By faith...

     The author of Hebrews, possibly Paul but there is no consensus on that point, gave the Jews a list of faithful forefathers and mothers, who believed in God’s sovereignty and provision. The list of the faithful is extensive, but here are a few below:

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. By faith…

(3) we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command…

(4) Abel brought God a better offering…

(5) Enoch was taken from this life…

(7) Noah…built an ark to save his family…

(8) Abraham…obeyed and went…

(11) Sarah…was enabled to bear children…

(17) Abraham…offered Isaac as a sacrifice…

(20) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau…

(21) Jacob…blessed each of Joseph’s sons…

(22) Joseph…spoke about the exodus of the Israelites…

(27) Moses…left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger…

            Imitating the faithfulness of these great individuals could do nothing more than improve my life, and nothing less than remind me that even when we are not faithful, God is always faithful. These wonderful saints were leaders in their homes, communities, and fellowships. But most also had flaws, just as none of us is perfect either.

            Moses murdered a man, and yet was later chosen to lead the nation of Israel to safety. He smacked the rock in anger, so later could not enter the promise land. His leadership trials were many and fraught with personnel issues, funding problems, and all out mutiny matters. So what can I glean from the past faithful leaders? 

            One thing is that we are none perfect, but we are perfectly made and positioned to do God’s will if we remain in the faith and trusting His purposes for the direction of our lives. Secondly, that God choses the leaders in the world, even those that do not seem to be working on our best interest. Thirdly, our comfort may not be God's plan. So, lastly, we need to trust God even when things seem to be out of control and leaders and others are acting completely against what we believe to be right, moral, or ethical. He is the final judge, so we don't have to be. By faith…trust God's plan.