70 Seconds by Dan Holland

Author:Dan Holland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HigherLife Publishing
Published: 2017-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Don’t Throw Away Your Confidence

Like Joshua, the New Testament Christians had their share of defeating situations. They were at risk of losing their confidence because, in addition to great persecution from those outside the church, they were under pressure from individuals known as Judaizers—fellow Christians who insisted that in addition to following Jesus Christ, everyone should also follow the Law of Moses. I think that we can all understand the pressure when those around us become legalistic in their approach and application of Scripture. In the midst of suffering, the writer of Hebrews offers this encouragement and promise:

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded” (Hebrews 10:35).

This is an encouragement, a command with a promise, much like the Lord’s words to Joshua. How can we keep our confidence? Hebrews 10 outlines the actions and attitudes we can take to keep our confidence and develop perseverance.

1) Remember the source of your confidence is Jesus. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God” (Heb. 10:19-21).

2) Be genuine in your relationship with God. “…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” (Heb. 10:22a).

3) Confess and start fresh. “…having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22b).

4) Let hope lead the way. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23).

5) Don’t play it safe. It will destroy you. “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed…” (Heb. 10:39a).

6) Walk in faith and really live! “…but to those who have faith and are saved” (Heb. 10:39b).

All of us will face situations in which we feel like giving up and throwing in the towel, just like Joshua and the first century Christians we just read about in Hebrews. Not all challenges are the same and not everyone suffers the same challenges. However, it is remarkable that Christianity produces individuals who, rather than shrink away, respond to the challenges such as slander, threats, abuse, and injury with forgiveness. God created His people, each one, with the capability to respond like Christ to these difficult, hurtful, and sometimes horrific situations. It’s not that we always respond to every circumstance all the time in ways that reflect the grace of God in our lives. It’s that we are capable of responding to everything in a way that reflects our faith in God.

TRIALS PRODUCE PEOPLE WITH SPIRITUAL STAMINA.

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