Becoming

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo

Bible with cross

“…who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle…” (Heb. 11:33-34, NIV, emphasis mine)

These two verses come to us from Hebrews 11, the well-known chapter praising the heroes of the Bible for their lifestyles of trust in God. This list of triumphant servants and their deeds has often been called the “Hall of Faith.”

Conquering kingdoms, bringing justice, shutting lions’ mouths, escaping fire and sword… all of this sounds mind-boggling, does it not? Look closely, though. There is one little word buried in this Scripture that is the key to understanding the entire chapter: “became.”

No matter what name you pick from the Hall of Faith, not one of them listed here was “powerful in battle” when they started out their journey. Every one of them went through an arduous, rigorous, demanding training program in God’s Academy of Faith. The curriculum included classes like Enduring the Desert 101, Pushing Past the Impossibilities 201, and Walking through the Flames 301.

These individuals started out weak. God turned their weaknesses into strength. They started out vulnerable. God turned their vulnerabilities into victories.

They became valiant warriors. They became overcomers. They became flame quenchers, lion subjugators, justice enforcers. They became kingdom conquerors. They became promise gainers.

So, today, if you don’t quite feel like a valiant warrior yet, be encouraged! God is not done with you. Whether you realize it or not, He has enrolled you, too, in His Academy of Faith. His degree program often stretches over more years than we would personally prefer. However, every single minute in His classroom is enriching way beyond what we could ever ask or imagine.

Dear one, you are becoming. Relax. Enjoy your coursework. You are steadily moving from one level of glory to the next. Even if graduation feels impossibly far away, it is real. It will happen.

The One who began the good work… will be relentlessly faithful to bring to a glorious finish that which He started in you!

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When you look back to the version of yourself a year ago (or two, or five), can you notice specific changes, as you are in the process of becoming?

 

 

 

 

18 thoughts on “Becoming”

  1. I love reading Hebrews Chapter 11! As I was studying it recently, one of the commentators I read said something like this about it: “It is not happenstance that after the list of the Hall of Fame of Faith in chapter 11, we are then told to focus our eyes on Jesus in chapter 12. For He is the author and perfecter of our faith, without who we would have none.” This truly spoke to my spirit about the gift of faith given to me; it is the same gift given to the faithful of old. The primary difference being they lived it out whole-heatedly, an area I still need some improvement in.
    Blessings,
    Chuck

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    1. Wow, that’s a really neat insight! I hadn’t seen that connection before, in spite of the fact that Hebrews 12:1-2 has been a repeated theme for me from Holy Spirit over the last couple years. I’m very glad to see it now! Thank you, Chuck 🙂

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  2. YES! even in a year ago, like day and night ! I am in no way the same as I once was. I dare not consider where He is taking me and who I will be , even today. The beauty of His plan for each of us staggers the imagination. Be still my soul, and know that He is GOD! Len

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  4. Jennifer, your use of “becoming” is very appropriate. During the past several months, I have felt myself “becoming” more of a faithful follower of God’s Word. Thanks for sharing more of the Spirit with myself and so many others.

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  5. Again thank you. Inspirational sharing. I have to believe that the valley experiences of my life as well as the prophetic highpoint Presence of God moments have and are significantly changing my life. A little by little process. Freely given Grace poured out and the Spirit ever guiding to repentance and more teaching. Like a little child. What a glorious journey life is.

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  6. Your closing thoughts/questions promote deeper thought. Love that! Like it or not God is driving me closer to the edge of my comfort zone in many areas of life. For example, for most of my adult life I wouldn’t run my checking account below a certain amount. Today that life seems like a pipe dream. And my confidence in Father God gets stronger daily. He still slays my lions, puts out the fires and overthrows the strongholds surrounding me. \0/

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    1. What a beautiful process, Roo! And I know the Father deeply delights in your willingness for Him to take you out of your comfort zone into the Total Trust and Dependence Zone. What joy you bring His heart! Thank you so much for sharing from your journey ❤ :0

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  9. This answers my question of my comment on your previous post, WOW! This is amazing! I asked why would it take our whole lives to understand. And ….
    “Whether you realize it or not, He has enrolled you, too, in His Academy of Faith. His degree program often stretches over more years than we would personally prefer.” Trust!! Right, Jennifer?

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