Certainties

Captain Catherine Smith looks at how to cope with change and challenge

STUDY PASSAGE HEBREWS CHAPTER 11

‘IN this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,’ wrote Benjamin Franklin. How gloomy! As Christians who live in a constantly changing world, we can celebrate a greater conviction. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a team of people to demonstrate how to face change and challenge through faith.

Abel (v4) discerned a right way even before direction was given. His testimony lives on today.

Enoch (vv5 and 6) pleased God by looking for and walking well with him, even in a terrible society.

We find faith as we seek Jesus. We see such conviction expressed by King David when he says to his son: ‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind… If you seek him, he will be found by you’ (1 Chronicles 28:9 all quotations from New International Version).

Noah (v7) acted in ‘holy fear’ and was prepared, in spite of those who mocked him.

Abraham obeyed (vv8–12; 17–19). He went to an unknown earthly destination inspired by his heavenly home. He trusted God to make the impossible possible. He was willing to sacrifice his most precious gift because he knew God’s faithfulness.

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph (vv 20–22) prophesied to a future generation. We need to pass on God’s gifts to the next generation to demonstrate our commitment to God’s continuing plan.

Jacob (v21) worshipped God. As we position ourselves in his presence, we are assured by the one who is ‘the Beginning and the End’ (Revelation 22:13).

The parents of Moses (v23) took a great risk in the face of danger. ‘Perfect love drives out fear’ (1 John 4:18).

Moses (vv24–29) himself persevered through many uncertain challenges because he saw the invisible things of God as though they were visible. Asking God for a picture of his certain truths can give us the assurance we need to face uncertain days ahead.

A boy was listening to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. ‘Hallelujah!’ he shouted. The teacher was irritated by the disturbance: ‘What is it?’

‘Wow!’ said the boy. ‘God is amazing. He pushed back the sea to let the people through.’

‘Don’t be silly,’ said the teacher. ‘All that can be explained by science. The water was much more like a puddle than an ocean.’ The teacher continued telling how the Egyptians were swallowed up as they pursued the Israelites. Again, the boy shouted out, ‘Hallelujah!’

‘What is it now?’ asked the exasperated teacher. ‘Praise God! He managed to swallow up a whole army in a puddle!’

Our certainty comes from our perspective and confidence in the living God.

Rahab (v31) is mentioned for her obedience. Most only knew her as a pagan prostitute. God is not discriminative in who he uses. In this team, there are men and women of every background. Rahab was not trusted by anyone, and without doubt found it hard to trust others. But she discovered that she could trust God’s certain leadings.

Can we say we have trust, hope, confidence, belief and certainty when redundancy is threatened and finances are challenged; when our children are mixing with unhelpful influences; when people doubt us and disgrace us? Can we keep going when the pain feels too much and the anxiety is overbearing?

Our team of witnesses encourage us to say we can be certain, and picture Jesus who ‘is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8).

As we face change and uncertainty in our communities, churches, families and workplaces, take direction from Hebrews 12:1–3: ‘Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’

When facing areas of uncertainty, take one or two of the characters mentioned in our study passage and, using the principles they learnt, pray and push on through your own circumstances.

Take hold of the promises of God which are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’ (2 Corinthians 1:20). And finally, look to Jesus himself.