All nations have their heroes. Their lives play an important part in the education of the people, either for good or for bad. The world knows the power of example; our youth read about them and desire to be like them.

 

God knew first of all the power of example to instruct the human heart. We have in the Bible a long list of heroes, who won the victory by faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews contains a list of such heroes.

 

It would be a great mistake to think that our trials and struggles are different and greater than others. The difficulties and troubles that God’s children encounter have been the same in all ages. History is merely a repetition of itself. 1Cor 10:13 tells us, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (NIV) We also read in 1Peter 4:12, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (NIV)

 

These heroes of faith encourage us as they stand cheering us on. Their lives insure us that they traveled the same road we are traveling. They encountered the same obstacles and had the same trials that we have. They say unto us, “We won the victory by faith. You can too.”

This is our heritage, and what a wonderful heritage it is. They have left us a legacy, as they show us by their faith how they were able to endure the persecutions that must come to all who live godly (2Tim 2:11). They endured mocking, and scourging, and periods of imprisonment; they were stoned and
slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; they wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves.

 

Yet Heb 11:13 tells us, All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. (NIV) What does this say about us? What should be our faith today? We have the promise child (Jesus) for which all other promises spoke of. Over 6,000 years look down upon us and testify to the reality of our lives today.

 

This faith is the richest and most precious possession that men and women can have in this world (Jas 2:5). Revelation 2:7 says, Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (NIV)
WHEN YOU HAVE FAITH, YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!