In Part 1 of this two-episode tandem, we discuss times when the faith of Elijah and Elisha resulted in positive, encouraging, powerful outcomes – things we’d all love to see in our daily lives.

This prophet brings us face to face with some challenging questions: How do people of faith respond when God’s justice seems like injustice, when our world turns upside down, and when our dreams are shattered?

A solid foundation of faith, thanks to his mother Hannah, equipped Samuel to lead a nationwide revival. His powerful, contagious faith helped turn the hearts and minds of the nation back to the Lord.

Despite his poor choices surrounding Bathsheba and Uriah, her husband, David’s heart still beats for God, still aligns with His purposes. Following his failures, that heart moved him to throw Himself on God’s mercy.

The Scriptures describe David as a man after God’s own heart, which speaks to how David’s innermost desires aligned so closely with God’s. And that same heart God has now placed in those who place their faith in Him.

These judges show us that faith can go hand in hand with weakness, insecurity, and pride. Our faith can begin imperfectly, and it seem awkward as it grows. But God assures us He focuses on what our faith can accomplish in His kingdom.

Fear can be crippling, causing us to miss opportunities to experience God’s blessings. Faith isn’t the absence of fear, it’s obedience despite feeling fear. And Gideon’s life shows how we can have faith in our Lord despite overwhelming opposition.

Crossing the Red Sea. Watching Jericho’s walls fall. And a Canaanite prostitute who demonstrates her fledgling trust in God. All are wonderful examples of what’s possible when we simply choose to have faith in our God and His promises.