by faith...Jericho

Interesting. Scripture tells of a city, not the one who led the people to "march seven times around."

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell down..." (Heb11.30)

Clearly, study should go to the significance of this ancient city before telling of the faith of the one who led the priests and "armed men or men of war, "to march, 

• with the ark of the Lord, 
• quietly, 
• with the exception of blowing the trumpets as they started around each time and as each round was completed, 
• seven times around,
• until the shout went up on the seventh revolution round the city
• "and the walls came tumbling down." (Joshua 6)

Why Jericho?  The Walls of Jericho were a defensive or flood protection wall suggested to date to approximately 8000 BC. If interpreted as an "urban fortification", the Wall of Jericho is the oldest city wall discovered by archaeologists anywhere in the world. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_of_Jerich These walls, at least 13 feet in height and backed by a watchtower or redoubt some 28 feet tall.
To put this into perspective, envision a 4 story tall building. Such was the height of the walls of Jericho. On the other side of the double wall, the embankment continued to climb upwards. The third tier was at the very top of the embankment, where yet another mud-brick wall stood.
At their base, the walls of Jericho stood 46 feet (14m) above ground level outside the retaining wall. To the Israelites below, Jericho seemed impenetrable.

 The total area of the city was probably about ten acres.  So, in all probability, the children of Israel could've marched around the city several times in one day. http://www.israel-a-history-of.com/walls-of-jericho.html

To conquer this city, on foot, would've been in a word, impossible.  It was all uphill with impenetrable stone walls.  All Joshua and his men had would've been homemade swords and no ladders or ropes long enough to hoist themselves upward.  Ahh, but they had so much more.  They had the Lord and His Word.  They were told, clearly, what to do in the book of Joshua, chapter six.  Note the warrior's encounter in Joshua 5.13 and 14,  before the battle ensued.  Joshua saw, "a man...with his sword drawn.." who said, "but captain of the host of the Lord am I now come."   Remember, years later how David said of his fight with Goliath, "the battle is the Lord's." (I Sam 17.47)

Dear believer, any battle you face is not yours. Does it seem impossible to survive and go on?  God put your battle or your problem there for His glory.  Why?  Can't answer that but to point to His Word and know that He is always there beside you, fighting for you, in His time and His way.  They were told to march Seven times around.

In God's economy, seven is the number of completion and perfection.  Much explanation aside regarding the number 7, take it for just that.  God's way is perfect and complete.  If you will "fight" your battle His way, He will prevail and you will be victor.  You will see the enemy fall. (Isa 54.17) "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...this IS the heritage of the servants of the Lord..."

When the walls are too high and impossible, trust in the Lord and His Word for victory.

by faith...Moses

When thinking of this Moses, if there has been any Sunday School at all in ones life, the first scenes that come to mind would be crossing the Red Sea or the Ten Commandments.  These two great events are monumental, no doubt, but this blogger wants to visit why, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." (Heb 11.24, 25)

Where did this faith come from?

In Exodus 2.1-10, the story of how he came to Pharaoh's daughter is given.  This story alone, assuming he knew it, would've caused him to inquire further of his lineage. It was indeed miraculous how he was delivered, safely to "another" mother's arms.  Also, in Exodus 2.11, clearly he knew of his lineage. "...he went out unto HIS brethren and looked on their burdens:..."  Of course, we also read how he took matters into his own hands when he saw "his people" being abused. (Exo 2.12)  This of course, didn't turn out so well.  Then, we find him in "the land of Midian." (Exo 2.15)  What did he learn there?  He assisted some women who were being tormented by undesirables and when telling their father, Jethro, the priest of Midian, they called Moses "An Egyptian." (Exo 22.19)  He still had the mark of the world on him (Egypt being a type of the world) by his manner of clothing.

Do you look like the world by the way YOU dress?

