Repent. Trust The Author And Finisher Of Your Faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

• Jesus Himself has set the prime example of faithful endurance. He has shown each of us, ultimately, how to endure to the end. The faithful Christ follower is PROMISED to face trial, tribulation and for many, even persecution (2nd Timothy 3:12). The Christian who has an 'easy life' is more than likely not following Jesus, but a conformed 'idea' of Him that is not from the scriptures.

• Repentance is required in the walk of a Christ follower. If we do not repent, then we do not learn and grow. If we do not repent, then we make excuses to continue on in behaviors that do not glorify God. If we do not repent, we will 'have our part in the lake of fire with the hypocrites' (Revelation 22:15).

• God is the One who will decide what we are required to endure. Our responsibility is to be faithful and obedient to His will, no matter the cost, understanding that He is faithful in how He will guide us through it all. If we trust Him in the midst of refinement, we can also trust Him in the midst of tribulation, persecution and even the reality of martyrdom.