Dream Big and Live Boldly

Stressing his point that the only way to know God and enjoy his favor is by faith and faith alone, the writer of Hebrews then gives example after example of men and women who chose to follow God despite what human logic, common sense, and other people told them. He begins with Abel who is remembered for what he offered to God as an act of worship. Much like the three people tasked with investing their master’s talents, Abel’s story reminds us that we must always give our best.

By bringing up Abel, I can’t help but think that the writer of Hebrews also wanted to remind us of how God redeemed a family situation that seemed beyond hope. You might recall that Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. God asked both men to present Him with an offering of their harvests. Abel was a shepherd and gave his very best, fattest lambs. A farmer who tilled the soil, Cain, however, gave an offering that did not please God. Angry and jealous of his brother, Cain then murdered Abel.

As if leaving the Garden of Eden wasn’t enough, Adam and Eve lost both of their children. But their story wasn’t over yet! God blessed them with another son, Seth, who went on to extend their lineage and redeem the loss of his brothers. So even when you feel like you’ve lost your spark of what was once an entrepreneurial fire within, it’s never too late to birth a new child, a Seth, who can carry your legacy forward. If you have faith, then God will meet you there and nourish the seeds of new dreams He has placed within you and bring them to fruition. But you must not give up!

The writer of Hebrews goes on to list many other famous men and women of the Old Testament, most of whom you will remember from Sunday School. While all of these saints of the past are commendable for various reasons, we’re told Noah was remembered in this Faith Hall of Fame for his work.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith (Hebrews 11:7 NIV).

Noah, as you might remember, was asked to begin building an ark long before the rains came. He had to choose whether to trust God and take action to prepare for what was about to happen, or whether to trust his senses and the perspectives of the people around him. Stepping out in faith, Noah chose to pick up his hammer and start building something that probably made no sense to anyone else — maybe not even to himself! But Noah acted on the dream he had been given, and it saved his life. And not only his life, but also the lives of his family and ultimately the human race!

If you want God to bless your efforts and transform your innovation into an inheritance, then you must keep the faith and do the work. Building your legacy requires faith, and faith requires active participation. You must look ahead to your future and do what it takes now to secure the legacy you want to leave later.