Hey, everyone. Welcome to today's podcast. Today we're going to be talking about being faithful to God. If you're wondering if living for Jesus is absolutely worth it, then I can say it is.
But if it's absolutely worth it, then why is it so hard to remain faithful sometimes? That's the question that I get asked a lot. I want us to take a look at the book of Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 36 through 39. The author, although directly addressing believers of that specific time, who were just a little bit more persecuted for their faith than we are, speaks to us as well.
Let's read verse 36 through 39 of Hebrews, chapter 10. He says patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. In other words, patiently put your head down, have faith, and continue to live out God's will, and it will pay off in the end.
Verse 37, for in just a little while the coming one will come and not delay, and my righteous ones will live by faith, but I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away. There's our key words. But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones whose souls will be saved.
So how do we become these faithful ones that we read about in verse 39 here? I want you to let this verse 39 sink in. God calls us to be people, not who turn away, but to be the faithful ones. We end up being unfaithful for many reasons.
Some people turn away because they're confused about God's will for their life. Some people turn away from their faith because they already have too much going on and they just can't fit God and prayer and Bible reading into their life. I don't know what it is for you, but in some way you have probably turned away from God. What I mean by that is you may not be fully applying the scriptures to your life, even though you know what they command you to do.
We sometimes turn away from what God calls us to do, both in a spiritual and a practical sense. Jenny Allen and her book Restless give some common excuses we sometimes use to turn away from God. Let me know if any of these sound familiar to you. I'm already strapped financially.
I can't neglect my other important responsibilities. I'm too young or old to serve God. I'm not 100% sure if this is God's will. It's not going to make a difference if I really apply the Bible.
Those are some practical excuses we sometimes use to turn away from completely doing what God has called us to do. Emotionally sometimes we do the same thing and we say it feels too lonely to serve God. Where I'm scared I'm going to fail so I won't try anything for God. I'm not a leader or I'm not a leader type or I just rather have a comfortable laid back life.
We also make excuses relationally when we say you know what my spouse will never support me being a believer. Or we say I'm just afraid to look foolish or my life will look different than my friends life. And spiritually sometimes the excuses we give is I'm not good enough for God to use me. Just like Moses.
Remember that guy? Or you can say God I can't because I'm stuck in sin. I did. It's a repetitive pattern.
Or you may find yourself asking the question is it worth it or what if God doesn't show up when I step out in faith. Ask yourself not if but in what area of your life in relationship with God you have turned away. The reason we usually turn away from God is one that combines all of these things is that we're afraid. If you're struggling with fear right now or for God's will for your life, don't be afraid of what you can lose because following God wholeheartedly will bring you far more than you could ever imagine.
Deal with your fear. Confront it. You're going to miss out on the best parts of your life. Again, Jenny Allen says we do not belong to the one who turns away.
We belong to the one who moved through his blood and sweat and despair and fear and reluctance in the garden and said Father if you're willing please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done not mine. I want you to know today that you're not alone. You're not the only one that's in this struggle trying to remain faithful to God.
Do what you're called to do. Accept the challenges and confront your fears of your God given calling and trust that God will provide. Go out in faith and God will meet you in your obedience.