Secure Salvation by Pete BriscoeSample

 The opposite of laziness 

When we consider unanswered prayers, doubt creeps in. He could have saved my child, my marriage, or my job. We suspect God’s follow-through might be lacking. And if so, how can we know He’ll come through on salvation?

There comes a time when we desire more than subjective assurance, or feelings that it could be true. Subjective assurance is like liquid concrete—all the elements of concrete are there, but we wouldn’t put our full weight on it before it’s hardened.

When it comes to salvation, we want a promise that can be trusted. We want to know our salvation will be waiting for us at the end.

Speaking of the better things of salvation, the author of Hebrews writes, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized” (6:11).

What is it that we hope for? That the promise of life with Jesus is real!

How do we fully realize this hope? We are to be diligent in something—but what? And for how long?

Hebrews 6:12 tells us, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

Do you want full assurance? Then don’t be lazy! I know this initially sounds like more work, but it’s not. I assure you.

We’ll soon see that the opposite of one who is lazy is one who trusts. In the aftermath of unanswered prayers, the diligent still trust. In the reality of disappointment, the diligent trust. In the hard work of rebuilding shattered dreams, the diligent continue to trust.

So what can you do? By the strength of His Spirit, link yourself to the chain of those who were faithful and patient. By imitating those who modeled trust, your hope is fully realized.

Now the question is: Who, exactly, should we imitate?

Jesus, I want to trust—increase my trust! To know that full assurance is within reach makes me catch my breath. I invite Your Spirit to reflect a life of trust through me. Amen.