Hebrews 11:32-34 Faith brings out the extraordinary from the ordinary

Hebrews 11:32-34

Background

The author swiftly mentioned the variegated accomplishments of some men of faith. These were in fact ordinary men who became extraordinary because they took God at His word and obeyed. Such people were willing to take on turbulent times by the horns to become men and women extraordinaire.

Observation

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.

In faith, Gideon overcame the 120,000 Midianites with just 300 unarmed men. He displayed faith in carrying out God’s instructions to a T even though he did not fully understand them initially.

In faith, Barak listened to the words of Deborah the prophetess and subdued armies many times bigger.

In faith, Samson repented of his ways and broke the pillars of the theater sacrificing himself and killing the 3000 Philistines with him.

In faith, Jephthat, being the son of a harlot, an outcast, rose up to the occasion; he fought and stood his ground refusing to give away the land of Moab to the Ammonites.

In faith, David persevered in the face of total loss. He built his army out of men who were outcasts, sparing the life of Saul to become king of Israel. In faith, David conquered vast territories, repented over his sins and overthrew a coup by his own son.

In faith, Samuel ended the line of judges and anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel.

33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

In faith, men conquered enemies and provided land and security for the people. They set up civil law and enforced order over the nation. All these were promised to Abraham, but would never have materialized without men who acted out of faith and perseverance. However, such men had to face the attacks of wild animals while in the field. They were put into the fiery oven because they refused to worship foreign gods. Many were weak and ordinary but rose up to the occasion to become mighty in war putting enemies to flight.

Truth

Faith brings out the extraordinary from the ordinary. Many people who are perceived as extraordinary under close examination are actually quite ordinary. They do not have outstanding intelligence, or a special set of skills. But they become extraordinary when they act out of faith. While we cannot increase our intelligence, God gives faith and wisdom to all who ask. Ordinary people become extraordinary when they believe in God’s promises and obey His instructions. God desires to use ordinary people, and even the less than average to accomplish great things. The likes of David, Gideon and Samson all began as humble, ordinary people who were willing to put their trust in God. However, they also had an air of simplicity, selflessness and fearlessness about them making them larger than life. Their optimistic outlook towards life resonates with faith causing them to rise to the occasion. Therefore, we must learn to let go of our fears and learn to flow with the Spirit by living life one day at a time.

Extraordinary times make extraordinary people. In other words, no matter the circumstances, we must seize the moment and make the most of it. Many people have the tendency to complain when things do not go well. Instead, we must seize the opportunity to rise above our circumstances believing that with God’s help we can overcome. Tribulations and dire circumstances are pedestals on which the sons of God are glorified. Times of desperation are what God uses to distinguish the sons from the children, the generals from the foot soldiers. Without the Ammonites there would be no Jephthah, without the Philistines there would be no David, and without the Midianites there would be no Gideon. Therefore, dire circumstances are windows of opportunity that bring out the hero within us.

Application

1. Is your nation or your church facing a near crisis situation? Perhaps, God has called you for such a time like this. Enquire of God how in small ways you could contribute to the restoration of your church and nation.
2. Has God in recent times been challenging you to rise up to meet a need? Extraordinary people are ordinary people who are willing to take God at His word and obey Him despite the inconveniences.

Dear Lord, even though I am ordinary, I desire to be used by you in an extraordinary way. Help me to rise up to the occasion and teach me what I can do for my community. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.