Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions.
Hebrews 10:32-34
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Maya Angelou
Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession.
Hebrews 10:32-34
Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence Because:
You already possess something far greater than what you miss out on
When bands of marauders broke into their homes, these persecuted Christians soon realized that the thieves could not steal the things which were of the greatest value to them. That is why they were joyful. They believed the word of Jesus that their reward was great in heaven. Such treasure was a great reward. They must not throw away confidence of that kind as though it were useless. Our writer urges his readers to remember the lasting things. Christians need to remember that adversity is rarely a vicious enemy; it is often a valuable ally. It reminds us of the imperishable things which matter most of all.
Raymond Brown
You reveal the path of life to me;
in your presence is abundant joy;
at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Psalm 16:11
You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
Trials are redemptive
– Trials reveal authentic faith
– Trials sharpen priorities
– Trials bring compassion & deepen relationships
– Trials produce resilience & endurance
Along the way the turns are sharp
No one said they would be easy
I must admit I thought the trip
was better made in younger seasons
But all these years in the pursuit made a man of a fool
Til every word I say will not waver
Dashboard Confessional
So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
For yet in a very little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith;
and if he draws back,
I have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 10:37-38
But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.
Hebrews 10:39
since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:21-25
How to endure with confidence?
Practice personal devotion
Be consistent
Keep social commitments
When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford
