Monday, July 19
Whenever the question is asked…Who is your favorite biblical hero of faith…most people pick Paul. However, my heroes of victorious faith are those in the Old Testament, those whose faith held to the backside of the cross, having the faith to see what was yet to be. They had no anchor of hope in Christ as we do.
Abraham is probably my number one hero of faith. When Paul wanted to convey righteousness through faith to the Romans, he wrote about Abraham, telling them to “walk in the way of that faith which our father Abraham had.” (Rom. 4:12 Amp)
Then he said, “It is clear, then, that God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was not based on obedience to God’s law, but on the new relationship with God that comes by faith.” (Rom. 4:13 NLT) All he did, the Bible says, he did by faith.
From the beginning of God’s promise of his son Isaac to Abraham until the time of fulfillment was about twenty five years. Then, Abraham’s faith was tested to the max. When he obeyed to the point of nearly sacrificing his own son, a Ram in the thicket was provided.
That thing dearest to his heart he released to God and received it back multiplied times over. Abraham’s faith seed was planted there on Mount Moriah, and his seed produced seed upon Seed, and all of us have been blessed and rewarded since that time.
Look at the results produced from that one extraordinary act. If we follow this out, we will see the culmination of a progression of a life of faith, obedience, and sacrifice, from the seed of Abraham’s obedience, to David’s purchase of the threshing floor, to Solomon’s building of the Temple.
As the hill of these sacrifices and obedience, Mount Moriah (meaning ‘seen or vision of Jah’) is the same area, and thought by some scholars to be the very sight, of the greatest sacrifice ever, the crucifixion of Christ.
Our faith walk should be like Abraham’s, for he knew God kept His promises, “He drew strength from his faith, and, while giving the glory to God, remained absolutely convinced that God was able to implement His own promise.” (Rom. 4:21 Phillips)
When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he wrote about living by faith as Abraham, “It is [really] the people [who live] by faith who are [the true] sons of Abraham.” (Gal. 3:7 Amp) Therefore, “Those who are people of faith are blessed and made happy and favored by God [as partners in fellowship] with the believing and trusting Abraham.” (Gal. 3:9 Amp)
Paul also said of Abraham, “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” (Rom. 4:20 Amp) His words of praise strengthened his faith, connecting Him to God’s power.
Paul said, “Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith.” (Rom. 4:16 Amp) He said our faith should rest “in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:5 NKJV)
When you come before the God of the universe, do you believe that He is the God of all creation, that He is able to do what He says, that He will be with you in whatever you are going through, and that He rewards those believing in Him?
*Is there an Isaac in your life that you need to release by faith?
*Does your praise empower your faith?
*How long have you waited for an answer to prayer or the fulfillment of a promise from God?
*How do you walk, how do you behave, while you are waiting, in faith or doubt and worry?
*Do you rest in the power of God?
Does Jesus say to you, as He did to Peter when he began to be overwhelmed by the waves, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:31b NKJV) Or does He say to you as He did to the woman that came to Him on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire”? (Matt. 15:28 NKJV)
If God is looking for victorious faith in His children, does He find it in you?
Wow. Great post. To be honest, I think more often than not, I'm like Peter when Jesus says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
My prayer is day by day I can grow in my faith. And even then be able to say like the father of the boy with the evil spirit, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
My biblical faith hero is Joseph, for many reasons.
My modern-day faith hero was the director of a revival ministry, Del Fehsenfeld, Jr., who lived authentically as a man of God. No hypocrisy, and such a deep desire to see all of us make godly choices. He died a few years back... and the woman who is heading up the women's division of that ministry -- Nancy Leigh DeMoss -- is my female hero of faith, for exactly the same reasons that I admired Del. And God brought another man of discernment and spiritual strength, Byron Paulus, to take Del's place.
Life Action Ministries and Revive Our Hearts Ministries are powerful today because of their example of faith and obedience.
Oh, Dawn, Joseph is a great one. And what an awesome modern-day choice. Thanks for sharing! Be blessed!
Powerful post, my friend. Mae me think, made me evaluate myself. Now it's time to go pray.
What a post to feast on! This last year has been a walk of faith - with some whining and wobbly steps. I think my greatest challenge, though, is instilling in my sons the message of faith. One son likes to see the glass half-empty - you have to train yourself to see it half-full to be a faith person. In faith, I believe his eyes will be opened!
What a great post. My faith hero is David. No matter how big the obsticle in front of him all he saw was God. He was not conserned with the size of Goliath because he knew he had an even bigger God. When everyone else was asking "what about Goliath?," David was asking, "What about God?"
Dearest Lynn,
Queen Esther was an instrument of God, used by God because of her willingness to obey the voice of God. Esther lifted up in the eyes of God she became an instrument for God. Because of her devotion and willingness to listen to the voice of God she was able to prevent the devastation and destruction of her people.
Love You,
Lee
Abraham was mine for sure. He was the father of all major religions and, especially now, if there was ever a chance for them understanding each other and living together in peace, it would be Abraham (otherwise we're all grounded) :). Great article and looking forward to more.
Love Rick and Lee (London)
Hello, Dean! I believe we are all like that at one time or another. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I deeply appreciate it! Bless you!
Thanks, Stephanie! You are such a precious supporter! Love you!
Bluecotton, That is the greatest of all...instilling faith into one's children. Thanks so much for commenting. And may the Lord bless you for your commitment.
Wishes, David really ties for my other #1 spot. He is a great example to follow. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. You've blessed me! Blessings in return to you!
Lee, What a great faith hero! Esther is a great example. Thank you, sweetie, for stopping by. You make my heart very happy! Bless you!
Ricky-boy, I am always honored when you stop by. Thank you! And glad we share the admiration for Abraham! Blessings to you, my friend!