As I've been thinking and praying about what the Lord would have me share with you this year, He reminded me, through a friend's blog post, of the 'Hall of Faith' in Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. In these days of uncertainties, turmoil, suffering, and spiritual challenges that daily confront us, I believe it is important to remember that we are surrounded by a '...great...cloud of witnesses' (Heb.12:1)
, always cheering us on and always encouraging us to hold fast to our faith in Him and run the race with endurance and perseverance.
Since I was a little girl and from the beginning of my walk with the Lord, I've loved and been blessed and encouraged by the stories and biographies of Godly Christians who've lived their lives for the Lord and gave their all for Him who redeemed them. Most were ordinary, simple folk whom the Lord used to change history, to glorify His name, and build His kingdom.
Through their FAITH they '...wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wondered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitue, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith...' (Heb.11: 33-39a).
Their God is my God, too - our God! That give me strength and hope and inspires me to persevere. Reading about them has also inspired my present love for history. I realised that God is very much at work in the world and that history is really His Story!
I invite you to join me these coming months (or longer??) on a 'tour' or 'journey' of heaven's Hall of Faith! The hall is long and it goes back to the beginning of time. Meet their Mighty God and Saviour. See them conquer their sins, weaknesses, fears, and doubts through FAITH in Him. 'This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith' (1 John 5:4b). See them give themselves to the Lord and He doing mighty things in their lives and through them.
Whenever, the Lord gives me the time, I'll share a bit about a character from either biblical times or from early and late antiquity and modern times, as the Lord leads! I'll also try to place these characters in their historical context and see how the Lord used them even in the small and ordinary things as well as the big and extraordinary to influence people and change history.
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| Look out for this picture to follow up on this series! |
Many Blessings,
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