Verse: Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

Devotion
I take my dog Wesley running on a regular basis. We run the trails in a state park near my house. He’s a lab/pit mix and is literally the strongest dog I’ve ever seen. I’ve got him trained pretty well for running trails. Unless, of course, he sees a bunny. Then all bets are off. Then I have to HOLD FIRMLY with all my might. He has literally pulled down several people in our family (in our backyard) when he’s seen a bunny.

What stands out to me in this verse are the words “let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” I have been reading a lot of verses lately that have been saying similar things. They’ve been talking about standing firm, letting nothing move you, not giving up, and holding on steadfastly until the end.

I think these are words my soul needs to hear at this time. Maybe yours does too? Sometimes, see if you can relate, life feels like standing on a rock while the waves and wind try to knock you off. In those times, I need to hear the Word of God speak encouragement to my soul. Take a moment to read these verses:

• Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
• 1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
• Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
• Hebrews 3:14 – For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

All of these verses tell us something: having faith is a long term endeavor. It is a marathon not a sprint. And it takes perseverance. And in all of that, life will often conspire to rip faith out of our hands. Like Wesley straining against his leash, culture, experience, doubt, pain and more will pull against our faith, threatening to dislodge it.

Today, if you are feeling the strain of keeping your faith, take a moment and let God speak into your life. Let these verses speak encouragement. Reach out to a friend for prayer. And don’t give up. In the end, this will all be worth it. And God can, and will, sustain you till the end.

Prayer
Thank you Jesus for the fact that you never leave me or forsake me. Even in the hardest times. I pray for perseverance and strength. I pray that my faith would be strengthened today, as I stand firm in your word.

Author: Christian Dunn