So, it appears he settles down to marry a wife and have a family. (Exo 2.21, 22)  It seems Moses quite forgot about his humble, miraculous beginnings because the Lord had to get his attention by way of the "burning bush." (Exo 3, 4.1-18).

Again, to answer the question "Where DID his faith come from," we see that he probably learned many practical as well as spiritual lessons while on the back side of the desert in Midian.  It is also noteworthy that the Lord may wait on us many years before working a miracle in our lives to remind us of that early faith.

His faith was "birthed" into him.  His parents are noted in Hebrews as seeing that he was "a proper child." They would've understood, in a measure, the ways of the Lord in the telling of their fathers and forefathers.  That is, "Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph..." All before the birth of their son.

If we apply this text spiritually, it is true that God gives one faith to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus and his death, burial and resurrection - the gospel.  As believers, we call this "the new birth." (Jn 3.4, 7) We know He is "the Author and Finisher OF our faith..." (Heb 12.2) but How DOES one come to faith in Him? Quite simply, the Holy Spirit makes one "alive" to God.  Faith is "a gift." (Jn 4.10, Acts 8.20, Rom 6.23, Eph 2.8) It is a supernatural thing that takes place.  Many have expounded the more on this subject but the best picture is the scripture that tells the story of one Lazarus being raised from the dead. (Jn 11.43)

Moses, of God's chosen earthly people, was "birthed" into his faith by way of his heritage.  An heritage that was given as a gift to a people.  So it is with any believer.  Each one called from a dead spiritual life is given a gift to believe. (Eph 2.8)  We can take no credit for it but the knowledge that God has called us to this faith.  "...if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart." (Heb 3.8, 15)

To conclude; the faith Moses had was from his "goodly heritage." (Ps 16.6)  The faith any believer has is a "gift " from God, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Jn 11.25, Rom 10.17)

Has He called you to this "gift?"

faith...recap

Going forward to the next patriarch in the "Hall of Faith," let us first review.

Before beginning with the chronilogical roll call in the Hall of Faith, let's remember the first lesson. Moses' parents. It is worth mentioning that the Lord can use anyone, anywhere and at anytime.  But to have a "goodly heritage" is especially beneficial in the life of every believer.  However, even if one does not have such a background, one can learn from the experiences of others and gain knowledge from the "hoary (white)" head.

Now to recap, chronilogically:

1. Abel - God was satisfied with his testimony.
2. Enoch - His testimony "pleased" God.
3. Noah - He preached a long time, seeing his family safely in the Ark
4. Abraham - Trusted God's leading, no matter what.
5. Sarah - Overcame jealousy to trust God
6. Isaac - Weak faith but still true to his belief in the end.
7. Jacob - Struggled most of his life with his trust in God.
8. Joseph - Integrity that remained intact in spite of many injustices.

The next study, Lord willing, will be to look at Moses - the Great Deliverer.  But to understand his faith, one must look at the events that shaped him.  Stay tuned...

by faith...Joseph

Installment 13 on the matter of faith.

Joseph's mention of faith has to do with his request to take his bones out of Egypt when his people would be allowed to leave this foreign country. ( Heb 11.22, Gen 50.24)

1. He knew he would never get to leave Egypt alive.
2. Obviously, he knew his people would one day be delivered of this foreign land.
3. He prophesied to "take his bones with them," when they did leave.

To outline Joseph's life is to point out the life of every believer and the injustices that will, inevitably take place.

