Obedience stories really, that’s what most of the faith stories are all about. The ancients heard a call and followed, even though they did not see what was promised, they believed the One who called.
Hebrews 11:7b-8
By faith Noah . . . built an ark to save his family. . . . By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
There are a few prerequisites in these faith transactions. As noted earlier, one must believe that God exists. Once a person is past that hurdle, the next one is to trust that God is sovereign and can do all things, change all things, maintain all things. And God’s motive is pure.
So far, these traits pretty much go against human norms. We tend to disbelieve what we cannot see, we are slow to trust (particularly those in authority because we have observed so much abuse of power), miracles seem few and far between, and finally, our motives are usually self-oriented.
Nonetheless, there are humans who have traveled upstream. We have these old examples, but I need to look for contemporary examples. Is it possible to recognize the men and women of faith in the midst of their lives? Maybe not. Perhaps it is history that gives context to faith. That would make sense.
Something to ponder today: who is hearing God clearly enough to follow despite the appearance of conflict, blockades, poverty, global change, and fear. What is the message?
Meditations from Zion 
Hearing clearly enough to follow is the trick. Sometimes it sure is hard to be sure exactly what God is asking for. I guess the obvious choice would be someone like Mother Teresa. I honestly can’t think of a single political leader that I’d point to. Do you have anyone in mind?
Without a doubt, someone like Mother Teresa.
But I’d like to know or acknowledge some regular “Joe” or “Mary,” who is really hearing and moving out into the quagmire. But then, can I know them if I’m still sitting here at home, safely tucked away in suburbia? I know, I’m being hard on myself and everyone within earshot.
Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover somebody who genuinely knows what they’re discussing on the web.
You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it
important. A lot more people should check
this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you aren’t more popular because you definitely have the gift.