A good testimony

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV).

The phrase “a good testimony” is associated with a trustworthy man. With a man that has both his words and deeds intact, and with one that can see somebody squarely in the eyes without being ashamed. A man with a good testimony is someone we look up to.

n the scripture above we read that the elders received a good testimony for their faith. As we continue to read I Hebrews 11 we see that these people accomplished great things by faith, and they are often referred to as heroes of faith.

“Who trough faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” (Hebrews 11:33-34, NIV).

It is almost as if their great faith makes us consider ourselves as second-rate believers. The truth is we are not, even though we don’t have the same faith and results to show to as these men and women. Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2), He gave them the faith to begin their works, and He finished it.

They received a good testimony because they by faith carried out what the Lord had told them to do. Their faithfulness gave them a good testimony.

At the end of chapter eleven in Hebrews we read about some other heroes of faith. “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.” (Hebrews 11:36). It is hard to fathom what these people had to endure because of their faith. In resemblance to those who accomplished great things, they did not receive what they had been promised. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” (Hebrews 11:39). It requires faith to perform great deeds and feats. It also requires faith to endure pain, rejection and scorn, and still not see the promises fulfilled.

If you belong to that group of people who suffer for Jesus, you should lift your head and know that Jesus provides a good testimony for your faith. You should also know that when all is said and done, only his testimony counts. Don’t give up, but tell Jesus to finish what he has started in your life.

When you remain standing faithfully to your Lord one day he will say to you: “…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).

That is a good testimony!