• Betrayed at the tender age of 17 - when all was still youth and innocence, his own flesh and blood double-crossed him because of jealousy.  The coat of many colors, throwing him into a pit without food or water, selling him into slavery...quite a start to this young man's life.  The pain would've been far greater emotional than physical.  Yet, we will see he stayed true to the integrity of his father's training. (Gen 37)
• A believer may be reassured even in the face of such betrayal that God is watching and loves us still.  He may not deliver as quickly as we want but He is watching.  Joseph was put in the care of one "Potiphar," a close advisor to the Pharaoh himself.  "And the Lord was with Joseph...and Joseph found grace in his sight." (Gen 39.2, 4)  However, don't expect the old "deceiver/the devil" to take it lightly.  Potiphar's wife is first on the scene to trap Joseph. (Gen 39.7-19).  Joseph stayed true and faithful to his father's teaching and the Lord "made (him) to prosper." (Gen 39.23)
• Betrayed a third time by his prison mates...promise broken as he asked them to "remember him" when they got out of prison. (Gen 40.5-23) The prison mate who did not die only remembered him  later to advance his own favor with Pharaoh. (Gen 41.9-13)
• Still this young man kept his integrity.  He was called out of prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream and never once accused the chief butler of forgetting him. (Gen 41.14-57)
• His true spirit and nature shines through again and again.  Now he sees his brothers who had sold him into slavery years before, come to Egypt in want of food.  He had opportunity and reason enough to send them away but he tests them, instead, to see if they are truly repentant.  A warning to believers to discern the face of evil.  Sometimes we can see it, sometimes we can't but this blogger believes in spiritual discernment, as long as one seeks the Lord's face and waits on Him in all things. (Gen 42-44)
• Because of the things he had learned in his youth and kept all his life, God, mercifully, restores him to his family. (Gen 46.29, 30)
• Joseph's conclusion in all this? He knows he will never leave Egypt and prophesies concerning his bones. Yet, he concludes, regarding his life and all the events that made it up and shaped such an exemplary life, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; God meant it unto good..." (Gen 50.20)

What is the lesson here regarding faith concerning Joseph?  

No matter what befalls the life of a believer our goal is to look to the endgame and goal, the Lord Jesus, our Hope "....the Author and Finisher of our Faith." (Heb 12.2)

by faith...Jacob

Here is one whose testimony is that of "schemer."  So, why would he be mentioned in the "hall of faith?"  (Gen 25.27-34, 27.1-29)  Nothing he did testified of faith. 
Back to the beginning:

• even from the womb, he was a manipulator.  He tried to come out first when his little hand grabbed his twin brother's heel (Gen 25.26) - His name means, "deceitful or supplanter."  We are all born with a genetic makeup from our parents.  His came from his mother's side, which came from her daddy, who was also a schemer, to be discovered later in Jacob's narrative.
• He is described as "a plain man."  (Gen 25.27)  He was never the "outdoorsy" type
• We know he could cook and cook well.  (Gen 25.29-34, 27.4)
• Yet, this gift of culinary skill was used to deceive.  First, on his own, then at the direction of his mother. (Gen 25.29-34, 27.4)  He asked for the birthright that belonged to the eldest child.  Because Esau was so hungry, he cared nothing of what was his because he was the eldest.  He favored his belly over his inheritance. Isaac was the same.  The difference was Isaac had grown soft, frail and blind in his old age and thought only of the next meal, it seems.  A warning for the believer; We should get stronger in the faith, not weaker, because of age.

A spiritual lesson may be applied at this point. It is a firm conviction of this believer that God gives each individual gifts and strengths.  When used for His glory, Amen.  When used for personal gain, shame.  Also, Esau is like the believer who favors worldly pleasures over the "gifts and calling of God" that would give so much blessing and contentment. (Rom 11.29)
Believer, beware when you attempt to accomplish any goal your way.  If it's not the will of God you will have to do it on your own and may seem to prosper for a while but you will never be completely happy or content with the result because you did it your way and not His.  Remember when Israel wanted a king and they got one, Saul?  His heart was never like King David who said he was like the "hart that panteth after the waterbrook." (Ps 42.1)  King Saul was not God's will for the people and of course, he eventually failed.

