By Rev. Gilbert Burgess
Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
As we approach the festive season of Thanksgiving, followed by the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the Christmas season, With the expectations of what this new year has in store.
We must confess this year had some unexpected twist and turns unlike any other, and yet there are so many things that have remained the same.
As we enter into a seasons of celebration, there will be those among us who celebrate with excitement, and anticipation, yet at the same time, there are those of us who are struggling with the loss of love a one, others heavy hearted because of shattered dreams, and hopelessness has become a constant friend, while grappling with the reality of spending their first Thanksgiving or Christmas alone, struggling to find ways to comfort themselves in the midst of a festive season, a daunting task.
But here is the challenge, found here in Hebrews 10:23-24 I am of the mind that this verse not solely restricted to Christians, yes, however it is directed to believers. But If I may stretch just a little, I believe anyone who reads it can experience its promise, especially in times of difficulty.
This passage of scripture is an encouraging section of the book of Hebrews that inspires Christians to live out their faith with a confidence and courage.
But in this note, I extended to all to consider holding fast to hope without wavering right in the middle of challenging times, by offering you Christ as a source of strength.
I challenge you to strive, stand firm, hold fast, don’t throw in the towel, in order to encourage religious or not, we must endeavor to be a positive force, by embracing hope with a confidence, and not react to difficult times with fear and doubt, no matter who we are or what we’re going through. We must strive to find a way to spur up, not only ourselves but others in love and to do good deeds.
Yes, pain and suffering is real, but so is love and because God is love i’m encouraging you to encourage yourself, that you may be an encouragement for someone else, be a light in the darkness, strive be a source of strength even in your difficult times.
Micah 7:8 though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” in Christ we can find hope for our brighter tomorrow.
Rev. Gilbert Burgess pastor Community Baptist Church.
