Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. – Hebrews 10:36 NLT
When we choose to follow Jesus and receive His gift of salvation, it is inseparable from trials and persecution for our faith. One of the worst things we can do when it comes to being faithful in our call to follow Jesus is pretend like we’re the exception to this.
Exhortation to Remain Faithful
In Hebrews 10, the author is exhorting the Church to meet their persecution with patient endurance.
When things get hard, what kind of endurance do you have? Anxious endurance? Begrudging endurance? Bitter endurance? We’ve been called to patiently endure. And the reason is simple: So that you will continue to do God’s will.
Remember Where It All Began
How can we build patient endurance? First, remember what it was like when you first came to Christ. Bring yourself back to those childlike moments where persecution meant running to your heavenly Father. Recall that passion and excitement to be on mission. Hold on to these feelings because what was true back then is still true today.
God Is Making All Things New
Second, find hope in the promise that God will make all things new! He has gone before us to prepare a place for us in heaven. A sacred space where God and His people live together in perfect harmony.
What good would it do us to endure for only a little while and then throw it away by turning our backs on God when things get difficult? There is a great reward that awaits those who remain faithful.
Life with the Spirit
Lastly, remember that God walks with you now. If you read through John 16:1-7, you’ll find striking similarities to Hebrews 10. Yes, there is a promise we have yet to receive—eternal life after death. Yet, there is another promise to be received now—the Holy Spirit, Who makes our hearts His dwelling place.
As we carry the light of Christ forward, driving back the darkness, we don’t do it alone. We have the Spirit of God with us now. And it is through His power and strength that we might patiently endure.
