The Heroes of My Faith

I didn’t grow up in church. I didn’t learn the stories of David and Goliath or Joseph and his coat of many colors, or his brothers who plotted to kill him. I didn’t know about Abraham and Isaac, or Daniel and the lion’s den. I didn’t know about Baby Jesus in a manger or Paul meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus when he was still named Saul. I didn’t know about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea or about Noah and the ark or Jonah in the whale. 

But I learned these stories after I was saved and reading my Bible. I also heard them in the context of messages in church and Sunday school classes and other Bible studies. They are not mere stories. They are true accounts of men and women God chose to place in the Holy infallible scriptures for our benefit. We are to learn from them. 

I have my favorites. I call them the heroes of my faith. Their stories and struggles, their victories and faith have taught me the most. We all need heroes. here are a few of mine:

When I need courage to face a giant, I remember David.

And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37 NASB

When I need to forgive when others hurt me, I think of Joseph and the injustices he endured.

But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Genesis 50:19-20 NASB

When I can’t see the next step of my journey, I remember Abraham.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 NASB

When I struggle with contentment and joy, I think of Paul.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11-13 ASV

When I don’t understand anything in the face of hardship, I think of Job.

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:20-22 NASB

The greatest Hero of my faith is Jesus Christ, because He is my Savior.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB

Copyright © 2017 Kathy Cheek. Used by permission.