Stories of faith inspire us. What story of faith has inspired you? My mother read Bible stories to me when I was a small child. She read some of these stories so many times that the pages became worn and tattered. I can still see the pictures of those stories in my mind. These people of faith did amazing things. Could I be a person like that someday? Would God be able to use me?
People of any age are inspired by those that God uses to do amazing things in the kingdom. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is like a faith hall of fame as it speaks about great people of faith. Hebrews 11:32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.[1]
Stories of faith Show that God Uses Flawed People
The stories of faith found in Hebrews eleven repeatedly show that God uses imperfect people. Gideon needed signs from God to believe what God had for him. Samson had major character flaws and David committed adultery. Jephthah made an unnecessary vow and Barak needed help from Deborah.
The Lord shows both the good and bad sides of these people of faith. These are people we all can identify with. Both they and we need the grace of God to be used in His kingdom. Our enemy satan continues to tell us God can’t use us, but that is just a lie. We only need to make ourselves available to God and He will begin to use us in ways that we could not imagine. The Lord can use us to pray for others, be kind to others, to give words of encouragement, or a helping hand to someone. Often times it is the little things in life that make a difference.
We Can be a Story of Faith to Someone
Just as stories of faith inspire us, our story of faith may inspire another person. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [2]
Is the Lord calling you to take a step of faith to be used by Him? Be bold in the faith and follow God’s leading.
To hear more about how stories of faith inspire us, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-result-of-faith
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.