled in seminary – and while that might sound exciting, it made me nervous because I did not know where I was going with the whole seminary exercise, I was just following in obedience! I am someone who would prefer to know exactly what is going to happen next – I like a tidy plan without surprises. Unfortunately, that is not how life works, is it?! The flashlight we are carrying with us through life only shines about ten feet in front of us – what comes after that is known only to God! And so we walk in faith.

I will add my voice to that of the author of Hebrews – he who promised is faithful. Do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward. Endure, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

How can you lean into faith in God and his promises in this season? Do you need courage to endure hardship? Do you need to step out in obedience? Study the stories of those mentioned in this chapter, and do not give up meeting with others who will encourage you.