It’s encouraging to know that God provides what we need and sometimes what we desire when we seek Him and call on Him.
And it is comforting to see God work in our lives when we cry out to Him while facing difficult circumstances.
What a privilege it must be to be considered a hero of faith–one who has stayed on the path walking with God despite inconvenience, setbacks, and heartbreak.
In this post, we will look at whom God considers a hero of faith.
The chapter of Hebrews names these heroes and shares what they went through in their lives on earth.
It sets a distinct image in our minds of what great faith looks like.
These heroes not only existed in the past, but continue to exist today, and I would like to share the story of one such hero of our time toward the end of this post.
So, what does is take to be a hero of faith?
Obeying God
Hebrews 11 starts by naming heroes who walked with God in faith and trusted Him even though the world was against them.
Noah is just one example.
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
Hebrews 11:7
Noah built an ark for his family and for two of every animal (male and female) to save a remnant of earth for God’s purposes.
He built a very large boat when he had never experienced rain—and he had to withstand all the criticism of the world who were not living for God.
It says that God counted Noah’s faith as righteousness and worthy of God’s blessings.
However, it didn’t turn out the same for those who did not believe God and follow Him.
In Hebrews 6, we read that God had enough of mankind’s evil and was grieved for creating them. He sought to destroy the wickedness from the face of the earth and He called upon Noah to fulfill His plan.
Imagine the faith it took Noah to build an ark when he had no knowledge how or even when it was going to rain.
He didn’t need to know.
Many times, when we are called for God’s purpose, He doesn’t give us the how’s and when’s. He simply calls us and it is up to us to obey and trust first.
When we obey God without seeing or knowing how it will work out, He then provides what we need to carry out His plan.
He gave Noah a detailed list of instructions of how to build the ark with the materials to use.
In Genesis 6:22, we are told Noah did everything God commanded him.
And then it started to rain!
I invite you to read Genesis 6-9 for the full story of Noah’s ark.
The author of Hebrews tells us so many were able to see God’s promises and achieve astounding feats while overcoming insurmountable odds—all because of their faith in Him.
And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection;
Hebrews 11:32-35a
These heroes were ordinary people just like you and me.
One was Rahab and the author made no attempt to hide the fact that she was a prostitute.
It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or where you come from, what matters to God is your faith and obedience to Him.
Trusting God No Matter the Circumstances
There were others who trusted God through intolerable circumstances and did not receive His promise during their earthly lives.
You may say that this is unfair and no way would you risk everything in this life for nothing.
Well, there are many who did—and still do today—because they trusted God for something better beyond this life.
and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:35b-40
To have such faith!
I hope I never have to go through such circumstances, but if I’m put to the test, I pray that I will trust God through it and be counted worthy in His eyes.
I’ve just started reading a book, i am n, published by The Voice of the Martyrs which details inspiring stories of Christians who endure persecution from Islamic Extremists.
In chapter 6 there is a story about Abdiwelli (Abdi) Ahmed from Kenya who was raised Islamic but converted to Christianity as a college student.
He had many questions about Islam and eventually came across a Bible which he read in secret.
Abdi read about Jesus Christ and was drawn to His message of peace, love, and promise of eternal life.
After spending time having his questions answered by a Christian friend, Abdi converted to Christianity and began living boldly for Jesus.
He wanted to share God’s love and promise of peace and eternal salvation with others where he lived.
Once it got out that Abdi had converted from Islam to Christianity, the persecution started. He was beaten and his life was in danger.
He fled to a family member who was a Christian pastor and was taken to a campus ministry center where he met other believers and his future wife Helen.
Helen was drawn to Abdi because of his commitment to Jesus and he told her, “I love the Lord, and I’m ready to die for Christ.”
I’m certain he wasn’t seeking death but was so committed to Christ that he understood he could be killed and decided that he would serve the LORD anyway.
As Abdi and Helen travelled around sharing the gospel, they encountered more persecution and death threats.
They prayed together and believed that God was with them. The anger toward them settled down for a while and they continued their ministry.
Abdi expanded his ministry to neighboring countries to reach Somali expatriates, because it is illegal to convert from Islam to Christianity in Somalia.
While in Garissa, Kenya, Abdi was shot to death in 2013, by assassins while talking to a pastor in the streets.
After Abdi’s death, Helen fled with their three sons to Nigeria, her home country, where God protected them and drew them closer to Him.
Abdi’s death was not in vain.
When Helen and her sons returned to Garissa in June 2020, they learned that their martyred husband and father was considered a hero and that countless Somalis around the world were led to Christ Jesus through his witness and sacrifice.
Abdi lost his personal life to teach others about truth, love, peace and a better life–eternal life.
This was God’s purpose for Abdiwelli Ahmed and he answered the call to serve Christ faithfully, intentionally, and wholly.
Believing God for a Better Outcome
Abdi’s wife Helen has continued to serve the LORD, and when questioned why after all the persecution and loss she has endured, she stated, “If I try to save my life, I will lose it.”
Abdi and Helen have given their all in surrendering to the LORD’s will for their lives, understanding that their reward will be great in Heaven into all eternity.
The apostle Paul tells us this in his first letter to the church in Corinth.
That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
God loves us as we are and He has a purpose for our lives.
His call is unique for each of us and many will realize His promises in this life while others will see them in eternity.
When we answer His call despite the consequences, we will be blessed beyond our imaginations.
I pray that we will all be bold enough to step out in faith toward God’s calling, no matter the cost.
God bless you and I hope you enjoy this song of surrender to our Heavenly Father.
If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.
The Goodness of God 