Do Not Shrink Back!

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 10:32-39 (NRSV)
Confidence that rewards

But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
For yet "in a very little while,
the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith.
My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back."

But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.


DEVOTION

Right about now a lot of people have come to the realization that being a follower of Jesus does not mean that we will never have to endure hardship, pain, or trouble.

Some people have the mistaken notion that being a Christian is an “automatic get out of jail free card” that allows us to pass on physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional anguish.

Unfortunately, this is simply not true! All we have to do is follow Jesus from the manger to the cross to know that “hard struggle, suffering, abuse, and persecution” are a part of living in a sinful and fallen world.

But, in today’s scripture the Apostle Paul has a good news word for us! He says, “Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. “

Hallelujah!

My ancestors used to say this same thing in a different way. They said, “Chile, trouble don’t last always!”

Even in these difficult days of home foreclosures, bank failures, job layoffs, out of control credit card debt, sickness and dis-ease, God is still IMMANUEL (God with us!)

Since God is with us, we know that we will emerge out of the refining fires of life. God loves us so much that God chose to enter into this world over two thousand years ago. He lived, worked, played, healed, helped, and ultimately died all with us in mind!

God says, “For yet in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back."

During times like these, we must not shrink back. We must not give up. We must not throw in the towel. No matter what we are going through, God is with us and God has a good plan, not to harm us, but to give us a future and a hope (Jer 29:11).

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25th, let us live with the certain hope and expectation that He is also coming again one day in great glory!

When the trumpet sounds, the clouds roll back, Jesus descends, and we are all caught up in the air to be with him truly the fullness of prophesy will be fulfilled—peace on earth, good will toward all people!

Won’t that be a great gettin’ up morning!?

Hallelujah and Praise the Lord!


Please pray with me:

Holy One, help me to hold out. I know my change is going to come for nothing is too hard for you! Even in these sometimes difficult and trying times, I know that you are with me. Please forgive me for wanting to shrink back. I know there is truly nowhere to go but forward into your loving arms. I love you and I know that you love me. Please help me to share our love with others. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html