But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised

Hebrews 10:32-37

Life is sometimes a “hard struggle” to endure, isn’t it? We may suffer ridicule in the workplace and miss recognition because of our allegiance to our faith. We may lose relationships. While the people being addressed also suffered the “plundering of their property.”

How should we respond In similar circumstances? Some might suggest that we throw in the towel. Give up. Throw away our confidence in God’s faithfulness. No, we can learn from those who went ahead of us. They “knew” they had a better and abiding hope and so they endured.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Hebrews 10:39

Retreating brings destruction. Faith preserves our lives.