Hebrews 11 Finale: Faith in Triumph, Faith in Suffering

We finish Hebrews 11 by holding two truths together: God sometimes brings visible victory, and God sometimes calls us to endure suffering with steady trust. We close Season 1 by centering “something better” on Jesus Christ and offering encouragement for anyone walking through spiritual warfare, rejection, or heavy trials.

We have enjoyed Season 1! While we take a few months break, please check out O.D.E. Ministries on YouTube. Dominique has steadily built this YouTube channel for several years. You can find us here: https://www.youtube.com/@ODEMinistries

We love each and every one of you, but God loves you so much more. Be blessed! See you next time for Season 2.

Transcript

Season Finale Kickoff

Hodaiah 0:00

Hello everyone, this is Hodiah, and you are listening to the Ordinary Doing Extraordinary podcast. I am joined by my wife Dominique.

Dominique 0:09

Yeah, yeah, what's up, y'all?

Hodaiah 0:12

We made it to our very last episode. Yes. We are gonna finish up Hebrews 11 today and hopefully leave you all with some encouragement. With that being said, let's get to it. Yeah, man, it's gonna be long. Yeah, man. Let's get it. We've done some of those mini episodes. It ain't no mini episode today. Last episode, we're going out with a bang. We're going in, boy. Yes, sir. We will

Anchor Verses: Hebrews 11:32-40

Hodaiah 0:39

get started with our anchor verses today, which is Hebrews 11:32 through 40. It says, and what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell you of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David, and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword, they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated, of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth, and all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us, they should not be made perfect.

Dominique 2:14

Man,

Faith Is Not A Formula

Dominique 2:15

thank you for reading that. Oh yeah. Yeah, so as we've walked through Hebrews 11 over the past several episodes, we've seen the incredible faith of ordinary men and women who trusted an extraordinary God. We've talked about Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and so many others. Although their stories were all different, they shared one thing in common. They trusted God enough to obey him. Some left everything behind. Others waited years for God's promises. Some endured rejection, hardship, and uncertainty. Yet each one demonstrated that biblical faith isn't passive belief. It's active trust that leads to obedience, even when the outcome can't yet be seen. And before we dive into these verses, there's one truth we need to keep in mind because it ties everything together. That truth is faith is not a formula that guarantees worldly success. The same faith that shut the mouths of lions was also present in those who were later thrown to the lions. The same faith that delivered some from the fire was also present in those who were burned for their faith. The measure of faith is not the outcome, it is faithfulness to God regardless of the outcome. That becomes the heartbeat of the rest of this chapter. They give you chills right there.

Hodaiah 3:54

It gives you chills.

Dominique 3:55

Yeah.

Faith in Triumph

Hodaiah 3:56

So now let's look at what verses 30 through 35 say when it comes to faith in triumph. The writer begins with examples of remarkable victories that God accomplished through ordinary people who trusted him. He says, They conquered kingdoms and enforced justice. Think about men like Joshua, Gideon, and David. None of them conquered kingdoms because they were the strongest or most impressive leaders. They trusted God and God gave them victory. Their faith was demonstrated in how they led God's people according to God's truth and justice. The writer also says they obtained promises. Abraham and Sarah waited decades before Isaac was born. The nation of Israel waited generations before entering the promised land. From a human perspective, God's promises probably seemed impossible at times. Yeah. But God proved faithful. His timing wasn't always what they expected, but his promises never failed. That's an encouragement for us as well. Sometimes we become discouraged because God doesn't answer as quickly as we'd like. But scripture reminds us that delayed doesn't mean denied. God is always faithful to keep his promises in his perfect timing. Next, the writer mentions those who shut the mouth of lions and quenched the power of fire. Most of us immediately think of Daniel in the lion's den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. What's interesting is that God didn't keep any of them from entering those trials. Daniel still spent the night with lions. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were still thrown into the furnace. My God. But God met them there. They didn't avoid suffering, but their faith was confidence that God would be with them no matter what happened. That's an important distinction. God remains faithful, whether he removes the trial or he walks with us through it. The writer continues by saying they escaped the edge of the sword and were made strong out of weakness. Throughout the Old Testament, we see people like David fleeing from Saul, Elijah running for his life, and others facing overwhelming opposition. Again and again, God's people found themselves in situations where they were completely dependent upon him. Notice something about the people God often chooses to use. When you think of Gideon, who at times lacked confidence, Samson, who failed miserably in many portions of his life, King Hezekiah, who became sick, he became physically weak. Yet in every case, God supplied the strength they didn't have. Faith begins with dependence upon God. God's power is often displayed most clearly when our own strength is run out.

Dominique 7:17

Yes.

