A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Written By Betty Predmore

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

HEBREWS 11:32 - 12:13

(November 14)

Who do you look up to as an example? What people do you strive to be like? Are you someone's role model?

There are so many people around us that can teach us and be an example to us. And sometimes, we are that example for others. The way we live speaks volumes to others.

Sometimes it is the power and victories that we see in others. We want those same achievements.

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David. Samuel and other prophets demonstrated their faith by overthrowing kingdoms, ruling with justice, and receiving their promises from God. These were the ones who shut the mouths of lions, put out the fires, and avoided certain death. What was once weak in them became their strength through faith. They became battle leaders.

Other times, we see people who suffer for the sake of a cause, and we want to be like them ... strong in the face of suffering.

The Bible shows us many examples of people who were tortured for their faith in God. They were mocked, cut with whips, chained in prison cells, sawed in half, or stoned to death. Some were poor and oppressed and spent their lives in hiding, waiting for this life to end so they could go on to a better one.

The faith of these people gave them a reputation that was admired. Their faith gave them the gift of eternal life, not on this earth, but with God, so that they could finally reach perfection.

So, the question would be ... with all these fine examples of faith around us and before us, what holds us back? Our faith should equal theirs, being strong enough that we can run whatever race God places before us, knowing that our faith will get us to the finish line.

The only way to win this race is to keep our eyes on Jesus. If Jesus can endure what he endured for the sake of our lives, then we should be able to endure anything that comes our way.

Our faith in God needs to remain strong, even in moments when he is disciplining us. "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. (Verse 5-6)

God's discipline is a beautiful thing because it means he loves us. Just as we discipline our children out of love, God does the same for us. The knowledge that we are so loved by God should energize us and give us the endurance we need to keep going.

What is testing you today? Is it your marriage, your kids, or your job? Maybe it is an illness or a financial situation. Or perhaps you are struggling in a relationship with a family member or friend. Whatever the test, put your faith in Christ and run your race with the endurance that comes only from God.

Draw your strength from him and from the example you received from that great cloud of witnesses.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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