Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

For Meditation

“I don’t know, Pastor. I am just discouraged. It has nothing to do with the church or anybody. I am not attending another church. It’s just difficult to get myself in the mood for church on Sundays.” 

The man had missed church for some time, so I visited him. Our conversation revealed a struggle in his life, family, and community situations. Many things challenged his faith, and the culmination of them was breaking him. 

His situation is not unique. There is too much going on in the lives of people these days. Many are tired and confused. There is the rapidly changing socio-political situation of today that challenges the very core of their belief. The church’s response is not helpful either. Rather than being the pillar that must stand firm in the storm, the church keeps struggling to find its identity amid all the changes. The ensuing compromises and conformity to the environment are challenging the weak believer and confusing the seeker. 

But Christianity is not that demanding and restrictive as many people have made it to be. The struggles begin when people decide to ‘loosen up’ a bit to be modern. They lose their footing and focus and doubt if it is all worth it. For others, their challenge is other religious propositions, humanistic ideals, and philosophical arguments. The foundation of their faith and doctrine gets shaken in public discourses. 

How does the child of God respond? Is staying away from the church the answer? The Hebrews writer has a response for us.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).

May the Lord encourage you so that you can strengthen others in their struggles (2 Cor. 1:3-4). As the Lord told Peter, “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk. 22:32).