DCLM Daily Manna 13 November 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Keep Enduring
TOPIC: Keep Enduring (DCLM Daily Manna 13 November 2022)
TEXT: Hebrews 10:31-39 (KJV)
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
KEY VERSE: “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.” – (Hebrews 10:32).
MESSAGE:
English evangelist George Whitefield (1714-1770) learned that it was more important to please God than to please men. Knowing that he was doing what was honouring to the Lord kept him from discouragement when he was falsely accused by his enemies. At one point in his ministry, Whitefield received a vicious letter accusing him of wrongdoing. His reply was brief and courteous: “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worst things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.” He did not try to defend himself. He was much more concerned about pleasing the Lord.
In our text, believers are encouraged to keep enduring until the end despite the persecution, trials and afflictions which came in different forms and through different sources. The first wave of persecutions came when they were illuminated by the light of the gospel. They were hated and ridiculed for making that change. The second wave of reproaches came through their association with Paul, who was classified as a rebel to Judaism. Many of the brethren endured the loss of their possessions, and some of them were martyred for their faith. They were encouraged to keep enduring, without casting away their faith and confidence in God.
Believers are not just ridiculed, they are hated. They are often denied their rights, punished for their good works and persecuted for standing for the truth. Under such circumstances, the temptation is there to quit the faith. But the Lord is telling us to rather endure and stand in faith.
Since we know that all things work together for good and that attempting to defend ourselves sometimes will not change the world’s narrative, we should rather endure, pray for our persecutors and continue in the faith.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
You may be vilified today but will surely be rewarded tomorrow.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 King 3-4
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.