City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

‘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 ESV

‘Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out. ‘

–Ecclesiastes 7:8 MSG

‘But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! ‘

–Romans 5:3-5 –TPT

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses speak to the staying power and stick-to-it-iveness that is made possible to us in Christ Jesus. The way to test the endurance of anything is by putting a little pressure on it. If it falls apart, you know it was unstable to begin with. 

Similarly, our souls are refined and ultimately preserved or saved by placing faith in God and His promises in the crucible of life’s troubles. How we respond in such situations matters. Whether we let fear or faith guide our choices in times of trouble determines our character. Decisions lead to destiny. 

I remember when I was going through a very difficult season in life (I’ll spare you the details), I asked the Lord, “God, I know I can’t control anything about this situation, but what is my responsibility here?” 

Clear as day, I heard the Holy Spirit say in my heart: “Your response.”   

At that point, I understood that my response in the stressful circumstance was my responsibility. Truly, my response of trusting in God’s ability is what got me out of that tough spot in life. Did my situation change overnight? I wish! But was I transformed in the process and did I receive soul-strengthening grace from the Holy Spirit moment-by-moment? Most definitely. 

There are times in life when it’s tempting to quit believing in God and His promises and turn away from His saving grace. This is a grievous error that God is not pleased with. Trusting in Christ is always going to be your best bet–no matter the situation. Life with God even on your worst day is infinitely better than life without Him even when everything is seemingly fine. 

Application

Anyone who has lived long enough knows that God doesn’t prevent painful experiences in life, but praise God He does have a purpose for the pain. The pressures show us what we are really putting our faith in. Only faith in Christ can save us. 

Today’s passage in Hebrews advises us to recall the former days in our relationship with God–the times we remained faithful to Christ even in the midst of injustice, mistreatment, and suffering. Christ is preeminent in the pain. It is good to remember that especially if you are experiencing a painful circumstance right now. 

Secondly, we are advised not to throw away our confidence. It is very important not to judge your standing with God on anything but the finished work of Christ. You will always have this to stand on regardless of what you have or have not done. Keep your focus on Christ’s finished work and remain confident in His ability to save, not your own. 

Finally, we are told not to shrink back in fear, but rather to turn towards Christ. Turning towards God will empower you to do His will no matter how scary it may seem in that moment. We are not designed to live in a constant state of fear. It’s soul crushing. But living in God’s Kingdom, according to His statutes, empowered by the Holy Spirit produces patience and the panache to face anything! Truly, living to please God results in purest pleasures. 

Prayer

Father God, I know I’ve had my moments, but I am so grateful that You remain faithful to Your promises in the pain. You are a covenant-keeping God. I am the luckiest person in the world because I have You in my life forever. May that wonderful reality keep my soul anchored in hope as I continue on this journey. And may Your perfect will be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.