Confidence and faith to endure
32 But remember the earlier days, after you saw the light. You stood your ground while you were suffering from an enormous amount of pressure. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to insults and abuse in public. Other times you became partners with those who were treated that way. 34 You even showed sympathy toward people in prison and accepted the confiscation of your possessions with joy, since you knew that you had better and lasting possessions. 35 So don’t throw away your confidence—it brings a great reward. 36 You need to endure so that you can receive the promises after you do God’s will.
37 In a little while longer,
the one who is coming will come and won’t delay;
38 but my righteous one will live by faith,
and my whole being won’t be pleased with anyone who shrinks back.[a]
39 But we aren’t the sort of people who timidly draw back and end up being destroyed. We’re the sort of people who have faith so that our whole beings are preserved.
Reflection
This one is for the protestors.
I SO admire the people who are out protesting for people’s rights, really for the integrity of this nation. Some of you are out there on a weekly basis, showing up, prepared for the weather, prepared for anger, and prepared for joy. You’re just out there! It’s amazing.
I’ll admit I am too chicken to make signs and get out there. I find excuses and console myself by doing my little parts from home (boycotting certain businesses, participating in economic blackouts, supporting content creators who now have targets on their backs, sharing important information… lot of little things.)
I applaud anyone who gets out to the picket line, sign in hand, and ready to chant, clap, or march.
One thing I’ve learned about protest strategies is to make it sustainable, because really… you’ve got to put on your oxygen mask before you help the person next to you. You can only be so helpful as long as you are healthy and functioning. You’re allowed to take breaks, you’re allowed to step back and try a different strategy. Keep going, but you’re allowed to keep going in a rested way, you’re allowed to keep going in a different way. This scripture feels like a promise that your protest, your advocacy for the oppressed, your lifted voice is heard. No matter how loud the hate is, or how cruel the violence is… you are heard and you are honored for your courage in the eyes of God.
by Ashley Bowler-Polhemus
For Pondering and Prayer
Of course, everyone who protests thinks they are right or they wouldn’t be out there.
Is everyone right? I mean… who knows…. I’m likely overthinking it at this point but, of course I think I’m right and I cite Jesus as my example of how to live and treat others. But usually so does the other side!
It’s all a bit messy. I think the takeaway needs to remain, YOU ARE HEARD. We have faith that we will be rewarded for speaking up and standing up to adversity, even when such actions put a target on our backs.
Prayer: God of justice and mercy, thank You for reminding us that we are not alone in our struggle, and that our voices, our sacrifices, and our faith are seen by You. Strengthen our hearts when we grow weary. Give us wisdom to know when to march and when to rest. Help us endure with courage, compassion, and clarity. May we never shrink back from what is right, and may our lives reflect Your love in action. Amen.
