You’ve probably heard of the Hebrews Hall of Faith or Faith Hall of Fame that refers to Hebrews Chapter 11. I’ve heard and read it several times before but I always read it as a tribute to the people who, through their mighty faith, accomplished big things, experienced big victories, or endured great atrocities.
- Noah, because of his faith, built the ark that saved his family despite the mocking of others and the fact that they’d never seen rain before.
- Abraham, because of his faith, packed up and left without knowing where God was sending him and his family. Then later, he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac because his faith assured him God would be faithful to keep His promises.
- Sarah, because of her faith, conceived a child even though she was barren.
- Moses, because of his faith, suffered with the children of God and later performed the rite of Passover to protect the firstborn of his people.
In Hebrews 11, Paul recounts story after story celebrating the people who had great faith. But recently, I read the chapter in a different translation, and I saw with completely new eyes. The emphasis wasn’t on the people, but on the amazing influence of their faith. Their faith in God gave them courage and perseverance, helped them to trust and obey, gave them strength to endure.
Faith is powerful!
Matthew 21:21 and Mark 11:23, Luke 17:6– Jesus said faith can cause a tree to wither and die, and a mountain to jump into the sea. It’s hard for us to relate to those illustrations. So, let’s look at what faith DOES in our own lives.
This month, I designed our Scripture Cultivations to help stir us up with excitement about what faith does. I’ll leave a link in the show notes if you want to download them. They’re free and as always, you can engage with them however you like, but I have some extra suggestions for this month. Some of them will be in the download, but I promised that every episode of the podcast would offer at least one easy, and actionable idea for you. So, here you go.
- As you read through the verses in the Scripture Cultivations, pay attention to what faith DOES and make a list. I think you’ll be really moved and encouraged as you see the list. I was. In fact, it was realizing it for myself that got me so excited I knew I had to do a podcast on it.
- And secondly, take a look at the list you made and think about the ones that really resonate with you right now. Which ones do you really need to grab hold of?
Don’t ignore those tugs. Find ways to be intentional and continue exploring those verses that Holy Spirit highlights to you. He’s stirring your heart for a reason, so lean in.
You can journal them.
Pray through them.
Write declarations or affirmations about them. You could even hop over to the Figs group share the ones that are really speaking to you and why. You just may encourage someone else in the group!
And there’ll be a few more ideas in the Scripture Cultivations download too.
Speaking of faith does…may I ask you to be praying for Brandon and me? We took a big leap of faith in planning for our 30th anniversary. So, we did a thing.
We’ve decided to join a group with Revelation Wellness who will hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in one day. ONE DAY!
24 miles
5300 feet of elevation
12-15 hours of hiking
It’s a lot more than a hike. It’s an opportunity to encounter God. And it’s a fundraiser for Revelation Wellness ministries. They’re a faith-based fitness training organization that teaches about God through fitness. They’re also in my ears many mornings at the gym…pouring scripture into my soul while challenging me to keep going in my workouts.
We’re excited for the hike and honored to partner with their work.
Our training has already started and we’re loving it. And we’re sharing with you so you can help keep us accountable, prayed up, and encouraged. Here’s what the next few months will look like for us.
UNTIL JULY
Cardio 5-6 times a week
Strength training 2 times a week
JULY-SEPTEMBER 29
Each week will require a hike of specific distance and elevation gain.
We’ve already paid for our hike and all that goes with it. But part of our commitment is to also raise $1500 each to support them in their work. If you want to know more about Revelation Wellness and/or you want to help me support their work, click HERE.
UNTIL JULY
Cardio 5-6 times a week
Strength training 2 times a week
JULY-SEPTEMBER 29
Each week will require a hike of specific distance and elevation gain.
Oh, by the way, if you’re new to the Figs community and don’t know what Scripture Cultivations are, tune in to the next episode and I’ll explain. Or if you don’t want to wait till then, I’ll leave a link in the show notes for you where you can find out more.
resources
Here are all the resources I mentioned in the episode
