Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament lists the names of men and women of faith who trusted God through trials and impossible situations. The list includes the Jewish patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It also mentions leaders whose lives greatly impacted the story of God’s people, including Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Joshua, King David and the prophets.

 
 
Little is known about Rahab, except that she was a prostitute and crafty liar, born and raised in Israel’s enemy’s territory. Because her inn was by Jericho’s city walls, she offered her assistance to allow Israel’s spies into the city.
 
Rahab knew that she was in a precarious situation. She would undoubtedly be put to death if caught harboring the spies. Likewise, by siding with strangers, she took a massive chance since they could lose the battle or refuse to keep their promise of protecting her and her family. But she had heard about Israel’s God and decided to put her faith in his power and authority.
 
Samson is an altogether different story. The angel of the Lord announced his birth. He was set apart as a Nazarite — a man dedicated to God’s service and to help accomplish his plan for the Jews. After 40 years of Philistine oppression, he would be the next judge in Israel, and his mission was to defeat its enemy.
To help him fulfill his purpose, God gave Samson supernatural physical strength. However, as we read his story, it becomes clear that he wasted his power and destiny on practical jokes andwomen. In other words, Samson wasted his life. God planned to use him to strengthen the nation and return the Jews to worship God, and yet, he chose a path that ultimately led to his utter destruction.
 
Because Rahab was a lying prostitute and Samson ultimately gave up his divine favor, strength and honor, we tend to see them as failures. Indeed, because of their life story, it would be easy to regard the “Hall of Faith” mention of their names as a conundrum.
 
But interestingly, the New Testament does not mention either Rahab or Samson’s stories as failures. Instead, they are praised in Hebrews and other texts in the New Testament for their acts of faith. In the end, God fulfilled His ultimate purpose for Rahab and Samson, regardless of their fiascos.
 

The New Testament does not mention either Rahab or Samson’s stories as failures. Instead, they are praised in Hebrews and other texts in the New Testament for their acts of faith. In the end, God fulfilled His ultimate purpose for Rahab and… Click To Tweet

Rahab was instrumental in Israel’s victory in Jericho. She also became a relative of Boaz, thus, an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.

Likewise, as announced by the angel to his parents, Samson indeed began to rescue Israel from the Philistines when God granted his final wish. While 3,000 men and women gathered to offer a sacrifice unto their god, Dagon, for delivering the mighty man of Israel into their hands, God heard Samson’s prayer and restored his strength. While tied to the temple pillars as a prisoner, he pushed the structure and sacrificed himself to kill his people’s enemies.

Trusting God to Change the Narrative for the New Year

The end of a year is hardly a time of indifference when contemplating one’s progress in life. We often face the last days of a year with either joy or a sense of defeat. We either look back and think ofthe many opportunities we wasted or rejoice by the many steps we took in the right direction. The issue with the former is that fixing our eyes on “what could have been” is hardly the attitude that will prompt us into the new year with the right mindset.

The end of a year is hardly a time of indifference when contemplating one’s progress in life. We often face the last days of a year with either joy or a sense of defeat. Here's an article on the @AJC about not letting our past failures… Click To Tweet

It may be that, like me, you did not cross off too many goals in your to-do list last year. It could be that the job is still the same, even though you had promised yourself that you would look for greener pastures this year. Or it could be that you had ambitious health and fitness goals on Jan. 1 and now contemplate the same (or worse) reflection in the mirror. It could be that certain relationships remain strained or that the prodigal child still wanders away from home.

If that is you, may Rahab and Samson’s stories give you hope and perspective as the new year dawns.

Instead of contemplating January with skepticism because of past failures, may we look ahead with the certainty that God can turn even our most significant weaknesses around and give us new strength to finish the dreams He birthed within our hearts.

“The One who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete His work in you.” the Apostle Paul, First Thessalonians, chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, blogger and international speaker. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com to learn about her speaking ministry, Bible studies and book. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.


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7 Comments

  2. The men and women God highlights in Hebrews 11 have certainly intrigued me and challenged how I look at myself and others. Faith—not a perfect performance—is God’s love language.

  3. Your message is a word in due season. 2021’s package contained some bittersweet delicacies. Some savory and sweet others were very hard to stomach. I trusted God through it all and have seen him work miraculously in our lives. Holding on to the bitter would leave a bad taste in my mouth and cause me operate in a way that would not bless God or those around. I have to let go, press toward the mark and watch God do a new thing.

  5. Our church just went through the book of Judges, and I wondered that some of those folks ended up in Hebrews 11. I reminded myself that they were listed as examples of faith, not of perfection. Which is a good thing for us with our imperfections. I’m so glad God is in the business of new mercies and fresh starts and forgiven pasts.

  6. This is truly an encouragement, Patricia; thank you! ‘God can turn even our most significant weaknesses around and give us new strength to finish the dreams He birthed within our hearts.’ Amen! Praise the Lord!

  7. Patricia, so sorry I’m just now circling back around to comment on your wonderful piece. We sold and closed on our house and it’s been super crazy. I love how you note the Hall of Faith never mentions the failures of Samson or Rahab, only their faith in God. And it’s the same for us.

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