Hodaiah 7:18

Whew. In our weakness, he is strong. Yes. Then the writer says they became mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight. Whether it was Barak, David facing Goliath, or King Jehoshaphat, watching God defeat an overwhelming army, the lesson is always the same. Victory ultimately belongs to the Lord. Yes, it does. And then finally, verse 35 says, Women receive back their dead by resurrection. The widow of Zarephath and the Shunammite woman experienced something almost unimaginable. God brought their sons back to life. These incredible miracles demonstrated that even death itself is subject to God's authority, but they also pointed forward to something even greater. Those resurrections were temporary. The children would one day die again. They were previews of the greater resurrection that would ultimately come through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, death is no longer the end for those who belong to Him. Our hope rests in the promise of eternal life. So what ties all of these victories together? Every one of these stories points to the same truth. God uses faithful obedience, not human strength, to accomplish extraordinary things.

Dominique 8:45

Wow.

Hodaiah 8:46

Jesus.

Dominique 8:47

That's amazing. Yes. Great insight.

Faith in Suffering

Dominique 8:50

Now we're going to move to verses 35 through 38, which uh talks about faith in suffering. So one of the most surprising moments in Hebrews 11 comes halfway through verse 35. Up until now, we've been reading about victory after victory, kingdoms conquered, promises fulfilled, lions silenced, fire quenched, battles won. The momentum has been building with one incredible story after another. But then, without warning, everything changes. The writer says, some were tortured, refusing to accept release so that they might rise again to a better life. Suddenly, we're no longer reading about miraculous deliverance. We're reading about suffering. We must understand something that every believer eventually has to learn. Faith doesn't always lead to earthly triumph. Sometimes faith leads to suffering. And both kinds of faith are equally precious in God's sight. They believed that even if obedience cost them their lives, God had prepared something far better. That's why the text speaks of a better life. Their hope was in the life that God had promised. They understood that death is not the end for those who belong to him. Because of that hope, they could remain faithful no matter the cost. The writer continues, others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. Throughout Scripture, God's servants were often rejected by the very people they were sent to help. Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned, the prophets were mocked, even Jesus himself was ridiculed, beaten, and rejected. That shouldn't surprise us. Jesus told his disciples, If the world hates you, know that it hated me first. Following Christ has never been a guarantee that everyone will like us. In fact, sometimes faithfulness to God brings opposition instead of applause. The world may reject those who stand for God's truth, but God will never reject us. The writer goes even further. They were stoned, they were sawn into, they were killed with the sword. Now those words are difficult to read. Zechariah was stoned. Stephen became the first Christian martyr. Church tradition tells us that Isaiah was likely sawn into for faithfully proclaiming God's word. Whether every detail is recorded in Scripture or preserved through history, the point remains the same. Many of God's faithful servants gave everything, even their lives, because they refused to compromise. The world tried to silence God's messengers, but instead, their testimonies continue to speak even today. The writer continues on by describing people who went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated. Now this doesn't sound like the picture of success our culture celebrates. The world celebrates and admires wealth. Godliness isn't always admired. The world values comfort. Scripture often calls believers to endurance. The world celebrates popularity. God honors faithfulness. Many of God's servants lived in poverty. Some wandered from place to place, some hid in caves, others fled into deserts and mountains and simply because they refused to abandon their faith. From the world's perspective, these people looked like failures, but heaven saw something entirely different. Then we come to one of the most remarkable statements in the entire chapter, of whom the world was not worthy. What an incredible statement. The same world that rejected them, mocked them, imprisoned them, drove them into caves. Scripture says that world wasn't worthy of them. Think about that. People the world considered insignificant were considered priceless by God. People seemed forgotten on earth, were honored in heaven. The world's opinion is temporary. God's verdict is eternal. That ought to encourage every believer who has ever felt overlooked for living faithfully. God sees, God knows, the Bible actually refers to God as Elroy, the God who sees. He honors those who remain loyal to him. This entire section completely changes the way we should think about faith. Sometimes faith is rewarded with miraculous victories, sometimes faith is demonstrated through patient endurance. Sometimes God delivers his people from suffering. Sometimes he sustains them in suffering. Neither outcome means a person's faith is greater or lesser. The same faith that shut the mouths of lions was also present in those who suffered faithfully without earthly deliverance. That's the lesson Hebrews wants us to remember. Faith is measured by steadfast trust in God, regardless of the outcome. That's why every person in Hebrews 11, whether they experience victory or suffering, received the exact same recognition. They were recognized for trusting God.

