Hebrews 10:39 We are not like those who shrink back and thus perish, but we are like those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Reading the Bible this week, I set off on an interesting journey that began with Hebrews 10:39. I then read about judges, leaders, men, women – people facing difficult situations – but who did inspiring things because they had confidence in God. As I continued reading, I was reminded that the Bible is the story of simple people who do great things because they trust God. It is an ongoing story of those who shrink back and those who press on.
“Since we have confidence to enter the holy sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, … let us draw near with a sincere heart. Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess … and consider how to inspire one another to love and good works. For in the early time after you first believed, you endured harsh persecution. You were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions – and you even shared in the sufferings of those in prison. You accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy because you were certain that you had a better and lasting possession. So do not throw away that confidence now. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and receive what He has promised. Hold on a little while longer and He will return. For we are not like those who shrink back and thus perish, but we are like those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (From Hebrews 10:19-24, 32-39)
Many of you have already suffered. God has brought you through trials, yet you still need endurance! No matter what you have faced or what you may face in the future – family issues, Coronavirus, governments rising and falling or persecution – let us hold tightly the hope we confess. Let us boldly come to God through the blood of Jesus. Do not let fear enter your heart, rather, with confidence, ask God what He desires to accomplish through you right now. Do not shrink back, but press on to greater love, greater faith, and greater works that demonstrate the awesome nature of our God. This is the inspiring witness of those who have trusted in Him. This is who we are in Him.
