Let us hold fast the unwavering confession of hope, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 TLV

Unwavering.   So, how was 2022 for you and your family? If you’re like most of us there have been highs and lows. Hopefully, more highs than lows. For those who’ve had losses, we can enter 2023 with some trepidation. I understand that feeling, that’s why today’s verse—and the surrounding verses—was so encouraging. And, in the process, I think I’ve discovered my word for 2023—unwavering.

But remember the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings. (vs. 32, TLV)

Back then, the new Jewish believers were persecuted by the non-believing Jewish community. Most were thrown into fray and had to defend their faith immediately on pain of imprisonment and beatings.

I have Jewish friends who had similar experiences when they came to faith in their Messiah. Some were sent to “deprogrammers” to rid them of their faith. Few of us have had to endure such struggles.

Remember when we first came to faith? Once we got over how rotten we were, that incredible realization that we were loved so deeply by the Creator of the Universe—our Heavenly Father—that He sent His only Son to die for us was amazing.

Or maybe it was simply, “Jesus loves me! And I love Jesus!” Whatever the beginning, it was “magical.” The air seemed sweeter. Was the sky always this blue? Were the stars always so beautiful? We loved everyone because Jesus loved us! We were free!

And then there was the boldness. We wanted to share this wonderful salvation with anyone. Perhaps not in the most prudent of ways, but we wanted everyone to know how incredible Jesus is and how free we felt!

Therefore, do not lose your boldness, which has great reward. For you need perseverance so that, after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. (vss. 35-36, TLV)

Unwavering.

I remember that “magical” moment in 1970, when a Baptist minister with big-hair and dressed all in white—down to his shoes—gave a clear gospel message to a gymnasium of bored Lutheran teenagers. We all thought this was the usual daily chapel service. But for some of us, it was electrifying. He had an “altar call”—unheard of in this denomination.

As I walked down those squeaking bleachers to the gymnasium floor, my heart was warm and its rhythm fast in anticipation. I “gave my heart to Jesus” and said the “sinner’s prayer.”

But there was no basking in the afterglow. Our teachers pulled us aside and explained that this man should never have done that. They called our parents and warned them to not allow us to go off on the deep end. For several days various pastors tried to “talk us down” from the “unnatural high” we felt. I guess it was a bit of deprogramming.

Fortunately, a few years later, the LORD confirmed that commitment. He let me know He honored that seed that was planted, and it was about to grow.

Fifty years later . . .

After fifty years or so, has some of the boldness dimmed? Yes. But then I’m not a “newborn” in the faith anymore. A newborn cries when its hungry or when she needs attention. As quickly as possible she’s fed, burped, her diapers changed, or cuddled.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul— like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:2, TLV)

Unwavering Faith. We can still have that newborn boldness and joy, but with the wisdom of experience and spiritual maturity. Sometimes, I can get whiney like a baby and want immediate answers, but I must remember that I’m not that baby who needs immediate attention. I can wait calmly because I know eventually, I will see the fruits of my requests and longings. Because He is faithful.
Shabbat Shalom!