Faith of a Hero

By Suzanne Sauder

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”—Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

This definition of faith is found in an incredibly inspiring chapter of the Bible which is commonly referred to as the Hall of Faith—and for good reason. Heroes are hung on its walls. These heroes’ stories are the kind that are told over and over again around late night campfires—stories of people who faced overwhelming obstacles and adversity, life-altering decisions, afflictions, and so much more. These men and women were considered righteous heroes, not because of their trials, but because of Who they trusted while in their trials.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines faith as “great trust or confidence in something or someone.” The author of Hebrews tells us that this someone is God Himself—Jehovah, our promise-making, promise-keeping God . . . the One who parts the seas, brings the dead to life, heals the brokenhearted, helps the lonely and forgotten find true family, and promises eternal life. The God of the Bible can be trusted with a confident faith that shapes our lives and sets our hearts aflame.

These heroes pressed on and did not give up! Through faith, they passed through the Red Sea, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, shut the mouths of lions, and quenched the fury of flames. They were people whose weakness was turned to into strength. Everyone mentioned in this Hall of Faith realized that Earth was not their home. Instead, they set their hearts on a heavenly home, putting their confidence in the God who would be there waiting for them.

As I write this devotional, one of my personal mentors and heroes of the faith has only a few days left on Earth. As I watch her in her final days, there is a confidence in death that will forever be imprinted on my heart. She didn’t receive the earthly healing she’d hoped for, but trusts that God’s plan for her is better than her own. 

Philip Yancey wrote, “I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” Just like Yancey, my mentor has an assurance of where and to Whom she is going and you can see it shining all over her face as we embraced and said goodbye one last time, until . . . 

As you journey over the next 14 days focusing on the concept of faith, may you, like those in the Hall of Faith, grow more and more confident in the Who that is behind the what that is happening in your life! 

Pause: Who are some of the heroes you would have in your Hall of Faith? Ask yourself, “Would I be found in anybody’s hall?”

Practice: Take a long, slow stroll through Hebrews chapter 11—what many call the Bible’s great Hall of Faith—and read of the men and women who have gone before us and knew the One to place their faith in. It will breathe confidence into your soul!

Pray: Lord, when trial or adversity comes this week, no matter how overwhelming it may be, may I remember that You are a miracle-working God, and may I have a deep confident assurance that You love me and will see me through! Amen.