Those Who Have Faith and Keep Their Souls
Hebrews 10:32-39
32. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33. sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34. For you had compassion on the prisoners, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. 37. "For yet a little while, and the coming one shall come and shall not tarry; 38. but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." 39. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls.
One of my dear friends and I talked about how it feels when you first turn your life over to Christ – she described it as almost like falling in love. And I think that’s a pretty accurate comparison. We walk around all starry-eyed. Nothing can make us mad—we’re so happy to be saved—isn’t it just wonderful!? Wow! I never realized I could feel this good! I just know I’m going to feel this way forever! We really to intend to! We desperately want to! Because life before then, no matter how much fun, didn’t offer us this feeling that we’re feeling right now.
Part of it may be that we just can’t believe how lucky we are! God loves ME? In spite of everything I’ve done? Jesus died on the cross to take away ALL my sins? Amazing! Unbelievable! You don’t care what people think of you—because you’re SAVED! You don’t care if they think you’ve lost your mind! You don’t care if they think you’re crazy or weird, or out of touch with reality! Because you have a new reality now and it’s just so great.
Then one day you wake up and you’re a bit slower getting out of bed to face the day. Yesterday wasn’t as terrific as it should have been, and, honestly, today’s not looking much better. What happened? Where did that feeling go? When did I stop living like I’m saved? When did I lose sight of my purpose? I used to go to bat for the underdog, I helped out anyone who needed it, any time they needed it. The world has gotten a bit grayer and bit sadder and bit lonelier. That blazing fire that burned in you once, is now barely a spark.
Paul encourages the Hebrews and us not to let that fire grow dim. Keep fanning the flame. Keep remembering how you felt when your stomach did flip flops just thinking about the God of second chances, and third and fourth, and how he sent a Savior for you. Just remember how it felt to be right and good and strong and that’s what mattered more than being accepted and understood and accommodating. We have need of endurance. Christ offers us the light at the end of the road. Keep looking toward the light and you won’t falter or fall. Keeping walking toward the light and you won’t lose your way.
I hope today you have faith and keep your soul. And that you joyfully accept and endure whatever life sends your way because you know the reward that waits for you in heaven.
Mary
