Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened,
you endured a great contest of suffering.
At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction;
at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated.
You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison
and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,
knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence;
it will have great recompense.
You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. (Heb 10:32-36)
Following the Lord is not always easy.
It is like the old expression: “Life is like a bowl of cherries: full of pits!”
The letter to the Hebrews addresses that. It reminds the Christian community that they have been used to many things in their following the Lord: joy, anticipation, sorrow, and persecution.
Those things, after all, are a very real part of our lives.
We all need to have endurance to do the will of God. Because our reward, ultimately, is an eternal one in heaven. Nothing good was promised us here on earth. We may have joy on earth, don’t get me wrong. But, the joy or the reward may be transitory. The only true joy will be the eternal joy that awaits us in heaven.
Is it worth suffering on earth?
You betcha!
God is worth it. He is very worth it.
FAITH ACTION: Do you know someone who has become discouraged because living the faith has been somewhat bumpy? Encourage that person today. If you do not know anyone personally, pray for those who are discouraged, that they may find the endurance that they need in following the Lord.