By Faith Rahab…
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 11:31 ESV
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Faith is generational. One act of faith can have an impact that affects generations to come, changing an entire course of history. Faith takes obedience, and these two coincide in an incredible way. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the Lord honors obedience and the faith it requires to trust in what He is asking of us.
The book of Joshua introduces a heroic woman of faith, though she was also a woman of poor reputation. This woman was Rahab, a prostitute in the pagan city of Jericho. Rahab made herself available to be used by God in a powerful way: protecting and hiding two spies Joshua sent out to look over the land of Jericho.
These are the words of a woman who understood God’s power and might she said ‘I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.’ Her faith in the Lord provided a space for Him to move in an unexpected way through an unexpected source. From first appearances, Rahab did not seem to be the typical woman who might be found in the Hall of Faith, yet her sin did not disqualify her from being used by God.
Have you ever felt disqualified because of your past?
The Lord wants to remind us that He is faithful and just to forgive us of our past sins, which enables us to live out our lives operating fully in faith. The Hall of Faith is filled with men and women the Lord used despite the moments where they stepped off the path. Even the Hall of Faith consists of individuals who have missed the mark. The Lord does not remember us by our transgressions and failures, but instead marks us by moments where our faith is tested and we come out victorious.
The story of Rahab teaches us a key lesson about faith: God honors our faith when we respond in obedience. You may be surprised when you begin to reap fruitfulness from your faithfulness.
Prayer and Confession
Heavenly Father, I receive forgiveness for the moments where I have discounted the call of God upon my life because of my ignorance of my identity in Christ. Thank you for your forgiveness and that you have called me “redeemed.“ I therefore act in obedience of all the instructions you have given me.
Further Reading: Joshua 2:1-14