• Because of his scheming and his brother's wrath, Jacob had to flee for his life! (Gen 27.41) Now, he is sent to his Uncle Laban, who would return the same deception for 14 years! Because of Rebekah's part in such deception, she would not see her son anymore.  The law of sowing and reaping is unchangable. (Gal 6.7)
• Before he gets to Padan-aram, where he sees Rachel for the first time, Jacob dreams of how the Lord effects His will in our lives, via angels "ascending and descending" on a ladder stretched form earth to heaven. (Gen 28.12)  He is also given a promise in this dream.  In spite of his horrible manipulation of his birthright, God gives this man a promise in Gen 28.13.
• He finally marries Rachel.  Yet, Rachel's heart is not free from her upbringing, she takes an idol with her. (Gen 31.34)  It seems he cannot escape reaping his youthful manipulation.  Idolatry is brought into his home by his beloved Rachel.   His journey continues...
• He prepares to meet his brother as he journey's towards home. (Gen 32) 
• Before he is reconciled with Esau in Genesis 33, once again, he has a very restless night! (Gen 32.24-30).  This time,  after wrestling with "an angel" all night, he says, "I have seen God face to face..." (Gen 32.30) 
• Other trials and tests befall him and he loses his beloved Rachel in childbirth. (Gen 35.18)

Still struggling to understand why the Lord would name Jacob/Israel in the "hall of faith,"  this blogger can find no reason the Lord would have wanted this man except "the good pleasure of HIS will." (Eph 1.5, Phil 2.13)

Jacob's life was full of deception and lies,  whether his own or those in his own household which should've been in order.  However, one begins to see he is changing.

• He faithfully serves for the object of his affection.  (14 years to win Rachel)
• He cleans up his home when he discovers the idol Rachel took. (Gen 31.34)
• He is genuinely sorry and repentant over the treatment of Esau. (Gen 32.26)
• He struggles with all these issues as we see in his "all night prayer meeting with the angel." (Gen 32.24-30)

And, just in case the pattern of deception with the younger serving the elder continues, it is the younger grandchild of Joseph, he blesses.  He does so and "worships upon the top of his staff." (Heb 11.21, again)  My impression here is that he is STILL upright as he ends his miserable life.  But he has not been destroyed! (2 Cor 4.9-11)

Dear reader, understand, no one is perfect. We are instructed to "strive to enter in...and be ye perfect...as He is." (Lk 13.24, Mt 5.48)

The struggle is real and worth it all.

faith, gone adrift...Isaac

Ahh, here's a believer that relied on outside senses to guide his faith.  In his old age, Isaac could not see. (Gen 27.1)
Hebrews 11.20 tells the good part. We are told that "by faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."  However, this verse does not reveal the whole story.  In OT times, the birthright or blessing of inheritance, was given to the eldest child.  When reading the story of this event in Genesis 27, one discovers how the youngest child, Jacob, used his father's frailness and blindness to obtain such a blessing.

First, a little back story.  The only information we are given about Isaac is his miraculous birth to aged parents and how he obtained his bride, Rebekah. (Gen 21 and 24)  Both are beautiful testaments of the faithfulness of God to the believer.  Also, both are types of God's only Son, the Lord Jesus and His bride, the church.  But let us digress to one whose faith had gone adrift.

Because the way had been long.  His parents were gone.  He was old and probably had not a few health issues, Isaac had grown soft.  All he could think of was something to conquer his hungry belly. (Gen 27.4)  A lesson to be taken seriously; When the way of the believer has grown long and weary, most of the time all we can see are earthly comforts.  Beware!

As the story goes, Jacob, the youngest, was guided by a less than faithful believer (his mother) to scheme and fool this old saint of God for the blessing that was not his to obtain.  Also, true of aged, weary Christians who view the blessings of God on others and attempt to get the same that is not theirs to have.  Sometimes, the Lord gives gifts of talents, for example, music, and it is sickening to listen to someone who "thinks" they can sing or play an instrument but cannot.  Grieving the Holy Spirit, service after service.  It is a mess and worse, discourages other believers who are looking for true worship.

