Hebrews 11:32-40

Please turn with me to Hebrews 11, verse 32. Now they could deal with seemingly hopeless situations and became emotionally and spiritually strong despite their weaknesses. Notice what the author of the book of Hebrews here (probably Paul) has to say about what the saints sometimes have to endure. You are very familiar with this section, but it helps to set up the background of the sermon.

We see there a list of amazing persecution and trial and testing and agony that the faithful had to go through over the years. And we just wonder how in the world they did that other than with God's help. And we look at our situations, and we think, wow, that does not even match almost any of these. Then we realize, well, we are so blessed, but yet we still have problems with depression, discouragement, and things like that.

So by overcoming discouragement through faith, they became more stable, compassionate, and mature - and spiritually mature. And we should be thankful that we have not faced even half of these trials.

Hebrews 11:33-34

Out of weakness. They were just like you and me when God began, and it is probably a good thing that He did not show us their entire life. They were a mixed bag, but they grew. They kept trying to rely on God more and more. They allowed their faith to be tested and stretched. They failed a lot, but God patiently worked with them and they did not give up.