Today’s Reading:
Hebrews 10:32-39
“But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
(v. 38 NIV)
Biblical Background/Insights: Hebrews 11:1-11. In one of his hymns titled "O for a Faith That Will Not Shrink"; William H. Bathurst admonished in stanza three, "A faith that shines more bright and clear when tempests rage without; that when in danger knows no fear, in darkness feels no doubt". This hymn encourages our faith no matter the situation we are in. However, there is persecution everywhere. Trials that come our way and are burdensome to us.
In the text we read, we are encouraged to endure faith despite whatever hardships we may suffer, the kind of faith that endures trials, especially persecution. As Christians, we must learn to apply faith that takes all situations. A true believer may fail under pressure just as Peter denied Jesus; this is because every believer struggles daily against sin, but if an individual is saved, they repent, endure in faith and bears fruit into eternal life. We must never forget how God enlightened us with a new understanding of life and new joy in the faith. No matter the circumstances, the change in our priorities and values from the old life should be cherished; there will be a change from valuing what others think of you to loving more what God feels of you and a change from putting self first to putting God and others ahead of self.
There is a need to focus on confidently doing God's will in the present. We must not lose our confidence in Christ, learning to persevere in obedience, especially when tempted to compromise. There is a need to continually look to God's promises for the future, living by faith every day because the Christian life or journey is a marathon. That is why a Christian/believer is not expected to live by their feelings but rather trust Christ. Genuine faith perseveres through difficult trials. Our eternal reality should govern our present way of life; as Apostle Paul said, "For I consider that the sufferings of this current time are not worthy of being compared with the glory that is revealed to us" [Rom. 8:18].
Conclusion: When we live with an enduring faith in God, He will sustain us through every. God has given us the ability to endure through His grace in our faith, and He has made us resilient and given us victory. This is why we must focus on doing God's will in the present, especially when trials tempt us to compromise.
Point to Reflect: Are you persevering in obedience, especially when tempted to compromise?
FEMI AMORAN
Prayer:
Lord may nothing separate me from you, in Jesus name.
When my spirit fails and trials come my way, may the grace to lean on your ever- present sufficient strength envelope me, in Jesus name.
Lord, let the spirits of wisdom, judgement, submission, gentleness, obedience to God’s word and faithfulness in the home come upon Christian homes, in Jesus name.
Lord, show Yourself mighty in the affairs of our nation, Nigeria, in Jesus name.
Spirit of borrowing depart completely from our nation, Nigeria, in Jesus name.
Comments