I love to study characters of the Bible, because “faith” can be difficult sometimes. I tell you, it's hard to trust God in certain situations. This is why faith must always “come by hearing”. Mere words of motivation alone may not steady a shaking heart. This is why understanding the Bible is very crucial for establishing one's conviction, and studying Bible characters and their stories also help in giving an insight into the Character of God as regards His Word and promises. God never fails, even if we doubt, because:
As for God, His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trusts in Him. Psalm 18:30(NKJV)
Why study Bible characters?
God has been from the beginning of human history. Our era is not the first to encounter or worship God. People in the past had encountered and served God at different times, places and situations. The Bible tells us that
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 (KJV)
When you study the Bible closely you will see that God does not discriminate. People from practically all walks of life were useful in His agenda: wealthy, poor, Kings, slaves, Nobles, peasants, herdsmen, farmers, old, young, men, women, children, and even foreigners and sinners. God had a purpose for them all.
Nearly all of these people had their imperfections— Noah was a drunk. Abraham and his wife were childless. Moses had temper issues and was a stammerer. Joseph couldn't stand up for himself. David committed adultery and murderd an innocent man. Gideon doubted himself. Ruth was a foreigner. Rehab was an harlot… I can go on and on. But two things were common in all of their story—their faith, and the consistent character of God. All these people trusted in God even in difficult situations and that's the lesson we can learn from them.
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12 (KJV)
An entire chapter in the book of Hebrews—chapter 11 is dedicated to these men and women and their triumphs of faith. It was by faith that these men and women “obtained a good report” that indeed they believed and walked with God.
For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:2 (KJV)
It is recorded that some even died without “obtaining the promise”. Yet they died in faith.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 (KJV)
Indeed
”without faith it is impossible to please God”
no matter what your circumstances are or how difficult your situation is, or how bad you think your life is or has been. No matter what you've done wrong, you must always respond with faith when God comes calling. Because
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Romans 9:16 (KJV)
When God calls you in his mercy, you just have to respond with faith.
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Also, in our journey as Christian believers the road might be rough at some point but it is through faith and patience we must enter the kingdom. The world is fleeting. None of what we're going through is permanent. In as much as we are hoping and praying for change and a “better life” there is a far more better life than this one, and it is through faith and patience we would obtain it. Jesus himself could tell what life in this world feels like. He walked where we walked. He stood where we stand, He felt what we feel, so He understands. And that's why He says to trust Him.
Shalom.
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