Isaac could not understand the full import of relying on emotional, physical feelings rather than faith.  He knew the voice was not Esau but relied on everything else but faith to feed his hungry belly.  Waiting on the Lord is the hardest thing one will ever do.  The Lord Jesus expressed clearly, "My sheep know my voice." (Jn 10.27) Beloved, listen from the depth of your soul.  If you've known His voice in salvation, there is no mistaking His voice as you journey home.

Once, only once, this blogger heard Him say, "wait."  I didn't and because I didn't that moment of unbelief bore fruit after sixteen years.  "The sword has never left this house."  I have been forgive and moved on and have know peace and contentment.  But I will never know how different things would've/could've been if I had heeded that Voice.

Isaac did not hearken to the Voice (a type of the Lord Jesus) he knew to be Jacob's voice and gave Esau's birthright away.  Still, the Lord in His merciful, compassionate way, forgave Jacob for stealing what was not his and bestowed on him the fulfillment of the promise of God's chosen earthly peoples, "Israel." (Gen 32.28, 35.10).  Isaac did not get to see the end of the Lord's promises, though he was also forgiven.

When faith gets weak. Don't quit.  When faith gets weary.  Don't lie down.  When faith gets low.  Don't forget His promises.  Stay true.  Ephesians 6.11-17 reveals an arsenal of weaponry at our disposal when faith is in short supply.

By His grace, "you've got this!"

faith...works, because of it

^{After declaring how believers "receive the promises" of God and are persuaded of them in Hebrews 11.16, the writer of this passage begins to speak of the place prepared for believers where "God is not ashamed to be called their God." (11.16)
In this bloggers bible there is a note that asks the question, "If in that country that is prepared for believers, God is NOT ASHAMED of them, then it reasons by contrast that there are times, in this earthly life, that HE IS ashamed of His children.}  

 ^{WHAT WOULD MAKE THE LORD ASHAMED OF HIS CHILDREN?}  

^{In the examination of faith following verse sixteen, we begin to see "working faith."  That is, things done in obedience to God that believers DID BECAUSE they believed.
We also note in another passage these words:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph 2.8, 9) To be clear, we are not "working" to gain faith, we "work, BECAUSE of faith." So, to get perspective on just how far one may be called on to go "BECAUSE" of faith and trust in the Lord and His Word, let's examine what Bro. Abraham had to do;
In Genesis ....we read the account of Abraham's sacrifice of his only son, Isaac.  Many bible scholars have given decided opinions on the age when this daddy was given such a heartbreaking task.  However, even though Isaac is called, "lad," (Gen 22.5) he would've had to be strong enough to carry the wood. (Gen 22.6).  It would be safe enough to assume, then, that he was an older teen, maybe even twenty or twenty-one since "lad" refers to anyone younger than the writer of this scripture.  
The point is that Abraham had enjoyed fatherhood in his old age for at least 15-20 or so years.  We can ascertain that Bro. Abraham had watched the child grow and gain knowledge and wisdom of all the father could teach him concerning God and the ways of life.  Certainly, Isaac knew about sacrifices, given his inquiry in this passage. (Gen 22.7).  Maybe Isaac had learned, at his father's feet, to give the best of his flock, a young, innocent, beloved lamb for sacrifice. That too, would've been a heartbreaking experience for a young boy.  A prized, loved, soft, sweet, innocent baby lamb. Now, in obedience to his father's command, he travels to a place to make a sacrifice.  He hears his father tell the "young men," that are with the company," I and the lad will go yonder and worship and come again to you." (Gen 22.5)}

^{This blogger has heard it preached, more than once, that Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead, if it was the Lord's will.  It is in this strong faith, Abraham "sets his face like a flint" (Isa 50.7) to obey the Lord's command.}

• ^{Abraham left his home "looking for a city..." (Heb 11.10)} 

• ^{Abraham trusted God for the well-being of his nephew, who chose poorly and lost his wife but was delivered from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen 13.10,  19.29)}

