Casandra Martin

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Who are your faith heroes? Names pop off the pages of the Bible as we think about the people who have walked with God, showing us all it means to live lives committed to imitating His character and glorifying His name. Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Esther, Mary, Peter, and Paul all have a faith that calls us to dedicate our hearts to the One who loves us more than we can imagine.

But don’t stop there. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. They include the people in your life who point you to faith, challenge you to keep going, and model Jesus for you every day. Their faith isn’t abstract. You have seen it struggle, even fail, and get back up and keep going. Their love isn’t intangible. You have felt its strength, been touched by its intensity, and benefitted from its perseverance. Their hope isn’t elusive. You have watched as it anchored them through the fiercest storms and the darkest nights. They are your faith heroes.

Faith heroes help us understand how to live this Christian life in the here and now. They encourage us to keep going, hang on, step out, and surrender again. They remind us that we don’t walk alone. They demonstrate the power of grace, the wonder of worship, and the joy of living fully in His presence.

My Jesus Resolution today is to stop and look at the faces in my great cloud of witnesses. Some of those faces are only painted for me in Scripture. Others fill the pictures on my walls, can be found in the pews at church, sit across from me at the table, or live in my memories. I want to impress their living lessons of faith on my heart. I want to thank them for the way they show me Jesus. Most of all, I want their example to inspire me to be a faith hero for someone else.