Day 1 — “These or Those?”
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:39 — “And all these, though commended through their faith…”
Thought:
Scripture draws a clear line: there are “these” (those who live by faith) and “those” (those who do not). This is not about perfection—it’s about direction. The Old Testament saints weren’t flawless, but they trusted God. Faith marked them.
Today, that same line still exists. You are either trusting Christ or trusting something else. There is no middle ground.
Action:
Take an honest inventory of your life. Where is your trust really placed—Christ, or something else (success, comfort, control)?
Prayer:
Lord, help me see clearly where I stand. Strengthen my faith and draw me fully into trusting You.
Questions:
- What evidence of faith is visible in my life right now?
- Am I truly living as one of “these,” or drifting among “those”?
Day 2 — “Faith in What You Cannot See”
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:13 — “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised…”
Thought:
The Old Testament believers trusted in promises they never saw fulfilled. They believed in a coming Savior without witnessing the cross or resurrection.
Their faith was anchored in God’s character, not their circumstances.
We, however, live after the resurrection. What they anticipated—we celebrate.
Action:
Write down one promise of God you are struggling to trust. Choose today to believe it, even if you don’t yet see it.
Prayer:
God, help me trust You even when I cannot see the outcome. Anchor my faith in who You are.
Questions:
- What promise of God feels distant or uncertain to me right now?
- How can I grow in trusting God’s character over my circumstances?
Day 3 — “Something Better”
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:40 — “Since God had provided something better for us…”
Thought:
Through Christ, we have something better:
- Full forgiveness (not just covering of sin)
- A complete revelation of God
- The indwelling Holy Spirit
- A finished work on the cross
Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we don’t live in anticipation—we live in fulfillment.
Action:
Spend time thanking God specifically for what you have in Christ that believers before the cross did not fully experience.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the finished work of the cross and the power of Your resurrection. Help me live in the fullness of what You’ve given me.
Questions:
- Do I truly live like I have “something better”?
- What spiritual privilege do I take for granted most often?
Day 4 — “Living in the Light”
Scripture:
John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world…”
Thought:
As John Calvin said, the Old Testament saints walked by a “small spark of light,” yet lived with incredible faith.
We walk in the full light of Christ.
If they endured suffering with limited revelation, how much more should we live boldly with the full Gospel?
Action:
Identify one area where you’ve been compromising or holding back spiritually. Take one concrete step toward obedience today.
Prayer:
Lord, remove my excuses. Help me live boldly in the light You’ve given me.
Questions:
- Where am I settling for less than faithful obedience?
- What would change if I fully lived in the truth I already know?
Day 5 — “Prepared to Meet Him”
Scripture:
Acts 1:11 — “This Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Thought:
Just as surely as Christ came, died, and rose again, He will return.
The Old Testament saints waited for His first coming. We wait for His second.
The question is not if He will return—but are you ready?
Action:
Live today with eternity in mind. Make one decision that reflects readiness for Christ’s return (forgiveness, repentance, sharing your faith, etc.).
Prayer:
Jesus, prepare my heart for Your return. Help me live ready, faithful, and expectant.
Questions:
- If Christ returned today, would I be ready?
- What needs to change in my life to live with eternal urgency?
Final Encouragement
The same faith that carried Abraham, Moses, and David is available to you—but you have even more: the finished work of Christ and the power of His resurrection.
So the question remains:
Are you living in anticipation… or in the fullness of what has already been accomplished?