A Faith Like Theirs

Christians need one another. Like sheep, we gather together when danger looms. We convene for worship, under the calling and command of our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ (Ps 23; Jn 10). He loves His people (Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 3:1), for whom He died, and for whom He ever lives to make intercession (Heb 7:25). We see one another at our holy convocations, and we are encouraged. Truly, we share one faith (Eph 4:5).

In the Bible, we read of the saints who have gone before us. All of them were imperfect like us. We treasure their stories because they faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges. By trusting in the Lord, however, they overcame the world (1 Jn 5:4).

In Hebrews 11:32–38, the writer is bringing his list of examples of faith to a close. He has run out of space, and it is time to conclude his argument, which he will do in the closing two chapters.

Faith is gift of God (Eph 2:8–9). It is brought to the elect, redeemed, regenerated soul by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 10:47), which produces union with Christ (1 Cor 12:13; Gal 2:20; Col 1:27). We follow Jesus Christ because His Spirit leads us in the way we should go (Jn 14:6; 16:13). It is the Holy Spirit who manifests faithfulness in God’s chosen people (Gal 5:22). Our lives become the story, authored by our Lord (Heb 12:2).

It is faith that pleases God, and without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Faith is not natural, nor is it a blind leap of reckless abandon. Faith apprehends the promises of God, found in His Word (Rom 4:20; Heb 6:12). This is why it is essential for Christians to hear the Word of God preached and taught (Rom 10:17). The Word is like good seed planted in good soil (Mt 13). It produces life (Jn 6:63). This life, Jesus called “abundant” because it is the life of God in the soul of man (Jn 10:10; Gal 2:20).

Thus, we survey the people of faith in both biblical and church history. There are ample lists of names, each with a plethora of stories demonstrating faith in Jesus Christ, and from them, we learn that faith is no intellectual assent (Sandemanianism).

Christians do believe with our minds, but faith is more than the mind’s agreement with revealed truth. An obedient faith is one that is both convinced and committed. Faith, genuine faith, produces works (Jas 2:24–26). These works were prepared for us by God, beforehand. They were ordained that we might walk in them (Eph 2:10).

When Christians act, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we invariably run into obstacles. One of our daughters recently discovered she was pregnant with twins. This is new to her and to the rest of our family. We are all trying to figure out how to adjust and adapt to the mode of helping her. We know this will be a great challenge that we pray will be a blessing, but there is work to be done! He who is forming two human lives in one womb is the God who is sanctifying the rest of our family as we plan and will execute our diverse ministries (Ps 139:13). We must trust God and watch as He works through us.

As the Creator of all things, even our difficulties, disruptions, delays, and disappointments all come from God. He, of course, causes it all to work for our good, even when diverse sufferings are included (Rom 8:28). This is captured in Hebrews 11:35b-38, where the faith of those who suffered unto death is contrasted with those in 11:32–35a, who were triumphant in endeavors requiring faith.

God Himself designs our trials that demand an exercised faith. Of course, this brings glory to God, in the measure of the particular trial and magnitude of required faith. The diamond shines brighter, the darker the backdrop.

There is also a diversity of trials. Some endure poverty. Others have health troubles that can last a lifetime. Some are called to war. Others have special needs children to care for. The world watches as Christians, who claim Christ, suffer imprisonment and persecution, sometimes unto death.

Believers in Jesus trust in Him. All the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” in Him (2 Cor 1:20). We live in Him, and we die in Him (Col 3:3; Heb 11:13). There is no one else and nothing else to trust in (Acts 4:12). He always delivers, but the world and the devil never do deliver…except one lie after another (Jn 8:44; 2 Cor 4:4)!

Once a child of God reaches some degree of testing, he or she can look for trials of larger magnitude that will stretch faith even further than before. Trouble drives us to pray, and prayer, that is, calling on God for help, demonstrates one’s faith in the God of our salvation (Acts 2:21; Rom 10:13). He grows our faith, while bringing glory to Himself through deliverance after deliverance. Faithful is He who called you, He will do it (1 Thess 5:24). He performs all our works for us (Is 26:12).

Finally, let us remember that God is faithful and our faithfulness is merely a reflection of His produce in the Spirit. Our boast must always be Christ and not ourselves, for apart from Him we can do nothing…including an exercise of faith.

In conclusion, the Christian life cannot be anything except a life of faith in Christ. This is what we were born again for by the Holy Spirit. May God grant us grace to trust Him more.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

May 2, 2026

Hebrews 11:32–38