Hold On
Is there a time in history or your past that seems like “the good ole days!” compared to your current life? Why?
In life’s most difficult seasons, it's tempting to give up, lose faith, or shrink back. The early Jesus followers addressed in Hebrews were under intense persecution. Their property had been confiscated, they had been imprisoned, and their future seemed uncertain. Yet in the middle of that hardship, they were encouraged to not throw away their confidence -- confidence rooted not in circumstances, but in the promises of God.
Confidence in God is not arrogance or self-assurance. It is a steady trust that He is who He says He is, and that He will do what He said He would do. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Our confidence grows from knowing God’s character, remembering His past faithfulness, and trusting His Word.
Perseverance is the bridge between doing God’s will and seeing the results of His work in your life or situation. Just as a farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we too must trust God's timing (James 5:7–8). God doesn’t waste our waiting. It may be the opportunity and gift to you that shapes your character and deepens your faith.
This principle is seen throughout Scripture. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before rising to a position of leadership in Egypt (Genesis 37–50). David was anointed king years before he actually took the throne, spending much of that time running for his life. Both had to hold on to God’s promises without yet seeing the outcome. Imagine that commitment David made based on God’s promise to him!
In life’s most difficult seasons, it's tempting to give up, lose faith, or shrink back. The early Jesus followers addressed in Hebrews were under intense persecution. Their property had been confiscated, they had been imprisoned, and their future seemed uncertain. Yet in the middle of that hardship, they were encouraged to not throw away their confidence -- confidence rooted not in circumstances, but in the promises of God.
Confidence in God is not arrogance or self-assurance. It is a steady trust that He is who He says He is, and that He will do what He said He would do. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Our confidence grows from knowing God’s character, remembering His past faithfulness, and trusting His Word.
Perseverance is the bridge between doing God’s will and seeing the results of His work in your life or situation. Just as a farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we too must trust God's timing (James 5:7–8). God doesn’t waste our waiting. It may be the opportunity and gift to you that shapes your character and deepens your faith.
This principle is seen throughout Scripture. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before rising to a position of leadership in Egypt (Genesis 37–50). David was anointed king years before he actually took the throne, spending much of that time running for his life. Both had to hold on to God’s promises without yet seeing the outcome. Imagine that commitment David made based on God’s promise to him!
In verse 38, the writer of Hebrews, chapter 10, quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “But the righteous one will live by faith.” Living by faith means trusting even when we don’t have all the answers. It means moving forward even when the path is unclear.
Consider a young woman battling chronic illness who chooses to trust God day by day, even as her prayers for healing remain unanswered. Her perseverance shines a light of faith to those around her. Or think of parents who work long hours and still find time to read and apply Scripture with their kids at night, believing that God is shaping their future. These quiet acts of faith are living testimonies of Hebrews 10.
Consider a young woman battling chronic illness who chooses to trust God day by day, even as her prayers for healing remain unanswered. Her perseverance shines a light of faith to those around her. Or think of parents who work long hours and still find time to read and apply Scripture with their kids at night, believing that God is shaping their future. These quiet acts of faith are living testimonies of Hebrews 10.
We also see this in the lives of missionaries, teachers, or caregivers who labor without recognition but remain steadfast because they trust in God's unseen reward. Paul reminds us in 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.”
When life is hard, it’s easy to retreat or give up. But God calls us to hold on; to keep trusting, keep obeying, and keep moving forward. Our confidence in Him will be richly rewarded. So do not shrink back. Keep your eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), and walk boldly in the promises of God.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” -- 1 Corinthians 2:9
4832 Ponderings:
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, our souls; our inmost beings, praise Your holy name. We praise You, Oh Lord. Help us not forget Your many benefits – You forgive all our sins, You redeem us in tough times and fill us with Your love and compassion! You bless us with things to eat, see, smell, savor, touch, and share; things to make us laugh and people to dry our tears; things to sing about and things to quietly ponder. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and praise. In the name of our exalted and caring Jesus, Amen!
First part adapted from Psalm 103:1-5
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” -- 1 Corinthians 2:9
4832 Ponderings:
- Consider the balance between the present benefits of the gospel for today and the eternal benefits. How does this affect our view of suffering?
- Has there been a time in your life when you gave in to something you knew was wrong, not healthy, contrary to God’s word, etc., but seemed easier or more appealing at the time? How did it turn out? How might this passage address this situation? What lesson did you learn?
- What do we look forward to in the future, regardless if the road is tough or easy?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, our souls; our inmost beings, praise Your holy name. We praise You, Oh Lord. Help us not forget Your many benefits – You forgive all our sins, You redeem us in tough times and fill us with Your love and compassion! You bless us with things to eat, see, smell, savor, touch, and share; things to make us laugh and people to dry our tears; things to sing about and things to quietly ponder. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and praise. In the name of our exalted and caring Jesus, Amen!
First part adapted from Psalm 103:1-5
Recent
Archive
2026
January
February
August
2025
March
July
November
2024
January
February
Categories
no categories
No Comments