“Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. … The world was not worthy of them.” Hebrews 11:35-36, 38 (NIV)
I mentioned in a prior installment that the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith follows the pattern of most halls of fame, commending exemplary individuals for their victories and successes. The heroes we have examined thus far – including Abraham, Noah, Moses, Gideon, David – fit right in to this pattern.
Yet, when we approach the end of Hebrews 11, we see a different standard applied to the honorees – faithfulness despite defeat and “failures”. The author does not call out these individuals by name, but clarifies what made them worthy of inclusion.
Scripture gives ample warning that Christ’s followers will face trials and gives direction on how we are to handle such. See John 16:33, Romans 5:3-4, and 1 Peter 4:12. The book of James starts with this topic in focus.
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4.
This passage assures us that Christ followers will experience trials (“whenever you experience” rather than “if you experience”). It also explains why – for the testing of our faith. God is evaluating our test results.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him..” James 1:12.
The unnamed honorees at the end of Hebrews 11 endured such trials while remaining steadfast in their faith. And their trials were extreme – mockings, scourgings, stonings, being sawed in two, dying by the sword, etc. The trials that we Christian lawyers face will likely pale in comparison, yet will challenge us nonetheless.
I personally faced an apropos set of “trials” – a long losing streak in the courtroom, and this after making some career decisions I was certain were directed by God. The results did not seem to reward my obedience nor match what I presumed was God’s plan, causing me to evaluate the situation in great detail. Did I deviate from God’s path? Was the path not even God’s to begin with? Was I lacking in trial lawyer skills? In the end, I could find no obvious answer or “fix” to the problem and decided to remain on the path I felt God clearly set before me. The streak ended, and I pray that God found me faithful during the trials.
What will your trials look like? In what form have some already taken? If we shift our perspective and see trials as God giving us another faith test, and if we accept the proposition that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6), then let’s seize the moment. God does not score us on the outcome of our circumstance. He judges us on our faithfulness in all circumstances. Let’s aim to ace those tests.
