They were stoned; they were sawed in two;
they were put to death by the sword.
—Hebrews 11:37
Sometimes God gives us immediate victory. Sometimes he doesn’t.
Heb. 11:32-35a mentions people of faith who were triumphant in this life—then in 11:35b-38 notes those of equal faith who weren’t.
King Nebuchadnezzar pointed a threatening finger at three Jewish teenagers—worship my gold statue or be burned to a crisp in a red-hot furnace.
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it,” they said. “But even if he does not … we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold” (Dan. 3:17-18).
These Hebrew lads have something to say not only to the big-shot king, but to us too. When God’s presence and power is obvious, be faithful. And when it seems he doesn’t hear and refuses to act, still be faithful.
God honors faithfulness—now or later.