• ^{Abraham had believed God when told he would have a son in his old age and that his wife would bear a son in her old age.} 

^{Abraham had seen and heard things of God that built up this strong faith in him.  Faith, strong enough to take the life of his only son at God's command.}  

^{We also know, of course that this is a picture of the Lord Jesus. However, back to the point of what one would do BECAUSE of faith.}

^{I can think of some difficult things I've been directed by the Holy Spirit, to do or not to do because it is right and BECAUSE He said so.  Hard, yes.  Regret, NO!  I even called a woman one morning at 5am at the Spirit's urging to apologize for my attitude about a thing.  Needless to say she wasn't happy at being woke up but later received the apology in the spirit it was given.  I also had to call a woman once and apologize for my attitude, thirteen years after the fact!  She was also gracious in her reception of my words. However, there was a time the Holy Spirit said, "wait," and I didn't.  That particular decision took sixteen years to bear fruit but bear fruit it did.  Don't be caught in that mess.}

^{In Nehemiah's day, when the Lord instructed him to build the wall, " the people had a mind to work." (Neh 4.6)   Do you? Remember what Mary told the servants at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, " whatever He tells you to do, do it!"  (Jn 2.5) Dear reader, it is not known what you will be called on to do for our Lord.  However, it is faithfully believed by this blogger that you've seen enough in your walk of faith to know you can trust Him. "...His commandments are not grievous." (I Jn 5.3)} 

^{So, roll up your sleeves and get to it!}

by faith...embraced and confessed

The ninth installment on "Faith."  Previous study's below.

The same verse (Heb 11.13) that tells us the believers who "died in the faith..." were "persuaded..." of that faith, also declares they "embraced and confessed (those promises by faith) AND that "they were strangers and pilgrims of the earth."

embrace - (W)  To take, clasp or enclose in the arms; to press to the bosom, in token of affection.
To seize eagerly; to lay hold on; to receive or take with willingness that which is offered; To comprehend
confess - (W) To own, acknowledge

When one believes and is persuaded of such a thing, one can also give oneself over entirely to such a thing "unseen."  They "embraced, and confessed..."  that they did not belong in this "present evil world." (Gal 1.4)
Powerful motivation, then, to do the bidding of the One believed.

It was said of the early Apostles that, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;" (Acts 17.6)

So, by faith, believers "eagerly lay hold of in token of affection and receive willingly and acknowledge" all the scripture tells us of One and His country, we have not seen.  Quite a statement to those who view life only by the five senses of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling.  What a glorious thought, then, to "sense" there is a world beyond this one. There will be a day when we will see Him face to face and "know as we are known." (Rev 22.4, I Cor 13.12)

As we continue the study of those in the "Hall of faith," if the reader will consider how tenaciously believers, "believe" what they do, then it won't be but a tick of a stretch to understand "how" they did what they did.  Their testimony of faith is a monument of grace to all those yet "to believe."

by faith...persuaded

" These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Heb 11.13)

Part of belief through faith is because one is "persuaded."

The Lord told the rich man, given his plea for deliverance from torment, "neither will they be persuaded, though One rose from the dead."  (Lk 16.31)

Paul and Barnabas continued preaching to "persuade" others to believe the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 13.43)   Because of the miraculous conversion of the Apostle Paul, the believer, "reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greek. (Acts 18.4)

What is it that gives the spiritual heart the courage to believe of things "not seen?"

What is it that "persuades" the heart to believe?

The great prince of preachers, Bro. C.H. Spurgeon, puts it this way:

"One weeknight, when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher’s sermon, for I did not believe it.The thought struck me, How did you come to be a Christian? I sought the Lord. But how did you come to seek the Lord? The truth flashed across my mind in a moment — I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came I to read the Scriptures? I did read them, but what led me to do so?  Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith, and so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make this my constant confession, “I ascribe my change wholly to God.”

