By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31, CSB.

I want my children to have better opportunities, more fulfilled lives, and a bigger impact on God’s kingdom than me. These are things I pray for, take faithful steps toward, and try to foster. When my days on this earth are over I want the people I leave behind to be impacted by what I poured into them. I want a legacy that brings greater glory to God’s name than I could even imagine. Not for me, but for him and for them.

We all want better for our children and family than what the previous generation had. Rahab, the woman mentioned in Hebrews 11:31, got just that. She was a prostitute in the city of Jericho, an outcast. Jericho was a powerful, fortified city, and Israel was to overtake it. Rahab chose to hide Israelite spies from the city’s soldiers, who surely would have killed them. She did this because she believed God was truly the God of heaven and earth. Her actions weren’t brave, they were faithful. Her only request in return was for the Israelites to spare her and her family when the city of Jericho was attacked. In exchange for her faith Rahab and her family were saved. Then God gave her a new legacy. Jesus, the redeemer of the world, eventually came through Rahab’s family line. 

Because legacy starts with faith.

We are all like Rahab. We want to save our family, but we really want more than that. And it’s faith in God that makes us believe we can receive more. Along with faith comes hope. Rahab had new hope after she had been redeemed. She had hope for a future and a legacy.

We can never work hard enough to earn the saving grace God offers, and we don’t have to work hard enough to break generational strongholds. Redemption is a gift that comes through faith. And faith brings hope. And it’s hope that brings us to take the next faithful step toward restoration. 

Faith saves, and hope restores. 

How have you let your past mistakes keep you from believing God will save, provide for, and prosper your family? How does Rahab’s story give you restored hope? What do you hope for yourself, your family, and your legacy?

God, you are faithful to your Word and your character. Help me to remember your goodness when doubts creep in. Restore my hope in you today and let that hope not be overshadowed by my past. Help me to live out my faith and invite you to restore every member of my family, for generations. Thank you God for restoration and hope. Amen.