Journal entry February 19, 2026

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them a far off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13

Heavenly Father, salvation has always been by faith. The saints of old looked forward to a coming Savior. We look back to a Savior who came, but in both cases we believe having not seen. But we too embrace the promises and confess that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

We, along with the Saints of old wait for "a heavenly city which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God."

Heavenly Father last night in our Bible study we studied Hebrews 11 and 12. I was blessed to read again about the faith of our patriarchs. Some were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mocking and scourging, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented - Of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these having obtained a good testimony through faith....

I've heard it said that a faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted. Their faith was tested and proven to be real. I am reminded of James the half brother of Jesus, who came to faith late. He said count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing...

Heavenly Father I pray today for the faith of the patriarchs. I pray that my faith would indeed endure to the end, whatever the end may look like. May I see the trials and test of the day for just what they are and endure them, looking forward to a better resurrection. I pray in Jesus name. Amen