Hodaiah 14:48

Giving me the chills. Yeah. Alright,

Commended Faith & Something Better

Hodaiah 14:51

guys, let's look at what verses 39 through 40 says. And this is getting into faith's commendations. Yep. After giving us this incredible list of men and women who live by faith, some experiencing miraculous victories and others enduring unimaginable suffering. The writer brings everything together with these final two verses. It says, And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Notice how that verse begins. And all these not just the ones who conquered kingdoms, not just the ones who escaped the sword, not just the ones who witnessed miracles, all of them, the ones who experienced victory and suffering, the ones whose names we know and those who remain unnamed. Every one of them were honored because of their faith.

Dominique 15:57

Yeah, and that reminds us of something we've seen throughout this entire chapter. God's approval isn't based on perfection, but it's based on faith.

Hodaiah 16:07

Speak it.

Dominique 16:08

None of these people were perfect. Abraham stumbled, Moses lost his temper. Right. Samson fell morally. David committed terrible sins, yet they were commended because they trusted God. The greatest praise any of us could ever receive isn't the applause of people. It's hearing the Lord say, Well done, my good and faithful servant. That's the approval that truly matters.

Hodaiah 16:36

All that matters.

Dominique 16:38

Yeah.

Hodaiah 16:38

But then the writer says something surprising. They did not receive what was promised. At first, that almost sounds confusing, but those promises were never the final destination. They pointed to something greater. They pointed to Christ. Every faithful believer in the Old Testament was ultimately looking forward to the same Savior we now know by name.

Dominique 17:05

Yes.

Hodaiah 17:06

Jesus. They lived by faith in God's promise. We live by faith in God's fulfillment. They looked ahead to the coming Messiah. We look back to the cross while still looking forward to Christ's return. In that sense, we're all part of the very same story.

Dominique 17:28

Yes. Well, verse 40 ends by saying, God had provided something better for us. Now, what's that something better, y'all? What y'all think that is?

Hodaiah 17:38

Come on.

Dominique 17:39

That something better is Jesus Christ. Come on. Everything in the Old Testament pointed forward to him. The sacrifices, the priesthood, the covenants, the prophets, the entire story of redemption was moving toward Christ. God was unfolding a redemption plan that will bring together believers from every generation through his son. And because of him, all of God's people, past, present, and future, will one day be made complete together. Yes.

Hodaiah 18:14

Lord.

Spiritual Takeaways And Closing Prayer

Dominique 18:16

So what are our spiritual takeaways? As we finish this chapter, as we finish this podcast series, let's remember a few important truths. The first, faith is not measured by visible results, but by obedience and endurance. The second, God values both ordinary victories and ordinary endurance as extraordinary acts of faith. The third, not all faith receives applause on earth, but all genuine faith receives recognition in heaven.

Speaker 4 18:57

Yes.

Dominique 18:58

And the last faith is about remaining loyal to God in every season.

Hodaiah 19:05

Every season.

Dominique 19:07

Wow. This has been a wonderful way to end our season. Season one. I know. It's just been a wonderful episode. So we're gonna close out in prayer and then have some closing thoughts by the fireman.

Hodaiah 19:29

I don't know if I have anything to say.

Dominique 19:31

You got something. He got something for y'all. Um so let's let's go ahead with our closing prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of the faithful who have gone before us, those who walked in triumph and those who endured great suffering. Thank you that our faith is not defined by our circumstances, but by our steadfast trust in you. As we walk through our own difficulties, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Remind us that you are the God who sees, the God who sustains, and the God who has promised us something better. May we live with the assurance that our obedience is never in vain and that our hope rests securely in you. Strengthen us to remain loyal in every season, and may our lives bring you glory even when the way is difficult. In Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.

Hodaiah 20:36

Amen.

Season One Wrap

Hodaiah 20:37

Alright, guys, I know y'all y'all used to us normally finishing with like the two reflection questions. This is the last episode, so you know, Dom, if you don't mind, I just need to just kind of talk. Yeah. Just gonna talk a little bit. Yeah, I'm so grateful for you guys.

Dominique 20:52

Go ahead, fireman.

Hodaiah 20:54

Oh gosh, I just I just can't believe it's like we're at the end here.

Dominique 20:58

Yeah.

