36.How has the faith that overcomes the world,

By conquering kingdoms, as did David.

By performing acts of righteousness, as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife.

By obtaining promises, as did Abraham and Sarah.

By shutting the mouths of lions, as was true of Daniel.

By quenching the power of fire, as did the three Hebrew men.

By providing escape from the edge of the sword, as was true of Queen Esther and Mordecai.

By acquiring strength out of weakness, as happened to Elijah who had food given to him by the angel. Sarah received strength to bear Isaac.

By becoming mighty in war, as in the case of Samson.

By success in driving out foreign armies, as occurred with Gideon.

By women having their dead brought back to life, as in the incident concerning Elisha and the Shunammite woman.

By choosing the Lord’s way even though it meant enduring torture, because of their hope of obtaining a better resurrection. The saints of all ages have hoped for a better resurrection.

By enduring mocking, scourging, chains, imprisonment, stoning, being sawn in two, temptation, death by the sword, as happens to those who declare a true witness of God.

By the Lord’s elect wandering about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, oppressed, treated in a cruel manner, seeking refuge in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground, which is the expected experience of those who represent God in the present evil world.

We can understand from the above statements that the true life of faith often means danger, trouble, and pain in the world. Faith in God, the faith that overcomes the world, enables us to choose the Lord’s will and way no matter what may be the consequences to ourselves, and to enter victoriously into the Presence of Christ.