Friday, August 7, 2009

Hebrews 4:14-16 "Hold On"

Dedicated to Claudia Johnson. A woman whose faith never seemed to be shaken.

Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

"... let us hold firmly to the faith we profess...." NIV
In review, we started Hebrews with that fact that Jesus is over angels and yet was made in the same image as we are. He went through the same temptations, but was without sin. Unlike Moses and the Israelites, Jesus never turned His back on God and therefore, did not receive the punishment of being without the promised land like they did. The Israelites made poor choices and were not able to enter into God's rest (the promised land.) Their lives serve as an admonishment to us to keep on the narrow path -- choose obedience so we can enter into His rest one day.

THEREFORE, we have seen that we have a high priest who takes our sins away once and for all. He is completely worthy and capable of accomplishing for eternity what had to be done annually before. So we should "hold firmly to the faith we profess." Our faith cannot be taken lightly. A high price was paid for it. Neither can we live flippantly. Obedience is a requirement to finishing in His rest.

So we must hold on. Hold on through the doubts. Hold on through the struggles. Hold on in good times and bad. When all else fails, hold on. He will never fail you. God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what we endure here, God has us in the palm of His hand and will carry us through the storm. "Approach the throne with confidence" for He is waiting to guide you through this life we've been given. He is never short on "mercy and grace" and will bring us safely to our rest.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Read Hebrews 11. When our faith is shaken, hearing of others' strength can spur us on.
  2. Are you doubting or struggling in your faith? God can handle your questions. If I can be of help, please leave a comment or email me at jerolyn@bogearfamily.com. I'd love to search for the answers with you or just be in prayer while you are in your valley.

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