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 11:38-39

These saints are like us and are still waiting to receive their reward and inherit the promises that God will provide to each and every one of us. It is quite the opposite of what so many people in the world are doing and thinking, who believe their salvation is already complete and are not waiting for anything more from God than to die and go to heaven. They certainly do see some of the workings of God, but they just cannot bring themselves to believe and to live by plain scriptures that show that one can fall short and lose one's future hope of salvation. And that salvation has always been and remains an issue of faith as much as it is an issue of grace. Fortunately, these are both gifts that God provides to all of us abundantly.