By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Hebrews 12:3-4 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - NIV
Considering the heroes of faith of the past, most of whom went through untold sufferings for their faith, the writer to the Hebrews sought to encourage the believers in Christ not to lose heart. And the best example to encourage us is Jesus Himself who endured extreme challenges and suffering culminating in death on the cross. He was vehemently opposed, rejected and insulted by the people He created and had come to save.
Trials will certainly come. Discouragement and thoughts of quiting will come too. But the examples of those who went through the same and overcame encourages us to keep going, standing firm on what we have believed. Our eyes on Jesus, who is still interceeding for us to stand also strengthens our faith and resolve to keep going even if against all odds set by the enemy the devil to deter our progress in the faith.
The journey of faith is full of great and low moments. When down, in the valley or in the darkest moments of life, do not yield to suggestions of giving up. Soldier on. There will be a dawn of new day. You will rise to the mountain top again. And later, you will join with the heroes who endured to the end and are saved. Cheer up child of God. The storms will not last forever. Neither will the water and fire. Alittle more endurance, one day at a time and you will be more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. Follow Jesus who endured.
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Shalom children of God.