For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Have you heard of the Hollywood walk of fame? It is the world’s most famous sidewalk containing over 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the pavement bearing the names of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities past and present. It has appeared in iconic movies such as Pretty Woman and is visited by over ten million tourists each year.
Hebrews 11 could be called the “walk of faith” because it showcases dozens of great men and women and relates their exploits, giving snippets of their lives. We encounter names such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sara, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. Verses 32-34 elaborate by saying:
And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-34 (AMP)
All of the examples walked by faith. In verse 2 we are told:
The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. Hebrews 11:2 (MSG)
They are not defined by their flaws; they are defined by their faith. They are simply ‘whoevers’ who chose to operate on whatever God said. This wonderful chapter is an example to us on how we can, and should have faith in God as well.
God’s will is that we live by faith. Walking by faith requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless of what life throws your way. He has promised that He will be with you every single step, walking with you, carrying you, supporting you. It is a journey of tremendous blessing and reward.