Hebrews chapter 11 also addresses one of the primary excuses many people have when faith is brought up. People want examples. They think all this talk about being able to do anything through faith is just made up. No one really believes that, and if they do it’s only because nothing really bad has ever happened to them. What proof is there that faith is worth anything? What person has actually accomplished anything through faith?
Not really a legitimate question because it only comes out of ignorance. Look to the Bible, and countless examples of faith can be seen. Hebrews tells us two examples in verses 7-8:
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Not enough? How about Hebrews 11:17-19:
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ Concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”
Still want more? Check out Hebrews 11:24-26:
“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the passing pleasure of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”
Countless examples exist in the Bible of people doing unimaginable things through faith. Noah built an ark to save the world. Abraham entered a deserted land, and nearly killed his own son. Moses fled from the riches of Egypt. Much has been asked of many, and they have not refused the Lord. Moses may have had excuses, but he acted in faith. Jesus may have feared the cross, but He still died for our sins.
Excuses still remain beyond this. Many say that’s the Bible. What about since the Bible? What has been accomplished through faith in the world of today? Fair enough. I’ve got some examples for you.
Steven Furtick is the lead pastor of Elevation Church. By faith he and seven families moved to Charlotte, NC and started a church. Through that faith God has blessed, and only a few years in the church now has thousands of members, many of who accepted Jesus there, and multiple campuses all throughout the city.
By faith Greg Surratt moved his family a little over 20 years ago to Mt. Pleasant, SC, and started Seacoast Church. That church started with only 65 members, and now has 29 weekend worship experiences in 13 locations. Over 10,000 regularly attend.
By faith Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia prayed for rain. His state was in a deep drought, and there was nothing man could to stop this but have faith. Shortly after this prayer rain fell, and the drought ended.
Faith still moves today. It still heals. It still helps people do amazing things. It still saves. It still helps us believe in forgiveness, and to forgive others. Faith is as powerful today as it ever was, and can have the same mighty impact it had in the days of Abraham, Moses, and Paul.
Don’t cling to the excuse that faith does no good. Faith in the Lord, faith in Christ, faith in the Holy Spirit, and faith in ourselves remains vitally important. We can still do amazing things if we have faith.
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