Persevere at All Cost

Well, I found the 12th Chapter of Hebrews to be invigorating, engrossing, and captivating. So, I decided to begin a complete study of the book of Hebrews, and while perusing for a bible study site,I found this, which is where the following paragraph resides.

"It would have been a very tempting thought to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted to down play their commitment to Christ. If they would deny their faith in Christ and present themselves only as Jews (and not as Jewish Christians) they would be safe from the persecution. Then, perhaps at a later and safer date, they could pick up their commitment to Christ again. Hebrews makes best sense as an argument to prevent the first readers from being enticed into following such a tempting course of action."

So, after reading the Introduction from the following site, my thought processor began to turn and the Holy Spirit revealed the following, which corresponds with the infallible Word of God.

Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus. Romans 3:22 "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"Romans 5:1"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"2 Timothy 3:15"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."1 Peter 1:7"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Thus, never compromise faith to be accepted by others or do what is safe to get through a situation or circumstance by conforming to the norms and demands of the world with intention to later resume faith in Jesus. Faith in Jesus is the only means of: righteousness, justification, and salvation. Is there anything more important than that list.

As I pondered the statement, "Absolutely nothing is more precious to an individual than faith in Jesus," and its direct applicability. I reflected on Daniel chapter 3, specifically, the unwavering faith and obedience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego as they were summoned by king Nebuchadnezzar and asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?" Then, he told them to “fall down and worship” the golden idol at the sound of the musical instruments, or else they would "be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.” “Then what god” would be able to save them from his “hand?” I believe they looked old Neb directly in the eyes and simultaneously with all confidence spoke these words of God, “we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O’ king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Irate, old Neb ordered the furnace to be stoked seven times hotter, and commanded his strongest men to bind up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego and “throw them into the blazing furnace.” The men who bound the brothers perished due to the flame’s heat while tossing the brothers into the furnace. “Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, `Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, `Certainly, O king.’ He said, `Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods’." Old Neb commanded the boys to come out of the fire. So, they did, and all “saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Then Neb’s heart was changed, regenerated, due to three boys who would not conform or obey the demands of the world. For they knew without doubt that there faith in God was more precious than renouncing their faith to escape this hard trial, this horrendous situation with full intention of resuming their previous faith after the dust had settled and to believe and profess their faith in God.

Sure, I believe and trust in God when it is easy and convenient, but when faced with difficult decisions will temporarily renouncing my faith in Jesus be a temptation I will triumph over or selfishly succumb. Who knows how many hearts will be changed by a firm stance in my faith in Jesus. After all, works without faith is futile, and faith without works is ineffective………Who will you stand for today? Jesus? Yourself? Others? ……Who will you fall down (bow down) for today? God? Self? Friends? Co-workers? Relatives?

Oh Lord God, I will hold fast to your Words, and know with all certainty that you will provide my strength to persevere through all situations, under any amount of pressure I may face. Oh God you are my strength, and I know You are for me, so what formidable foe of any dimension can come rightly against me. None is greater than You, oh God. I will seek You and find You as my refuge in the time of struggle and relinquish my fabricated armor and don Your armor. For You are my Mighty Warrior leading me through all battles. Lord, You alone are worthy of all my praise. Thank You oh God for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, which generates heavenly knowledge and reveals the need to guard my heart above all else. Oh Holy Spirit, completely search me. Find and remove all wickedness, replacing this heart with a new heart that only seeks the glory of You, God. Inundate me with the all-consuming fire of Your Spirit. Renew my mind and spirit to the mind of Christ and Your burning Spirit, and give me eyes to see as You see oh God, and a heart that feels what You feel oh God. I know this human heart could not withstand the anguish You must feel as Your created likeness continue to perish; some say 50,000 unsaved a day are vanquished by death, but let me taste a little of this sorrow to energize my compassion for the lost souls and the needs of all Your children. Lord, You are the greatest and greatly to be praised. Lord, continue to refine me, mold me, sharpen me, and utilize me. Oh God, I submit my will and commit my spirit to You. Not my will be done, but Your perfect will be done today and forever. Amen