Imperfect and Redeemed

A Reflection for Tuesday, December 2 by Seanna Wong 

Lectionary reading for 12/02/2025: Psalm 124; Genesis 9:1-17; Hebrews 11:32-40; Selected passage for reflection: Hebrews 11:32-40 

Read 

Hebrews 11:32-40, NIV 

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[a] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Reflect 

Hebrews 11:32-40 lists familiar figures of the faith: Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. I love how the author begins almost exasperatedly: “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about…” – as if a single lifetime, let alone these letters, could ever suffice to recount the mercies of God shown through faith. 

Take note of the people discussed. These were men of valor, remembered for courage, leadership, and victories. Yet each was deeply human and flawed. Gideon needed repeated persuasion and handholding to step into God’s calling. Barak could not go to war without Deborah’s guidance. Jephthah won battles but faced the lifelong consequences of a foolish vow that affected his daughter. David, favored by God, wrestled with lust, sin, and moral failure. Even the strongest among them experienced fear, doubt, countless mistakes, and hidden struggles. 

The author’s point is profound: God often chooses the deeply flawed to demonstrate the power of faith. He works through timid hearts, scattered minds, and past failures to accomplish His purposes. One might even say God seeks out these things to prove He is the ultimate author, redeemer, and friend of our hearts. In this scripture, we see that faith, no matter its size, is stronger than unbelief, and it is through God’s power alone that weakness is transformed into victory. 

This text challenges the way we may conceptualize faith and success. It’s easy to read these biblical narratives and compare ourselves to the “heroes of the faith,” thinking they were bold, perfect, or supernaturally favored. But Hebrews reminds us that faith is not measured by perfection; it is measured by trust. The victories listed—subduing kingdoms, administering justice, shutting the mouths of lions, escaping death, and receiving strength in weakness—are not just historical accounts. They are promises available to us today through Christ. 

The world has never been friendly to people of faith. In our trials, temptations, struggles, fears, and failures, God uses us. Our timidity, doubts, and past mistakes are not disqualifying; they become the framework for God’s glory. 

Comparison, however, finds its place in the final verses. Those who came before Christ clung to hope and faith, often until bitter and torturous endings on earth. Unlike them, we live with the revealed promise of the Messiah, intimate knowledge of God’s presence, and assurance of a resurrection of life, not condemnation. Faith is our conduit to God’s victory, even when circumstances seem bleak, uncertain, or impossible. 

How much more faith can we exhibit with our knowledge of Christ’s coming, His death, resurrection, and promised return? 

God’s choice of flawed people reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. He can take a hesitant, imperfect, or broken heart and transform it into a testimony of triumph. Whether your faith is bold and flowing or small and trembling, God can use it to accomplish His will, a will perfected by the blood of Jesus.

Respond 

Faith comes in seasons. Sometimes it’s as beautiful and steady as a spring day; other times it’s bristling and hard to hold, as if in winter. Yet the God of biblical victories is the same God working in us today. He restores faith, redeems failures, and fulfills promises long doubted. 

Ask yourself: 

● Where in my life do I feel my faith is too small? 

● How might God use my fear, doubt, or past mistakes for His glory? 

● In what areas do I need to cling to the promises of Christ more fully?

● How can I step forward in faith today, even in small ways? 

Our scripture reminds us that “God has planned something better for us…”, a restoring of faith, a redeeming of mistakes, fulfilling promises, and so much more. 

Rest 

Lord, increase my faith where it feels small. Help me trust Your promises even when I stumble. Teach me to see Your strength in my weakness, and to live boldly, knowing You are faithful. Amen. 

About the Author 

Seanna Wong is an MBA graduate, TEDx speaker, and sometime-y chef from Miami, Florida. When she’s not reading or leading worship, she’s writing about Christian life or restaurant-hopping around her city.