Thursday July 27, 2023

Today is Thursday, July 27 and we are studying what the Bible says about perseverance.

I come to this time of prayer and intentionally slow down. I breathe deeply, release the tension of the day and invite God to speak to me in the stillness of this quiet space.

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful for your promises that remind me I am not alone on this pilgrim journey, but you walk with me. Hold my hand. Lead me, guide me, encourage me and strengthen my steps. Amen.

I praise God for his steadfast love and rejoice in the ancient words of Psalm 112.

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. Psalm 112:6-8

Pause and Pray

As I continue my study of perseverance in the Bible, I reflect on those who have persevered in their faith despite persecution. The book of Hebrews is written to an early group of Jewish converts to Christianity who were persecuted because of their belief in Jesus Christ. The author wrote to encourage them to persevere in their faith and find maturity through dependence on God. These Christians faced very difficult circumstances. These newly converted Jews were ostracized by their former community. Their rejection impacted their livelihood, standing in society and sense of community. Some lost property or were imprisoned. They were battling significant difficulties and trying to find their way through them.

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full 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 suffered along 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

I consider the times (if any) I have experienced a form of persecution because of my faith. Persecution against Christians continues today in an estimated 14-17% of the world’s countries including Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Forms of persecution range from discrimination and oppression to physical harm, imprisonment, torture and death. I do not live in a country in which I encounter extreme forms of persecution for my faith, yet I may find more subtle versions abound. Perhaps I have been misunderstood, criticized, maligned, slandered, excluded, or rejected because of my Christian faith and beliefs. I consider how this impacts me.

Ask: How might the words from Hebrews speak into my own experience as a Christian in my country? When I face criticism or ridicule or disagreement, what comfort do I find in my faith?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord, today’s scripture passage opens my heart with concern for the millions of Christians living in places of persecution. I lift my soul in prayer and solidarity with them. Thank you for the religious liberties I enjoy in my country and remind me of the blessing it is to practice my faith freely. Help me understand subtle forms of persecution when I encounter them and help me grow in faith during these times. I read the words from Hebrews again and listen for the message you have for me.

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full 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 suffered along 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

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God wants to speak to me today and I am ready to listen. I consider the emotions this passage evokes in me – do I feel sorrow and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ across the world who are unfairly and violently treated? Perhaps I am inspired to help them in some way. Maybe I feel remorse at my own lack of faith when I struggle against much less. Maybe my eyes are open to more subtle attitudes toward Christians in my own country including myself. I ponder what God might want me to know about those who misunderstand me because of my faith. How am I to respond?

Pause and Pray

Come, Loving God, and open my eyes to what you want me to see. Your church has been persecuted in many ways for centuries. Show me my role in your kingdom and teach me what it means to stand firm and trust you in all times and seasons. Remind me that Jesus taught me to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me (Matthew 5:44). Amen.

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13

I leave this time of prayer strengthened and encouraged through the power of the Holy Spirit. I go to strengthen and encourage others in the name of Christ.

Amen