The Hope We Profess

"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

~ Hebrews 10:32-36 (NIV)

This passage warns me not to be surpised when the time comes that I feel like giving up my faith, because severe testing awaits those that are faithful to God. What makes me think that I would not be spared from these testings of perseverance, if even Jesus were not exempt. There may come a time when all hope that is left is indeed of only Christ. This road is getting there, because our hope will eventually be only of Christ.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

~ Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)