June 22 Thought for the day...hang in there

Have you ever felt like giving up? You believed God promised you something, but it has been so long, and you haven't seen it happen. It could be a healing, an open door, or some other kind of a blessing in your life. The early church struggled with this too.

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. Hebrews 10:35

The early church suffered great persecution. They were rejected on all sides by the government, the synagogue, their culture. They had believed the promises of God. They had seen many miracles in their lives, but the daily grind of life had left them weary. They were beginning to give up hope because things were happening the way they had expected or in their time frame.

It is easy for the enemy to steal all the amazing things God has done for us. We can quickly and easily forget the miracles of supply, grace, love, strength, wisdom, friendship, healing, and other blessings he has done for us over the years. Trust is a very big issue with the Lord and especially trusting Him when His timing or expectations are different than yours.

"Cast away," has the idea with it of "throwing in the towel." It is an exasperated giving up. It is an act of hopelessness! It is a combination of hurt, rejection, and frustration. You have come to what you believe is the end of your rope, and you are tired of having the strength to hold on, so you just give up. Ever been there? It happens sometimes. The church was there, at that point. If you are there now, God wants you to have confidence.

"Confidence" means to be bold, fearless, unrelenting the context is to have a brave, strong, unshakable expression of faith. They had been boldly proclaiming their faith everywhere. They were unshakable in their resolve to trust the Lord at His word for His promises, but they just grew weary and then shakey in their resolve.

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging them and us today to don't throw in the towel or give up on your bold, brave unshakable resolve. Remember, God is still God. He still has a plan. He still has your life and future in His hands. Don't rely on your feelings or weariness. Hang on! Peter gives us encouragement in 2 Peter 3:9a, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake."

God loves you! Trust His love and faithfulness, and He'll get you to victory!