Obituary

Read

Hebrews 11:13 “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.‍

Hebrews 11:39-40 “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

Think

Have you ever thought about what you’d want your obituary to say? It’s not the most cheerful topic, but it’s worth pondering. How do you hope to be remembered? What legacy do you want to leave behind? These questions prompt us to reflect on what truly matters in life and what our purpose is on this earth.

In Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” we see a list of remarkable individuals from the history of God’s people. What’s interesting is that they aren’t praised for their accomplishments, intelligence, or status. Instead, they’re commended for one thing: their faith. Despite their imperfections and mistakes, they lived lives characterized by consistent trust in God.

But what does it mean to live a life of faith? It’s about recognizing God’s hand in our past, whether in the highs or lows, and being thankful for his guidance and plan. It’s about finding contentment in the present, knowing that God is with us and in control no matter our circumstances. And it’s about having hope for the future, trusting in God’s promises even when they’re yet to be seen.

Ultimately, our lives are shaped by the sum of our choices, relationships, and experiences. Living by faith means seeing God at work in every aspect of our lives, even when we can’t physically see him. So, as we navigate our journey, we can strive to live lives characterized by faith, trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness every step of the way.

Apply

The Bible tells us we can increase and strengthen our faith by surrendering and spending time with God. We also grow by sharing our faith journey and encouraging others. Who can you encourage today by how you’ve seen Jesus’ hand at work in your life?

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for the examples you have given me in Scripture of those who trusted despite uncertainty. Give me wisdom and guidance to follow you and recognize your hand through every joy and every trial. Strengthen my faith to trust in your plans, even when they are unseen or unclear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.