Hero Training

I have read about the lives of the faithful men and woman of God in scripture since I was a very young man. I have longed to be like them and hope to think that my life somehow will encourage others in a similar way. At times, I start thinking of all of my times of doubt and questions that I have, and think that it is such a mistake to try and compare my life to the lives of these heroes depicted. While I was reading the Bible, the Lord spoke something into my heart that did not bring me to the level of a hero, but brought the heroes to the level of this human. In Hebrews 10, there is a call to persevere that begins in verse 19. It speaks of confidence through Christ, drawing near to God and walking in faith and purity. Then in verse 23, the author of this inspired book begins letting us in on the truth of the humanity of the early church and what it means to live for Christ.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

Why do you think this portion of scripture is written?

Is it because these people always walked in faith and hope without falling?

Is it because they always loved others and did good deeds?

And do you really think it was because they were always faithful to meeting together and sharing life with fellow believers?


I believe this is written because it was as much a problem then for the humans trying to serve the Lord as it is for us today. Think about it! When I leave the house in the morning, if my children are still asleep, I will write them a note and remind them of all of the things that they so easily forget. I have to tell them to turn off the lights, watch the dog, do their chores, flush the toilet (they are gross boys), and oh yeah, don’t ever forget that your daddy loves you. Scripture is written in much the same way.

The Lord is using the author to help the Christians of time past have a checklist of how to persevere though the journey of life.

• Hold on to hope because, if we don’t pay attention, it will slip through our hands.
  Don’t forget--God is faithful!


• Make sure you kick your brothers and sisters in the butt every once in a while and challenge them to do the right thing. If you don’t, you will notice that they get lost very easily. You will also need to find a friend or two to give you a kick every once and a while.


• Make sure that you consistently spend time with other believers. When you get down and depressed, you will want to avoid everyone, but don’t! It is one of the main life vests that God has given you to keep you floating when you grow tired and weary.


• Jesus is coming back! Don’t get distracted between now and then!


• Never forget how much God loves you and what He has done to give you hope and confidence.


• Keep your head high. You are His child.

You see, we are not so different than the heroes of the Bible. They were on a journey of a lifetime, allowing their God to lead them, break them, heal them, complete them, and hold them up in difficult times. The next time you look at your life and think that you are so low and that maybe somehow God has given up on your case, take a look at the ones He calls his beloved. He constantly found ways to redirect them, save them out of their messes, and remind them of who He is and what He has planned for their lives. You are a hero in the making on the same obstacle course and training regiment they were on. Keep running to Jesus and allow him to lift your countenance. He is faithful!