Keep on keeping on

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:32-35 NLT

The writer of Hebrews continues to emphasize the importance of taking heed God’s Word. God has spoken and how are we responding, we who claim that we are His children? How do you feel as a parent when your child does not listen to what you say? From the text, we are admonished to “think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ.” We are being urged to consider once again the day we made the decision to receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are then excited about our newfound faith that we are willing to follow God even if we face “terrible suffering” because of our faith. We do not want to compromise our belief and are willing to incur the ridicule. We are standing our ground because we are resolved to trust God and His Word. By doing so, we are helping “others who were suffering the same things.” We become an encouragement that others who are going through the same things we going through are standing with us side by side. Even when everything we have are taken away, we know that there is something we have that cannot be taken away. We know that nothing can be compared to what we have in Christ. Having Him in our lives provides us hope; that we have better things that await us and that will last forever. Heaven’s treasures are more lasting than the temporary appeal of worldly things. “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). Such assurance of a better future with God is what will keep us persevering even in times of difficulties. So, let us keep on keeping on trusting God and His Word. “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!”

Blessings,