But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10: 32-36
I ended yesterday’s email with the thought of holding on tightly to our Faith in Christ. As I read deeper into the chapter I was reminded of the real life example provided by the writer of Hebrews in the verses listed above.
These people strengthened their grip on their faith by letting go of the stuff others are struggling to grasp at all costs – position, power, and possessions.
Life is sometimes a “hard struggle” to endure, isn’t it? We may suffer ridicule in the workplace and miss recognition because of our allegiance to our faith. We may lose relationships. While the people being addressed also suffered the “plundering of their property.”
How should we respond In similar circumstances? Some might suggest that we throw in the towel. Give up. Throw away our confidence in God’s faithfulness. No, we can learn from those who went ahead of us. They “knew” they had a better and abiding hope and so they endured.
In the next few verses of Hebrews, the writer reminds us of a couple of things regarding what defines Faith:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Need to strengthen your grip? Read through the entire chapter of Hebrews 11.
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