12 Quotes from Heroes of the Faith
“Let me give you a word of advice.”
We have heard these exact words spoken to us so often throughout our lives. Whether they have come from our elders, as they settle into an armchair and push out the ottoman in front of them for us to sit on, or from the lead actor in a movie or television show at the climax of the story, this sentence immediately turns our head. Suddenly, we’re listening closely and inching to the edge of our seats as we await the words that bring the moment of realization which always inspires and leaves us changed.
Words are the strongest source of encouragement in our lives. We know this not only by experience, but from the Bible, which often reminds us of the effect which choice words can have. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
In light of all that has happened this year, we need words of hope daily. Words of inspiration. Words of truth. It is especially helpful to hear these words from others who have survived bouts of suffering themselves so we can be reminded that what we are struggling with is only seasonal.
Discouragement is temporary. Be reminded of this by reading below some words of encouragement from a few of the well–known Christians who are profiled in Sketches of Faith (10Publishing, 2020).
John Wycliffe (1330–1384)
“The higher the hill, the stronger the wind: so the loftier the life, the stronger the enemy’s temptations.”
Martin Luther (1483–1546)
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
William Tyndale (1490s — 1536)
“Christ is with us until the world’s end. Let his little flock be bold therefore.”
John Calvin (1509–1564)
“You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy.”
Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
“I assert that nothing ever comes to pass without a cause.”
William Wilberforce (1759–1833)
“Life as we know it, with all its ups and downs, will soon be over. We all will give an accounting to God of how we have lived.”
Adoniram Judson (1824–1850)
“While therefore your tears flow, let a due proportion be tears of joy. Yet take the bitter cup with both hands and sit down to your repast. You will soon learn a secret: that there is sweetness at the bottom.”
C. H. Spurgeon (1834–1892)
“Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.”
D. L. Moody (1876–1899)
“Character is what a man is in the dark.”
Mary Slessor (1848–1915)
“Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for Thee. Lead the way and I will follow.”
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963)
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983)
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Sketches of Faith: An Introduction to Characters from Christian History would make a great Christmas gift for a loved one this season. It is currently on sale for up to 50% OFF! Buy it here.
