Week 48 Bible Reading: Hebrews 11:32–12:3

We have many people of faith around us. - Hebrews 12:1 ICB

A large sign at the Texas A&M University football stadium says, “HOME OF THE 12TH MAN.” As you know, a football team is allowed eleven players on the field. But at A&M, the “12th Man” stands for the thousands of students who remain standing the entire game to cheer their Aggies on. The tradition began one hundred years ago when the football coach called a student from the stands to suit up and be ready to replace an injured player. Although he never entered the game, his eagerness to help greatly encouraged the team.

Hebrews 11 describes heroes of the faith in the past who faced great trials and remained loyal to God. And Hebrews 12:1 says, “We have many people of faith around us.”

You are not alone as you try to live for Jesus. The people who have been faithful to the Lord in the past can encourage you by their example. It could be someone from the Bible or maybe even a grandpa or grandma who loved Jesus. Or maybe it is a teacher, parent or friend who lives for God. They are like a spiritual 12th Man standing with you to encourage you every day to keep going!

When the home of the Texas A&M Aggies was built in 1905, it had seating for five hundred people. Today, the stadium, Kyle Field, has more than one hundred thousand seats!