“ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrew 10:23
A believer will face difficult times in his or her life. The situation and condition of this world will worsen in the end times – increased evil, decline of moral standards, financial difficulties, less happiness and an increase in false teachings. This will cause many people to lose their faith in God and their hearts will be shaken.
At that time, what must be done? Only in Christ, we have new hope that strengthens us to keep walking in faith until we receive His promise. The Lord Jesus is a faithful God. He is able to fulfill His promises to us. What we must do is be diligent in the hope He has promised us. Being diligent means being devoted and standing strong.
How can we be diligent in hope? Romans 12:12 says, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” So, first is to rejoice in hope. The church in Macedonia is an example of a church that rejoices in hope even though they are in the midst of an unpleasant situation, 2 Corinthians 8:1-2. Rejoice in all things because the Lord will never leave those who put their hope in Him. Even in difficult times, He wants to reveal Himself as a powerful God who is able to help. A deeper revelation of God will produce stronger faith.
Second is to be patient in tribulation. A woman who was bleeding for 12 years spent all of her wealth in vain for treating her sickness. When she heard about Jesus’ miracles, she had faith and hope for healing. She did an act of faith and touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed. The patience of this woman is an example for us to always be patient in our tribulations. Direct our eyes to Jesus who enables us to be patient, Hebrew 12:2.
Third is to be diligent in prayer. Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” The words “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are verbs that are done repetitively until it produces something. Therefore, pray diligently until the Lord answers. There was a widow from Jesus’ parable who continuously asked the judge to defend her case. The Lord will make His chosen people who continue to pray diligently righteous. In the midst of our tribulation and when we continue to be diligent, the Lord will give us new hope and strength. God bless.
Source: Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta