When we covenanted at baptism, we covenanted for a life of dramatic and harrowing change not unlike the noble examples recorded in Hebrews 11. The heroes of faith all went through a metaphoric flood described in Jesus' parable in Luke 6:46. As the pillars of faith discovered, we need to follow through and do what Jesus said, acting on faith. If we do not do this, we are vulnerable to be swept away by the flood. We have to emulate the wise builder, digging the foundation deep, building upon the rock. By absorbing the sayings of God, we receive the illumination to walk successfully on the path God has prepared for us, receiving the inner strength and security to withstand the storms of persecution and unrest.