Without going into lengthy discussion and giving verses to back up such discussion, quite simply the Holy Spirit makes alive a darkened, dead, cold sinners heart. You see, a dead man is unable to believe or help himself in any way.  That is the truth of our deadness and separation from a Just, Holy God.  The work of the Holy Spirit is to awaken and enlighten one to the truth in a believers heart.  Since the heart is "desperately wicked," (Jer 17.9) this is, of course the only way.

Hebrews 3.7, 15 and 4.7 instructs, "if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts..."  Is He calling you to believe?  Is He whispering in a "still small voice" (I Kings 19.12)  or "thundering" (Exo 19.18) His Word like He moved on Mt. Sinai?

Isaiah 55.6, 7 tells us to "call on Him while He is near." No one deserves a first chance, let alone a second chance.  However, because "His mercies are new everyday," (Lam 3.22, 23) it is expedient to confess, "yes, Lord, be merciful to me a sinner," and believe. (Lk 18.13)  The end of an unbeliever is death, destruction and eternal torment.  Just like the rich man in Luke 16, dear reader, please don't end up as he did.  A place where "the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched."(Mk 9. 44, 46, 48)

That eternal torment will be your end if you will not be "persuaded."

A side note to this study is interesting to see "persuasion" in the midst of Hebrews 11, the chapter describing those who "died in the faith."  It's almost as if the writer feels the flame and senses the torment that is to come.  I believe, he may even, via a spiritual ear, hear the screams...

Will you be "persuaded?"

by faith, Sarah...

Yes, Sarah.  Even women are listed in this great chapter on the faith of believers.  In Sarah's case, mentioned after Isaac and Jacob, her son and grandson,  in Heb 11.11 the writer states:

"Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to coneive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised."

This blogger feels compelled to examine Sarah a bit closer.
First, in (Gen 17.15) her name was changed from "Sarai to Sarah."  Sarai in the Hebrew means "princess."  Sarah in the Hebrew means, "noblewoman."  The impression is that with the name change comes spiritual maturity.  The same thing occurs, more or less, when a woman gets married and goes from "Miss" to "Mrs." The difference indicates she has moved into a position of moral maturity.
However, when examining the life of Sarah as seen in Genesis, one notes that even "mature" women believers "mess up."

1. (Gen 17.15) her name change
2. (Gen 17.17-21) Abraham's unbelief at God's promise.  This most likely also influenced Sarah's thoughts on the Promise.
3. (Gen 18.6, 9) Preparations of Heaven's visitors.  Sarah's part was to prepare refreshment for them.  Is the Lord pleased to visit me and when He does is it "refreshing" to Him or disappointing?
4. (Gen 18.10-12) Sarah's reception of God's Promise - she laughed! "Within herself."  One would never openly declare disbelief at the Lord's Promise(s) but would doubt in the heart out of which "are the issues of life." (Prov 4.23)
5. (Gen 18.15) Sarah's denial of her "internal" reaction.  Obviously, her outward behaviors indicated in some way that she did not believe God's Promise.  Not unlike folks who say they are saved but are not faithful to the House of God or the way they live and/or dress.  It's clear that what is on the inside will show up on the outside.
6. (Gen 21.2) Amazingly, however, His mercies are sure in fulfilling His promise(s) despite unbelief.
7. (Gen 21.6,7) It seems her "scoffing" laughter is now turned to "joyful" laughter.  So it is with the believer, over and over, when the Lord works in our lives again and again.

Though she endured jealousy as a major stumbling block, later on, (Gen 21.9, 12), it is evident that this major miracle of giving birth in her old age after years of barrenness, increased her faith.
There is no doubt the "trial of our faith is much more precious than gold." (1 Pet 1.7)
Dear reader, when you are tried beyond what is humanly possible, trust Him.  Believe Him.  For we know, "He is faithful who has promised."  (Heb 10.12)