For you have need of endurance.
Hebrews 10:36
(A continuation from the previous devotion of August 29)
Enduring faith! We need a life of faith that endures, and not a superficial desire to simply run after good things when convenient.
Continuing with four reasons enduring faith is necessary:
- 3. Enduring faith is necessary because we must constantly strive for the will of God. In Hebrews 10:35-36, we are instructed not to throw to the side our confidence (our faith perspective), for our daily goal is the pursuit of God’s will. In the midst of unthinkable sufferings, the early Christians were instructed to endure by staying focused on the will of God (living in obedience to His Word and way).
- 4. Enduring faith is necessary because our goal is to please God and not man. In Hebrews 10:37-38, the importance of endurance becomes measured by that which pleases God, “for if we do not live by faith and shrink back, God is displeased.” The Apostle Paul once expressed his response to those who were contending against the Gospel by promotions of legalism: “Am I striving to win the favor of people or of God? If I were striving to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul endured against many opponents to the Gospel with the simple yet powerful resolve, “who am I striving to please?” Endurance is required, for our priority is always the favor of God over the favor of man. We strive to please God, and therefore must endure in a culture that largely desires the opposite.
Please understand that endurance does not imply any type of work for salvation, nor does this imply endurance simply with religious commitments. An enduring faith represents our daily response to Jesus at the level of commitment and dedication He Himself deserves to receive. Endurance is our response to the salvation He has graciously bestowed. We endure, for that is the very essence of the journey of faith, and the identity of the one who truly follows Jesus. So today, ask God to strengthen you more and more with enduring faith.
Let’s not stop at endearing faith (that feels good and offers ease and comfort), for that faith is superficial. Let’s pursue enduring faith that truly presses toward the calling of Jesus Christ regardless of the surmounting opposition. Enduring faith. What a way to live!
Blessings.
