Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV).
There is no doubt our world has changed because of COVID-19. Typically I don't mind change. It's good sometimes. But all of this? How do Christians handle the current change in our world?
Hold Fast Without Wavering
I think the text from Hebrews is encouraging to everyone who follows Christ. We are encouraged to hold fast to the hope that we have without wavering. How do we do this when situations seem hopeless?
By reminding ourselves how God has proven himself faithful in the past! You and I need to remember God's promises from the Bible when all other promises we’ve been told - or tell ourselves - are broken. God’s Word is full of assurances of his presence, his care, and his provision.
One of my favorite reminders from Scripture is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
When your mind starts running away with all the what-ifs, stand firm, put your hope in God, and keep it there.
Share Your Hope
Don’t keep that hope to yourself. Spread it like a virus. Too soon? In Hebrews 10:24 the writer exhorts us. We have this hope, so let’s stir up other believers in the love of God and let it pour out to others in good, grace-filled works. Churches all over the world, including Berean, are doing this as we consider how ministry can happen both online and with limited personal interaction.
A simple thing that you can do is check on your neighbors: offer to help them and pray for them. If the conversation naturally progresses to the hope you have in Jesus, share it.
These unusual circumstances provide us with an opportunity to expand the family of God. Pray about how you can play a part in bringing hope to people who need it right now.
Meet Together and Encourage One Another
Hebrews 10:25 hits home for me as a worship pastor who loves worshiping with the gathered church. The writer of Hebrews was addressing people who chose not to gather because they were afraid of the persecution. Thankfully that’s not why we can’t meet in person.
It has encouraged me to see pictures on social media of families gathered together, singing in their living rooms. So, let me encourage you to gather with your family, and when it's safe, include a few friends and maybe your neighbors, to worship together. When you do, you are teaching and admonishing one another as you sing.
Although our world has changed for a time, stand firm knowing our God never changes. And as you hold onto hope, be encouraged because the One who has promised is faithful.
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