Completing God’s purpose for your life

Hebrews 11:39-40 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. In these two verses, we have the author’s summary of God’s grace to those he mentioned in chapter 11, from which we can be encouraged. First, gained approval is the word maruteo, which we learned is to receive a witness or testimony from God that they have been made righteous and gained God’s approval through Jesus Christ. We saw that faith is God testifying to them of His acceptance. If we believe in Jesus, then we may also be encouraged that we are righteous and accepted in Christ.  Second, God gave them all the kind of faith that endured to the end of their lives even though they didn’t receive what was promised in their lifetimes. What was the promise they didn’t receive? I think it was the promise to Abraham that he and his descendants would be a blessing to all the nations. They would never be able to see the fulfillment or completion of that purpose in their lifetimes, but they believed God and trusted that He was a rewarder to them if they walked with Him all their days. Do you believe God’s purpose for your life extends beyond your lifetime?  Third, all that we have seen about the men and women of faith were provisions of God for us. Like I said yesterday, we have a better and stronger testimony to encourage us than they did. God worked in their lives to encourage us to trust in God, endure to the end, and finish well. So their purpose isn’t fulfilled until we learn from them, are encouraged to abide in Christ daily, and endure to the end for the glory of God. Every person who reads Hebrews 11 and walks faithfully with Christ completes their ministry. And I might add, I’m sure the same can be said about our lives, which are testimonies to those God puts in our paths. Our lives are made complete according to God’s purpose for us as others are encouraged by our faith and love. As we live to love with Jesus, we are testimonies of God’s faithfulness to keep His word and His people through faith. Therefore, our faithfulness isn’t primarily about us; rather, it’s about the glory of God. I hope that as you consider the testimonies of God’s faithfulness in the lives of the men and women of chapter 11, you will be encouraged that God has been and will always be faithful to you as you abide in Him and walk in love. Remember, your ministry won’t be completed in your lifetime, but in the lives of those who follow in His steps because of your testimony. Then your purpose in life will be completed.