But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming One will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:32-39
What are the attributes of faith? After receiving an ‘impartation’ of faith from God requires what… to see that faith activated? The next chapter in Hebrews is the great chapter on faith and are the ones who are mentioned throughout scriptures as the examples of the ‘faith’.
What are we to be confident in? The Truth in Jesus Christ which was revealed by the Holy Spirit to our heart and soul! Knowing that this world is NOT our home, and that He has something much better planned for us! This world’s treasures hold nothing within our hearts, as we know ‘in faith’ what He has told us.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34
What is the evidence in your life that Jesus is your greatest treasure? Is there evidence of endurance in your faith? Have you weathered hard challenges, disappointments, hardships, betrayals, loss, and grief … while maintaining your ‘faith’ in Jesus? Jesus didn’t promise us an ‘easy’ life if we followed Him. Do you know what He promised you? What does the Holy Spirit remind you about His promises to you?
Are you bold and confident in your faith in Jesus in the midst of the crowd and mob? That would be the place most ‘shrink back’ because of ‘fear’. Are you confident the Holy Spirit will actually give you the words to say in those moments? Has He given you enough opportunities to speak up when it wasn’t comfortable? Have you been proven ‘faithful’ in those tests?
How do we build our confidence? You have to do the uncomfortable and step out. Do you know that He is with you? Can you follow His instruction and whisper in your soul? Are you bold in your testimony of what He has done in your life? Not out of performance, or preaching, but in sincerity and authenticity. Can you speak from your heart and honest deep experience about your interactions with Him? Is He who you are most concerned about pleasing? Or are you still looking for praise and acceptance from others?
Encourage yourself with what He has told you personally! Rehearse what you know! Revisit what you know inherently within your soul about Jesus! What has the Holy Spirit planted there? Can you declare what you are grateful for … to Him? Greet today with confidence and faith. Be ready to serve Him in whatever circumstance comes your way. Always listening to the Holy Spirit.
Father YOU are so kind and merciful! Jesus YOU are my confidence! Holy Spirit help me build endurance! Lord, allow me to experience YOUR presence with me today!