“Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—” Hebrews 11:36-37 NKJV

When we think of faith, we often associate it with victory—walls falling down, seas parting, and miraculous healings. But Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is not only about triumph but also about endurance through suffering.

The believers described in these verses endured intense persecution. Some were imprisoned, some were tortured, and others were killed. Yet, despite everything they suffered, they never let go of their faith. They held onto the promises of God, even when they did not see them fulfilled in their lifetime.

This challenges us to ask: Is our faith dependent on our circumstances? It is easy to trust God when prayers are answered the way we hope. But what happens when we face trials—when we are mocked for our beliefs, when we experience loss, when life doesn’t go as planned? Will we still trust Him?

True faith does not waver in suffering. It looks beyond the temporary pain and fixes its eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). The early Christians endured hardship because they knew they were part of something greater—an eternal kingdom that could not be shaken.

Today, we may not face the same level of persecution, but we still encounter trials that test our faith. When hardship comes, let us remember those who endured before us and take courage. God sees our struggles, and He is with us through them all. Our faith is not in an easy life but in a faithful God who will never leave us.

Prayer:

Lord, strengthen my faith to endure through trials. Help me to trust You, not just in victories but in hardships as well. Remind me that my suffering is not in vain and that You are always with me. Give me the courage to stand firm, just as those before me did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.