Have you ever been so discouraged in doing good that you felt like giving up? Micah knew that no matter how difficult his circumstances, God was with him. While for years the prophet failed to bring about any real change in God’s people, Micah refused to be discouraged: “I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Even though Micah’s words seem to have fallen on deaf ears (7:7), he knew that what really mattered was not the people’s response but God’s faithfulness.
Even though Micah was filled by “misery” (7:1) and surrounded by people who had rejected his call to return to the Lord, he resolutely put his hope in God. He did not look at circumstances, but kept his focus on the Lord’s faithfulness. Micah was demonstrating the type of faith the author of
Hebrews writes about in chapter 11: “[C]onfidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (v. 1). Hebrews chapter 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it lists people who trusted God despite their circumstances. We read of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and others. “They did not receive the things promised” but kept their eyes focused on God and His promises (vv. 13–15). Why? “They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (v. 16). Notice the ending in verse 16: “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.” What high praise is given here to these men and women who showed faith in God even when faced with challenges! May we, like Micah and the author of Hebrews, become ever more convinced, despite what we see around us, that “my God will hear me” (Mic. 7:7).
>> Write down the definition of faith found in Hebrews. What things tend to shake your faith in God? Reread this Scripture often as you strive to become a person of faith. Read also: Hebrews 11:1–16
Pray with Us
“They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (Heb. 11:13). Thank You that we live in the realization of Your promise to the ancients. Give us faith like theirs.
BY Russell L. Meek
Russell Meek teaches Old Testament and hermeneutics at Moody Theological Seminary. He is a columnist for Fathom magazine and writes widely for lay and academic audiences about all things Old Testament and its relationship to the Christian life. Russell, his wife, and their three sons live in north Idaho, where you’ll find them gardening, cooking, and exploring the wild.