Hodaiah 20:59

Man, my God. So this is it for season one. It's been an amazing journey, and it has taken a serious step of faith for my wife and I to even do this podcast. ODE Ministries. Before I was even the man of God that I needed to be, the Lord was working through my wife, and she began to set the foundations for ODE. She has multiple biblical videos and Bible reviews on YouTube. I highly encourage you all to watch. We will put the link in the episode description for you to check them out. It has been a season filled with so many trials. As you know, whenever you are obedient and stepping into whatever it is the Lord has called you to do, the enemy will be at work sending spiritual warfare in your life. Yep. There were moments through this first season, my wife and I became so discouraged, we didn't even know if we would be able to finish recording. This podcast, life really was life in Christ. Yeah. It's been tough, I'm telling you. But it has been through the power of the Holy Spirit that we put our hands to the plow and we're able to do the hard work. It has been through a solid foundation in Christ. Man, if it is not built on Christ, it won't last. My wife and I have been so mentally tired. We both need a break. And we'll take possibly a three-month break to rest. Besides doing this ministry, we have had serious responsibilities tasked on us both in our personal work lives. It has seemed like a flurry, just an absolute flurry of responsibilities. But we're encouraged. During our break, we will be having more discussions about season two of the podcast. Season two will be very different. And we are so excited for what the Lord will do. In season two, we will bring to you the actual testimonies of real ordinary people who God has done extraordinary miracles in their lives. We love you all, but Jesus Christ loves you more. And yes, I will keep saying that. We will be on break, but we will always be here, and we are always available for discussion. ODE Ministries is not just a podcast or simply a website. It is a home for the body of Christ. If you reach out to us, we will respond to you, we will pray for you, we will talk to you. Be encouraged. There is so much more to come. We thank you all for listening. And please do keep listening to the teachings from season one. Let me leave you all with encouragement.

Finding Peace In The Storm

Hodaiah 23:50

I know that of our listeners, some of you are dealing with intense struggles in your lives, some of you are dealing with intense spiritual warfare, some of you are dealing with feelings of rejection, isolation, depression, church hurt, feelings of betrayal, marriage struggles, or some form of disease. I I can relate to you. I want you to think about this. Ask yourself, how do we find peace in the storm? And ask yourself this. How do we rejoice in our trials? Remember, our faith is in Christ. Just as we have read about these heroes of the faith, some sawed in half, killed in horrible ways, stoned to death, but their hope was in the eternal life after this life. Come on, man. Sometimes we give the enemy too much credit. The devil tries to rob you of your joy. I challenge you to flip the script on the devil, rob him of his glory, put your focus on Christ, get in the word, read, rejoice in your storm. Let the Lord be the eye of your storm. Even though you are in that valley, let the Lord be your inner peace. Like the heroes of the faith, even if your physical body dies, God has a promise of eternal life. Every scheme of the devil has already been seen by the Lord. The enemy can only do what the Lord will allow. The enemy will tempt, he will do all he can to make you quit. But can you still praise the Lord even in that valley? Even in that storm of life. The enemy will tempt and God will test. You will wonder why in the valley you feel so alone. You feel like the Lord is silent. But don't you know? During the test, the teacher becomes silent and observes carefully. Watches how you handle yourself, how you respond to adversity. So be encouraged in your suffering, encounter trials as blessings. At the end of the day, remember that the Lord is in control. Thank you for your love and all your support. It has been an absolute honor walking through this journey with you all, family. On behalf of ODE Ministries, we love you and we are always right here for you, arms open, filled with love and mercy. Just as our Father in Heaven, who would leave the 99 for the one, he left the 99 for the one. How come the world may have rejected you and tried to make you feel like you are unworthy? Made you feel like you are so ordinary. But Jesus Christ has already seen you and He sees you as absolutely extraordinary. Woo!

Dominique 26:51

You better preach! I can preach sometime. Fireman! Yeah, I told y'all he had something for you. Add a little sermon next.

Hodaiah 27:01

Come on, it's the last episode. I don't even get to say, you know, I like to give my little intro for the next episode.

Thanks, Shoutouts, And Farewell

Dominique 27:08

Yeah, yeah. Well, thank you guys so much for listening. Thank you. We are so happy that some of you all have been tuning in for the whole thing.

Hodaiah 27:16

Man, we ain't sure. We ain't out here trying to get followers, trying to get like if it's only three people, then we have an impact on your life. That's what matters. Because it's not about Jose, it's not about Dominique, man. It's about the body of Christ.

Dominique 27:31

Yeah, but hey, hey, let me let me give a shout out to one person who I know has been listening. My Pops. What's up? Yo, what up, Pops? What up? Yo, my dad been listening to every single episode and commenting.

Hodaiah 27:46

Dedicated.

Dominique 27:47

He's he's dedicated. Thank you for Pops.

Hodaiah 27:49

Real one. Yeah. Real rider, man.

Dominique 27:52

You a real one, people. We love you. Love you, Pops. We love y'all too.

Hodaiah 27:59

Love y'all, but Jesus Christ loves you more.

Dominique 28:02

Loves you more. Alright, thank y'all.

Hodaiah 28:05

Yeah.

Musical Outro

Rapper Voice (Music) 28:07 Children's Choir (Music) 28:36