It is no great difficulty to parade as a Christian when times go rather well.  Tiny set backs can be surmounted by the slightest reserve.  And when our possessions are confiscated, we have little difficulty perceiving that we are being counted as one of His children.  For we know that the world strives to retain what is rightfully theirs.  We have heard and believed that we are counted as heirs of God’s things.  So joy can be found in persecution of various sorts.

But what if we are the ones who have plundered our own treasures?  What if our unwillingness to obey His commands has ripped our faith?  What then?  We are the thief.  We are the murderer.  We find ourselves in a prison of our own making.  What then?

How should it be different when we are set upon by ourselves?  We are commanded to endure even such foolishness and treachery.  Consider what the writer of Hebrews wrote:  “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” (Heb. 10:35)

I write this for the sake of encouragement.  I know how devastating rebellion can be.  Our faith wanes horribly; even to the point of unbelief.  But our God is wise.  He has known us from the beginning.  He knows what reward He holds in His hand for all His people.

We are commanded to obey.  But we are also commanded to have faith.  Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.