THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, August 15, 2022

Lord, how did we get the idea that just because a person is mentioned

Lord, where did we get the misconception that the saints listed in Hebrews 11, the Bible’s so-called Saints Faith Hall of Fame, lived exemplary lives? After all, doesn’t Hebrews 11:6 state without faith it is impossible to please You, God? For those raised in church, perhaps our childhood memories of these biblical hero’s faith painted them as never-stumbling saints of unquestionable virtue. How could I ever measure up to their faith? I’m sure my name is listed in the Saints Hall of Flaws. That must pretty much eliminate me from being used in Your Kingdom, right Lord?

“Nonsense!” The Voice of Your Spirit grabs my attention. “You think you’re flawed? Except for Enoch, big-time flaws hampered each of these Hall of Famers. They make you look like Mother Teresa. Read their stories.”

So I read their stories.  Oh, my goodness! Who else do You have to work with here besides imperfect, ordinary people?  Despite their flaws and repeated failures in faith, You used Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David, all of Your twelve apostles, and countless others to build Your Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. You label all who place their trust in You, Jesus, as saints, even though at times our actions are anything but saintly.

Help us, Lord, not to give up on ourselves to be used by You. There is a role for every saint in Your Kingdom, including me.

Amen.