Wherever we are in the world we are all subject to change – sometimes totally unexpected. Unplanned, and sudden change can bring a feeling of uncertainty. When no one knows what is going to happen next it can be very unsettling. But when we trust in God, we can embrace what He is doing by holding the things of this world lightly. Then, at the same time, we hold tightly to the truth of His word – for He who promised is faithful!
What Does it Mean to Hold Fast the Profession of Our Faith?
Our journey of faith is not always easy, and Scripture makes it clear that there will be trials and difficulties along the way. We are told not to be surprised to face hardship, but that God will give us endurance and encouragement. This is not endurance to stagger across the finishing line – this is endurance to continue, in strength, undeterred!
Perseverance is a godly quality that is being developed in us… Unfortunately, it is not produced by times of blessing but through times of questions, doubts, and difficulties. We are encouraged to seize and hold tightly, or to hold fast, to the profession or confession of our faith.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 NKJV
To hold fast the profession of our faith is simply a call to persevere, to press on, and not give up! To hold on tightly to those things that we have confessed that we believe in – the promises of God revealed through Jesus Christ.
There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors, not by our own determination or effort, but through the love of the Lord Jesus. Our strength is found in Him alone.
We are called to be steadfast, and remain unshaken in a shaking world, with the assurance that God is in control.
Hold Lightly, While Holding Tightly?
To hold tightly to our faith means that we hold lightly the things of this world. This means there will be times when we are called to surrender, to let go and give to God, other things that we rely and hold onto.
Surrender may feel like a sacrifice that we are ‘giving up’ things for God. But we can never out give God – our place of peace is found in His will. Any ‘sacrifice’ that we make will bless, far more than we can imagine, as it draws us closer to God.
“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” Corrie Ten Boom
Words can be so easy to say but are true and authentic when they have been experienced personally. The quote here from Corrie Ten Boom is powerful because of her testimony, and life story.
During the Second World War, and living in Amsterdam, her world was destroyed. She could have been left just holding the shattered pieces. But her story ultimately was not one of brokenness but of God’s faithfulness.
By His grace, her experience of God’s love and forgiveness, she was able to become an ambassador for peace and reconciliation. Corrie was able to let go of her past because she had hold of hope for the future!
Hebrews 10:23 – Hold Tightly
We can hold fast, with a firm grip the promises of God, which are the basis of our hope for the future. Trust is not always easy – I suspect it is a lifelong lesson. Sometimes I think I’ve learned to trust in God until the next storm hits!
When we can’t see the way forward, or a solution to our problems, we are called to trust in God who sees and knows all things. The times when we are struggling through pain, be it physical or emotional, our only way through is to trust in God who comforts and consoles us. When the darkness closes in, and we are walking through a valley, we trust that God is with us, because He has promised to never leave us!
For He Who Promised is Faithful
God is faithful, and we can trust in Him. It is only by faith in Him that we can know a peace that passes all understanding. God’s faithfulness does not depend on our faithfulness – thank God! He knows that we waver, that we struggle with doubts and fears but by His enabling grace we grow in perseverance.
Everything in this world may change, but even then, nothing will have changed that really matters. The questions we need to ask ourselves are what are we holding onto? From where do we gain our sense of hope, peace, and joy?
Related Post: Peace of Mind in Daily Life
Our hope for the future is to hold lightly the transient things of this world and to hold tightly to the eternal promises of God. We need to keep reminding ourselves of the truth, God does not change and our hope in Him is secure.
For He Who Promised is Faithful and will Not Delay
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:35-37
Times of change and uncertainty can build a new resilience into our faith. It is there throughout Scripture, demonstrated in the lives of the people of God, the call to trust in Him with all our heart!
Bible Gateway: Proverbs 3:5-6
God’s timing is perfect, and His plans and purposes will prevail. We press on to follow Jesus empty-handed, so in those times of difficulty, our hands are free to hold on tightly to Him! Then, it is possible to walk steadfastly, even as a wind of change blows around us, with the peace of the Lord Jesus.
Prayer and Blessing
“May the Lord bless you, and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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