“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
For by it the people of old received their commendation.”
– Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV)

By faith, Gabby Douglas persevered and overcome adversity to become an Olympic Champion. In her biography, Grace, Gold and Glory, Douglas states that it was her faith that helped her face a serious blood disease and homelessness as a child. Gabby’s mother made sure that her children were exposed to Jesus Christ at an early age.  She encouraged them to read the Bible and to be strong in their faith. Gabby has carried that faith to Olympic Gold medals in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. In an interview Gabby told her readers that faith plays a huge role in her life saying, “I don’t know where I’d be today without it.” Douglas states that she is motivated by reading Scripture and using it to overcome circumstances in practices, competitions as well as in daily life. Gabby also smiles when she says, “I love to share my faith with others!” The life story of Gabby Douglas demonstrates that “with God”, anything is possible.

Hebrews 11 reads like a Hall of Fame of men and women of faith in the Old Testament.

• By faith Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying.
• By faith Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood.
• By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called.
• By faith Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and too old.
• By faith Moses parents hid him for three months when he was born.
• By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient.

As we examine the lives of these biblical “giants”, we begin to grasp the amazing power of faith. When we do our part, God does His. Luke 1:37 reminds us, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” There are times when God works on His own to achieve the impossible, but there are also times when He uses others in the process. Do you have that kind of faith? By faith, nothing is impossible!

Strengthen my faith today Lord God. Give me the faith of Noah, Abraham and Sarah, so that together we can achieve the impossible. Amen.