How to become a hero

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

In reading Hebrews this morning I was struck by the fact that chapter 11 was the who's who of Old Testament Bible hero's. 17 people in all are listed by name, plus the people of Israel and all the prophets. The thing that really caught my attention was the three words in front of each of these names and the account of what they did was in fact the blue prints to become a hero ourselves. Those three words: IT WAS BY FAITH.
This exact phrase is used 16 times in the same chapter so it must be important.

Then Hebrews 12 follows up with a practical application on how to become a hero by keeping our eyes on Jesus.

 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^[a] Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Verse 2 is so cool. Jesus is the champion. He initiates and perfects our faith. Then the end of the verse is what should keep us going through the roughest times.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
All because of faith we too can become a hero and do great things, endure great hardships and most importantly have hope.