I've always wanted to see wild horses in person, the ones that seem to run with unrelenting courage and strength. Leaving behind whatever was, and only seeing what is ahead. I don’t remember the exact movie where I first saw wild horses, but there’s a scene where a woman meets these beautiful creatures, and in that moment, she begins to see life again. They sparked something in her. Maybe it was the courage to go again, the courage to get back up, to move forward, onward. As I watched her choose hope again, as I saw this resilience and gentle but fierce zeal rise up, my soul resonated with it. I wanted this.
These horses make me think of the faith we see on display in Hebrews 11. A faith fueled by trust — running the race ahead well, knowing we are being guided by a God who is trustworthy and good, and keeping our eyes on the “better place” that awaits us.
We typically think of heroes as the strongest, most beautiful, richest, most powerful, and so on—they are the best and most capable among us, and they are the ones doing the rescuing. But when we read through Hebrews 11, we’re reminded the “heroes” of faithfulness are far from perfect, their lives were far from easy, and they needed a Rescuer. They were like you and me, people living life on mission in the mundane. But we get to see the fruit of their choosing obedience and faithfulness. Just as Jesus called them to faithfulness, so He calls us to a life of faithfulness in Him. Although that life is often costly and it comes with its own set of sacrifices, the reward far outweighs the cost.
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33, CSB)
May this be our resolve, our faith in action, too. Our faith will take us where our sight can’t. When we trust the will of God, we will follow the plan of God by walking out our obedience — loving Him and His people.
Alexandra Hoover shares more about faith this Wednesday on LIFE TODAY. Excerpted from Without Wavering by Alexandra Hoover. Copyright ©2023 Alexandra Hoover. Published by Lifeway Press. Used by permission.
