FICKLE FEELINGS FADE FOR THE FAITHFUL
FICKLE FEELINGS FADE FOR THE FAITHFUL
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
There are times when we might feel like giving up. We feel beaten, bruised and beset. Those feelings can skew our thinking and our actions. Feelings can get the better of us if we allow not God’s Holy Spirit to have His way even during those times. We need to remember former days and how our Lord has worked in and through our lives. Remember all that He has brought us through up to this point… remember. Remember all those who have gone through life with us as well— how we have stood with each other in the battle. Remember this is all going to consummate in “a better possession and an abiding one.” Remember… and keep your eye on the end result.
Continue to have compassion. Continue to be joyful. Don’t “throw away your confidence, which has great reward.” Endurance is key in this “race marked out” for us— keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2) Continue to do “the will of God” and “receive what is promised.” Do not give up. Do not give in. Jesus is coming. We will see Him. The race will soon be over. We live by faith. Do not shrink back for He has no pleasure in that. He does have pleasure in those who endure because they show forth that they have faith in Him and so “preserve their souls.”
So… feel like giving up. Those who truly have faith full not give up. They will endure out of love for God and love for people. So… stop allowing those feelings to give you negative thoughts and be and do what God desires of you. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. There are more people involved in this race. It is not just about you!
And yes, Dear Father, I will endure out of my love for You and for people— even though sometimes the feelings are not there. I will seek to be obedient, knowing that feelings come and go. I will trust You through the dark feelings knowing light will break through. I am so thankful for that truth! Now, may I be faithful today by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsQ58qn7G_4&list=UUf1NPIFOBwzTLVQiEDnq4Cw&index=17