There is an enduring, connecting, special bond deeply felt with others who have suffered similarly to you.
And for those who have faced persecution and tribulation because of their faith in God, there is especially so.
For sisters and brothers are truly born from adversity. (Prov 17:17)
Like the bond of soldiers fighting together in war, the bond of Christ-followers who have suffered the attacks of the evil one, yet keep fighting on with Kingdom purpose, is especially deep and enduring .
The author of Hebrews talks about such a bond: “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. “ (Heb 10:32-35)
And what’s more, the passage above gives us great insight into just what kept those early believers going and would fan the flame of Christianity to spread around the world and impact history like nothing else!
For despite the persecution and trials those early believers were facing, they kept going because they knew they had a better, enduring possession in Heaven than anything they could ever lose in this world!
And this SAME TRUTH will keep us going!
But, remember,we were never meant to keep going alone!
It is so often, when we feel like we are about to drown, that God helps us keep our heads above the water through the encouragement of fellow sufferers in the faith.
And so, when the enemy whispers, “this is too hard for you” and when he shouts, “you’re all alone”, look around you and KNOW that is a lie to discourage you from fighting the good fight.
And as we confidently walk on, as we encourage others to keep walking on, as we endure trial and persecution and yes—even suffering, we “do not cast away our confidence” because it truly has “great reward” (Heb 10:35).
For those who do the will of God, receive the promise:
“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith;” (Heb 10:36-38a).
Oh, friend! The KING is coming! Let’s tell others!
The King really is coming! The enemy knows that and is turning up the guns! But let’s hold on! Lets help each other keep holding on!!
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor 4:17-18)
