Session 4

Let the past give you courage for what God can do in the present

From Making Bold Moves: A 7-Day Devotional

Hebrews 11 gives many examples of great faith and a common theme quickly emerges: the choice to let go of rational understanding to boldly believe in the unseen.

Noah chose to heed God’s warning and build an ark even though he saw no rain at the time (Genesis 7:1-5). Abraham chose to follow God to a foreign land with nothing but a promise to hold onto (Genesis 12:1-4). Moses chose to face Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 1:1-7, Exodus 12:31-32). None of the bold moves in Hebrews 11 were easy. But through faith, they were possible.

Faith chooses to trust God in spite of our fear and over all the possible outcomes. The men and women in Hebrews 11 never imagined the impact their choices would have so many years later. They weren’t present for much of the story God was, and still is, weaving from their obedience.

Noah, Abraham, and Moses are well-known for their faith and God’s presence in their lives. It’s easy to admire them, but it is also easy to assume their experience of God only happened “back then.” God is just as active today as He was thousands of years ago.

Perhaps, the reason we don’t experience more of God’s presence is that we aren’t expecting it. What would happen if instead of admiring our ancestors’ bold moves, we started making some of our own?

God’s power does not depend on our faith, but our experience of God’s power is greatly affected by our faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Like the men and women in Hebrews 11, when we dare to make bold moves, we, too, can experience God’s presence in ways we never imagined. Radical faith isn’t easy, and it’s often unpopular, but it’s always worth it.

Reflect:

• Is the fear of the unknown keeping you from following God in any area of your life?
• What is one way you need to step out in faith?
• Reread Hebrews 11. Which one statement or promise do you feel the Holy Spirit saying is true for you today?