At Home – by Rudy Gray

We are called as believers to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). But when you read the great chapter of faith in Hebrews, you find that some saw great success and others experienced great tragedy. Yet, it was the same faith. The outcome of our faith is not in our hands, but the practice of faith is.

Rudy Gray

Sometimes we endure. Sometimes we overcome. Sometimes we fail. But faith is always our manner of living. John Calvin said, “Faith includes having patience or endurance.” Faith is evidenced in Luke 9:62: “And any man after putting his hand to the plow and looking back is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

The key in faith is not winning or losing but keeping on. Rebecca Twig was a world-class cyclist. When she was 33 years old, she was preparing for the 1995 3,000-meter cycle world championship in Colombia. She had won a silver medal in the 1984 Olympics and a bronze in the 1992 Olympics. She had been training strenuously and taking three- to six-hour cycle rides several times a week. She said of her intensive preparation, “The homework is something you have to do so you will have the skills you are going to need later.”

Rebecca broke her collarbone 11 days before the race in Colombia. She had to have surgery. A metal plate and seven screws were installed. Then, a few days before the big race, she caught a cold. On the day of the championship race, no one gave her a chance to finish high. Just before the race, she was optimistic. She said, “All I want to do is finish in the top eight.” When the race was over, Rebecca finished first and set a new world record for women in the 3,000-meter cycle race.

Living a life of faith means preparation and endurance. Rebecca kept on keeping on, knowing that what you learn and live today will prepare you for tomorrow. You are never a failure until you quit, and you can fail without being a failure.

In Hebrews 11, some performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, and received their dead back by resurrection. But others were mocked, stoned, and put to death. They all walked by faith, and they were all blessed. Faith pleases God.

Whatever has happened to us in the past and whatever we will face in the future, we have the wonderful privilege to live by faith.