Hebrews 11:17–31

Be Still: Heavenly Father, thank you that you are always ready and waiting for me to come into your presence. Thank you that you welcome me in again today. Amen.

Read: Hebrews 11:17–31

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. (v30)

Encounter: What’s your current ‘walls of Jericho’? That impossible challenge or burden which nothing seems able to shift? 

Today, we continue to read the wonderful list of faith-filled people in the Bible: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab… all heroes of the faith. It’s an inspiring and uplifting passage of courage and drama – I can almost hear the cinematic swell of music underneath! 

But don't forget that these people didn’t have a Bible to tell them it would all turn out ok – that the Red Sea would actually part so the people could escape, that the walls of Jericho really would fall. We’re reminded that they acted in faith, trust, persistence and obedience despite the signs around them. These heroes weren’t superhuman; they were a mixed bunch – with murderers, prostitutes, adulterers and alcoholics all part of that group – but their faith, courageous actions and persistence changed the history of their people.

How did they do it? Could they see the future clearly? Of course not. But they trusted a God who could. Trusted he had a plan, that he would lead and guide them, even when the odds looked stacked against them.

Apply: We are called to live lives of faith – something so easy to talk about and so hard to live out. For many of us, there are situations where the signs don’t seem good, where life is challenging, relationships struggling, circumstances hard. This is exactly the moment to stop and remember whom we worship: a God who is faithful to us. It’s why we read the Bible; it’s why we share our own stories. We don’t have faith in faith itself, but faith in a God who is bigger than it all.

Devote: Remind yourself of specific times when God has been faithful to you in the last few weeks – the little things and the big things. Turn that reminder into a prayer of gratitude to a God who is worthy of our faith, trust and hope. Then ask again for the walls of Jericho to fall…