Our faith in troubled times obtains for us the testimony of “a good report.”

“For by [their faith] the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2). The Greek word for “obtained” here means “to bear witness.” Our ancestors in the Lord had a settled, anchored faith. And their unwavering faith became a testimony to the world of God’s faithfulness in the midst of troubled times.

Think of what our ancestors endured: floods, mockery, bonds, imprisonment, fire, torture, warfare, lions’ dens. Through it all, their trust in the Lord never wavered. Why? Because they had an inner witness that God was pleased with them. Our forefathers knew God was smiling at them, saying, “Well done! You have believed and trusted in Me.”

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Whenever we hold our faith position through hard times, we receive the same affirmation from the Holy Spirit: “Well done! You are God’s beloved testimony.”

As you rest in Him through storms, holding your faith position, you are obtaining a “good report.” And you are serving as a beacon of hope to those around you. Those who watch your life — at home, at work, on your block — are learning that hope is available to them. As they observe you in your hour of crisis, they realize, “There stands someone who hasn’t lost his faith in God. He has no fear whatsoever. What enables him to trust through such upheaval?”

Our God has supplied us with everything needed to sustain our faith, even as calamities increase. We have been given the witness of the Holy Spirit, who abides in us, and God’s fully revealed Word in the Scriptures. These will sustain us, obtaining for us the testimony of a good report even as the world shakes.

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon