39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40 (ESV)

Quick re-cap

Allow me to add one more point about these verses. These that suffered didn’t get the ultimate promise, salvation, since Jesus, the “something better”, hadn’t died yet to procure salvation. Now that the Messiah has come, suffered and offered His life as a perfect sacrifice for sin, they (who received the promise) together with us are made perfect, complete in salvation, by faith.

Hall of Faith

This chapter has given us what is called, “The Hall of Faith”. There are indeed many. I have to believe, however, that there are more than 40 verses in this chapter since there are 100’s and 1,000’s even millions of other examples of faith that haven’t been mentioned. In fact verse 32 starts, “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon…” You likely know of some.

Example 1

George Müller is one that comes to mind. He started and built many orphanages in England. He never asked anyone for assistance, only God. God proved Himself faithful a multitude of times. Visit this site for a dose of encouragement.

Example 2

Another that I know personally also demonstrated great faith. She was laying in a hospital bed after a near fatal stroke. She had no movement in her left arm or leg. By faith, she believed Habbakuk 3:16 (you shall walk in the high places) was a promise to her that she would be able to walk when she arrived at her new home which has an elevation of over 1 mile. And she did!

Summary

Barnes’ commentary, at the bottom of the article, has a wonderful re-cap where you’ll find wisdom like this: “When we reach heaven, we shall see that we have not endured one pain too much, and that through whatever trials we may have passed, the result is worth all which it has cost. Strengthened then in our trials by the remembrance of what faith has done in times that are past; recalling the example of those who through faith and patience have inherited the promises, let us [press on in faith]. Soon the journey of trials will be ended, and soon what are now objects of faith will become objects of fruition, and in their enjoyment, how trifling and brief will seem all the sorrows of our pilgrimage below!” See Romans 8:18