The magnificent words by faith ring down through the ages. That was all it took. By faith in God the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Who took the first step? Was it an elderly priest—wise in the ways of God? Or a young boy with the faith of a child, trusting and eager to get going? Yahweh had gotten them this far, and there was no turning back. So the first one took the first step—and then another and another. Slowly others began to follow until the multitude crossed safely—by faith.
How ridiculous the Israelites would have looked as they marched round and round Jericho blowing their trumpets. What must the townspeople have thought? And then the walls fell down—by faith in God.
By faith Rahab the prostitute offered hospitality to the spies from Israel. She did not perish because she sided with the God of Israel. Each instance above contrasts the faith of Israel with the unbelief of the adversaries.
And we know the names and stories of so many more faithful men and women. Through their amazing deeds, suffering, and perseverance they became the people of faith God created them to be. What made them persevere and not give up?
As those in battle and the martyrs lay dying, having fought the final battle, what were their thoughts about God at that moment? What did they think when they realized that God’s promises had not been fulfilled? Had God let them down? They probably died as they had lived—by faith in God. They depended on the faithfulness of God, whose plan unfolded to reach its full glory in Christ. We can do likewise.