That may not be a distinction we’d like to be known for but there are many people who have been commended by God for their enduring faith. Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the “hall of faith.” We have learned that faith is evidenced when we take God at His word. Sometimes this means doing something, sometimes it means not doing something. Sometimes it means waiting. Sometimes faith results in miracles, victories and celebration. However, sometimes faith is simply evidenced in enduring. There are some situations that don’t ever seem to be resolved this side of Heaven. There is no healing, no miracle, no great victory—just quiet, sometimes lonely, perseverance and quiet confidence. I have witnessed that kind of faith more than I have witnessed faith of the “epic.” While I enjoy the stories about “stopping the mouths of lions and quenching the violence of fire,” I have never actually experienced that myself. I have, however, known people “of whom this world is not worthy.” People who have experienced unexplainable struggle and sorrow who refuse to let go of their faith in God. They tenaciously believe in God’s goodness and look forward to the ultimate victory of light over darkness. I’d like to name names here but I would leave someone out. There have been so many, and even as I write this I am thinking of some of you and your steady movement forward “in spite of” a hard road. Thank you for glorifying God in your trial and for the example you are setting for the rest of us. We need you. You encourage us and remind us that the grace of God is sufficient. May you know the peace of God, and may the Prince of Peace lift up your countenance as you see His.