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ENDURING FAITH

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Aug 15
  • 5 min read

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 80: 1 – 2, 8 – 19

Isaiah 3:1–17

Hebrews 10: 32–39

“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: ‘For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.’ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe in the saving of the soul.”

(Hebrews 10:32 – 39 NKJV)

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Before the events referenced in Hebrews 10 : 32–39, the recipients of the letter had already endured persecution. The writer is essentially warning them that more trials were to come. These verses provide insight into the nature of persecution that believers faced before Emperor Nero’s brutal executions around A.D. 64–65. These persecutions included mob attacks, public ridicule, and the confiscation of property, often overlooked by the authorities. In these verses, the writer offers encouragement to balance the stern warnings found in verses 19–31. He urges them to let their past experiences fuel their endurance, reminding them that the promise is near and God’s displeasure awaits those who shrink back into Judaism.


Similarly, we are encouraged not to abandon our faith under persecution, but to endure as proof of the authenticity of our belief. Our faith should enable us to rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross, trust in what He is currently doing, and hope in what He will yet accomplish (Rom. 8:12–25; Gal. 3:10 –13). This message resonates with the current state of our nation and the world. Leaders are often more focused on political power, fame, and the pursuit of excessive wealth. Verse 36 reminds us of the importance of patience—patience with ourselves, as we all grow at different rates; patience with God, whose timing may not align with ours; and patience with others, for many reasons. We must ask God for the grace to grow in patience and to develop hearts that are large enough to accommodate others. He will answer. The book of Hebrews encourages believers to persevere in faith and godly conduct even in times of opposition and persecution. Suffering is rarely welcomed, but God uses it to shape His children, teaching humility, building character, and developing patience. It is often during intense trials that we sense God’s presence more deeply and discover unexpected support from fellow believers. Knowing that Christ is with us in our suffering—and that He will one day end all pain—strengthens our faith and our relationship with Him (Rom. 5:3–5).


The writer of Hebrews reminds Jewish believers how they once withstood persecution (v. 32). The word “remember” implies a deep, thoughtful reflection—reconstructing past experiences in the mind (Acts 5:4–12; 2 Cor. 7:15). These believers had supported the humiliated, comforted the imprisoned, and endured material loss. Even some non-converted Jews suffered by association with Christian relatives and friends. Some exposed themselves to arrest and harassment to help those being persecuted, as we see in Luke 13:31 and 2 Timothy 1:16–18, where Onesiphorus stood by the persecuted. The phrase “publicly humiliated” suggests a stage-like exposure to shame (1 Cor. 4:9). Yet these believers continued to meet together for mutual encouragement (vv. 25, 33–34). The writer assures them that if they persist—holding onto their confidence, walking by faith, and doing the will of God—they will receive the promised reward (vv. 35–36). This calls for faith (Hab. 2:3–4), because God’s approval and justification are based on faith. Though God may not immediately remove suffering, He remains in firm control and rewards the faithful in His perfect time. The Jewish believers were warned not to let their past allegiance to the Mosaic Law and its priestly rituals diminish their loyalty to Christ — the eternal High Priest. Doing so would cause them to forfeit the reward that God had promised.


Believers today must take heed of these warnings. We must reject syncretism—mixing elements of other religions with faith in Christ. Whether it’s ancestral worship, traditional spiritualism, or New Age philosophies, believers must never seek guidance or blessings from spirits other than the Holy Spirit. Scripture forbids consulting any spirits besides God Himself (Deut. 18:10–11; 26:14; 32:17; Acts 19:18–19; 1 Cor. 10:19–20; Gal. 1:6–8). Likewise, we must not rely on rituals or offerings in place of genuine faith in Christ. Worship should not be reduced to mere ceremony—it must come from a surrendered heart that depends entirely on Christ. While some churches may lack this depth of worship, any faith built on syncretism entirely misses the mark. The sacrificial death of Christ is not just one of many ways to approach God—it is the only way (John 14:6). Anything that interferes with wholehearted commitment to Christ must be discarded. Living by faith means growing daily in obedience to God, which is far superior to simply following rules or rituals.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Father, thank You for the painful death of Jesus on the cross, which gives us boldness and liberty to approach Your throne.

  2. I will love You, O Lord, my strength. You are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer.

  3. Preserve me, O God, for I put my trust in You. My soul declares, “You are my Lord; my goodness is nothing apart from You.”

  4. Lord, show me the path of life, for in Your presence there is fullness of joy, and at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

  5. Lord, increase my faith in You, in Jesus’ name.

  6. Your Word says You will build Your Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail. What can you not do? You call things that are not as though they were. The winds and waves obey you. Satan trembles at the mention of Your name. You are Head over all principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Let the King of Glory enter into every detail of the body of Christ, and deliver Your Church from the foe, the avenger of blood, and the accuser of the brethren, in Jesus’ name.

  7. Lord, fulfil Your purpose for Your Church to the glory of Your name.

  8. Let our Saviour, our Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob, intervene in marriages and homes—especially Christian homes. Rescue the captives of the mighty, and deliver the prey of the terrible, in Jesus’ name. Contend with those who contend with Your power. Save our children. Feed our oppressors with their flesh, and make them drunk with their blood as with sweet wine. Let all flesh know that You, the Lord, are our Saviour and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob, in Jesus’ name.

  9. Let the King of Glory take charge in our nation, and do what only You, O Lord, can do.

  10. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers. All glory, honour, and praise belong to You!

 
 
 

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