November 13

Faith That Passes the Test

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 120:1-7 | Ezekiel 27:1-28:26 | Hebrews 11:17-31 | Proverbs 27:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11:17-31

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days” (Hebrews 11:30 NIV).

Your faith will be tested. For Abraham it was a test of “willingness.” Would he be willing to sacrifice his only son even though it made no earthly sense and seemed to contradict everything he knew about God and his promise?

Joseph’s faith was tested in numerous ways. Abandoned by his brothers, imprisoned, forgotten and betrayed. He saw the promise, but it seemed to always be delayed by the circumstances he was in. Finally though, his faith was rewarded.

Moses faced innumerable tests of faith in leading the reluctant, often rebellious, children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Leadership can be a big test of one’s faith.

Imagine the test of faith of crossing the Red Sea. Imagine the joy of seeing that faith rewarded.

What of the test of faith at Jericho? Could seven days of marching around a city really result in its fall? Facing our doubts and unbelief is a major test of our faith.

And those are only a few examples of faith being tested. You could add many stories as well, couldn’t you?

In all the tests, God shows that he is faithful and that he can be trusted. Hang in there. Keep pressing on. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but God will be with you each step of the way. Trust Him.

Father, thank you for the reminder of your faithfulness. Help me to press on and persevere even in the midst of the trials I am facing. I don’t always understand your ways, but I do trust you. I march forward now, waiting for walls to fall. Amen.