Scripture – “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
Hebrews 10:32-35 NIV
Observation – When a person receives forgiveness from Jesus and is set free from being a slave to sin they are so grateful and joyful about their salvation they are willing to suffer, be insulted and persecuted and their view of earthly possessions changes radically in comparison to the riches they have in Christ. We are instructed here not to throw away our confidence, due to hardships, in God because we will be richly rewarded.
Application – Why does the writer say, “Remember those early days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering”? This question regarding our faith is true about every area of our life, whether it be learning a language, a musical instrument, a new fitness regimen, staring a new job or entering into a new relationship. We come in so enthusiastically with this vision in our mind of how this new skill, job or person is going to radically change our lives for the better. When things become difficult and we begin to experience the full impact of the price we will have to pay our perspective changes, excuses cascade through our psyche and then we have a decision to make. Is this worth it? God says it is – he desires to richly reward us.
Prayer – Lord, help each of us to think about our commitment, love and boldness to you like we do a workout. We don’t always look forward to it, it is a challenge, it is difficult and it is always worth it, how much more should we serve you, who created us, sustains us and sent his son to save us.
What are you doing? Do it better 