A Faith Legacy Founded on Jesus: Encouragement from Hebrews 11

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for (Hebrews 11:1-2, NIV).

Hebrews 11 was originally written to encourage Jewish Christians who were facing harsh persecution, discouragement, and uncertainty. Many were tempted to return to the old sacrificial system because following Jesus was costly. Into that hardship, the author of Hebrews offered a sweeping reminder of what true, biblical faith looks like. By highlighting the faith of several Old Testament figures, Hebrews 11 shows that the legacy of faith has always been built on God’s character and His faithfulness, not human perfection.

Faith in the Lives of Imperfect People

When Scripture recounts the stories of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others, it does not hide their flaws. Abraham struggled with fear. Sarah doubted. Moses dealt with insecurity and anger. Yet God commended them for their faith. Their stories reveal that God’s power in their lives far outweighed their imperfections and limitations.

Their faith mattered not only for their own lives but for generations of believers after them. Even when these early believers could not grasp the full impact of their trust in God, they still chose to believe that He would use it for good (Romans 8:28). Their lives serve as reminders that faith is not blind optimism. Faith is grounded in the trustworthy character of Jesus, who has proven His goodness again and again throughout Scripture.

Faith That Rests on God’s Strength, Not Our Own

Faith may sometimes feel unreasonable, especially in seasons when life does not make sense. Yet biblical faith is never unfounded. It does not depend on our limited understanding of the circumstances in front of us. Instead, it rests on God’s unmatched ability to accomplish His purposes.

Even the ability to have faith is a gift from God. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 2:8-10, teaching that salvation and faith are not achieved by human effort but are given by God so that no one can boast. Faith is the work of God in the heart of a believer, enabling them to trust what they cannot yet see.

When Promises Remain Unseen

A major theme in Hebrews 11 is that the early believers did not see the complete fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetimes. Abraham did not see the full nation God promised. Moses did not enter the Promised Land. These men and women lived with longing, waiting, and hope that was often met with unseen outcomes.

Yet Hebrews 11 teaches that they will witness the fulfillment of those promises in heaven. Their faith continues to testify to the truth of who God is and points future generations toward Jesus. Their example leads directly into Hebrews 12:1-2, where the author urges believers to run with perseverance and to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Jesus is the one who establishes, sustains, and completes every believer’s faith journey.

Jesus, the Foundation of Our Faith

As the foundation for our faith, Jesus connects every believer to the Father. He makes it possible for us to participate in the Kingdom of God both now and eternally. He opens the door, and faith is what carries us into the fullness of what He promises.

Whether we witness the fulfillment of His promises in this lifetime or not, we can remain confident that He is still working. The journey of faith itself produces endurance, hope, joy, and deeper communion with God. We gain far more from walking with Jesus than from merely arriving at the destination we hoped for.

Truths About Faith

Faith recognizes all that is beyond our control and redirects us to the One who remains sovereign. Faith is not about perfection; it is about pursuit. Faith does not expect us to never fail, but to surrender to the One who never will.

Reflect

How does reflecting on the faith of those who came before us inspire you to trust God in your own life circumstances, especially when the outcome is uncertain?