Today, as I sit at my computer, it is Memorial Day. It is a day when we stop and remember those who paid the ultimate price for this great country of ours. Many have died either defending our nation or its ideals around the globe. It’s not just men anymore; women are paying this high price, too. A young life given so I, we, can live in freedom. I hope that I can live my life in such a way as to honor their sacrifice.

            Many of us enjoyed some extra sleep. Maybe we took in a parade. I have Old Glory hanging outside today. I sat for a while on my peaceful front porch admiring her beauty. Many will celebrate with a cookout surrounded by family and friends. While Memorial Day calls us to remember the sacrifice of others, it also announces the arrival of summer. One needs only to step outside their door here in N.C. to realize that summer has arrived.

            The trouble for teachers and students is that summer vacation has not officially arrived. We have a couple more weeks to go, including exams. Many students have already checked out. For them, summer is here whether the school calendar says so or not. It’s hard to keep the students motivated when you are struggling with motivation yourself. Could you take a moment to say a little prayer for teachers and students so we can all finish strong and give our best?

            I already have a couple of books waiting for summer to begin. I have one author whose books allow me to escape to a different world. I know his pattern, but he always puts his characters in exotic places which provide the backdrop for a great story. The journey shall begin in a few short weeks if I can only hold on.

           My thoughts have digressed from being thankful for those who sacrificed their lives for our great country. Maybe we ought to be thankful for those who paid the ultimate price for our faith as well. All throughout history, from the very beginning until today, people have died for their faith. Some prophets were martyred, while other godly men were rescued, like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. All were willing to die for their faith.

            There are many heroes that we should celebrate on either Memorial Day or Veterans Day, so many have given so much for all that we have today. The Bible actually gives us a list of the heroes of our faith in Hebrews 11. Those at the beginning of the list have a brief description of their accomplishments for the faith. Those at the end simply have their names included because they lived their lives by faith.

            In the beginning of the list the phrase, “by faith” is included with each of the people as the writer briefly describes what they accomplished through their faith in God. These people were dependent on God to intervene in their lives. They believed in a God who was bigger than their circumstances.

            Some on the list got to see what they believed and hoped for, while others left this world trusting God to complete what He promised. They are heroes because of their deep faith in God, believing that He is able to accomplish what He promised. We should take time to remember them, to honor the example they left behind of how to live by faith. It’s hard to live by faith, but knowing that others did gives me courage to press on in my own walk with God.

            I want to be a good example of living by faith. In some areas of my life I have faith, while in others I still struggle with doubts. I want to live my life like those in the Bible, trusting God in every way. It’s not easy because the future seems so uncertain. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds my future.

            I want to encourage you to read Hebrews 11 and consider those who lived by faith. They are good examples because they are just like us. They fought through their doubts to keep their faith in God. They refused to give up on Him and they were rewarded for their faith. We need to dig deep and find the kind of faith that trusts God in every circumstance. We have to believe that He is with us and will see us through. If we do, when our time comes, we will hear those precious words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter your Father’s rest.”

Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com