Read: Hebrews 12:1-13
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (v. 3)
Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines the Christian teaching of the perseverance of the saints as “the certain continuance in a state of grace. Once justified, a believer can neither totally nor finally fall away from grace, but will certainly persevere therein, and attain everlasting life.” Our perseverance in the faith is certain and ordained by God—but that doesn’t mean it is easy! We are called to run our race through life with endurance, despite trials, troubles, or even just plain weariness.
Hebrews 12 makes it clear that it is common for believers to have hardships and struggles. If Jesus, God’s own Son, suffered the pain and shame of crucifixion, then believers should expect suffering in this world as well. Our trials show that we, too, are God’s children, and that our heavenly Father disciplines us to perfect our faith. Rather than discourage us, this gives us reason to “not grow weary or fainthearted” (v. 3). Instead, we endure our discipline and persevere as we are being trained to “share [God’s] holiness” (v. 10).
Whether we are going through painful trials, or simply dealing with weariness, these experiences shouldn’t keep us from persevering in the faith. There is always purpose in our pain. And we have a great example of faithfulness in our Savior, who, “for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame” (v. 2). He is the one who helps us persevere.
As you pray, ask the Lord for his power to endure and to persevere.
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
