Whose hero are you?

 I have always loved chapter 11 of Hebrews, these verses have always inspired me to consider the, ‘people of old’, to see the greatness of God, and the many feats of faith achieved. 

It lifts my vision of God, and of my own life. I love that here recorded are the steps of faith these people took, not their failings. It causes me to wonder, why then do I focus on my own failings rather than considering the steps forward I have made? Why do I focus on the times when I have messed up more than the times when I have stepped up? 

Are you the same?

Do you see yourself in a negative light? Do you think about the things you’ve done wrong more than what you’ve done right? If so, then you are not alone. Yet you can also gain inspiration and encouragement from this chapter. You too can see that God focuses on the positive attributes of His people not their mistakes. So, why don’t you give yourself a break and do the same? See what God has done in and through you, ask God to show you how He sees you - it may surprise you. 

Those commended in this chapter are esteemed for their faith in different ways, some of them are:

Acceptable sacrifices

Pleasing God

Walking faithfully

Reverent fear

Believing God’s word even when it seems impossible

Obedience

Looking forward to God’s fulfilment

Living in discomfort now knowing God’s reward is coming

Considering God faithful

Do you do any or some of these? 

Do you give generously and at a sacrifice to God and His people?

Do you please God by pursuing your faith?

Are you persevering in walking faithfully - being an upright citizen and living above reproach?

Do you fear Holy God?

Are you holding tight to His promises even when they seem far off? 

Are you doing the last thing God told you to do? 

Do you focus more on what is to come than your current experience? Is heaven a lived reality for you? 

Are you prepared to suffer now knowing there’s a greater reward that you’re not likely to experience on this Earth? 

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness?

If you can confidently say ‘Yes’ to any of the above questions, then you are in good company. This chapter shows us, ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’, people like us who have struggled, failed, let themselves down, yet also clung to faith. As a believer in God, and a truster of Jesus, you too can be considered as a person of faith alongside these heroes. You too have a story worth telling. You have a story of how you have overcome and held onto the faith. You are a witness to who God is, and you too can share your story and be an example of a faith hero to those around you. 

Who can you be a hero to? 

Who can you share the greatness of God in your life with?