And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Hebrews 11:32-34
The Christian life cannot be navigated successfully in our strength, wisdom, determination, or effort. The world, the flesh, and the devil constantly fight against us, trying to cripple our effectiveness as lights in a dark world. Their strength is greater than ours, but we are not limited to our own strength. God has provided a means for us to access His power to work on our behalf. When we follow His guidance we will be victorious. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
The extent to which we depend on God is determined by much we believe in Him and His promises. If we do not truly trust that God will help us, we will not come to Him for help. But God’s character never changes, and His long history of responding to those who act in faith with help for victory is still available to us today.
In his sermon “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” Charles Spurgeon said, “If in your worst times you would keep your head above water, the life belt must be faith. Now, Christian, do you not know this? In the olden times how were men kept from perishing but by faith? Read that mighty chapter in Hebrews, and see what faith did—how believers overcame armies, put to flight the army of aliens, quenched the violence of fire—and stopped the mouths of lions! There is nothing which faith has not done or cannot do! Faith is girdled about with the Omnipotence of God for her girdle. She is the great wonder-worker.”
