Verse of the Day Devotion: Hebrews 10:36 

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” – Hebrews 10:36

These are troubling times, and one group that is being greatly challenged are Christians.  The enemy is wreaking havoc on this world.  Christian persecution is increasing around the world, and this includes here in the United States.  Just as an example, during this pandemic, the reopening of churches in various places have stricter rules than other public gatherings.  However, the Word warns us about this.  “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12.  And again, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14. 

Now, what I want to do here is encourage everyone reading this.  Yes, there will be persecution and tribulation.  But we also have great promises as well.  Paul asks the following rhetorical question.  “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35.  And then he gives the answer.  “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.  God loves us with an everlasting love.  No matter what we go through, He is with us and will help us through.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  We can call out to Him no matter what is happening.  Therefore we can get through no matter what the enemy brings our way.

Now, back to our focus verse.  “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.“  Hebrews 10:36.  We must have patience when any form of trial comes our way.  It is important that we persevere through every trial understanding that we are not alone, for the all-powerful and all-knowing God is right there with us.  If we cannot do anything to rectify it, then we must be patient and remain calm as we lie in the hands of God and submit to His will, for we know He knows all things, nothing is a surprise to Him.  And remember, as Paul so clearly stated, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. 

And finally, when we are patient and endure through all things that comes our way, we shall then receive what has been promised us.  That being our eternal inheritance of life in heaven with God.  In heaven we shall experience perfect love.  We shall be completely at peace and will never be troubled again.  John described this life like this.  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4. 

This is ours if we stand strong and persevere through every hardship that comes our way.  These are His promises to us.  So, let us always do the will of God, never giving in to our fears but holding fast to what He has told, given, and promised us.  If we do, what an eternal future we have to look forward to.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.