Faith Stories

There have been many great examples of faith for me to see over the years. When I think of my family who has gone before me, I can recall quickly their stories of faith. My grandmother (aka Mammie) was a woman of great faith. She was consistent at reading and studying the Word of God. She was also a prayer warrior. She was a great example of faith to me. My Mom & Dad have been faithful to seek the Lord my whole life long. I have crossed paths with great men and women of faith who are still alive and in their “sunset years” still faithful to the Lord. I’m so thankful that the Lord allowed me to see deep faith in others that really helped my faith to grow and flourish.

I was reading the “Hall of Fame of Faith” in Hebrews. I am amazed at story after story of great faith from Genesis to Revelation. There were men and women whose faith changed entire nations. There were great leaders of faith. There were great men and women of faith who were barely known, but they were just faithful. Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, Joshua, Rahab and many more. Check this out….

 ⁴ It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

³² How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. ³³ By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,³⁴ quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. ³⁵ Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.(Hebrews 11:4,32-35 NLT)

I want my life to become a “faith story” for my kids. I want them to know that even though their Dad isn’t perfect, by any measurement, that I love God with my whole heart. I want my faith to speak out long after I receive my eternal reward.

I am profoundly inspired by these men and women of faith. I have some heroes of the faith today who influence me and inspire me. They are simply following the Lord and seeking him.

Andy Andrews, Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, Jon Gordon, Brian Buffini, Christine Cane,Beth Moore, Louie & Shelly Giglio.  I am also encouraged by some local pastors who are friends as well as inspirational in their leadership – Shannon & Natasha Lovelady,Todd & Lisa Wright, Kevin Willams– this list could be longer as well. These examples of faith are simply normal people who are faithfully seeking the Lord with their whole heart and life.

The really cool part of all of this is that if I’m alive (at this moment, I am), I am still writing my faith story. Jesus is the Ultimate Inspiration of my faith story. I am so thankful that He loves me and saved me. I’m so thankful for His Presence in my life every day. I want His story of love and faithfulness to His Father to be woven throughout my story of faith.

Pressing On!

Dwayne